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HR 126

A Resolution designating October 14, 2025, as "William Penn Day" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jamie Flick and 12 co-sponsors

Urges DoD to broaden medical waivers for food-allergic recruits (including peanut allergies), expanding the eligible pool while restricting assignments to manage risk.

Referred to State Government
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Bill Summary · HR 126

Summary — H.R. 126 (House Resolution)

Title: A resolution to urge the United States Armed Forces to expand the use of medical waivers for recruits with food allergies, including allergies to peanuts.

Main purpose

The resolution urges the U.S. Armed Forces and the Department of Defense to broaden the use of medical waivers so that more prospective recruits who have food allergies — including peanut allergies — may be eligible for military service. It asks that a copy of the resolution be transmitted to the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Key provisions and findings cited

  • References DoD Instruction 6130.03, Section 6.23, which currently lists a history of acute allergic reactions to fish, shellfish, peanuts, or tree nuts (and related IgE evidence with clinical history) as a disqualifying condition for service. The Instruction does allow case‑by‑case medical waivers.
  • Notes that the Air Force (December 2024) has begun expanding access to medical waivers for persons with documented food allergies who have not experienced anaphylaxis or a serious systemic reaction; such waivers include career and assignment restrictions to reduce risk.
  • Cites prevalence data: the National Center for Health Statistics estimate (2021) that ~6.6% of adults aged 18–44 have a diagnosed food allergy and an earlier study (2015–16) estimating ~1.8% of U.S. adults have a peanut allergy. The resolution extrapolates population figures (e.g., estimated numbers for Michigan) to illustrate the size of the affected population.
  • Asserts that expanding waivers could increase the applicant pool and help address recent recruiting shortfalls.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: prospective recruits with diagnosed food allergies (including but not limited to peanut allergies) who are currently disqualified under DoD medical standards.
  • Secondary: military medical personnel, recruiting commands, assignment planners, and units responsible for accommodating dietary restrictions in garrison and deployed environments.
  • Indirect: Department of Defense policy and waiver boards (which would consider broader waiver eligibility).

Practical effect and legal status

  • This measure is a non‑binding resolution (expressing the legislature’s view and urging action). It does not change federal law or DoD instruction by itself.
  • If persuasive, it could contribute to pressure on the Department of Defense to modify waiver practice or policy guidance (as the Air Force has already done in part).

Procedural status and timeline

  • Classification: House resolution.
  • Introduced: (document lists) August 29, 2025.
  • Current status (as provided): Referred to the Committee on Government Operations (date of referral noted as June 11, 2025 in the record).
  • Sponsors: Multiple primary sponsors are listed (e.g., Al Green, Sam Park, Arlene Beckles, among others).
  • Action requested: Transmission of the resolution to the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Considerations highlighted in the resolution

  • Potential benefits: expands eligible recruiting pool, can be targeted (restricting assignments/careers to lower‑risk roles), aligns with existing accommodations (religious/dietary) and Air Force precedent.
  • Practical/operational considerations: need to manage medical risk (anaphylaxis), dietary logistics (rationing and field conditions), assignment limitations, training for commanders and medical staff, and possible impacts on unit readiness and casualty risk profiles.

This resolution expresses legislative support for broader use of medical waivers for food-allergic recruits and seeks to encourage federal action; it does not itself enact policy changes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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