Rep. Subramanyam Introduces Bipartisan Package to Support First Responders and Law Enforcement Officers

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) has introduced two bipartisan bills, the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act and the Public Safety UAS Readiness Act, to better support our law enforcement officers and first responders.

"The mental health crisis among our first responders and law enforcement is real and urgent. We ask these brave men and women to run towards danger, witness unimaginable tragedy, and carry that weight. That is why it is important to make sure they have access to the mental health resources and support they deserve. Peer support programs have proven to be one of the most effective tools we have, and thePeer Support for Our First Responders Act will strengthen that work across the country. Our first responders show up for us every single day, it is time we show up for them," said Rep. Subramanyam.

ThePeer Support for Our First Responders Act will enhance and streamline the ongoing peer-to-peer work for our law enforcement officers and first responders' behavioral and mental health. First responders and law enforcement personnel face higher risk for developing behavioral health conditions, and peer-to-peer programs have proven to be effective and popular. A study by the Fraternal Order of Police found that nearly 3 in 4 respondents preferred treatment from peer specialists in times of crisis. ThePeer Support for Our First Responders Act would bring together experts, law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, and stakeholders by establishing an interagency working group which would review best practices and issue updated recommendations to Congress on ways to improve behavioral and mental health outcomes.

"Federal law enforcement officers and first responders regularly face traumatic and high-stress situations that can take a lasting toll on their mental health. Peer support programs, built on trust, shared experience, and confidentiality, have proven to be one of the most effective ways to ensure those who serve our communities have access to the support they need," said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President Mathew Silverman. "The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026is an important step toward strengthening these programs by bringing together federal, state, tribal, and local leaders, along with the first responders themselves, to identify best practices and improve outcomes. On behalf of the members of the FLEOA, I commend Representatives Subramanyam, Rutherford, and Alford for their leadership on this effort and for recognizing the importance of supporting the behavioral health of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others."

"State and local law enforcement officers are our nation's first responders. They respond to our country's greatest tragedies, violent crimes, and horrible accidents that are occurring more frequently in our communities. They have seen and experienced horrors that they cannot forget, yet we still expect them each day to protect and serve our communities," said National Association of Police Organizations Executive Director Bill Johnson. "The least we can do is ensure they have the culturally competent, accessible, and confidential mental health and wellness services necessary for their wellbeing and that of their families, which is why we support the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act of 2026. NAPO thanks Representative Subramanyam for his leadership and we look forward to working with him to pass this important bill."

"Peer support works because it's built on shared experience. When a fellow first responder says I've been there, that carries weight that is simply irreplaceable. And the reality is, the behavioral health needs of those on the front lines are too great to be met by any single approach alone. Boulder Crest Foundation strongly supports the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act because it takes seriously what the evidence already shows: trained peers are not a stopgap - they are essential. Congressman Subramanyam's legislation will help ensure these programs are built right, with the standards and protections they deserve," said Josh Goldberg, CEO, Boulder Crest Foundation.

The Peer Support for Our First Responders Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Police Organizations, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition, Major County Sheriffs of America, and the Boulder Crest Foundation.

The Congressman also introduced thePublic Safety UAS Readiness Act that would establish a $10 million per year grant program to support the creation and development of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot training for fire departments, emergency medical service providers, and law enforcement agencies. UAS are revolutionizing the way that first responders and public safety officers operate. They provide access to real-time data and improve the awareness for those responding to emergencies. There is a critical need for a standard UAS pilot training program for public safety personnel, and thePublic Safety UAS Readiness Act will fill that void.

"Every day, our first responders and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. They deserve every tool and resource available to do their jobs effectively. Unmanned Aircraft Systems have already proven to be a game-changer in emergency response, providing real-time data and situational awareness that saves lives. But without a standardized pilot training program, we are leaving critical capabilities on the table. ThePublic Safety UAS Readiness Act will make sure our public safety personnel are equipped with the skills they need to use this technology and better protect the American people," said Rep. Subramanyam.

"Drones are transforming how first responders protect our communities," said Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA). "Our region faces complex challenges that require our first responders to have every tool at their disposal. These technologies give them real-time aerial views, helping them act faster, stay safer, and save more lives."

"Drones give fire fighters a clearer picture of conditions on the ground and help locate victims faster in an emergency. But too many departments still can't afford this technology. Rep. Subramanyam's bill helps get these critical tools into the hands of fire fighters. The IAFF thanks him for his leadership and urges Congress to pass this bill for the safety of our communities," said Edward A. Kelly, IAFF General President.

Bill text for the Public Safety UAS Readiness Act.

Bill text for the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act.