[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 189 (Wednesday, October 27, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H5944-H5948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONFIDENTIALITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEER SUPPORT COUNSELING ACT
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass
the bill (S. 1502) to make Federal law enforcement officer peer support
communications confidential, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
S. 1502
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Confidentiality
Opportunities for Peer Support Counseling Act'' or the ``COPS
Counseling Act''.
SEC. 2. CONFIDENTIALITY OF PEER SUPPORT COMMUNICATIONS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Law enforcement agency.--The term ``law enforcement
agency'' means a Federal agency that employs a law
enforcement officer.
(2) Law enforcement officer.--The term ``law enforcement
officer'' has the meaning given the term ``Federal law
enforcement officer'' in section 115 of title 18, United
States Code.
(3) Peer support communication.--The term ``peer support
communication'' includes--
(A) an oral or written communication made in the course of
a peer support counseling session;
(B) a note or report arising out of a peer support
counseling session;
(C) a record of a peer support counseling session; or
(D) with respect to a communication made by a peer support
participant in the course of a peer support counseling
session, another communication, regarding the first
communication, that is made between a peer support specialist
and--
(i) another peer support specialist;
(ii) a staff member of a peer support counseling program;
or
(iii) a supervisor of the peer support specialist.
(4) Peer support counseling program.--The term ``peer
support counseling program'' means a program provided by a
law enforcement agency that provides counseling services from
a peer support specialist to a law enforcement officer of the
agency.
(5) Peer support counseling session.--The term ``peer
support counseling session'' means any counseling formally
provided through a peer support counseling program between a
peer support specialist and 1 or more law enforcement
officers.
(6) Peer support participant.--The term ``peer support
participant'' means a law enforcement officer who receives
counseling services from a peer support specialist.
(7) Peer support specialist.--The term ``peer support
specialist'' means a law enforcement officer who--
(A) has received training in--
(i) peer support counseling; and
(ii) providing emotional and moral support to law
enforcement officers who have been involved in or exposed to
an emotionally traumatic experience in the course of
employment; and
(B) is designated by a law enforcement agency to provide
the services described in subparagraph (A).
(b) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (c), a
peer support specialist or a peer support participant may not
disclose the contents of a peer support communication to an
individual who was not a party to the peer support
communication.
(c) Exceptions.--Subsection (b) shall not apply to a peer
support communication if--
(1) the peer support communication contains--
(A) an explicit threat of suicide by an individual in which
the individual--
(i) shares--
(I) an intent to die by suicide; and
(II) a plan for a suicide attempt or the means by which the
individual plans to carry out a suicide attempt; and
(ii) does not solely share that the individual is
experiencing suicidal thoughts;
(B) an explicit threat by an individual of imminent and
serious physical bodily harm or death to another individual;
(C) information--
(i) relating to the abuse or neglect of--
(I) a child; or
(II) an older or vulnerable individual; or
(ii) that is required by law to be reported; or
(D) an admission of criminal conduct;
(2) the disclosure is permitted by each peer support
participant who was a party to, as applicable--
(A) the peer support communication;
(B) the peer support counseling session out of which the
peer support communication arose;
(C) the peer support counseling session of which the peer
support communication is a record; or
(D) the communication made in the course of a peer support
counseling session that the peer support communication is
regarding;
(3) a court of competent jurisdiction issues an order or
subpoena requiring the disclosure of the peer support
communication; or
(4) the peer support communication contains information
that is required by law to be disclosed.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (b) shall
be construed to prohibit the disclosure of--
(1) an observation made by a law enforcement officer of a
peer support participant outside of a peer support counseling
session; or
(2) knowledge of a law enforcement officer about a peer
support participant not gained from a peer support
communication.
(e) Disclosure of Rights.--Before the initial peer support
counseling session of a peer support participant, a peer
support specialist shall inform the peer support participant
in writing of the confidentiality requirement under
subsection (b) and the exceptions to the requirement under
subsection (c).
SEC. 3. BEST PRACTICES AND SUPPORT.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) First responder.--The term ``first responder'' has the
meaning given the term ``public safety officer'' in section
1204 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets
Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10284).
(2) First responder agency.--The term ``first responder
agency'' means a Federal, State, local, or Tribal agency that
employs or otherwise engages the services of a first
responder.
(3) Peer support counseling program.--The term ``peer
support counseling program'' means a program provided by a
first responder agency that provides counseling services from
a peer support specialist to a first responder of the first
responder agency.
(4) Peer support participant.--The term ``peer support
participant'' means a first responder who receives counseling
services from a peer support specialist.
(5) Peer support specialist.--The term ``peer support
specialist'' means a first responder who--
(A) has received training in--
(i) peer support counseling; and
(ii) providing emotional and moral support to first
responders who have been involved in or exposed to an
emotionally traumatic experience in the course of the duties
of those first responders; and
(B) is designated by a first responder agency to provide
the services described in subparagraph (A).
(b) Report on Best Practices.--Not later than 2 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General, in
coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services,
shall develop a report on best practices and professional
standards for peer support counseling programs for first
responder agencies that includes--
(1) advice on--
(A) establishing and operating peer support counseling
programs; and
(B) training and certifying peer support specialists;
(2) a code of ethics for peer support specialists;
(3) recommendations for continuing education for peer
support specialists;
(4) advice on disclosing to first responders any
confidentiality rights of peer support participants; and
(5) information on--
(A) the different types of peer support counseling programs
in use by first responder agencies;
(B) any differences in peer support counseling programs
offered across categories of first responders; and
(C) the important role senior first responders play in
supporting access to mental health resources.
(c) Implementation.--The Attorney General shall support and
encourage the implementation of peer support counseling
programs in first responder agencies by--
(1) making the report developed under subsection (b)
publicly available on the website of the Department of
Justice; and
(2) providing a list of peer support specialist training
programs on the website of the Department of Justice.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that Federal, State, local, and
Tribal police officers, sheriffs, and other law enforcement
officers across the United States who serve with valor,
dignity, and integrity deserve the gratitude and respect of
Congress.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
[[Page H5945]]
Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Bentz) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas.
General Leave
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from Texas?
There was no objection.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting S. 1502,
the COPS Counseling Act, a bill that will encourage the adoption of law
enforcement peer counseling programs across the country and protect the
privacy of Federal officers as they seek mental health support.
It is important to all of us that we promote the mental health and
well-being of our law enforcement officers, not only in order to help
individual officers but also because it helps bolster the safety of our
communities and the people our officers take a solemn oath to protect.
Law enforcement officers play a special role in our communities. They
are specifically called upon to protect and serve. Often they see,
encounter, and respond to horrendous situations that are both dangerous
and stressful and often life-threatening.
I don't know how many times, Mr. Speaker, we have heard on the news
where officers have said: I have never seen this in my lifetime. I have
never seen this horrific scene. I have never seen a car crash. I have
never seen the violence.
With the pandemic of COVID-19, we have seen officers coming to scenes
that they expressed that they have never seen. That has an impact even
though they must continue to rise the next day and serve.
They are indeed first responders, on the scene when unthinkable and
tragic events take place, whether they be mass shootings, terrible
incidents of domestic or sexual violence, and other horrific instances
of victimization. Even after the incidents are over and the threats
addressed, these situations can long remain with officers. As they seek
to protect us, we must also seek to protect them when they are in need.
We have a hearing today on issues dealing with gun safety. That is
not this bill. But what I will say is that the officers in times of
crisis are always the first ones to come to school shootings, violent
scenes where they see children who are wounded or tragically are dead.
Imagine an officer having to pick him or herself up and carry on after
you have seen, yes, little children--high school, middle school,
elementary school--who have been fallen because of school shootings.
That is a particularly unique circumstance. But there are many, many
others.
That is why I support this bill which would help officers who seek
counseling. The bill provides confidentiality to Federal law
enforcement officers by restricting individuals who participate in a
peer support counseling session from disclosing communications arising
out of peer support counseling session.
In doing so, however, the bill defines clear and necessary exceptions
to confidentiality in circumstances including explicit threats of
suicide; any admission of criminal conduct; any explicit threat of
imminent and serious physical harm or death to an individual; any
information relating to the abuse or neglect of a child, older person,
or vulnerable person; or any information that is required by law to be
reported. That had to be clarified.
Additionally, this bill encourages implementation of peer counseling
programs within the entire first responder community by requiring the
Department of Justice to make best practices publicly available on its
website. Information I have found has been the key in helping to
restore the stability of these individuals who are needing the kind of
counseling that we offer.
The Department of Justice is also required to provide a list of
training programs for public safety officers to become peer support
mentors. Always we have been told that to have a like fellow traveler,
a like experienced person, a like person in your career or profession,
Mr. Speaker, is sometimes the best medicine, the best cure, and the
best direction toward treatment.
These are important steps that will help our officers and the
communities they serve.
As we take action on this Senate-passed bill, I want to recognize our
colleague from Maryland, Representative David Trone, for his work in
introducing the House companion legislation. I thank the chairman of
our committee, Mr. Nadler, for being focused on this legislation, and I
am delighted that my subcommittee is also very interested in this kind
of work.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important bill, I am proud to support it, and
I ask my colleagues to do the same.
Today, I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting S. 1502, the
``COPS Counseling Act,'' a bill that will encourage the adoption of law
enforcement peer counseling programs across the country and protect the
privacy of federal officers as they seek mental health support.
It is important to all of us that we promote the mental health and
well--being of our law enforcement officers, not only in order to help
individual officers but also because it helps bolster the safety of our
communities and the people our officers take a solemn oath to protect.
Law enforcement officers play a special role in our communities,
specifically called upon to protect and serve.
Often, they see, encounter, and respond to horrendous situations that
are both dangerous and stressful, and often life-threatening.
They are indeed first responders, on the scene when unthinkable and
tragic events take place, whether they be mass shootings, terrible
incidents of domestic or sexual violence, and other horrific instances
of victimization.
Even after the incidents are over and the threats addressed, these
situations can long remain with officers. As they seek to protect us,
we must also seek to help them when they are in need.
That is why I support this bill, which would help officers who seek
counseling.
The bill provides confidentiality to federal law enforcement officers
by restricting individuals who participate in a peer support counseling
session from disclosing communications arising out of a peer support
counseling session.
In doing so, however, the bill defines clear and necessary exceptions
to confidentiality in circumstances including: explicit threats of
suicide; any admission of criminal conduct; any explicit threat of
imminent and serious physical harm or death to an individual; any
information relating to the abuse or neglect of a child, older person
or vulnerable person; or any information that is required by law to be
reported.
Additionally, this bill encourages implementation of peer counseling
programs within the entire first responder community by requiring the
Department of Justice to make best practices publicly available on its
website.
The Department of Justice is also required to provide a list of
training programs for public safety officers to become peer support
mentors.
These are important steps that will help our officers and the
communities they serve.
As we take action on this Senate-passed bill, I want to recognize our
colleague from Maryland, Representative David Trone, for his work in
introducing the House companion legislation.
This is an important bill. I am proud to support it and ask that my
colleagues do the same.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1502, the COPS Counseling Act of
2021.
With recent attacks on law enforcement agencies from the left,
including calls to defund the police, officers around the country have
suffered from persistent and increasing physical and mental stress.
Police departments are experiencing dropping retention rates and
officers are left with fewer colleagues to support them while also
facing more crime. As a result the need for new and better performing
peer support groups with State and local law enforcement agencies has
risen.
This bill would help alleviate some of that strain from dealing with
the ever-increasing amount of violent crime over the last year by
supporting and encouraging the use of peer support groups. Some people
feel like there is a stigma related to addressing mental health needs,
making mental wellness difficult to address.
Peer support programs can help address this challenge in the law
enforcement community. Officers who are in
[[Page H5946]]
need of help may be most comfortable reaching out to their fellow
officers especially if their confidentiality is protected. This bill
requires the Department of Justice, in consultation with the Department
of Health and Human Services, to develop a report of best practices for
peer support programs. These best practices required under the COPS
Counseling Act will help State and local law enforcement agencies
establish new peer counseling programs and enhance existing ones.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
{time} 1315
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I want to again emphasize the massive number of law enforcement
officers across the Nation. There are, first of all, 18,000 police
departments of varying levels, meaning that we think of police,
constables, or sheriffs, all of them law enforcement officers. And
every day, as we speak, they are out on the front lines and, again,
seeing enormous tragedy.
I really want to emphasize what it means to come upon a scene dealing
with an injury to a child. Gun violence, car crashes, fires, police go
to those scenes as well. For too long, we have not stopped for a moment
to provide these resources and to provide these services.
I hope that, as we pass this legislation, this will be the catalyst
for local entities to build on their mental health relief and that they
will also focus on peer-directed mental health relief.
We can imagine, in the course of all the scenes that we have seen in
this body, on this floor, in this year, starting with January 6, where
police officers were involved, that there is no doubt that this
legislation is crucial. But it works across the Nation, and it should
be a tool for ensuring the strength and the stability of our officers
who are out there, men and women, family members, every single day.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Rutherford).
Mr. RUTHERFORD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and
I thank the gentlewoman from Texas for bringing this bill forward. It
is very much needed.
I rise, Mr. Speaker, to support the COPS Counseling Act, which is now
one step away from reaching the President's desk, I hope.
I spent almost 40 years in law enforcement, including 12 as the
sheriff of Duval County, Florida. So I can tell you, I have seen,
firsthand, the challenges that some officers face in dealing with not
just acute stress for many years but the chronic stress over every day
that they go to work.
Mr. Speaker, it is no secret that law enforcement is a dangerous
profession. But these officers face potential life-threatening
situations every day they go to work, and that is the chronic stress
that really has a significant mental health impact upon these officers.
Every day, they put their lives in that breach in defense of our
communities.
In recent years, we have seen a rise in ambush killings of officers
and just overall assaults on officers, attacking them simply for the
uniform that they wear. In fact, by just the middle of this year, we
experienced as many shootings and killings of police officers as we did
for the entire year of 2020.
We also witness now the demoralization, the delegitimization, and the
defunding of police currently taking place around the U.S.
We have also watched law enforcement work through a deadly pandemic,
losing so many officers to COVID-19 over these last 2 years.
To make things more difficult, many officers struggle to ask for
help, even when they need it. Some officers feel traditional forms of
counseling cannot truly understand what they are going through. They
also might be concerned that seeking counseling could negatively impact
on their careers. It could be seen as a weakness.
That is why the COPS Counseling Act is so very important.
Again, I thank the gentlewoman from Texas. This provides the
opportunity for law enforcement officers to receive confidential and
peer-led support services.
Mr. Speaker, this legislation is going to save lives. It is going to
save officers' lives, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes''
on the COPS Counseling Act to get this bill signed into law.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I am very glad that we are able to come together, recognizing that
our law enforcement officers face dangers every day. When I look to the
support for that community, I really look to the family of citizens,
the family of the community, no matter where you are, and I think that
should be the statement and the litmus test.
When you speak to community persons who generally go about their
daily business, and local governments, you can be assured that there is
an embodiment of support.
There is the sense of horror when we see circumstances that
tragically hit this very Congress, this very House, on January 6, when
that was not how brave law enforcement officers were treated. But we
are well aware of the everyday work that is done.
Before I left to come to Washington, I had the tragic duty of going
to the funeral of a fallen. What an amazing individual that Deputy
Atkins was, and the outpouring of love and affection by the community
reflected that.
To show the humanity of officers--they have moms and dads and wives
and children--they read a letter from his mother. I just simply want to
put this letter in from his mother.
``When I last saw you, before you said good-bye, I said the prayer I
taught you, `As I lay me down to sleep.' Nadia heard me and told me you
always said that prayer.'' Nadia was his wife.
``And that made me really feel good, Kareem. I love you so much and I
will never stop loving you,'' the letter said.
A mother, a father, a fallen son. These are the true human aspects of
service.
So this help to officers who have seen, or been engaged, or seen
fellow officers lose their lives, or been wounded, or, again, come upon
that scene that they will be interviewed, saying that they have never
seen it before, never seen something so devastating like it before,
this is an important step forward, as was the real justice bill for
veterans, some of whom turn out to be police officers.
I think we are moving so much in the right direction to be
effectively concerned about the whole person, and that is what this
legislation, I believe, will move forward on.
Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an article from the Houston
Chronicle.
[From the Houston Chronicle, Oct. 25, 2021]
Deputies Line Up by the Dozen To Honor Slain Pct. 4 Deputy Kareem
Atkins
Hundreds gathered at a north Houston church Monday
afternoon to pay their respects to Kareem Atkins, the
Precinct 4 deputy constable who was fatally shot while trying
to stop a robbery.
The day began with a private service for Atkins' family.
Officers lined up hours before the memorial service at
Champion Forest Baptist Church to take a last look at their
friend, removing their hats and saying a few words over the
flag-draped casket at the front of the massive church hall.
A slideshow played on screens next to the altar, with
images of Atkins cuddling with his wife, Nadia Aweineh, and
their young children, Adalynn, a toddler, and Aiden, a
newborn. In other photos, Atkins was pictured in uniform with
fellow deputies and posing for group shots while out on the
town with friends, a broad smile on his face.
While some attendees silently wiped away tears after
viewing Atkins' casket, others laughed and shared stories,
remembering Atkins as the ``loving, protective, funny, great
dancing (or at least so he thought), outgoing and flashy
guy'' described in the funeral's program.
``It seemed to me Kareem had many, many, best friends, and,
on a daily basis, I saw his co-workers routinely look to him
for guidance,'' Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said at the
memorial. ``Despite his young age, he was someone you could
count on to be calm, cool and collected. He had a unique
strength about him. He was the rock we all leaned on.''
``If I had 100 more Kareem Atkinses (in my department),
this boss would sleep much better at night,'' Herman said.
Atkins' godsister and former babysitter also spoke, sharing
a letter Atkins' mother, Celine Pemberton-Atkins, wrote to
her son after his death. In the letter, Pemberton-Atkins
reminisced about the times her son would surprise her with
visits home to New York City, where he was born, and about
the inside jokes they shared that would not make sense to
anyone else.
[[Page H5947]]
His mother noted in her letter that she'd just learned he
was planning to travel home and surprise her for
Thanksgiving.
``When I last saw you, before you said goodbye, I said the
prayer I taught you, `As I lay me down to sleep.' Nadia heard
me and told me you always said that prayer . . . and that
made me feel really good, Kareem. I love you so much and I
will never stop loving you,'' the letter said.
end of watch
After the service, attendees filed out of the church for a
color guard ceremony. The rows of friends, family and
officers sat in silence amid a few isolated sobs as
pallbearers wheeled Atkins' casket to the family. The color
guard folded the American flag that was covering the casket
and handed it to the constable, who gave it to Atkins' wife.
Police dispatchers declared the ``end of watch'' over the
air. A three-volley salute followed. Then Atkins' coffin was
placed in a hearse to be taken to Klein Memorial Park
Cemetery in Tomball.
The funeral came more than a week after Atkins was shot and
killed--and two other Precinct 4 deputies were wounded--while
attempting to arrest a robbery suspect at 45 Norte Sports
Bar, where they worked side jobs as security guards.
The shooter, who opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle,
wounded Deputies Darryl Garrett and Juqaim Barthen, according
to police. Garrett remained in the intensive care unit
Monday, while Barthen, who attended the service, is still
recovering.
On HoustonChronicle.com: `They were the 3 amigos,' fiancee
of wounded Precinct 4 deputy says after ambush in north
Houston.
Police have not identified or apprehended any suspects in
the shooting. A reward for information leading to the
assailant's arrest and conviction was increased Wednesday to
$75,000.
making time fly on the shift
In comments during the funeral, Harris County Judge Lina
Hidalgo declared Oct. 25 ``Deputy Kareem Atkins Day'' in
Harris County from this year forward.
``When somebody ambushed Deputy Barthen, Deputy Garrett and
Deputy Atkins, that attack on our protectors, that attack on
you all, was an attack on our entire community,'' Hidalgo
said.
``They tried to tear down what makes our community great,
to tear down that spirit of service, to break that trust that
binds us, to bring fear, but we won't tolerate that. The way
we fight back against that, and honor Deputy Atkins' life, is
by living by the values he embodied,'' Hidalgo said.
Others attending the funeral remarked about Atkins' good
humor and generous spirit.
Indrani Boodram and her co-workers came to support Atkins'
father, who worked with them at a medical center in north
Cypress.
She remembered how the younger Atkins helped her move about
five years ago, despite never having met Boodram. ``He had
just moved here from New York and he knew no one. He even
bought pizza when he came and told me he would stay with me
until I was completely done.''
Canray Warren, who worked other security jobs with Atkins
at bars and clubs around the area, remembered the 30-year-old
as someone who made the time fly on nights when the staff
were tired and wanted to check out for the night. When it was
nearing time to start closing shop, the pair would simply
exchange looks and start cracking up.
``He kept us laughing and kept a smile on our face,'' he
said. ``We'd joke about telling the DJ to play boring songs
so everybody could move out of the club faster,'' Warren
said.
Warren explained he wouldn't want to take a shift if he
learned that Atkins wasn't working with him. And now, looking
forward, work won't be the same without him.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Reschenthaler).
Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my good friend and
colleague, Congressman Bentz, for yielding me the time.
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to speak in support of the COPS
Counseling Act. It is a piece of bipartisan legislation that I
introduced with my good friend, David Trone from Maryland.
Congressman Trone has been an incredible partner. I am really grateful
for all of his hard work, and as everybody in this body knows, no one
works harder than David Trone when he is pushing a bill. It is quite
amazing to see and watch.
Mr. Speaker, every day, our Nation's law enforcement officers put
their own lives at risk to keep us safe. That service does not come
without sacrifice.
Last year, 178 current or Active-Duty law enforcement officers died
by suicide. Just this year, 121 officers have already taken their own
lives.
S. 1502 seeks to alleviate the stressors law enforcement experiences
by establishing clear confidentiality standards for peer-to-peer
counseling.
A Fraternal Order of Police survey showed that 73 percent of surveyed
officers found peer-to-peer support counseling to be the most helpful
mental health resource offered by police departments. Unfortunately, an
officer's peer support communications can be discoverable on public
record; it can be used in court proceedings; and worse, it can even
impact and affect their employment.
By creating clear standards for confidentiality, the COPS Counseling
Act would provide officers with peace of mind that their privacy is
protected when they seek peer support services.
This legislation also encourages State and local first responder
agencies to adopt peer counseling programs so more officers can take
advantage of this important mental health resource.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support our Nation's law
enforcement officers by voting for this legislation.
Mr. BENTZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill,
and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
As I indicated in my discussions, I think the idea of the COPS
Counseling Act is a profound statement that we see the whole person in
law enforcement. We don't just see the person's uniform externally, but
we see the whole person.
The reading of the words of Deputy Atkins' mother was to indicate we
see the family members, the children; we see the neighbors; we see the
communities. In order to do that, we must then have a holistic approach
to the service of these officers.
I can't help but think about officers coming upon an injury to a
child in whatever form it is, and I have heard them speak of it. It is
the worst investigation case to have. It is the worst scene that they
have ever seen because it is a child.
The COPS Counseling Act will help our law enforcement officers and
also the communities they serve. We can and must do both. When officers
are in need of counseling, we should remove barriers and disincentives
that are standing in the way.
Therefore, I ask my colleagues to see the whole person as they serve
the community and the Nation, and join me in supporting this
legislation so that the President can sign it into law.
Mr. Speaker, the COPS Counseling Act will help our law enforcement
officers and also the communities they serve.
We can and must do both.
When officers are in need of counseling, we should remove barriers
and disincentives standing in the way.
Therefore, I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this
legislation so that the President can sign it into law.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the COPS Counseling Act
and thank my friend from Maryland, Mr. Trone for leading this important
bill.
Mr. Speaker, Every day police officers protect our communities with
the uncommon character that's common in police departments. The men and
women in blue proudly protect and serve, braving challenging
circumstances and running toward danger to keep us safe. Both they and
their families feel this stress. I know this firsthand as my father is
a retire NYPD Detective.
As well, in the course of duty, police officers face dangerous and
sometimes traumatic situations. Oftentimes, only a police officer can
truly understand the stress their fellow officers are dealing with.
Peer counseling has proven to be an effective method for officers to
cope with this stress, in fact 73 percent of officers say it's the most
helpful mental health resource available to them. The COPS Counseling
Act ensures more officers can access this important resource and
protects officers' privacy, eliminating the stigma of seeking help.
Police officers do a dangerous and necessary job to protect our
communities. The COPS Counseling Act helps police officers help keep
each other safe so they can keep us all safe. I urge a yes vote.
Miss GONZALEZ-COLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of S.
1502, the COPS Counseling Act of 2021. I was also proud to cosponsor
the House companion to this bill--H.R. 3070--introduced by
Representatives David Trone of Maryland and Guy Reschenthaler of
Pennsylvania.
This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would encourage the
adoption of law enforcement peer counseling programs across the nation
by requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to issue and make publicly
available a report on best practices for such programs. To
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further support their implementation, the bill would also direct the
Department to provide a list of training programs for individuals to
become peer support mentors.
Our law enforcement officers often face challenging and at times
traumatic experiences while performing their duties and keeping our
communities safe. It's critical we ensure they have the necessary level
of support to address these situations, and peer-to-peer counseling can
serve as an effective mental health outlet to share their personal
experiences; access and identify resources; and receive help and
guidance within a trusted network of colleagues.
To ensure peer counseling programs are effective, it's also important
we protect the privacy of those officers seeking mental health
services. That's why I'm pleased the COPS Counseling Act would require
that the information disclosed during peer support counseling sessions
by Federal law enforcement officers is kept confidential, except under
certain circumstances such as threats of physical harm and admission of
criminal activity. This guarantee of privacy will go a long way in
building confidence and encouraging more Federal law enforcement
officers to take advantage of the opportunities provided through these
programs.
Every day, our brave men and women in law enforcement put their lives
on the line to protect our communities. As Members of Congress, we must
redouble our efforts to support them, including through mental health
and counseling services. That's why I support the COPS Counseling Act
and urge my colleagues to do the same.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, S. 1502.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion
are postponed.
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