Expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day".

Bill Number: H.Res. 542
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Armed Forces and National Security
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Last Updated: 2026-07-09T15:03:32Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This House Resolution (H. Res. 542) expresses congressional support for designating June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day." It aims to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress (PTS)—a condition involving severe emotional responses to traumatic events, often experienced by military personnel and veterans—reduce associated stigma, and promote education, treatment, and resilience.

Key Provisions Outlined

The resolution includes extensive background "Whereas" clauses highlighting the risks and impacts of PTS, followed by a "Resolved" section with five main points of support:

Support for designations: Endorses the awareness month and day to educate the public on PTS causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Encouragement of education: Backs efforts by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Secretary of Defense (DoD), along with the medical community, to inform active-duty service members, veterans, their families, and the public about PTS.
Promotion of cultural change: Supports initiatives to shift attitudes toward PTS, emphasizing that personal outreach can encourage treatment and prevent suicides.
Military leadership involvement: Urges Armed Forces leaders to ensure appropriate care for service members affected by PTS.
Recognition of family impacts: Acknowledges how PTS affects spouses and families of service members and veterans.

Background details note high deployment rates since 9/11, PTS prevalence (e.g., 11-20% among Iraq/Afghanistan veterans), stigma barriers, brain changes from trauma, and advances in treatment by VA, DoD, and veterans' organizations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no legal changes or enforceable requirements. It does not amend statutes, create new programs, or allocate funds; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of congressional intent.

Potential Impacts

On government agencies: Encourages VA and DoD to enhance education and stigma-reduction efforts, potentially leading to increased focus on mental health resources without mandating action. It may indirectly support existing programs by highlighting ongoing challenges.
On citizens: Raises awareness to help veterans and service members seek timely treatment, reducing risks like suicide, substance abuse, homelessness, and employment barriers. Families may gain better understanding and support.
On international relations: No direct impact, though it underscores U.S. commitment to military well-being, which could indirectly bolster alliances by demonstrating care for troops involved in global operations.

Overall, it fosters public dialogue to diminish PTS stigma and promote recovery, viewing PTS as a treatable "injury" rather than a permanent flaw.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Military personnel and veterans: Primary focus, with emphasis on those deployed post-9/11 (e.g., in Iraq/Afghanistan) facing high PTS risks.
Families of service members and veterans: Recognized for bearing emotional and practical burdens.
Government agencies: VA and DoD, tasked with education and cultural shifts; Armed Forces leadership encouraged to prioritize treatment.
Medical and support communities: Includes private/public healthcare providers and veterans' service organizations advancing PTS diagnosis and care.
General public: Targeted for awareness to combat media stigma and support affected individuals.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: None, as resolutions like this are expressive only and lack the force of law; they do not require judicial review or compliance.
Constitutional: No implications, as it aligns with Congress's free speech and oversight roles without infringing on individual rights.
Political: Signals bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for veterans' mental health, potentially influencing future funding debates or policies. It highlights historical injustices in PTS portrayal and calls for media responsibility, reinforcing a national priority on "invisible wounds of war" without partisan bias.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Peters, Scott H. [D-CA-50]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Bergman, Jack [R-MI-1], Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8]

Recent Actions

2025-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-06-24: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-06-24: Submitted in House
2025-06-24: Submitted in House

Bill Versions

Expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day". — issued 2025-06-24 — PDF (5 pages)