To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to facilitate the development of certain traumatic brain injury diagnostics for members of the Armed Forces.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6823
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-23T08:07:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, H.R. 6823, aims to improve the diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI)—a condition caused by a blow or jolt to the head that can disrupt normal brain function—among members of the U.S. Armed Forces, particularly during operational deployments like combat. It directs the Secretary of Defense to create a pilot program to support the research, development, and testing of new diagnostic tools to enhance early detection, treatment, and military readiness.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Pilot Program: Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary of Defense, through the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, must launch a four-year pilot program named the "Warfighter Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnostics Project." The program runs until September 30, 2029.
- Core Objectives:
- Evaluate the feasibility of funding and supporting organizations working on "covered diagnostic technologies" (devices that help clinicians diagnose TBI, such as portable tools for field use).
- Test these technologies for their ability to:
- Differentiate mild TBI (less severe, often with temporary symptoms) from moderate or severe cases.
- Integrate with existing diagnostics, like brain scans (e.g., CT or MRI), blood tests, eye-tracking systems, or environmental sensors.
- Combine with monitoring for other health issues to boost survival and long-term outcomes.
- Enhance overall military readiness by improving brain health.
- Reduce the growing healthcare burden of TBI through better acute (immediate) assessment.
- Promote research, development, testing, production, and manufacturing improvements for these technologies, including transitioning prototypes to full production.
- Activities:
- Conduct studies involving DoD trauma experts, emergency medical technicians, service members with TBI, and technology specialists.
- Encourage participation from military medical facilities, Special Operations Command units, civilian top-tier trauma centers (level one facilities equipped for severe injuries), and other relevant groups through incentives.
- Grants:
- Awards to "eligible entities" (U.S.-based organizations or their subsidiaries involved in research or production) to validate, prototype, or adapt technologies; address manufacturing issues; supply devices for military testing; or partner with innovative non-defense companies.
- Priority for entities with proven experience in TBI diagnostics, national defense tech production, or modular (adaptable) technologies.
- Reporting and Funding:
- A report to congressional defense committees (House and Senate Armed Services Committees) within 90 days of program end, including results, procurement recommendations, and legislative suggestions.
- Authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new pilot program without directly amending prior laws. It builds on existing DoD authorities for health research (e.g., under Title 10 of the U.S. Code) by creating a targeted initiative for TBI diagnostics, potentially expanding procurement options beyond current screening tools used at injury sites.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Defense (DoD) will gain new tools for TBI management, potentially streamlining care pathways and reducing long-term medical costs. It may lead to procurement of advanced diagnostics, affecting budgeting and operations in military health facilities.
- Citizens (Armed Forces Members): Service members, especially in combat zones, could benefit from faster, more accurate TBI diagnoses, leading to better treatment, reduced recovery time, and improved quality of life. Veterans may see indirect long-term gains through enhanced military health protocols.
- International Relations: No direct impacts; the focus is domestic military health innovation, though improved readiness could indirectly support U.S. defense posture abroad.
- Broader Effects: Could alleviate the increasing strain on military healthcare systems from TBI cases, estimated to affect hundreds of thousands of service members since 2000.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense and Military Personnel: Primary implementers and beneficiaries, including health officials, medics, and troops exposed to TBI risks.
- Eligible Entities: Research organizations, tech firms, and nontraditional contractors (companies outside typical defense suppliers) that develop or produce diagnostics.
- Congressional Defense Committees: Oversee reporting and funding decisions.
- Medical Experts and Facilities: DoD clinicians, emergency responders, Special Operations units, and civilian trauma centers involved in studies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides clear authorization for grants and activities under existing DoD procurement rules, with definitions to ensure compliance (e.g., "eligible entity" limited to U.S. organizations). The program's termination date prevents indefinite funding without reauthorization.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to fund and regulate the military (Article I, Section 8), posing no apparent challenges to separation of powers or individual rights.
- Political: Supports bipartisan interest in military health (introduced by representatives from both parties), potentially advancing innovation in defense tech. The required report could influence future legislation, such as expanded funding or integration mandates, highlighting TBI as a national security priority without partisan controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-17: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to facilitate the development of certain traumatic brain injury diagnostics for members of the Armed Forces. — issued 2025-12-17 — PDF (8 pages)