H.R. 6138: To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program for partnerships between… (119th Congress) Bill Summary

This bill, known as H.R. 6138, aims to establish a pilot program directed by the Secretary of Defense to improve access to diapers and diapering supplies for military families in need. Here is a breakdown of key elements of the bill:

Pilot Program Establishment

The Secretary of Defense is required to set up a pilot program that will create partnerships between military installations and specific organizations known as basic needs banks. The purpose of these partnerships is to provide military families with access to diapers and essential diapering supplies at no cost.

Collaboration with the National Diaper Bank Network

As part of implementing this pilot program, the Secretary of Defense will work towards forming an agreement with the National Diaper Bank Network. This collaboration will involve the Network providing technical assistance to the selected basic needs banks. Additionally, the Network will evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program to assess its impacts and outcomes for military families.

Definition of Covered Basic Needs Bank

The bill specifies what constitutes a "covered basic needs bank." To qualify as such an organization, it must meet the following criteria:

Be a nonprofit entity.
Distribute diapers and diapering supplies, or other essential basic necessities, to families either directly or through partnerships at no charge to those families.
Be a member of the National Diaper Bank Network.
Have engaged in the distribution of diapers for at least five years.

Purpose and Impact

The overall goal of this bill is to ensure that military families, particularly those facing economic hardship, have access to necessary diapering supplies. This access is meant to alleviate financial stress and improve the quality of life for service members and their families.