This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being sent to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for review. It is considered active, but no further hearings or votes have been scheduled at this time. The bill does not currently have a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
Legislative Progress
Senate
House
President
Law
Could go either way
The bill has strong bipartisan support and a low price tag, which helps its chances. However, many similar bills struggle to get a final vote unless they are added to a larger package.
Key Points
The Lifeline for First Responders Act creates a new grant program to support the mental health of emergency workers. It focuses on helping paramedics, firefighters, and 911 dispatchers who face high levels of stress and trauma on the job.
The program would provide $7.5 million in funding every year from 2028 through 2032. This money would be used for suicide prevention, confidential counseling, and peer support groups specifically designed for first responders.
Local fire departments, ambulance services, and emergency dispatch centers would be eligible to apply for these grants. The funds can also be used to provide support services for the spouses and children of first responders.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration would manage the grants. Beyond direct counseling, the money can pay for training and education to help reduce the stigma that often prevents emergency workers from seeking help for mental health issues.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
2 milestones2 actions
Jun 17, 2026Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Jun 17, 2026
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to establish an EMS and First Responder Wellness Grant Program, and for other purposes.
Bill NumberS 4819
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
