Bill > HR4261

This bill, the Gulf War Health Research Reform Act of 2014, aims to improve research related to Gulf War Illness and the advisory committee that oversees it. Key provisions include making the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans Illnesses (often referred to as the Committee) an independent body, meaning it will have control over its budget, staffing, and administrative functions, and will not be subject to review or approval by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for its reports and recommendations. The Committee will provide advice to Congress and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on research concerning the health consequences of military service in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War, which is defined as the period from August 2, 1990, to July 31, 1991. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs use the term "Gulf War Illness" and a research case definition recommended by the Committee for any research on this chronic multisymptom illness affecting approximately 25 percent of Gulf War veterans, or a consistent alternative definition if the Committee has not yet made a recommendation. Furthermore, the bill outlines specific requirements for how animal and human studies should be considered in research, defines "sufficient evidence of association" for studies, and expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary should conduct further studies, consult with the Committee on research plans, and ensure certain professionals are included in scientific or medical groups reviewing Gulf War veteran health.