Defense Health Agency Prevention Services Enhancement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6384
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-06T19:39:43Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Defense Health Agency Prevention Services Enhancement Act," aims to evaluate and improve the delivery of prevention services on U.S. military installations by requiring a congressional briefing on the potential consolidation of these services into centralized facilities. This could enhance efficiency and accessibility for military personnel and their families.
Key Provisions
- Briefing Requirement: Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, must provide a briefing to the House Armed Services Committee.
- Scope of Briefing: The briefing focuses on military installations in the United States (defined under 10 U.S.C. § 2801 as any base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport, or other activity under Department of Defense jurisdiction).
- Content of the Briefing:
- An assessment of whether consolidating "covered prevention services" into a single facility per installation is feasible and advisable.
- A cost estimate for implementing such consolidations.
- An evaluation of each military department's past or ongoing efforts to consolidate these services, including successes and lessons learned.
- Definition of Covered Prevention Services: These include programs offered by the Department of Defense or military departments to active-duty members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. Services focus on preventing sexual assault, suicide, harassment, domestic violence, and other related community-based prevention efforts (e.g., counseling, education, or support programs).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for a one-time briefing, which does not directly amend or repeal existing laws. It builds on current Department of Defense responsibilities for prevention services but adds congressional oversight through required reporting, potentially influencing future policy without immediate operational changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense and military departments may need to allocate resources for the briefing preparation and could face pressure to pursue consolidations if the assessment recommends it, potentially streamlining operations but requiring upfront costs.
- On Citizens (Military Personnel and Families): Consolidation could improve access to prevention services by centralizing support on bases, making it easier for service members and dependents to seek help for sensitive issues like assault or mental health. However, it might disrupt existing decentralized services during any transition.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill applies only to U.S.-based installations and focuses on domestic military health services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense and Military Departments: Responsible for conducting the assessment and briefing; may implement changes based on findings.
- House Armed Services Committee: Receives the briefing and could use it to shape future legislation or oversight.
- Military Members and Dependents: Primary beneficiaries of the prevention services, potentially gaining better-coordinated support.
- Defense Health Agency (implied): As the bill's title suggests enhancement of its role, it could oversee or benefit from any service consolidations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces Congress's constitutional authority (under Article I, Section 8) to oversee military funding and operations by mandating transparency on prevention services, which are critical for troop readiness and welfare.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the separation of powers by requiring executive branch reporting to the legislative branch without infringing on operational independence.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan interest in military family support and mental health, potentially leading to broader reforms in defense health policy. The 180-day deadline ensures timely action but limits immediate enforcement, making it more of an informational tool than a binding operational directive.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [D-CA-31]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-03: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-12-03: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-03: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Defense Health Agency Prevention Services Enhancement Act — issued 2025-12-03 — PDF (3 pages)