To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to provide certain members of the Armed Forces with timely and relevant information via text message, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.R. 6490

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-12-05: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Last Updated

2026-01-22T09:06:26Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

This bill, H.R. 6490, directs the Secretary of Defense to create a pilot program called the "Push-Text Initiative" to deliver timely and useful information through text messages to specific U.S. military personnel and their families stationed overseas. The goal is to improve access to important updates and resources that support their daily lives and well-being.

Key Provisions

• Establishment and Timeline: The Secretary of Defense must launch the pilot program within one year of the bill's enactment. It targets members of the Armed Forces assigned to Marine Corps Installations Pacific in Okinawa, Japan, and their adult dependents (family members over 18).
• Enrollment and Opt-Out: All eligible individuals will be automatically signed up using contact information they have already provided to the military. Participants can choose to stop receiving messages at any time.
• Content of Messages: Texts will cover practical topics, including:
• Job opportunities, career advice, and support for military spouses.
• Updates on childcare options (on or off base), availability, and fee assistance programs.
• Details about TRICARE (the military's health insurance program), such as benefits, enrollment deadlines, and health resources.
• Alerts about changes in Department of Defense rules, regulations, or federal laws affecting service members and families.
• Other information the Secretary deems helpful for well-being.
• Reporting Requirement: By October 1, 2027, the Secretary must submit a report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. The report will detail:
• How the program was set up, including timelines, plans, and the person in charge.
• Participation stats, like enrollment numbers, opt-out rates, and message types/frequency.
• Benefits observed, including participant feedback.
• Costs, any savings from reducing other outreach methods, and efficiencies.
• Recommendations on whether to continue, expand to all of the Department of Defense, or modify the program, plus estimated costs and benefits.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This legislation introduces a new pilot program with no direct amendments to prior laws. It creates a structured way to use text messaging for military communications, which may streamline outreach but does not alter existing statutes on military support, health benefits, or family services.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense will need to allocate resources for setup, messaging, and reporting, potentially leading to cost savings by replacing less efficient communication methods. It could set a precedent for broader digital outreach across the military.
• On Citizens (Service Members and Families): Military personnel and dependents in Okinawa may gain quicker access to essential information, reducing barriers to services like jobs, childcare, and healthcare. This could improve quality of life, especially in an overseas location.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though the program focuses on U.S. forces in Japan, potentially enhancing coordination with host nation support without affecting broader diplomatic ties.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Department of Defense and Secretary of Defense: Responsible for implementation, management, and evaluation.
• Armed Forces Members: Primarily U.S. Marines stationed at Marine Corps Installations Pacific in Okinawa, Japan.
• Dependents: Adult family members of these service members who rely on military resources.
• Congress: The Senate and House Armed Services Committees, which will receive the report and influence future expansions.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The automatic enrollment raises potential privacy concerns under laws like the Privacy Act (which protects personal data), but the opt-out option helps address consent issues. No new enforcement mechanisms are added, relying on existing Department of Defense authority.
• Constitutional: No apparent conflicts with free speech, due process, or other rights, as participation is voluntary via opt-out.
• Political: Supports military family welfare, a bipartisan priority (introduced by members from both parties). Success could lead to wider adoption, influencing defense budgets and digital policy in the military.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6]

Cosponsors (8)

Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-05: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
• 2025-12-05: Introduced in House
• 2025-12-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to provide certain members of the Armed Forces with timely and relevant information via text message, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-12-05 — PDF (4 pages)