H.R. 7596 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7596 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 8, 2024Ms. Houlahan (for herself, Mrs. Bice, and Ms. Clarke of New York) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 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 A BILL To direct the Secretaries of Defense and of Veterans Affairs to take certain steps regarding research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act. 2. Evaluation of certain research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health (a) In general The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall evaluate— (1) the results of research, conducted by either such Secretary, related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health that is complete; (2) the status of such research that is ongoing; and (3) any gaps in knowledge and research on— (A) treatments for menopause-related symptoms; (B) the safety and effectiveness of treatments for menopause-related symptoms; (C) the relation to and impact of military service to perimenopause and menopause; (D) the effect of combat roles on perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms, including exposure to burn pits, toxic chemicals, and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (commonly known as PFAS); and (E) the impact perimenopause and menopause has on the mental health of women who are members of the Armed Forces or veterans. (b) Report; strategic plan Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary shall submit to Congress— (1) a report on the findings of such evaluation; and (2) a strategic plan that— (A) resolves the gaps in knowledge and research identified in such report; and (B) identifies topics in need of further research relating to potential treatments for menopause-related symptoms of women who are members of the Armed Forces or veterans. 3. Additional research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall each conduct or fund research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life health regarding women who are members of the Armed Forces or veterans.