H.R. 6490: To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to provide certain members of the Armed Forces with timely and relevant information via text message, and for other purposes.

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to set up a pilot program aimed at delivering timely and relevant information via text message to certain members of the Armed Forces and their adult dependents. The program, referred to as the "Push-Text Initiative," will specifically target military personnel stationed at Marine Corps Installations Pacific in Okinawa, Japan, along with their adult family members.

Program Establishment

The Secretary of Defense is required to establish this pilot program within one year after the enactment of the bill. The main goal is to keep participants informed by sending them critical updates and information through text messaging.

Implementation Details

The implementation of this pilot program includes the following key points:

• All eligible members of the Armed Forces and their dependents will be automatically enrolled using their provided text contact information.
• Recipients will have the option to opt out of receiving messages from the program at any time.

Types of Information Covered

The text messages sent under this pilot program will provide information in several areas, including:

• Military spouse employment opportunities, career counseling, and related support programs.
• Updates on childcare services available both on the military installation and in the local community, including fee assistance programs.
• Information regarding TRICARE program benefits, related enrollment deadlines, and health-related resources.
• Notifications about changes in Department of Defense policies, regulations, or federal laws that impact members or their dependents.
• Any additional information considered relevant to the well-being of the members and their dependents.

Reporting Requirements

By October 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense must provide a report to the Committees on Armed Services in both the Senate and House of Representatives. The report will include:

• A description of the implementation of the pilot program, including the timeline, execution plan, and management details.
• Data regarding participation and usage, such as the number of individuals enrolled, the opt-out rate, and the frequency and types of messages sent.
• Any observed benefits or participant feedback related to the program.
• An analysis of the costs associated with the program, including any savings from consolidating other outreach efforts.
• Recommendations on the potential for expanding the pilot program to the entire Department of Defense, including an assessment of costs, resource needs, and expected benefits.

Duration and Evaluation

The pilot program is expected to provide valuable insights that may inform future decisions regarding communication methods for members of the Armed Forces and their families.

Relevant Companies

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