Supporting Troops’ Access to Recognition Services Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5989
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-25T18:59:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Supporting Troops' Access to Recognition Services Act" (STARS Act) aims to improve access to identification and eligibility services for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families by requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to maintain facilities near major urban areas. This ensures that military personnel and dependents can more conveniently obtain necessary identification cards and verify eligibility for benefits.
Key Provisions
- Facility Location Requirement: The Secretary of Defense must ensure that at least one "covered identification and eligibility facility" is located within 30 miles of every metropolitan statistical area (MSA)—a geographic area defined by the Office of Management and Budget that includes a city and surrounding communities—with a population of 300,000 or more, based on the latest U.S. Census estimates.
- Operational Standards: Each such facility must be open and staffed by at least one qualified person (trained to assist with identification services) for a minimum of two days per week during standard business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).
- Services Provided: Facilities must handle "covered identification matters," which include enrollment and updates in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)—a database for verifying eligibility for military benefits—and the Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS)—a system for issuing military ID cards—or any future replacement systems.
- Definitions: A "covered facility" is any physical site equipped to provide these services to service members and their eligible dependents (such as spouses or children entitled to benefits).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Chapter 50 of Title 10 of the United States Code (which covers general military administration) by adding a new section (Sec. 996). Previously, there was no statutory mandate for DoD to locate or operate these specific identification facilities near large urban areas or to guarantee minimum staffing and hours. This introduces a nationwide, location-based requirement to standardize and expand access, shifting from potentially decentralized or ad-hoc operations to a more structured framework.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD will need to assess current facility locations, potentially open new sites, or relocate existing ones to comply with the 30-mile radius rule. This could increase operational costs for staffing, maintenance, and real estate, though the bill does not specify funding sources. Other agencies, like the Census Bureau or Office of Management and Budget, may indirectly support by providing population data updates.
- On Citizens: Military members and their families living near or in large cities (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) will benefit from reduced travel time to obtain or renew IDs, which are essential for accessing healthcare, commissary privileges, and other benefits. This could minimize disruptions for urban-dwelling service members, who make up a significant portion of the 1.3 million active-duty personnel.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic military support services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense and Military Personnel: The Secretary of Defense and DoD agencies responsible for personnel systems (e.g., DEERS and RAPIDS operators) bear the primary implementation burden. Active-duty service members (about 1.3 million) and their eligible dependents (roughly 2 million family members) are the direct beneficiaries.
- Urban Communities: Residents and local governments in MSAs with 300,000+ people may see indirect benefits through easier integration of military families into local services, potentially boosting local economies near new or expanded facilities.
- Veterans and Retirees: While focused on active-duty, the systems (DEERS/RAPIDS) also serve some retirees, so they could gain improved access if facilities expand services.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: The bill creates enforceable requirements under federal law, potentially leading to oversight by Congress (e.g., via the House Armed Services Committee) or lawsuits if DoD fails to comply. It relies on existing systems like DEERS and RAPIDS, avoiding the need for new technology but requiring DoD to adapt to successors, which could involve regulatory updates.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's Article I powers to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces," as it regulates military administrative support without infringing on individual rights or state authority. No apparent conflicts with due process or equal protection, as it targets a specific group (military families) for benefit access.
- Political Implications: Introduced by bipartisan sponsors (Reps. Wied and Tiffany), it addresses practical military quality-of-life issues in urban areas, where many service members are stationed or live off-base. It could set a precedent for future mandates on DoD facility placements, emphasizing equity in service delivery amid growing urban military populations, but may spark debates over federal spending without dedicated appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting Troops’ Access to Recognition Services Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (3 pages)