Lawmakers in Action – Issue 3 Rep. Summer Lee introduces bill to create Community Safety division in HHS

Written By John Maina

🏛️ Spotlight: U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D–PA‑12)

Bill: H.R. 4387 – Division on Community Safety Act
Summary: Proposes a new division within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) focused on community safety and public health initiatives.

What’s the issue?

Public health is more than hospitals and clinics—it includes violence prevention, mental health, substance use support, and building safety networks within communities. But there’s no central hub within the federal government coordinating these efforts under one roof.

What does H.R. 4387 do?

  • Creates a new Division on Community Safety within HHS.

  • This division would coordinate programs and grants related to community safety, such as:

    • Violence reduction

    • Injury prevention

    • Mental health outreach

    • Substance misuse treatment

  • The aim is to streamline federal efforts, improve outcomes, and better connect health with safety.

Why it matters

  • Brings a public health approach to violence and safety—treating them like preventable health challenges.

  • Could help reduce administrative overlap and enhance access to resources for local communities.

  • Promotes a holistic strategy to community well‑being—integrating health, safety, and prevention in one federal agency.

Next Steps

  • The bill was formally introduced on July 15, 2025, and referred to five House committees, including Judiciary and Health-related panels govinfo.gov+5congress.gov+5legilist.com+5.

  • This is early-stage legislation—it must move through committee, be debated, and passed by both houses before reaching the president’s desk.

In Summary

  • Rep. Summer Lee is introducing H.R. 4387 to establish a central Division on Community Safety within HHS.

  • It's designed to better coordinate violence, mental health, and community safety efforts under one umbrella.

  • The bill reflects a public-health-first approach to safety and is now beginning its journey through Congress.

About This Series

Welcome back to Lawmakers in Action, the series bringing you clear, factual updates on legislation circulated by your elected officials.

Here’s what we highlight in each issue:

  • Who introduced or supports the bill

  • What the bill proposes

  • Who it affects

  • Why it matters

No commentary—just the essentials.

John Maina
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