HR-6586 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 6586, titled "To authorize the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to assess the efficacy of providing junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces a monthly coupon for use in procuring food at commissaries," addresses concerns about food access for military personnel.

The bill establishes a Sense of Congress acknowledging that military members and their families, especially unaccompanied junior enlisted members living on installations, face challenges in accessing affordable and healthy food. It calls for the Department of Defense to explore solutions to expand food accessibility.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Pilot Program Authorization: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of providing monthly coupons to junior enlisted members for purchasing food at commissaries.
• Installation Selection: The program will be conducted at two military installations, considering factors such as:
  • A large number of unaccompanied enlisted members.
  • Unaccompanied housing with functioning kitchens.
  • Commissaries offering nutritious and ready-made food options.
  • Low dining facility attendance or satisfaction rates.
  • Commissary accessibility from unaccompanied housing.
• Coupon Details:
  • The Secretary will determine the coupon amount.
  • Coupons may only be used for food purchases at commissaries.
  • Prohibited uses include alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and certain deposit fees.
  • These coupons are intended to supplement, not replace, existing food assistance like the Basic Allowance for Subsistence.
• Duration and Reporting: The pilot program will run for no longer than one year. Following its conclusion, the Secretary of Defense must submit a report to Congress detailing the program's results. This report will assess coupon usage, member satisfaction, the impact on commissary and dining facility use, and the program's efficacy in reducing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food options for junior enlisted members.