To require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the effects of child soldiering in Africa on United States national security interests.
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Committee
Latest Action · June 10, 2026
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
H.R. 9256 requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a report within 180 days examining how child soldiering in Africa affects U.S. national security interests. The report, to be coordinated with the Secretary of State and U.S. Africa Command, must assess connections between child soldiering and terrorism, extremism, criminal organizations, regional instability, and threats to critical minerals and supply chains across the continent. The legislation also directs the report to evaluate current U.S. and allied efforts to prevent child soldier recruitment and support rehabilitation programs, and to assess the feasibility of establishing an Africa-based center in Uganda or another East African Community country to consolidate best practices and coordinate anti-recruitment efforts. Additionally, the report must examine whether similar child soldiering programs could be created in other U.S. military commands covering regions like Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. The bill does not specify dedicated funding amounts or appropriations for implementing any recommended programs.
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