WASHINGTON D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) alongside Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Alex Padilla (D-CA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the bipartisan Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 to extend numerous critical grant programs that provide essential care and resources to those with traumatic brain injuries. 

The legislation also renames the TBI Program to honor the late-Congressman Bill Pascrell who represented New Jerseyans in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 27 years and was a tireless advocate for such programs. 

“Brain injuries of any kind are scary enough to go through — we need to make sure people can always find care and resources when they need it most,” said Senator Kim. “It is a unique privilege to carry this legislation forward in the Senate and advocate for the TBI Program under the name of my friend, the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, who was a fierce champion on this critical issue for New Jersey and our country.” 

The Traumatic Brain Injury Act was first passed in 1996 and authorizes federal funding for programs related to:  

• Prevention, awareness, and education about TBI. 

• Monitoring of TBI incidents and prevalence of brain injuries to better inform our public health response to track incidence/prevalence. 

• Grants to states, including American Indian communities, for services and supports for individuals with TBIs. 

• New requirements for the CDC to identify populations at higher risk for TBIs along with causes and risk factors particular to these populations. 

• More tailored outreach, education, and prevention strategies for high-risk groups. 

The following grant programs would be reauthorized through 2030: 

• TBI State Partnership Grants ($7.3M) to help states increase access to rehabilitation and community services for individuals with a TBI. 

• TBI State Protection and Advocacy Systems Grants ($2.5M) to help states provide advocacy services for people with a TBI. 

• CDC TBI Program ($11.75M) to fund research aimed at preventing TBI and data collection on the prevalence of TBI 

The Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 is endorsed by the Brain Injury Association of America and was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Don Bacon (R-NE). 

“In 2020, my family’s life changed in an instant when our son Jim, who was 15 at the time, suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury while wrestling,”said Senator Mullin. “While he’s made an incredible recovery thanks to the experts at the Center for Neuro Skills in Bakersfield, California, and the grace of God, not all patients who suffer TBIs are so lucky. This reauthorization will ensure the millions of Americans who suffer traumatic brain injuries and those suffering from long-term disabilities because of the injury have the support and resources necessary to navigate recovery.” 

“Traumatic brain injuries typically occur in a moment of sudden impact, but worsening symptoms, neurological decline, and even fatal complications can arise in the days or weeks following,” said Senator Cornyn. “By reauthorizing critical grant programs, this legislation would equip employers, law enforcement, and high-risk individuals with the tools to better identify signs of a traumatic brain injury and when to seek medical attention.” 

“Millions of Americans face sudden traumatic brain injuries every year — we cannot afford to let these critical programs for high-risk individuals expire,” said Senator Padilla. “Our bipartisan bill would help make sure people suffering from these traumatic injuries have access to the help and medical support they need and deserve.” 

“With more than 2.5 million Americans getting a traumatic brain injury each year, it’s essential that Congress continue to authorize these critical grants that support TBI research and treatment,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “These injuries aren’t just the result of a concussion on a football field – police officers, victims of domestic violence, and so many others experience TBIs. I’ll continue to push to make sure the federal government stays serious about preventing, treating, and raising awareness about these injuries.” 

Full text of S. 2898, Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2025, can be found here. 

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