To require the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive wastewater surveillance system at certain installations of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.
Summary
The bill, S. 3162, mandates the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program for wastewater surveillance at Department of Defense installations. This program aims to improve the detection and analysis of covered drug use and identify infectious disease prevalence among service members. The pilot program will run for two years and include a report to congressional defense committees.
Expected Effects
The bill's implementation will lead to the establishment of wastewater surveillance systems at selected military installations. This could result in better monitoring of drug use and infectious diseases. The data collected could inform policy changes and interventions to enhance force health protection and readiness.
Potential Benefits
- Improved monitoring of drug use among service members.
- Early detection and tracking of infectious diseases.
- Data-driven policy changes to improve force health protection.
- Enhanced readiness of military personnel through proactive health measures.
- Potential cost savings through early intervention and prevention.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential privacy concerns related to wastewater surveillance.
- Risk of inaccurate data interpretation leading to misguided policies.
- Financial costs associated with implementing and maintaining the surveillance systems.
- Possible resistance from service members concerned about privacy.
- Limited scope of the pilot program may not provide generalizable results.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). By aiming to improve the health and readiness of military personnel, the bill supports national security interests. The program should be implemented with due consideration for individual rights, particularly regarding privacy, to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment.
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).