S.Amdt. 6656

This amendment aims to add a new section to the bill that allows the Secretary of Defense to start a pilot program. The purpose of this program is to test how effective it is to give junior enlisted members of the Armed Forces a monthly coupon to buy food at commissaries.

Key details of the proposed program include:

• Location and Scope: The program can be conducted at 2 military installations. The Secretary will consider factors like the number of enlisted members in unaccompanied housing, the ratio of enlisted members to officers, and the quality and accessibility of commissaries and dining facilities.

• Coupon Rules: The Secretary decides the coupon amount. These coupons can only be used for food and cannot be used for tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or certain bottle/can deposit fees. These coupons are meant to supplement, not replace, other food assistance or the basic allowance for subsistence.

• Timeline and Accountability: The pilot program must end within one year of starting. Within 90 days after it ends, the Secretary of Defense must send a report to congressional defense committees. This report will assess coupon usage, member feedback, the impact on the use of dining facilities, and the program's efficacy in reducing food insecurity and increasing access to nutritious food.