Docket HopperPart I · Bills · 119th H.R. 1978
H.R. 1978 · 119th CongressArmed Forces and National Security

H.R. 1978 has not moved since its introduction on Mar 10, 2025, with one cosponsor, a Democrat

To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

Sponsored by Buchanan, Vern R-FL · 1 cosponsor: 1 Democrat, 0 Republicans
IntroducedMar 10, 2025
Reported—
Passed one chamber—
Passed both—
Law—
What it changes · CRS summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service [2]. 166 words.

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a strategy to align its obesity-related programs with the classification of obesity as a medically accepted disease. Additionally, DOD must conduct an educational campaign to promote awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity as a disease in the Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force). The bill also requires DOD to include information regarding unmet weight standards in any reports it submits to Congress regarding disqualifications for enlistment in, disabilities incurred in, or medical discharges from the Armed Forces. DOD must submit a report to Congress on the effects of obesity on the readiness of the Armed Forces, including legislative recommendations to address such effects. The Defense Health Agency within DOD must report on the effectiveness of the obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of DOD in reducing obesity and improving military readiness. The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an analysis of the existing obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of DOD.

Context
Committees
House Armed Services Committee
Policy area
Armed Forces and National Security: 268 of 6,567 bills became law, 113th–118th (4.1%)
Sponsor
2 of 171 bills enacted since 2013
Text versions
1: introduced in house · 816 words
Latest action
Mar 10, 2025: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
Records
Congress.gov · Bill text
Exhibit 1Passage odds band at each stage, rated when the bill reached it [4]
Related bills · 0

The bill status record lists no related bills.

Exhibit 2Articles naming the bill per day, last 90 days, US sources [3]