H.R. 8115 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Mar 26, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands precision brain health research for veterans
The bill expands a Department of Veterans Affairs program called the Scott Hannon Initiative for Precision Mental Health. Right now it focuses on conditions like depression and PTSD, but this bill adds new brain conditions to study, including dementia and injuries from repetitive low-level blast exposure. The VA would need to work with the Department of Defense to share research data, partner with the National Academies of Sciences to validate biomarkers (measurable signs of disease), conduct new studies, and report back to Congress regularly on progress.
How it affects you
Veterans with brain and mental health conditions could eventually benefit if this research leads to better ways to identify and treat their conditions. The changes mainly affect how the VA organizes its research programs and partnerships, and require the department to keep Congress informed about what it's learning through at least 2030.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 26, 2026)
Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2026
This bill expands the Scott Hannon Initiative for Precision Mental Health, a program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Specifically, the bill expands the scope of the initiative by requiring the identification and validation of brain and mental health biomarkers among veterans for repetitive low-level blast exposure, dementia, and other such brain conditions. Currently, the initiative addresses several other conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The VA must work with the Department of Defense to establish a data-sharing partnership under the initiative.
The bill requires the VA to conduct various research studies about repetitive low-level blast exposure under the initiative.
The VA must seek to enter into a contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to work in tandem with the initiative on validation of brain and mental health biomarkers among veterans and report on the findings at least once every two years.
The VA must assess all in progress and planned translational research studies under the initiative and report to Congress on the assessment.
Additionally, the VA must report to Congress on the initiative at least once every two years and include recommendations for immediate administrative and legislative action to improve the initiative.
The bill authorizes the initiative through FY2030.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 8115
A BILL
Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2026
Sponsor: Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-1) · Introduced Mar 26, 2026 · Armed Forces and National Security · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 26, 2026: “Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”