A resolution 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
- S.Res. 322
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-15: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4373; text: CR S4372)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T15:03:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution expresses support for designating June 2025 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2025, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day." Its main goal is to increase public understanding of post-traumatic stress (PTS)—a condition often linked to traumatic experiences, especially in military service—and to reduce the stigma surrounding it, while encouraging better support and treatment for those affected.
Key Provisions
The resolution includes several "Whereas" clauses providing background on PTS, such as its prevalence among veterans from various conflicts (e.g., 11-20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, 30% of Vietnam-era veterans), its causes (like combat stress), risks if untreated (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicide), and the need to address stigma and improve access to care. The core "Resolved" section directs the Senate to:
- Officially designate June 2025 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2025, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day.
- Support the efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) to educate military members, veterans, their families, and the public about PTS causes, symptoms, and treatments.
- Back initiatives by the VA and DoD to promote cultural changes that reduce stigma and emphasize that personal support can prevent harm and aid recovery.
- Encourage military leaders to ensure proper treatment for service members with PTS.
- Acknowledge the effects of PTS on the spouses and families of military members and veterans.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It does not create new legal requirements, funding, or mandates; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of Senate support for awareness and existing mental health efforts.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Reinforces the roles of the VA and DoD in education and stigma reduction, potentially encouraging more public-private collaborations in mental health services without adding new resources.
- On citizens: May help veterans and military families by promoting awareness, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, reducing risks like suicide or homelessness. It aims to improve public perceptions, potentially easing employment challenges for those with PTS.
- On international relations: No direct impact, as the focus is domestic and centered on U.S. military veterans.
Overall, the resolution could foster broader societal support for mental health, indirectly benefiting the medical community and veterans' organizations through heightened visibility.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and active-duty military personnel: Primary focus, as they are highlighted for their high PTS risk from deployments.
- Families of military members and veterans: Recognized for the indirect emotional and practical burdens of PTS.
- Government agencies: VA and DoD, supported in their ongoing work; military leadership encouraged to prioritize treatment.
- Medical and support communities: Includes doctors, therapists, and veterans' service organizations, which are noted for advances in PTS care.
- General public: Targeted for education to reduce stigma and improve understanding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal/Constitutional: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and does not require presidential approval or House concurrence. It aligns with the First Amendment's protection of free speech by promoting awareness without restricting rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support, with cosponsors from both major parties (e.g., Republicans like Mr. Sullivan and Democrats like Ms. Klobuchar), signaling broad consensus on veterans' mental health issues. It highlights ongoing national priorities for military well-being post-major conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, potentially influencing future funding or policy discussions without creating enforceable obligations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (18)
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Husted, Jon [R-OH], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-15: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4373; text: CR S4372)
- 2025-07-15: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-15: Introduced in Senate
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 2025-07-15 — PDF (5 pages)