Improving Research Into Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury & Post-Traumatic Stress (H.R. 5528)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 5528?
(Updated December 5, 2020)
This bill — known as the SWORDD Act — would direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for improving research into treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). The plan would include the collaboration of the Defense Health Agency, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, major universities, and private firms on ways to accelerate breakthrough therapies in the treatment of TBI and PTS. Additionally, it would include recommendations for executive or legislative actions needed to carry out the plan.
The bill’s full title is the Speed Warrior Outcomes, Research, Detection and Diagnosis (SWORDD) Act of 2018 — an acknowledgment that TBI represent 22% of all combat casualties from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan compared to 12% of combat casualties in Vietnam.
Argument in favor
This bill would accelerate the development of innovative treatments for traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress, which in turn will improve the lives of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans.
Argument opposed
While there should be more research into treatments for traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress it’s unlikely that this interagency, public-private plan will help much.
Impact
Servicemembers and veterans with TBI or PTS; relevant government agencies, universities, and companies.
Cost of H.R. 5528
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced this bill to develop an action plan for accelerating research into innovative therapies for TBI and PTS patients:
“This legislation is about accountability for results. Our service members and veterans deserve the same urgency for rapid delivery of innovative diagnosis and treatment for PTS and TBI that we give to new weapons and other breakthrough military technologies.”
This legislation has the support of four bipartisan cosponsors, including three Democrats and one Republican.
Media:
Summary by Eric Revell
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army - Sgt. Paige Behringer / Public Domain)The Latest
-
IT: 🛢️ New Vermont measure could charge Big Oil for climate damages, and... Do you think Trump is guilty?Welcome to Friday, May 10th, friends... Vermont could be one of the first states to hold Big Oil accountable for the damages read more...
-
Stormy Daniels Takes the Stand in Trump Hush Money TrialUpdated May 9, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST Adult film star Stormy Daniels, also known as Stephanie Clifford, spent two days on the stand read more... Law Enforcement
-
Vermont Measure to Charge Big Oil for Climate DamagesWhat’s the story? Vermont is expected to become one of the first states to hold Big Oil accountable for the damages caused by read more... Environment
-
IT: Trump's 2016 'deny, deny, deny' campaign strategy, and... How can you help the civilians of Ukraine?Welcome to Wednesday, May 8th, weekenders... As Trump's hush money trial enters it's third week, the 2016 campaign strategy of read more...