National Strategy for Social Connection Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 17, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a new federal office and advisory council to coordinate a national strategy and research efforts aimed at combating loneliness and fostering social connection across the United States.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the Office of Social Connection Policy within the Executive Office of the President, tasked with advising the President on social connection issues and developing a national strategy to improve social connection and address loneliness. It also creates an intergovernmental advisory council to assess progress, coordinate research, and issue national guidelines, and authorizes $5 million annually for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for related research.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill directly addresses the Surgeon General's declared epidemic of loneliness and social isolation, which poses significant risks to individual health, economic stability, and civic engagement. They contend that a coordinated federal approach, guided by expert advice and a national strategy, is essential to reverse the fraying of the social fabric and invest in the nation's collective well-being and human flourishing.
Opponents contend
No explicit opposition is detailed in the provided bill text. Potential critics might argue that establishing a new federal office and advisory council could lead to increased bureaucracy and costs without guaranteeing tangible improvements in social connection, or that such issues are best addressed at local community levels rather than through federal intervention.
The bill is relatively short and clearly structured, making it accessible for an informed reader to evaluate its core provisions and intent within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3(b)
Establishment of the Office of Social Connection Policy
This provision establishes a new Office of Social Connection Policy within the Executive Office of the President. The Office will be led by a Director, appointed by the President with Senate consent, and will advise the President on policy matters related to social connection and loneliness, coordinate federal research and development, and provide public information on related policies and programs.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that a dedicated office at the highest level of government is crucial for providing focused expertise and leadership on the complex, cross-cutting issues of social connection and loneliness, ensuring these are integrated into national decision-making.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that establishing a new office could add another layer of bureaucracy to the Executive Office, potentially duplicating efforts of existing agencies or leading to inefficiencies in government operations.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff involves balancing the need for centralized, expert coordination on a significant national issue against concerns about expanding federal bureaucracy and potential overlap with existing agency functions.
Section 3(b)(5)(B)
National Strategy on Social Connection
This provision mandates the Office of Social Connection Policy to establish, maintain, and periodically update an integrated national strategy. This strategy is intended to be a Federal Government-wide approach to improve social connection, alleviate loneliness, and prevent social disconnection by leveraging existing federal resources and authorities.
Section 3(c)
Establishment of an Intergovernmental Advisory Council
This provision directs the Director of the Office to establish an intergovernmental advisory council within one year. This council will be composed of federal representatives from various departments and non-federal experts, including caregivers, healthcare providers, nonprofit advocates, state/local/Tribal government representatives, researchers, and representatives from diverse community groups. Its duties include annual assessments, coordinating research, issuing national guidelines, and advising the Director.
Section 3(c)(5)
Annual Assessment of Social Connection Progress
This provision mandates the Advisory Council to conduct an annual assessment, starting two years after enactment, on the progress of the United States in improving social connection. The assessment must cover steps taken or needed to increase the use of the national strategy, improve social services, promote community-led planning, scale connection programs, coordinate public health campaigns, strengthen data collection, assist state/local/Tribal governments, and support youth participation.
Section 3(e)
Authorization of Appropriations for Research
This provision authorizes an appropriation of $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These funds are specifically designated to conduct or support research on loneliness and social connection.
This section provides comprehensive definitions for key terms such as 'loneliness,' 'social connectedness,' 'social connection,' 'social disconnection,' 'social isolation,' and 'social infrastructure.' For instance, 'loneliness' is defined as a 'subjective distressing experience... that results from perceived isolation or inadequate meaningful connection,' and 'social infrastructure' includes programs, policies, and physical elements that support social connection.
Section 3(a)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to define terms upfront to ensure clarity and consistent interpretation throughout the bill. However, the specific wording of these definitions is crucial for how the Office and Advisory Council will interpret their mandate.
Case for: Supporters argue that precise definitions are essential for establishing a clear and consistent framework for policy, research, and intervention, preventing ambiguity and ensuring that efforts are targeted effectively.
Case against: No specific case against defining terms is typically made. However, the specific definitions could be debated for their breadth or narrowness, potentially influencing the scope of federal action in ways not immediately obvious.
Estimated impact: These definitions fundamentally shape the entire scope of the bill, influencing how the Office and Advisory Council will interpret their duties, what research will be prioritized, and how the national strategy will be formulated and implemented.