Healthy Servicemembers Act
Summary
The Healthy Servicemembers Act aims to amend Title 10 of the United States Code, directing the Secretary of Defense to screen and register individuals with health conditions resulting from unsafe military housing. This includes establishing a registry for eligible individuals (members of the Armed Forces and their families) who have resided in unsafe housing units and suffer from related medical conditions. The Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to consult with scientific agencies to determine covered conditions and develop a public information campaign to inform eligible individuals about the registry.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to the creation of a screening process and registry within the Department of Defense for health conditions linked to unsafe housing for servicemembers and their families. This will likely increase awareness and tracking of such health issues. The public information campaign should inform eligible individuals about the registry and its benefits.
Potential Benefits
- Improved tracking and understanding of health issues related to unsafe military housing.
- Increased awareness among servicemembers and their families about potential health risks.
- Potential for better medical care and support for those affected.
- Data collection that could inform future housing policies and standards.
- Demonstrates a commitment to the health and well-being of military personnel and their families.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden and costs associated with establishing and maintaining the registry.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the need for consultation with scientific agencies.
- Risk of underreporting if the public information campaign is not effective.
- Defining 'covered conditions' and 'unsafe housing units' may be challenging and lead to disputes.
- The Act does not directly address the root causes of unsafe housing, only the health consequences.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of members of the Armed Forces and their families. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare". Congress has the power to raise and support armies, as outlined in Article I, Section 8, and this Act can be seen as a measure to support the health of those serving in the military. There are no apparent conflicts with individual liberties or rights outlined in the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).