Healthcare

Tyler’s Law

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025 This bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations for federal agencies through April 11, 2025. It also extends various expiring programs and authorities, including several public health programs. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of April 11, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2025 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on March 14, 2025. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2024 levels with some exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional emergency funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund, permits the Navy to apportion funds at the rate necessary to fund the Columbia-class submarine program and cost increases for certain shipbuilding programs, and provides additional funding for the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation. In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program; authorities for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to take actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system; the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking; and the National Cybersecurity Protection System.

GIFT Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Guaranteeing Individual Fairness in Transplants Act of 2025 or the GIFT Act of 2025 This bill requires, as a condition of Medicare participation, hospitals, critical access hospitals, and rural emergency hospitals to disregard an individual's vaccination status when determining which individual should receive an organ transplant.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

This resolution recognizes domestic and global progress towards ending the HIV epidemic and calls for additional efforts, with a particular focus on reducing HIV-related vulnerabilities of women and girls.

Action for Dental Health Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Action for Dental Health Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 grants to states for developing the dental workforce and increasing access to oral health services in designated dental health professional shortage areas. This program is administered by the Bureau of Health Workforce within the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 This bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities.  Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2025. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2025 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on March 14, 2025.  The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2024 levels. It also includes several additional provisions that increase or decrease funding for various programs compared to FY2024 levels.  In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; the National Flood Insurance Program; authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Cybersecurity Protection System; authorities for DHS and the Department of Justice to take certain actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system; the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program; several immigration-related programs and authorities;  the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking; the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act; the authorization for the U.S. Parole Commission; and the Department of Agriculture livestock mandatory price reporting program.

Recognizing and commemorating the contributions of contemporary Latinas in the State of Illinois.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Expressing support for the designation of April 5, 2025, as "Barth Syndrome Awareness Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

This resolution supports the designation of Barth Syndrome Awareness Day. Barth Syndrome is a rare, life-threatening genetic disorder of lipid metabolism that primarily affects males.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop a strategy to align its obesity-related programs with the classification of obesity as a medically accepted disease. Additionally, DOD must conduct an educational campaign to promote awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of obesity as a disease in the Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force). The bill also requires DOD to include information regarding unmet weight standards in any reports it submits to Congress regarding disqualifications for enlistment in, disabilities incurred in, or medical discharges from the Armed Forces. DOD must submit a report to Congress on the effects of obesity on the readiness of the Armed Forces, including legislative recommendations to address such effects. The Defense Health Agency within DOD must report on the effectiveness of the obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of DOD in reducing obesity and improving military readiness. The Government Accountability Office must submit to Congress an analysis of the existing obesity, food, and nutrition-related programs of DOD.

State Strategic Stockpile Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Tyler’s Law

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

No Wrong Door for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

No Wrong Door for Veterans Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which awards grants to eligible entities to provide or coordinate suicide prevention services for veterans and members of the Armed Forces and their families. Among other elements, the bill adjusts the maximum amount for grants awarded under the program and provides for additional funding per individual who receives suicide prevention services provided or coordinated by a grantee; requires the VA to provide briefings about the grant program at least once a year to certain personnel at each VA medical center located within 100 miles from the primary location of a grantee; requires baseline mental health screenings for risk provided as suicide prevention services under the program to use a protocol selected by the VA; and modifies eligibility requirements for entities seeking grants, including by authorizing applications from health care providers. In subsequent applications, grantees who have previously received funds under the program must include evidence that previously awarded funds served a significant number of veterans. The bill requires grantees to notify (1) eligible individuals that they may receive emergent suicide care furnished or paid for by the VA, and (2) the VA if eligible individuals request emergent suicide care.

DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 This bill extends until December 31, 2025, a higher payment rate (known as the 75/25 blended rate) for durable medical equipment in nonrural or noncontiguous areas under Medicare.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a study relating to obesity in the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

This bill requires the Defense Health Agency within the Department of Defense (DOD) to take actions to improve the transparency and frequency of military obesity reports. The bill requires DOD to conduct studies and submit reports to Congress on the contribution of obesity to in-service injuries and medical discharges and annual costs to the Armed Forces associated with such obesity-related injuries and discharges, how it can transform its food procurement processes to procure healthier food that promotes better health outcomes, and issues relating to access to healthy foods for families of members of the Armed Forces. Additionally, DOD must submit a report to Congress regarding the impact on national security readiness of the rising levels of obesity among active-duty members of the Armed Forces.

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025 This bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations for federal agencies through April 11, 2025. It also extends various expiring programs and authorities, including several public health programs. Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations to federal agencies through the earlier of April 11, 2025, or the enactment of the applicable appropriations act. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2025 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on March 14, 2025. The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2024 levels with some exceptions that provide funding flexibility and additional appropriations for various programs. For example, the CR provides additional emergency funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund, permits the Navy to apportion funds at the rate necessary to fund the Columbia-class submarine program and cost increases for certain shipbuilding programs, and provides additional funding for the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation. In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs; authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program; authorities for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice to take actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system; the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking; and the National Cybersecurity Protection System.

Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Medicare Home Health Accessibility Act This bill allows individuals to receive occupational therapy as a home health service under Medicare without the need for other services. Currently, individuals may only receive occupational therapy as a home health service if they first qualify for home health services based on other needs (e.g., physical therapy).

MATCH IT Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Patient Matching And Transparency in Certified Health IT Act of 2025 or the MATCH IT Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a definition and standards for patient matching (i.e., the process of accurately matching patients with their medical records, including when records are exchanged between health care providers). It also requires the development of (1) a minimum data set for technology standards to increase patient matching, and (2) incentives for patient matching under Medicare. Specifically, the bill requires HHS to develop a uniform definition and standards for patient matching to track patient match rates and document improvement over time. The definition and standards must account for certain situations, including duplicate records and multiple matches. The bill also requires the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) to adopt a minimum data set to help health care providers or health information systems achieve a patient match rate of 99.9%. The minimum data set and related standards must be incorporated into the U.S. Core Data for Interoperability and the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program for health information technology. Additionally, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must establish a voluntary bonus measure within the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program to allow health care providers who have a patient match rate over a certain percentage to receive a payment adjustment. The ONC and CMS must develop a voluntary reporting program for providers to anonymously submit patient matching data to HHS. 

Expressing support for the recognition of March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day".

United States · United States Congress · 10 March 2025

Patients Before Middlemen Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Patients Before Middlemen Act This bill establishes certain standards and reporting requirements for prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and pharmacies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage. Specifically, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must develop reasonable and relevant standards for contracts between PDP sponsors and pharmacies. The CMS must seek input from interested stakeholders when developing these standards. PDP sponsors are subject to civil penalties for violating these standards; PBMs must reimburse PDP sponsors for civil penalties that result from their responsibilities. The bill also requires the CMS to report periodically on essential retail pharmacies (i.e., pharmacies that serve as the only pharmacy within a certain radius) with respect to costs, contracts, and other specified information, particularly in relation to other types of pharmacies. Additionally, PBMs may not receive any income other than flat, bona fide service fees. PBMs must turn over any excess amounts they receive to PDP sponsors; PDP sponsors must turn over these amounts to the CMS. In addition, PBMs must report to PDP sponsors and to the CMS an itemized list of prescription drugs that were dispensed during the previous year and related data about costs, claims, affiliated pharmacies, and other specified information. PDP sponsors may audit PBMs to ensure compliance with these requirements and must annually certify their compliance; PBMs are responsible for any associated civil penalties for violations. The bill's changes generally apply beginning in 2028.

Bipartisan Health Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Rural Wellness Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Rural Wellness Act This bill prioritizes behavioral and mental health treatment services under certain rural development grant and loan programs. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2029 the set-asides and prioritizations for substance use disorder treatment services under the Department of Agriculture's (1) Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, (2) Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, and (3) Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. Under the community facilities program, the bill prioritizes direct loans and grants for the development of behavioral and mental health services facilities, including facilities that provide treatment services. Further, loans and grants provided under the program may be used to develop facilities and systems to provide telehealth services for behavioral and mental health treatment. Under the Rural Health and Safety Education Competitive Grants Program, the bill prioritizes grants for behavioral and mental health education and treatment. Under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants Program, the bill includes a 17% set-aside for telemedicine projects that provide substance use disorder treatment services (currently a 20% set-aside).   

A resolution memorializing those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

This resolution expresses support for the designation of the first Monday in March as COVID-19 Victims Memorial Day.

Peer to Peer Mental Health Support Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Audio-Only Telehealth Access Act of 2025 This bill permanently allows for Medicare coverage of audio-only telehealth services for evaluation and management and behavioral health services.

Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025 This bill establishes Department of Health and Human Services grants for public or nonprofit private health care providers to expand and improve maternal health care services (including prenatal, postnatal, and postpartum care) and reduce disparities in access to such care. Health care providers are eligible to apply if they serve one or more minority, low-income, or medically underserved communities.

HERO Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish case management to certain veterans who are eligible for the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the VA. Specifically, the VA must furnish case management to veterans who are eligible for HUD-VASH that the VA determines require case management. The VA must prioritize vulnerable homeless veterans in assigning case managers and providing services. The VA must take certain actions if a veteran refuses case management. HUD or a public housing authority may not revoke assistance solely on the basis that a veteran has refused case management. Additionally, a veteran may not be evicted or penalized by the owner of a property solely on the basis that they have refused case management or cannot be provided case management for health and safety reasons. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on veterans who are served by the HUD-VASH program, case managers and case management services provided under the program, and metrics about housing stability for veterans participating in federal housing assistance programs. The bill also provides statutory authority to expand eligibility for the HUD-VASH program to any veteran who is homeless, at risk of homelessness, or receiving assistance under another housing assistance program if the VA determines a voucher under HUD-VASH is more appropriate. (Currently, assistance is statutorily limited to certain veterans who have chronic mental illness or substance use disorders.)

Protect Social Security and Medicare Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Protect Social Security and Medicare Act This bill requires a two-thirds vote before Congress may consider legislation that would reduce retirement, health, or other benefits administered by the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Specifically, such legislation may not be considered in either chamber of Congress until two-thirds of Members present and voting agree to a motion to consider the legislation. However, this restriction does not apply to legislation that reduces payments to Medicare Advantage plans so long as it also increases, in an amount equal to or greater than the reduction, payments made for other purposes under Medicare.

Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Access to Pediatric Technologies Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Access to Pediatric Technologies Act of 2025 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish, upon request, specific payment methodologies for qualifying pediatric technologies under the Medicare physician fee schedule.  Qualifying pediatric technologies are medical devices that are (1) covered under Medicare, (2) approved by the Food and Drug Administration, (3) currently billed using a specified temporary billing code for emerging technologies, and (4) predominantly used or specifically designated for pediatric patients. The CMS must develop a payment methodology for a qualifying pediatric technology upon request from the manufacturer and based on available data, including pricing information and claims data. Manufacturers must include relevant information in their requests to enable the CMS to develop the corresponding methodologies.

Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to specify that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics (not hearing aids) and are covered under Medicare.

Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025 This bill includes any nurse registry as an eligible health care provider under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the bill, a nurse registry is a person who satisfies applicable state licensure requirements and procures, or attempts to procure, contracts or agreements on behalf of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, companions, or homemakers under which such individuals may furnish health care-related or assistive services and receive compensation.

CHIPP Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Children’s Health Insurance Program Permanency Act or the CHIPP Act This bill permanently extends the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and related measures, programs, and authorities. Specifically, the bill permanently funds CHIP and related programs that support the development of child health quality measures and outreach and enrollment efforts. The bill also permanently authorizes the Medicaid and CHIP express lane eligibility option, which allows states to use information from designated programs (e.g., the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to streamline eligibility determinations for children. Additionally, under the bill, states may expand eligibility to children whose family income exceeds the otherwise applicable limits.

CARE Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Ensuring Access to Essential Drugs Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Ensuring Access to Essential Drugs Act This bill exempts certain brand-name drugs from the Medicare Part D Manufacturer Discount Program. Under the program, drug manufacturers provide discounts to beneficiaries who have incurred costs above the annual deductible under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Specifically, the bill exempts from the program orally administered, brand-name drugs that are considered generics for purposes of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (per an exception granted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 6 March 2025

Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025 This bill exempts discharges from long-term care hospitals (LTCHs) from the Medicare site-neutral payment rate if the discharge meets specified high acuity criteria and occurs on or after October 1, 2026.  (The site-neutral rate is the lower of Medicare’s acute care hospital payment rate under the inpatient prospective payment system or 100% of the cost of the stay. LTCH stays that do not qualify for the specialized LTCH payment rate under Medicare are instead paid at the site-neutral rate.)

Risky Research Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

Risky Research Review Act This bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee the award of federal funding for high-risk life sciences research.  High-risk life sciences research means the study of an organism, virus, or related product that could be misapplied to pose a significant threat to the public or could enhance the transmissibility or virulence of certain high-risk pathogens (e.g., Ebola). Specifically, the bill establishes the board as an independent agency that must review proposed high-risk life sciences research, determine whether a federal agency may award funding for the research, and determine minimum required controls for funded research. Entities that are seeking federal funding must attest to whether their research is high-risk life sciences research. Agencies must certify the validity of these attestations and submit proposed high-risk life sciences research to the board. Agencies must also notify the board of intended awards for other life sciences research for potential review.  In making its determinations, the board must consider specified factors, including whether the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. The bill prohibits agencies from awarding federal funding for high-risk life sciences research without approval of the board or for life sciences research currently under board review. The board may also review awards that were made before the bill’s enactment. Entities that fail to properly attest to the nature of their research may lose their eligibility for funding. Additionally, agency employees who fail to comply with the bill's requirements are subject to disciplinary action.

HELP Copays Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to inform generic drug applicants, upon request or during review, whether the drug is qualitatively and quantitatively the same as the listed brand-name drug (and if not, the reasons why). The FDA must also update or publish guidance on how it makes such determinations.

To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology.

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

This bill permanently removes in-person evaluation requirements for mental health telehealth services under Medicare.

Medicaid Provider Screening Accountability Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

Medicaid Provider Screening Accountability Act This bill requires state Medicaid programs to check, as part of the provider enrollment and reenrollment process, whether providers were terminated from participating in the Medicare program, any other state Medicaid program, or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) using certain databases (e.g., the Data EXchange system). The bill requires states to continue to check these databases on at least a monthly basis after providers are enrolled.

Risky Research Review Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

Risky Research Review Act This bill establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board to oversee the award of federal funding for high-risk life sciences research.  High-risk life sciences research means the study of an organism, virus, or related product that could be misapplied to pose a significant threat to the public or could enhance the transmissibility or virulence of certain high-risk pathogens (e.g., Ebola). Specifically, the bill establishes the board as an independent agency that must review proposed high-risk life sciences research, determine whether a federal agency may award funding for the research, and determine minimum required controls for funded research. Entities that are seeking federal funding must attest to whether their research is high-risk life sciences research. Agencies must certify the validity of these attestations and submit proposed high-risk life sciences research to the board. Agencies must also notify the board of intended awards for other life sciences research for potential review. In making its determinations, the board must consider specified factors, including whether the benefits of the research outweigh the risks. The bill prohibits agencies from awarding federal funding for high-risk life sciences research without approval of the board or for life sciences research currently under board review. The board may also review awards that were made before the bill’s enactment. Entities that fail to properly attest to the nature of their research may lose their eligibility for funding. Additionally, agency employees who fail to comply with the bill's requirements are subject to disciplinary action.

Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

Women Veterans Cancer Care Coordination Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to hire or designate a Regional Breast Cancer and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinator for each Veteran Integrated Services Network (i.e., regional VA health care administrative areas). Among other duties, such coordinators must ensure the coordination of care between VA clinicians and breast and gynecologic cancer community care providers. Under the bill, veterans are eligible for such care coordination if they are diagnosed with a breast or gynecologic condition and are eligible for health care through the Veterans Community Care Program.

Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025  This bill requires the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services within the Department of Justice (DOJ) to report on one or more proposed programs for providing mental health care to public safety officers and related personnel. Under the bill, a proposed program must be administered by DOJ and must make treatment and preventative care available to public safety officers and public safety telecommunicators for job-related post-traumatic stress disorder or acute stress disorder. The bill requires the report to also include draft legislative language related to each proposed program, as well as the estimated cost for administering each proposed program.

Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include separate grants to rescue sea turtles. The grants must be used for the recovery, care, or treatment of sick, injured, or entangled sea turtles; responses to rescue stranded sea turtles; the collection of data and samples from living or dead stranded sea turtles for scientific research or health assessments; facility operating costs that are directly related to activities to assist sea turtles; or  development of stranding network capacity where facilities do not exist or are sparse. In addition, the bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund.

REP VA Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

Representing VA with Accuracy Act or the REP VA Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that any call made to a veteran by a VA employee or contractor regarding VA services or benefits is made from a single, well-known telephone number and uses caller identification that indicates the call is from or on behalf of the VA. The VA must also ensure the Veterans Health Administration has at least one call center in each time zone in the United States to address concerns regarding appointments and referrals for health care.

EPIC Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 March 2025

Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act of 2025 or the EPIC Act of 2025 This bill lengthens the amount of time for which drug products must have market approval in order for the products to qualify for negotiation under the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to negotiate the prices of certain prescription drugs under Medicare beginning in 2026. Among other requirements, drugs must have had market approval for at least 7 years (for drug products) or 11 years (for biologics) to qualify for negotiation.  The bill modifies these provisions so as to require drug products to also have had at least 11 years of market approval in order to qualify for negotiation beginning in 2028.