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119-hr-1961119th CongressWALLET

CARE Act

Sponsored By: Representative Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

Introduced

Summary

Improve HHS learning and public messaging after health emergencies. The CARE Act would create two department-wide programs at HHS: an after-action program to review and fix response problems and a risk communication strategy to make public health messages clearer and reach populations most at risk.

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  • Families and at-risk communities would get targeted, understandable, and accessible communications during emergencies. The Secretary must begin an initial risk communication strategy within 1 year.
  • HHS agencies and responders would use a centralized after-action program that integrates agency reviews and fosters collaboration with States, Indian Tribes, territories, local partners, and other federal agencies. The Secretary must establish and start implementation of the program within 2 years.
  • After-action reports would cover emergency plans, information sharing, staffing and space management, supply chains for PPE and medicines, standardized treatment and telehealth protocols, and speeding up medical countermeasure development. The HHS Inspector General would evaluate the program and may report findings to Congress.

*Authorizes $3.5 million for initial after-action activities and additional unspecified amounts to carry out the risk communication and related oversight work.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Clearer health risk messages from the health department

This bill would require the U.S. health department (HHS) to create a risk communication plan within 1 year of enactment. It would apply to all HHS agencies, including the CDC. The plan would identify groups most at risk and make messages clear, accurate, and easy to understand. It would also ensure information is accessible and targeted during health emergencies.

Stronger reviews after health emergencies

This bill would require the U.S. health department (HHS) to set up a department‑wide after‑action program within 2 years of enactment. It would review each HHS response to a public health emergency declared under section 319(a). Reports would cover plans, information sharing, incident command, staff and space needs, supply chains for PPE, equipment, and drugs, care standards including telehealth, and recovery and equity steps. HHS would coordinate with federal, state, Tribal, territorial, local, and nongovernment partners. The HHS Inspector General would evaluate the program when risks warrant and report to Congress. The bill would authorize $3.5 million for initial work and reports, plus additional funds as needed for oversight.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

NY • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]

    IL • D

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

  • Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

    DC • D

    Sponsored 3/10/2025

  • Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 3/11/2025

  • Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]

    GA • D

    Sponsored 3/18/2025

  • Rep. Garcia, Robert [D-CA-42]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/5/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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