A Republican bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3446)
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Answering the Call Act of 2026 aims to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve outreach to first responders regarding the 9-8-8 national suicide hotline. The Secretary will work to address barriers such as stigma, privacy concerns, and a lack of tailored services. This includes promoting the hotline through first responder organizations and integrating information into training and wellness policies. The bill also directs the development of specialized training for hotline staff to better serve these specific populations. Additionally, a pilot program will be established to facilitate collaboration between various federal agencies and first responder organizations.
Yes· 3 of 5
- Scored +7
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill enhances mental health support by promoting the 9-8-8 suicide hotline specifically to first responders.
- Scored +5
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill integrates mental health resources directly into labor organizations and wellness policies.
- Scored +3
Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?
The bill's focus on trauma-informed behavioral health practices may assist in addressing addiction-related mental health needs among first responders.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased awareness and access to mental health resources: The Secretary will carry out programs to promote the 9-8-8 national suicide hotline as a key resource for first responders (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Improved integration of mental health information: Through grants and contracts, information about the 9-8-8 hotline will be integrated into training programs, wellness policies, and resources maintained by labor organizations (Section 2(a)(2)(B)).
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Specialized support for first responders: The bill requires the development of training programs for 9-8-8 staff that use best practices specific to first responders, focusing on trauma-informed and behavioral-health-focused approaches (Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
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Data-driven outreach improvements: The Secretary will collect data on how first responders use the hotline to measure its impact and improve future outreach strategies (Section 2(a)(2)(C)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Privacy concerns regarding data collection: While the bill includes protections, the Secretary will be collecting data on the use of the 9-8-8 hotline by first responders (Section 2(a)(2)(C)). The bill notes that the Secretary must ensure this data is administered to protect personal privacy through aggregation and de-identification to address these concerns (Section 2(a)(3)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill enhances mental health support by promoting the 9-8-8 suicide hotline specifically to first responders. Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths? — The bill's focus on trauma-informed behavioral health practices may assist in addressing addiction-related mental health needs among first responders.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would union members be better off under this? — The bill integrates mental health resources directly into labor organizations and wellness policies. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — While targeting first responders, the emphasis on trauma-informed care provides a positive framework for similar high-stress professions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — The bill includes specific mandates to protect personal privacy through data aggregation and de-identification.
- 6/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/13/2026
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H3446)
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/20/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Introduced in House
Mike HaridopolosRepublican · Florida
Cory MillsRepublican · Florida