National Strategy for Social Connection Act

Bill Number

S. 4818

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Last Updated

2026-07-09T20:38:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose The legislation establishes the Office of Social Connection Policy within the Executive Office of the President and creates a national strategy to improve social connection, reduce loneliness and social disconnection, and support related research and policy efforts across the federal government.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: The bill defines key terms such as "loneliness" (a subjective distressing experience from perceived isolation), "social connection" (a continuum of network size, roles, and relationship quality), "social isolation" (objective lack of relationships or interactions), and "social infrastructure" (programs, policies, and physical spaces like parks and libraries that support connection).
• Office of Social Connection Policy: Creates the Office, led by a Director appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, and allows up to four Associate Directors. The Director advises the President on research, policy, and funding related to social connection; coordinates federal research and development; provides public information on policy impacts; and develops and updates a government-wide national strategy.
• Advisory Council: Requires establishment of an intergovernmental council within one year, including federal representatives from departments such as Health and Human Services, Defense, Education, Housing and Urban Development, and others, plus non-federal experts like caregivers, health providers, researchers, state and local officials, veterans' groups, and advocacy organizations. The Council conducts annual assessments of progress, issues guidelines, coordinates research and services, and submits reports to the Director and Congress.
• Data Sharing and Research: Mandates federal agencies to share relevant data with the Director (subject to existing privacy laws) and authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for research on loneliness and social connection.
• National Strategy: Directs creation of an integrated, federal approach that leverages existing resources to enhance social connection through community planning, public health campaigns, measurement improvements, and support for state, local, and tribal governments.

Significant Changes to Existing Law This bill introduces new statutory structures rather than amending specific prior laws. It creates a dedicated office in the Executive Office of the President, establishes an interagency advisory body with defined membership and reporting requirements, and authorizes new funding and data-sharing obligations. These additions expand federal coordination on social connection without altering existing authorities in the listed agencies.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Increases coordination requirements across more than a dozen federal departments and offices, including annual funding reviews by the Office of Management and Budget and data-sharing mandates. Agencies must align actions with the national strategy and participate in assessments.
• Citizens: May lead to expanded public health campaigns, community programs, improved measurement of loneliness, and support for vulnerable populations such as older adults, veterans, youth, and those in economically disadvantaged areas.
• International Relations: Encourages coordination with international bodies to align U.S. efforts with global initiatives on social connection.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal agencies (e.g., Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense, Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs).
• State, local, and tribal governments.
• Nonprofit organizations, researchers, caregivers, employers, volunteer groups, and advocacy organizations representing youth, disability rights, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Individuals experiencing loneliness or social disconnection, particularly the elderly, veterans, children, and marginalized groups.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill places the new Office in the Executive Office of the President, requiring presidential appointments subject to Senate advice and consent, which aligns with standard executive branch practices. It promotes interagency collaboration and public reporting without creating new regulatory powers. The legislation responds to the Surgeon General's prior declaration on loneliness and emphasizes evidence-based, cross-sector approaches.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
• 2026-06-17: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• National Strategy for Social Connection Act — issued 2026-06-17 — PDF (16 pages)