BEACON Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6993
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-16T08:07:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish two grant programs aimed at funding research and development of neurorehabilitation treatments for chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in veterans. The programs emphasize patient-centered, non-pharmacological approaches through prospective randomized control trials, with goals of improving mental health outcomes, reducing suicidality, and addressing long-term effects of mTBI.
Key Provisions Outlined
- TBI Innovation Grant Program (Section 2): Awards grants (up to $5,000,000 per fiscal year per entity) to nonprofits, academic institutions, non-VA health providers, or other approved entities for designing, testing, and evaluating treatments; conducting clinical studies on mental health and suicide risk reduction; providing clinician training and veteran outreach; and forming partnerships with VA facilities and community groups.
- Third-Party Research Grant Program (Section 3): Awards annual grants (four exploratory/pilot grants up to $625,000 each and five collaborative grants up to $1,500,000 each) for studies on TBI treatments, administered by an independent third-party organization similar to the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. It requires randomized controlled trials, data analysis, best practices identification, and a comprehensive report to Congress.
- Funding: Up to $30,000,000 total for the first program and $10,000,000 annually for the second, available for fiscal years 2026–2028.
- Administration: Requires applications, annual reports from grantees, oversight, and alignment with the Staff Sergeant Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.
- Duration: Both programs run for three years, with annual reviews and termination thereafter.
- Regulations: The Secretary must issue rules within 180 days of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced The bill creates new grant authorities and programs under the Department of Veterans Affairs, using existing mental health care funds and the operating budget of the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. It does not amend prior statutes but establishes pilot mechanisms for external research on mTBI treatments outside traditional VA pathways.
Potential Impacts on Government Agencies, Citizens, or International Relations
- Government Agencies: Increases VA administrative responsibilities for grant oversight, evaluation, and coordination with suicide prevention efforts; may require additional resources for program management.
- Citizens: Aims to expand access to innovative mTBI treatments for veterans, potentially improving mental health outcomes and reducing suicide risks through new evidence-based options.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans with chronic mTBI and their families.
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (including its mental health and research components).
- Eligible grant recipients such as academic institutions, nonprofits, and non-VA health providers.
- Congress (through required reports and funding authorizations).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation operates within Congress's authority to fund and direct executive agency programs for veteran health care. It promotes external, independent research while maintaining VA oversight, with no apparent constitutional concerns. Politically, it highlights bipartisan support for veteran TBI care and suicide prevention integration.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (13)
Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Del. King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [R-MP-At Large], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Luttrell, Morgan [R-TX-8], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Sewell, Terri A. [D-AL-7], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Olszewski, Johnny [D-MD-2], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 10.
- 2026-05-14: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-04-16: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 7 - 5.
- 2026-04-16: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-22: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2026-01-09: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2026-01-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Veterans TBI Breakthrough Exploration of Adaptive Care Opportunities Nationwide Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-09 — PDF (12 pages)