To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to provide certain members of the Armed Forces with timely and relevant information via text message, and for other purposes.

# HR 6490 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the U.S. Department of Defense to create a test program that sends text messages to military service members with useful, time-sensitive information. The specific details about what types of information would be included aren't detailed in the bill summary provided, but the intent is to improve how the military communicates with its personnel through a modern communication method. **Who It Affects** The bill would affect active-duty military members and potentially other service members who would be enrolled in or benefit from this text messaging program.

It also affects the Department of Defense, which would be responsible for designing and implementing the pilot program. **Current Status** HR 6490 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. Bills in committee status may be discussed, amended, or eventually brought to a vote, but many never advance beyond this stage.