To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program for partnerships between covered basic needs banks and military installations to provide diapers and diapering supplies to military families, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6138
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-09T08:06:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 6138) aims to help military families by creating a temporary test program (pilot program) that connects nonprofit organizations specializing in free diaper distribution with military bases. The goal is to make diapers and related supplies more accessible to families in need, addressing a basic necessity often overlooked in military support.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Pilot Program: The Secretary of Defense must create partnerships between "covered basic needs banks" (defined below) and military installations to distribute diapers and diapering supplies at no cost to eligible military families.
- Partnership with National Diaper Bank Network: The Secretary must work to form an agreement with this national nonprofit group. They would provide expert guidance (technical assistance) to the participating banks and assess how well the pilot program works.
- Definition of Covered Basic Needs Bank: These are qualified nonprofits that:
- Distribute diapers, diapering supplies, or other essential items for free, either directly or through partners.
- Are members of the National Diaper Bank Network (a coalition of organizations focused on diaper access).
- Have been distributing diapers for at least five years.
The bill does not specify the program's duration, locations, or funding, leaving those details to the Secretary's discretion.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces a new pilot program under the Department of Defense (DoD), with no direct amendments to prior laws. It builds on existing military family support programs but adds a specific focus on diaper access through nonprofit partnerships, which was not previously mandated.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD will need to allocate resources for setup, coordination, and evaluation, potentially involving administrative time at military bases. This could encourage similar collaborations in future family support initiatives.
- On Citizens: Military families, especially those with young children facing financial strain, may gain easier access to free diapers, reducing household costs (diapers can be expensive, often $70–$100 monthly per child). It targets "families in need," though eligibility criteria are not detailed.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the program is domestic and focused on U.S. military personnel.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Military Families: Primary beneficiaries, particularly lower-income households at bases.
- Department of Defense and Military Installations: Responsible for implementation and partnerships.
- Covered Basic Needs Banks and National Diaper Bank Network: Nonprofits that will distribute supplies and provide expertise, potentially expanding their reach.
- Congress: The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, indicating support from lawmakers focused on military welfare.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is straightforward and aligns with Congress's authority to direct executive agencies like the DoD on military support (under Article I of the Constitution). It imposes no new burdens on private entities beyond voluntary partnerships.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it promotes general welfare for service members' families without infringing on rights.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan concern for military family retention and morale, as diaper insecurity can contribute to financial stress affecting service members' focus. If enacted, success could lead to permanent programs or broader basic needs support, influencing future defense budgets. The 2025 introduction date suggests it's an early-stage proposal in the 119th Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Foushee, Valerie P. [D-NC-4]
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Bishop, Sanford D. [D-GA-2], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Grijalva, Adelita S. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-19: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program for partnerships between covered basic needs banks and military installations to provide diapers and diapering supplies to military families, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-11-19 — PDF (2 pages)