National Police Week

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CAMMACK. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend and colleague from the great State of Utah for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, this week, during National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who put on the badge every single day and run toward danger while others are running away.

These officers respond to violent crimes, overdoses, domestic disputes, natural disasters, and unimaginable tragedies. They carry burdens that most Americans will never fully understand. As the wife of a first responder, I have seen firsthand the mental and emotional toll, as well as the physical toll, that this job can take on not just the individual wearing the uniform but all their families, as well. The stress, the trauma, and the weight of responsibility do not disappear when a shift ends.

Too often, when our first responders need help themselves, the system is not prepared to answer their call. That is why I have introduced the Answering the Call Act of 2026, legislation to strengthen the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and ensure it effectively serves first responders. That is because I can tell you right now, Mr. Speaker, it doesn't.

Our law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs corrections officers, and public safety telecommunicators face disproportionately high rates of depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and suicide because of the traumatic situations they encounter on the job. Yet many do not seek help because of the stigma or concerns about confidentiality. In fact, over the last 5 years, over 850 law enforcement officers have taken their own lives, and we know that number is underreported.

This bill will take practical steps to address this crisis. It promotes targeted outreach to first responders, improves trauma- informed training for 988 counselors, strengthens accountability and establishes a pilot program to improve support services nationwide for our LEOs.

First responders answer the call at our most critical moments. That is why this legislation will ensure that when they need help, the system is ready to answer theirs.

To every law enforcement officer serving across Florida's Third District, across the Sunshine State, and across this country, I thank them for their courage, their sacrifice, and their service.

May God bless our law enforcement officers and their families who stand beside them every single day.

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