Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. GIANFORTE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1646, the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome, or HERO Act, which was introduced by Representative Bera.

This legislation would create a database at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to capture public safety officer suicide incidents and study successful interventions.

It would also authorize a grant program for peer support and wellness programs within fire and emergency medical service agencies, as well as for frontline healthcare workers. It also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop best practices and share resources for addressing post-traumatic stress in public safety officers.

This legislation is incredibly timely. Emergency workers and doctors and nurses are under incredible strain, and many are unable to be with their families due to their efforts to prevent the spread.

Losing those who keep us safe will only make the crisis worse. My home State of Montana, unfortunately, has one of the highest suicide rates in the country.

I do want to recognize all those who supported the Yellowstone Valley Out of the Darkness suicide awareness event over this past weekend in Billings, Montana. I appreciate you making sure others realize they are not alone.

We must ensure that all these heroes across America on the front lines of healthcare and law enforcement and public safety have the support they need to continue working to keep us safe.

Madam Speaker, this is an importantly critical piece of legislation. I urge adoption, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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