National Strategy for Social Connection Act
Sponsored By: Senator Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would create an Office of Social Connection Policy in the Executive Office of the President and require a coordinated national strategy to improve social connection. The Office would advise the President, align federal research and programs on loneliness, and develop national guidelines through an expert Advisory Council.
Show full summary
- Communities and families would get clearer federal guidance and coordinated support for community-led programs and social infrastructure that aim to reduce loneliness and strengthen local connections.
- Federal agencies and policymakers would work through a presidentially appointed Director (with Senate confirmation) and up to four associate directors to share data, coordinate policies, and produce annual assessments and reports on social connection.
- Researchers and public health officials would see a government-wide annual review of funding for social connection research and new authorizations for studies and programs, including direct support to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
*Authorizes $5 million annually to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for fiscal years 2026 through 2031 (up to $30 million in authorizations).*
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
White House office for social connection
If enacted, the bill would create the Office of Social Connection Policy inside the Executive Office of the President. A Director would be appointed by the President with Senate confirmation and paid at Executive Schedule Level IV. The bill would allow the President to appoint up to four Associate Directors, also Senate-confirmed and paid at Level V. The Office would write and update a government-wide national strategy to reduce loneliness, advise the President, coordinate federal research, and help OMB review agency R&D budgets. The Director would establish an Advisory Council within 1 year with federal and non-federal experts. The Council would meet at least quarterly, hold public meetings, start an assessment within 2 years, and give the first annual report to Congress within 18 months. Federal agencies would share data on loneliness and social connection with the Director, as allowed by law.
CDC research funding on loneliness
If enacted, the bill would authorize $5,000,000 to be appropriated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for each fiscal year 2026 through 2031 to conduct or support research on loneliness and social connection. Congress would need to appropriate the funds before CDC could spend them.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
CT • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov