Bell, Ansari Introduce Healthy Servicemembers Act to Protect Military Families from Unsafe Housing

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.) introduced the Healthy Servicemembers Act, which directs the Secretary of Defense to screen and register service members and their families who develop medical conditions resulting from living in unsafe military housing.

The bill requires military treatment facilities to screen eligible individuals for health conditions linked to substandard housing, establish a registry to track affected individuals and related health issues, and launch a public information campaign to raise awareness about the registry and available resources.

“Too many military families have had their health put on the line because of unsafe housing. That’s unacceptable,” said Congressman Wesley Bell. “If you serve this country, you ought to know your home is safe and that if problems do arise, they’ll be taken seriously." This bill makes sure the Department of Defense steps up and takes responsibility for the people who sacrifice for us every day.

“Our servicemembers sacrifice so much to keep our nation safe and the last thing that they should ever struggle with is unsafe military housing that puts their literal health at risk. Our bill would help ensure a quicker response to health problems caused by unsafe housing, raise awareness, and make sure servicemembers and their families get the protections they deserve.” said Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari. 

Read the full text of the bill here.
 

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