Improving Research Into Treatments for Traumatic Brain Injury & Post-Traumatic Stress (H.R. 5528)

What is H.R. 5528?

(Updated December 5, 2020)

This bill — known as the SWORDD Act — would direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a plan for improving research into treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress (PTS). The plan would include the collaboration of the Defense Health Agency, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, major universities, and private firms on ways to accelerate breakthrough therapies in the treatment of TBI and PTS. Additionally, it would include recommendations for executive or legislative actions needed to carry out the plan.

The bill’s full title is the Speed Warrior Outcomes, Research, Detection and Diagnosis (SWORDD) Act of 2018 — an acknowledgment that TBI represent 22% of all combat casualties from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan compared to 12% of combat casualties in Vietnam.

Argument in favor

This bill would accelerate the development of innovative treatments for traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress, which in turn will improve the lives of our nation’s servicemembers and veterans.

Argument opposed

While there should be more research into treatments for traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress it’s unlikely that this interagency, public-private plan will help much.

Impact

Servicemembers and veterans with TBI or PTS; relevant government agencies, universities, and companies.

Cost of H.R. 5528

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced this bill to develop an action plan for accelerating research into innovative therapies for TBI and PTS patients:

“This legislation is about accountability for results. Our service members and veterans deserve the same urgency for rapid delivery of innovative diagnosis and treatment for PTS and TBI that we give to new weapons and other breakthrough military technologies.”

This legislation has the support of four bipartisan cosponsors, including three Democrats and one Republican.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) Press Release
  
• SciPol - Duke University