WASHINGTON, DC (July 22, 2026) – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) applauds the House of Representatives for passing the bipartisan Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1493), which reauthorizes and strengthens federal programs that support those living with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), many of whom are Service members and veterans.
From 2000 to the third quarter of 2025, the Defense Health Agency recorded more than 530,000 first-time TBI diagnoses among Service members. Research suggests that approximately 1 in 4 hospitalized Service members and veterans with a TBI may develop a long-term disability.
TBIs can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. Depending on the severity, individuals may experience persistent headaches, memory and concentration problems, changes in mood or behavior, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and other cognitive, emotional, or neurological challenges. These effects can evolve over time and may also place significant responsibilities on families and caregivers.
Introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6), the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act reauthorizes federal TBI programs through fiscal year 2030, including grants that help states, Tribal communities, and advocacy systems provide rehabilitation, community services, outreach, and support for people with TBI. It would also strengthen national prevention, surveillance, public data collection, and research – particularly for high-risk populations – helping improve care and resources for those living with the effects of a TBI and their families.
“For many wounded warriors, the effects of traumatic brain injury do not end when military service does,” said Jose Ramos, vice president of government and community relations for WWP. “By strengthening TBI research, prevention, surveillance, and community-based support, while expanding our understanding of the long-term health effects of brain injury, the Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act will help improve outcomes for warriors and others living with brain injuries. We appreciate Rep. Pallone’s leadership on this important effort and commend the House for moving swiftly to pass it.”
The legislation also expands the information collected about the causes, risk factors, treatments, services, and short- and long-term outcomes associated with TBI. In addition, it directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study persistent symptoms or chronic conditions following a TBI, including gaps in research and services, and report the findings to Congress.
The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.