Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1669 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R.1669 proposes to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program. This program aims to improve public health by training individuals to recognize and respond to health and wellness concerns. The bill seeks to extend the program's authorization from fiscal years 2020-2024 to fiscal years 2026-2030.

Expected Effects

If enacted, H.R.1669 would ensure the continuation of the SOAR program for an additional five years. This would allow for continued training and resources to be available for public health initiatives. The program's reauthorization could lead to improved community health outcomes through increased awareness and intervention.

Potential Benefits

  • Continued funding for a program designed to improve public health awareness.
  • Potential for earlier identification and response to health issues in communities.
  • Support for training initiatives that empower individuals to act as health advocates.
  • Reinforcement of public health infrastructure and preparedness.
  • May lead to reduced healthcare costs in the long term through preventative measures.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for inefficient use of funds if the program is not effectively managed.
  • Possible duplication of efforts with existing public health programs.
  • Limited scope; the program may not address all public health challenges.
  • Dependence on continued federal funding, which may be subject to future budget cuts.
  • The bill itself provides no details on how the program will be evaluated for effectiveness.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to promote public health. Specifically, the preamble states that one purpose of the Constitution is to "promote the general Welfare". The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States through funding and regulation related to public health initiatives.

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).