As a part of the NDAA passed in the House this week, Congress would closely monitor efforts to downsize military hospitals and clinics, Military Times reported. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and service surgeons general are required to review any future changes and report to Congress on their impact on military readiness. 

In a policy statement accompanying the bill, Congress voiced concerns about the potential impact restructuring could have on service members. 

“We expect that any proposed restructuring, realignment or modification to military medical treatment facilities will be conducted in collaboration with the appropriate Department of Defense stakeholders… to ensure that operational readiness is not impacted by any proposed changes,” lawmakers wrote. 

The Defense Department announced a plan earlier this year to realign 50 facilities, shifting 200,000 active duty family members and retirees to private healthcare companies. 

The Senate will vote on the NDAA next week 

Air Force photo by Roland Balik