A Republican bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act. It amends the Public Health Service Act to better protect the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity incidents. The legislation requires the lifeline program to take necessary steps to eliminate known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. It establishes reporting rules so that local centers and the network administrator must report vulnerabilities and incidents to the Assistant Secretary while protecting personal privacy. The bill also clarifies technology oversight for local centers and the network administrator. Finally, it orders the Comptroller General to complete a study evaluating cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities within 180 days of enactment and report the findings to specific congressional committees.
Yes· 3 of 28
- Scored +8
Does this make mental health care easier to get?
The bill enhances cybersecurity and reliability for the 9-8-8 suicide prevention lifeline, protecting critical mental health services.
- Scored +7
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?
Young adults experience high utilization rates of the 9-8-8 lifeline and benefit directly from its improved cybersecurity.
- Scored +7
Does this better protect the country from computer attacks?
The bill establishes robust cybersecurity requirements and reporting mechanisms specifically for the 9-8-8 lifeline network.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Section 2(a) requires taking necessary steps to ensure the suicide prevention hotline is protected from cybersecurity incidents and eliminates known cybersecurity vulnerabilities. This is positive because it helps keep the lifeline secure for individuals seeking help.
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Section 2(b) establishes cybersecurity reporting requirements where the network administrator and local or regional crisis centers must report vulnerabilities and incidents in a manner that protects personal privacy. This is positive because it ensures issues are reported while keeping personal information protected under applicable laws.
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Section 2(c) requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study evaluating cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities associated with the lifeline and submit a report to Congress within 180 days. This is positive because it brings accountability and transparency regarding the safety of the system.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- There are no explicit negative impacts or burdens for individuals or groups of people mentioned in the provided text.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Young adults experience high utilization rates of the 9-8-8 lifeline and benefit directly from its improved cybersecurity. Would children be better off under this? — Provides a secure lifeline infrastructure that benefits children and youth experiencing mental health crises. Would LGBTQ people be better off under this? — The 9-8-8 lifeline is frequently utilized by LGBTQ individuals, making its security and privacy protections particularly beneficial. Would students be better off under this? — Students facing academic or mental health pressures benefit from a secure and private crisis intervention network. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The 9-8-8 lifeline is a free, accessible service, meaning improvements heavily benefit lower-income households who rely on public services. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Benefits middle-aged individuals by ensuring the reliability and privacy of the national crisis intervention network. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Individuals with disabilities often experience higher rates of mental health challenges and benefit from a secure lifeline. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — Ensures the security and privacy of older adults who may utilize the crisis hotline. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans often utilize crisis resources, and enhanced lifeline security helps protect their sensitive data. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — Protects an equitable public resource utilized across diverse demographic communities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — Ensures safety and privacy within a universally accessible public health lifeline. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Safeguards a nationwide public health service relied upon by Hispanic communities. Would immigrants be better off under this? — Privacy protections in reporting ensure that immigrant populations can use the lifeline without fear of data exposure. Would men be better off under this? — Supports a vital public health infrastructure utilized widely by men seeking crisis support. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Provides general societal security for middle-class families accessing emergency mental health services. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Protects critical crisis infrastructure that serves vulnerable and remote populations. Would retired people be better off under this? — Secures emergency mental health infrastructure beneficial to older demographics. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Protects regional and local crisis centers often relied upon in rural areas. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Improves local crisis center cybersecurity standards in urban and regional areas. Would white Americans be better off under this? — Benefits the general public by securing an essential mental health lifeline. Would women be better off under this? — Supports a vital public health infrastructure utilized widely by women seeking crisis support.
- Healthcare
- Does this make mental health care easier to get? — The bill enhances cybersecurity and reliability for the 9-8-8 suicide prevention lifeline, protecting critical mental health services. Does this make health care easier to get in general? — Securing the suicide prevention infrastructure indirectly supports broader healthcare access for individuals in crisis.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires detailed studies and reporting of cybersecurity risks to congressional committees, improving governmental accountability. Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — Explicitly ensures that cybersecurity reporting protocols safeguard callers' personal privacy. Does this give the federal government more power? — Increases federal oversight by requiring reports to the Assistant Secretary and a Comptroller General study.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this better protect the country from computer attacks? — The bill establishes robust cybersecurity requirements and reporting mechanisms specifically for the 9-8-8 lifeline network.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Mandates that vulnerability and incident reporting must strictly protect personal privacy under applicable federal and state laws.
- 8/15/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/4/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
5 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
- 119-HR-1768: Lower Costs for Everyday Americans Act
- 119-HR-2483: SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025
- 119-S-891: Bipartisan Health Care Act
- 119-S-1007: 9–8–8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act
- 119-S-2121: SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025
Debbie DingellDemocrat · Michigan
Ted LieuDemocrat · California
Eugene VindmanDemocrat · Virginia