A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2026 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2026, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 758
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2670; text: CR S2666)
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-09T19:56:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution expresses congressional support for designating June 2026 as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month" and June 27, 2026, as "National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day" to raise public awareness about post-traumatic stress, reduce associated stigma, support resilience, and promote treatment for those affected.
Key Provisions
- Recognizes the service and risks faced by members of the Armed Forces, noting that nearly 3.5 million have deployed overseas since September 11, 2001, increasing risks of traumatic combat stress.
- Cites statistics from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress among veterans from Operations Iraqi Freedom/Enduring Freedom (11-20%), the Persian Gulf War (12% in a given year), and the Vietnam era (30% lifetime).
- Highlights historical context, including the 1980 formulation of the post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, physical brain changes shown by imaging, and barriers such as stigma and lack of access to treatment.
- Notes links between untreated post-traumatic stress and risks including anxiety, depression, homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide, as well as employment challenges for veterans.
- Acknowledges advances by the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, and the medical community in identification, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, while calling for further efforts to eliminate stigma.
- In the resolved section, the Senate:
- Designates the specified month and day.
- Supports education efforts by the Secretaries of Veterans Affairs and Defense on causes, symptoms, and treatment.
- Backs cultural change initiatives to foster understanding that personal interactions can save lives.
- Encourages Armed Forces leadership to support appropriate treatment.
- Recognizes impacts on spouses and families.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This resolution introduces no amendments to existing statutes or regulations. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it serves as an expression of support rather than enforceable law.
Potential Impacts
- May encourage the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to expand education and treatment initiatives for service members, veterans, and their families.
- Could contribute to reduced stigma around mental health issues, potentially improving access to care and employment outcomes for affected individuals.
- No direct effects on international relations are outlined.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Spouses and families of service members and veterans.
- Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Broader medical community, including private and public providers, and veterans service organizations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The resolution carries no legal force and raises no constitutional issues, as it does not create new rights, obligations, or funding mechanisms. It reflects bipartisan support for awareness efforts without altering policy frameworks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR], Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2670; text: CR S2666)
- 2026-06-08: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Bill Versions
- Expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2026 as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month and June 27, 2026, as National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day. — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (5 pages)