Department of Energy Veterans’ Health Initiative Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (17 Dec 2019): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.
What this bill does
H.R. 617, the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a research program applying artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, machine learning, and large-scale data analytics to veterans' health challenges, using data such as health and genomic records held by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program would be carried out through competitive, merit-reviewed awards open to National Laboratories, universities, and other qualified entities, with required safeguards for data privacy and security. The bill also authorizes a broader Department of Energy program to develop big-data tools for use by federal agencies, universities, nonprofits, and industry, including secure data-storage facilities. Both programs require progress reports to relevant House and Senate committees within two years of enactment.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with National Laboratories, universities, and research institutions that could receive funding to participate. Veterans would be affected indirectly, as the research is intended to improve health outcomes through better analysis of health data. The bill authorizes $27 million (fiscal years 2020–2024) for the veterans' health research program and $15 million (fiscal years 2020–2023) for the broader interagency data initiative.
The House passed H.R. 617 by voice vote on July 23, 2019, after agreeing to amendments. According to the Congressional Research Service, its provisions were later incorporated into other legislation that was enacted, rather than being enacted as a standalone law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
17 Dec 2019
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 617 do?
- H.R. 617, the Department of Energy Veterans' Health Initiative Act, would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish a research program applying artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, machine learning, and large-scale data analytics to veterans' health challenges, using data such as health and genomic records held by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The program would be carried out through competitive, merit-reviewed awards open to National Laboratories, universities, and other qualified entities, with required safeguards for data privacy and security. The bill also authorizes a broader Department of Energy program to develop big-data tools for use by federal agencies, universities, nonprofits, and industry, including secure data-storage facilities. Both programs require progress reports to relevant House and Senate committees within two years of enactment. The bill primarily affects the Department of Energy and Department of Veterans Affairs, along with National Laboratories, universities, and research institutions that could receive funding to participate. Veterans would be affected indirectly, as the research is intended to improve health outcomes through better analysis of health data. The bill authorizes $27 million (fiscal years 2020–2024) for the veterans' health research program and $15 million (fiscal years 2020–2023) for the broader interagency data initiative. The House passed H.R. 617 by voice vote on July 23, 2019, after agreeing to amendments. According to the Congressional Research Service, its provisions were later incorporated into other legislation that was enacted, rather than being enacted as a standalone law.
- Has H.R. 617 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 617. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 617?
- H.R. 617 was sponsored by Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5] (R-SC), with 26 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 617?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 344. (17 Dec 2019).
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