Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8115
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-27T14:33:12Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2026 (H.R. 8115) modifies the existing Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its main goal is to expand research and data-sharing efforts focused on brain and mental health conditions in veterans, particularly repetitive low-level blast exposure (repeated exposure to low-intensity explosions from military training or combat) and dementia.
Key Provisions
- Expanded Scope: Updates the initiative to include research on repetitive low-level blast exposure, dementia, and other brain/mental health issues (previously focused mainly on mental health).
- VA-DoD Data-Sharing Partnership:
- Requires VA and Department of Defense (DoD) Secretaries to create a partnership within one year, storing data on an open platform.
- DoD data includes records from the Armed Forces, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium.
- Biennial reports to congressional Veterans' Affairs Committees on new therapies, partnership evaluation, and recommendations.
- Specific Research on Blast Injuries (new subsection f):
- Big-data analysis of effective interventions, categorized by high-risk military jobs and units.
- At least two large-scale studies testing proven interventions.
- Translational research (studies bridging lab findings to real-world treatments) on growth hormone therapy for cognitive function, quality of life, and brain health.
- At least four quality improvement studies on diagnosis and care.
- National Academies Involvement (new subsection g): VA must contract within 60 days for biomarker validation (biological markers of brain/mental health issues) and biennial reports to Congress.
- Assessment and Reporting (new subsections h and i):
- VA assessment of all ongoing/planned translational studies, with a report to Congress within 60 days.
- Biennial reports on the initiative, including recommendations for administrative or legislative improvements.
- Funding (new subsection j): Authorizes $5 million annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 305 of the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 by broadening the initiative's focus beyond mental health.
- Adds mandatory VA-DoD data sharing, specific blast injury research mandates, National Academies collaboration, enhanced reporting, and new funding authorization (no prior funding specified in the original law).
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases workload and coordination for VA (research, reports, contracting) and DoD (data provision); requires $5 million/year VA funding, potentially improving veteran care protocols.
- Citizens (Veterans): Better diagnosis, treatments, and interventions for brain injuries from blasts and dementia, especially for those in high-risk military roles like special operations.
- No notable international relations impacts.
Main Stakeholders
- Veterans: Primary beneficiaries, particularly those with blast-related brain injuries or dementia.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Leads research, data platform, reports, and National Academies contract.
- Department of Defense (DoD): Provides military data; affected units include Armed Forces and Special Operations Command.
- Congress: Receives regular reports (Veterans' Affairs Committees).
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Conducts biomarker validation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes enforceable timelines (e.g., 60 days for contracts/assessments, 1 year for data partnership) and reporting duties; authorizes appropriations but requires separate funding bills.
- Constitutional: None identified; aligns with Congress's spending and oversight powers for veterans' benefits.
- Political: Enhances accountability through biennial reports and recommendations; emphasizes inter-agency collaboration on veteran health, a priority issue.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-26: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-26: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2026 — issued 2026-03-26 — PDF (7 pages)