Preventing Stomach Cancer in Our Nation’s Heroes Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9531
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-06T13:38:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation directs the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility of testing members of the U.S. Armed Forces for helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium linked to stomach issues, during their transition out of military service. The goal is to explore ways to identify and address this infection as service members move to civilian life.
Key Provisions
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report within 180 days of the bill's enactment to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.
- The report must include a plan, cost estimate, and feasibility study for H. pylori testing.
- The cost estimate must cover a program using breath-based and stool-based testing methods.
- The Secretary may consult physician experts, such as gastroenterologists, for input on H. pylori, related gastrointestinal conditions, and screening methods.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no amendments to current statutes. It adds a one-time reporting requirement focused on potential new testing procedures for service members.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Department of Defense would need to allocate resources to prepare the report, including research and possible expert consultations.
- Citizens: Current service members could benefit from future testing if implemented, potentially aiding early detection of stomach-related health issues before leaving the military.
- International relations: No effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The Department of Defense and its health programs.
- Members of the Armed Forces transitioning to civilian status.
- Medical specialists in gastroenterology who may provide input.
- Congressional committees overseeing military affairs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure raises no apparent constitutional issues and operates within standard congressional oversight of defense matters. It reflects a focus on preventive health measures for military personnel without altering rights or creating new mandates beyond the required study.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-29: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Preventing Stomach Cancer in Our Nation’s Heroes Act — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (2 pages)