To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 1669
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-18: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 331.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-02T19:28:04Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (H.R. 1669) aims to extend the authorization of the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program (SOAR). SOAR is a federal initiative that trains health care professionals and human service providers to recognize signs of human trafficking and other health risks in vulnerable individuals, enabling them to provide appropriate support and referrals.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 1254(h) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300d-54(h)).
- Updates the program's funding authorization period.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Changes the authorized fiscal years for SOAR funding from 2020 through 2024 to 2026 through 2030.
- This is a straightforward extension, preventing the program from lapsing after 2024 and providing five additional years of support without altering the program's structure, goals, or operations.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which administers SOAR, will continue receiving dedicated authorization for grants and training activities, ensuring ongoing program stability and resource allocation.
- On Citizens: Enhances access to trained professionals who can identify and assist victims of human trafficking or those facing health and wellness challenges, potentially improving early intervention and support services for at-risk populations, such as survivors of exploitation.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though SOAR's focus on human trafficking aligns with U.S. efforts in global anti-trafficking initiatives, indirectly supporting international cooperation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Health Care and Human Service Providers: Primary beneficiaries, as they receive free training to better serve vulnerable patients.
- Victims and At-Risk Individuals: Indirectly supported through improved detection and response by trained professionals.
- Non-Profit Organizations and Educational Institutions: Eligible for grants to deliver SOAR training programs.
- Federal Government (HHS): Responsible for oversight and funding distribution.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: This reauthorization maintains the program's compliance with existing public health statutes without introducing new requirements or controversies; it simply extends statutory authority to avoid a funding gap.
- Constitutional: No significant implications, as it operates within Congress's enumerated powers to regulate public health and welfare under the Commerce Clause.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by Rep. Cohen with co-sponsor Rep. Carter of Georgia) for anti-human trafficking efforts, potentially signaling continued congressional priority on victim services amid ongoing national discussions on public health and social issues. No major partisan divides or challenges anticipated.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-18: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 331.
- 2025-11-18: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-381.
- 2025-11-18: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-381.
- 2025-04-29: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-04-29: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-02-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program. — issued 2025-02-27 — PDF (1 pages)
- To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program. — issued 2025-11-18 — PDF (4 pages)