H.R.3906 - Medical Research for Our Troops Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3906, the "Medical Research for Our Troops Act," aims to amend the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, to restore funding for Defense Health Agency research, development, test, and evaluation, including Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. The bill seeks to increase the allocated amount for these activities and ensure that the funds are implemented consistently with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining program continuity and adhering to specified funding allocations and research priorities.
The bill specifically amends Section 1407(1) of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Public Law 119-4), by increasing the funding amount and ensuring that the funds are used to support all research programs, peer-reviewed initiatives, and projects identified in the explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47).
The Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the funds are used to support all research programs, peer-reviewed initiatives, and projects identified in the explanatory statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Public Law 118-47); and obligate and expend such funds in a manner that preserves program continuity, including adherence to all specified funding allocations and research priorities identified on pages 311 through 314 of such explanatory statement.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to restore and maintain funding for critical medical research programs within the Defense Health Agency. This would ensure the continuation of research and development efforts aimed at improving the health and well-being of military personnel.
By aligning the funding with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, the bill seeks to provide stability and predictability for ongoing research initiatives. This alignment ensures that research priorities and funding allocations are preserved, allowing for consistent progress in medical research relevant to the military.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Medical Research: Restoring funds will boost medical research programs, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating illnesses and injuries affecting military personnel.
- Improved Healthcare for Troops: The research outcomes can directly improve the quality of healthcare available to service members.
- Economic Stimulus: Increased funding for research can stimulate economic activity in the medical and scientific sectors, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
- Program Continuity: Ensuring adherence to specified funding allocations and research priorities maintains the momentum of ongoing projects.
- National Security: Advancements in military medicine can enhance the readiness and effectiveness of the armed forces.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Government Spending: Restoring the funds will increase government spending, potentially contributing to budget deficits if not offset by other savings.
- Potential for Misallocation: There is a risk that funds could be mismanaged or directed towards less effective research programs.
- Opportunity Cost: The funds allocated to this program could potentially be used for other pressing needs or priorities.
- Dependency on Congressional Directives: Over-reliance on Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs may reduce flexibility and responsiveness to emerging health threats.
- Administrative Burden: Implementing and overseeing these programs can create additional administrative burdens and costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" and "promote the general Welfare" as stated in the Preamble. Specifically, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The allocation of funds for medical research that benefits military personnel falls under this power.
Furthermore, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights. It focuses on appropriating funds for research, which is a legislative function.
However, the level of detail in congressional directives for specific research programs could raise questions about the separation of powers, as it potentially encroaches on the executive branch's authority to manage and implement programs. However, as long as the directives are within the scope of the law, it is likely constitutional.
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).