Lower Costs for Everyday Americans Act
Sponsored By: Representative Pallone
Introduced
Summary
A single, wide-ranging package focused on health, drug-market transparency, and supply-chain resilience. It would combine major Medicare and Medicaid changes with strict pharmacy benefit manager reporting, public-health preparedness funding, and technology and consumer-safety rules.
Show full summary
- Seniors, patients, and families would see Medicare and Medicaid coverage and payment shifts that affect telehealth, hospital-at-home waivers, low-income Part D copays, and a new pathway to cover multi-cancer early detection tests beginning in 2029.
- Pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and employers would face far-reaching transparency and contracting rules, a full rebate pass-through requirement for employer plans, and new audit and enforcement powers. Implementation funding includes major one-time FY2025 appropriations such as $188 million to CMS and $113 million to support PBM reporting and oversight.
- Public-health workers, hospitals, and communities would get increased preparedness and countermeasure funding and new infrastructure supports. The bill authorizes Strategic National Stockpile funding (about $1.1 billion for FY2025), $52 million per year for regional biocontainment labs for FY2025–FY2026, and Commerce-led supply-chain mapping with confidentiality protections for voluntarily submitted data.
*Would increase federal spending by multiple billions through FY2025–FY2029 because it authorizes and directs numerous appropriations and program outlays.*
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
83 provisions identified: 69 benefits, 5 costs, 9 mixed.
Medicare drug savings and PBM limits
If enacted, low-income Medicare Part D enrollees would pay at most $1 for generics and $3 for other drugs before 2027. Starting in 2027, generic copays would be $0, and other copays would rise only with inflation. PBMs would have to give detailed, drug‑level cost and rebate reports each year starting in 2028. For Part D in 2028 and later, PBMs could keep only flat, fair‑market service fees and must pass through rebates to plans.
Stronger accuracy rules for MA directories
Starting with plan year 2027, Medicare Advantage plans would have to verify provider listings at least every 90 days and remove nonparticipating providers within 5 business days. If you see a nonparticipating provider listed as in‑network, you would pay the in‑network cost share. Plans must report directory accuracy scores yearly, and CMS would post scores starting with plan years on or after January 1, 2028. The bill would give CMS $4 million in FY2025 to carry this out.
Ban on nonconsensual intimate images online
The bill would make it a federal crime to knowingly post nonconsensual intimate images or fake intimate images to harm someone. For adults, penalties could include fines or up to 2 years in prison. For minors, penalties could include fines or up to 3 years. There are exceptions for law enforcement and certain good‑faith legal or medical disclosures.
Bigger stockpiles and lab capacity
If enacted, the bill would add major funding for emergency health readiness. It would support countermeasures ($335 million each in 2025 and 2026), state stockpiles (about $3.37 billion in 2025 and $3.27 billion in 2026), and the Strategic National Stockpile ($1.1 billion in 2025 and $1.21 billion in 2026) with better tracking. Preparedness grants would be $735 million in 2025 and 2026, and at least 12 regional biocontainment labs would be funded ($52 million each year for 2025–2026). CDC facilities and capacity would also receive $40 million each year for 2025 and 2026.
Bigger push to prevent overdoses
The overdose program would expand to cover all substances that can cause overdose, not just opioids. Congress would be authorized to spend about $505.6 million each year from 2025–2029. Grants could help with fentanyl and xylazine test strips where legal. It would also extend support for monitoring and education on infections tied to illicit drug use through 2029.
More funding for local health care
If enacted, community health centers would get $2.315 billion for Apr 1–Sep 30, 2025 and $4.6 billion for 2026. The National Health Service Corps would get $176.7 million for Apr–Sep 2025 and $350 million for 2026. Teaching Health Centers would get rising funds through 2029 (up to $300 million). Special Diabetes Programs would get $110.3 million for Apr–Sep 2025 and $200 million for 2026. Extra support would also go to dental health, family-to-family health centers, and $25 million per year for pediatric drug studies (2025–2027).
More money for medical countermeasures
The bill would authorize $950 million in each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to develop medical countermeasures, including platform technologies and priority virus families. HHS would notify vendors about contract changes within 30 days when practicable. A listed paragraph would sunset after December 31, 2026.
Medicaid bans PBM spread pricing
New Medicaid PBM contracts starting 18 months after enactment would have to use pass‑through pricing. Payments would be limited to drug ingredient cost plus a fair dispensing fee paid to the pharmacy. Spread pricing could not be used to claim federal matching funds. States would also have to make pharmacies answer NADAC price surveys, with fines up to $100,000 per violation for not responding or giving false data.
Stronger PBM transparency for employer plans
If enacted, employer plans that use a PBM would get clearer data and more of the savings. For plan years starting 30 months after enactment, PBMs would have to pass 100% of drug rebates and fees to the plan each quarter, within 90 days. PBMs would also have to give plain‑language, machine‑readable drug reports at least every 6 months (or quarterly on request). By January 1, 2028, PBMs would need to use and share standard definitions for terms like “generic,” “brand,” and “rebate,” and show a WAC‑based price when using other benchmarks. The Secretary would set standard report formats within 18 months of enactment.
Two‑month Medicare payment cut in 2033
On submission of the FY2033 budget, the President would order a Medicare payment sequestration. Payments would be cut 2.0% for the first two months the order is in effect and 0% for the next ten months.
Honest prices and refunds for tickets
If enacted, sellers would have to show the total ticket price anywhere a price is shown, starting 180 days after enactment. You would see an itemized list of the base price and each fee before you buy. Speculative ticket listings would be banned, and clear secondary‑market labels would be required. You would get refunds for cancellations and clear choices for long postponements. The FTC could enforce these rules, and it must report on bot enforcement.
Show full price for hotel rooms
If enacted, hotels and booking sites would have to display the total services price wherever a price is shown. They must also tell you about taxes and government charges before you finish buying. This rule would start 450 days after enactment. The FTC and state attorneys general could enforce it.
Stronger online and device privacy rules
If enacted, device makers would have to say before you buy if a product has a camera or microphone. The FTC would issue guidance within 180 days, and the rule would apply to devices made 180 days after that guidance. Large online platforms would have to remove nonconsensual intimate images fast—no later than 48 hours after a valid report—and make reasonable efforts to remove exact copies. Platforms must set up this reporting process within one year.
Easier Medicare coverage for home infusion
If enacted, starting the first calendar quarter one year after enactment, Medicare could treat certain infusion pumps and drugs as appropriate for use at home. Conditions include FDA‑approved instructions for professional supervision, use of a qualified home infusion supplier, and at least 12 infusions a year or an infusion rate that needs a pump. Patients must be told how cost‑sharing at home compares to other settings.
Faster Medicaid care at home and across states
If enacted, States would have to let eligible out‑of‑state providers enroll to treat or order services for Medicaid patients under 21 without extra screening beyond what is needed for payment. This would take effect 3 years after enactment and last for a 5‑year enrollment unless the provider is excluded. HHS must also issue guidance by January 1, 2027 so States can start home‑ and community‑based services under a provisional care plan while the final plan is pending. The bill would provide $71 million in FY2025 for HCBS demonstrations, with $50 million reserved for planning grants.
Hospital care at home through 2029
If enacted, eligible Medicare patients could keep getting hospital‑level care at home through December 31, 2029. HHS could require data reporting and must post a study by September 30, 2028. The bill would give CMS $6 million in FY2025 to run the program.
Medicare telehealth extended through 2026
This bill would extend many Medicare telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2026. Telehealth from FQHCs and RHCs in 2025–2026 would be paid as FQHC/RHC services, with new claim codes due by July 1, 2025. In‑person visit rules for mental health would be delayed until January 1, 2027. Medicare outpatients could also get cardiopulmonary rehab at home by live video from April 1, 2025 until January 1, 2027.
More breast and cervical screenings funding
The bill would expand the federal screening program to boost prevention, access, and patient navigation. It would authorize $235.5 million each year from 2025 through 2029. Reporting would move to every five years. This could help eligible people get more screenings and support.
More support for addiction recovery
If enacted, local recovery programs would get $16 million per year (2025–2029). Loan repayment for the substance use workforce would be $40 million per year (2025–2029). The CAREER Act grants would rise to $12 million per year (2025–2029), and up to 5% could pay for rides to work, training, or treatment. HHS would publish guidance within one year to support safe at‑home drug disposal. First responder training on overdoses would also get $56 million per year (2025–2029).
More transparency and access to HCBS
The bill would fund planning grants and a 3‑year demo for up to 5 States to expand home‑ and community‑based services. States with capped HCBS slots would have to post wait‑list counts and wait times starting July 9, 2027. Military families who move on active duty would keep Medicaid residency for HCBS and stay on the wait list until the new State decides, starting January 1, 2028. It would also widen who counts as a family caregiver for respite (unpaid individuals of any age) and extend respite program authorization through 2029.
New funding for FASD support
The bill would create a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders program and authorize $12.5 million each year for 2025–2029. It would fund grants, technical help, and reports to support prevention, identification, services, and research.
Online Diabetes Prevention for Medicare
If passed, people eligible for the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program could use fully online programs from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030. Suppliers could bill even if the beneficiary is in another State. There would be no limit on how many times a person can enroll during that period.
Remove age cap for Medicaid buy‑in
The bill would remove the under‑65 age limit for Medicaid buy‑in coverage for working adults with disabilities. That would let some older working adults with disabilities qualify. States that already offer this coverage would not be seen as out of compliance before January 1, 2027.
Restore RFS credits for small refineries
Certain small refineries that retired Renewable Fuel Standard credits and filed petitions by the bill’s dates would get those credits returned or applied to their EPA account. Credits would be deemed eligible for future compliance years. Only refineries that meet the timing and status conditions would qualify.
Ban risky foreign pathogen research funding
HHS would be barred from funding certain high‑risk research on enhanced pandemic pathogens in specified countries, including China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. The Director of National Intelligence could propose adding more countries, with notice to Congress. The President could waive this during an initial outbreak with rapid notice and updates. The ban would expire on December 31, 2026.
Opioid controls and prescriber training updates
This bill would extend the federal temporary scheduling of fentanyl‑related substances to September 30, 2026. It would also add several medical and pharmacy groups as approved training providers for prescribers, treated as effective December 29, 2022. Together, these changes aim to support public safety and clarify training pathways.
Safer batteries and toxic product ban
If enacted, the safety commission would adopt three lithium battery standards within 180 days to reduce fires in consumer products. The bill would also ban consumer products with 10% or more sodium nitrite by weight, starting 90 days after enactment. Industrial uses and foods are excluded.
Emergency testing and cyber protections
If enacted, HHS would publish a national diagnostic testing plan within one year and update it at least every three years. The 9‑8‑8 Lifeline program would have to guard against cyber threats and report incidents while protecting privacy. If the government denies a countermeasure injury claim, it must notify you within 30 days, and you could file in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims within one year of notice (or your last eligible date, if later).
Stronger drinking water resilience tests
If enacted, baseline years would shift to 2026–2027 and key dollar thresholds would double (for example, $5 million to $10 million; $10 million to $20 million; $25 million to $50 million). This would update how drinking water risk and resilience investments are measured and targeted.
2027 bonus for value‑based providers
If enacted, eligible Alternative Payment Model participants would get a 3.53% incentive for 2027. This raises the bonus paid on top of base payments for that year.
Extended Medicare hospital and ambulance pay
This bill would push back several Medicare payment dates. It would keep the physician work geographic floor in place until January 1, 2026, and extend ambulance add‑on payments until January 1, 2027. It would keep the hospice cap calculation adjustment through 2034. It would continue low‑volume hospital payment boosts from January 1 to September 30, 2026, with timing into fiscal year 2027, and delay certain Medicare‑Dependent Hospital changes to January 1, 2026. For Medicaid, it would set Tennessee’s DSH allotment at $13,275,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027.
Fair crisis care during emergencies
If enacted, HHS would issue guidance within two years so crisis standards of care follow federal civil rights laws. This would apply during public health emergencies and major disasters. It aims to protect people with disabilities and older adults from discrimination in care decisions.
Federal plans on superbugs and fentanyl
If enacted, the federal task force would issue an antimicrobial resistance action plan by October 1, 2026 and every five years after. The Presidential Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year and could continue past December 31, 2026 if recommended. A new interagency work group would focus on fentanyl‑contaminated drugs, work with states and families, and report each year on ways to reduce overdoses and improve education.
Funding to enforce Medicare pharmacy rules
If enacted, CMS would get $188 million in FY2025 to implement pharmacy access and choice rules. CMS would also get $113 million and HHS’s Inspector General would get $20 million in FY2025 to support PBM accountability and reporting. All funds would remain available until spent.
Maternal health studies and local funding
States would study maternity, labor, and delivery costs within 24 months and then every 5 years, including payer and geography differences. The bill would also authorize $4.25 million each year from 2025–2029 for prenatal and postnatal health activities.
More outreach help for older adults
From April 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026, the bill would provide $100 million for outreach. That includes $30 million for SHIPs, $30 million for Area Agencies on Aging, $10 million for ADRCs, and $30 million for outreach coordination.
More research on maternal and preterm health
If enacted, NIH would run the IMPROVE initiative to reduce preventable maternal deaths and severe complications through September 30, 2029. HHS would also convene a PREEMIE working group and ask the National Academies to form a committee within 30 days and report within 24 months on premature birth risks, costs (including NICU and family costs after discharge), and best practices.
New formula for WTC Health Program
For FY2026–2040, funding would equal last year’s amount times 1.05 times the ratio of current to prior‑year enrollees (as of July 1). HHS would report within 3 years with projections through FY2090 and comparisons to alternatives.
Stronger health emergency readiness
If enacted, public‑health preparedness funds would be available in 2025 and 2026 and stay available through December 31, 2026. Emergency medical service groups could join hospital preparedness coalitions, and coordination would improve. A federal team would help plan how to allocate and distribute medical countermeasures and share guidance when appropriate. The national strategy would add planning for testing, blood banks, facility capacity, supplies, and health care cybersecurity. Tribal organizations and state or Tribal health officials could request temporary reassignment of staff, with that authority extended to December 31, 2026.
Tougher oversight of PBMs and vendors
If enacted, the government could fine plans, insurers, or PBMs $10,000 per day for not providing required data, and up to $100,000 per knowingly false item. The bill would also expand which health plan vendors count as covered service providers, including PBMs and many consultants. This aims to improve transparency and accountability in employer health plans.
More pediatric studies; narrower orphan exclusivity
This bill would allow rare pediatric disease priority review vouchers to be awarded through September 30, 2029, and require a Government Accountability Office study within five years. It would broaden what counts as a pediatric cancer study so FDA can require useful dosing and safety data. It would narrow orphan‑drug exclusivity to protect only the same approved use or indication, which could allow more competition on other uses.
SelectUSA push to attract chip investment
Within 180 days, SelectUSA would ask state economic groups how to bring in more foreign investment for semiconductor production. Within two years, SelectUSA would report to Congress on the comments, current activities, and strategies. The bill authorizes no new funds; work would use existing amounts.
Supply chain resilience planning
If enacted, Commerce would name critical industries and goods within 120 days and set up a federal working group. It would deliver an implementation report in one year and a national strategy within 18 months, with annual updates. No new money is authorized, and this title would end 10 years after enactment.
Plan for 6G and fund telecom agency
If enacted, the FCC would set up a 6G Task Force within 120 days. It would publish a draft report in 180 days and a final report within one year, then sunset. The bill would also authorize $57 million for NTIA in 2025 and $57 million in 2026.
Medicaid hospital funding: delays and fixes
This bill would postpone planned Medicaid DSH cuts to January 1–September 30, 2027, with changes applying to FY2028. It would also let States use unspent prior DSH allotments to raise hospital payment adjustments for certain past rate years, within limits, and without recouping payments made under prior rules.
More pharmacy choice in Medicare Part D
If enacted, Medicare drug plans would have to let any pharmacy join the network if it meets standard contract terms, starting plan years on or after January 1, 2028. The bill would define “essential retail pharmacies” using distance rules (rural 10 miles, suburban 2 miles, urban 1 mile) and require CMS to post a public list for plan year 2028 and after. The Secretary would set standards for reasonable pharmacy contract terms after asking for input in 2026; standards would apply to plan years starting 2028. CMS would also publish reports at least every two years through 2034 on key trends for these pharmacies.
Tougher PBM rules in Medicare drug plans
If enacted, starting with plan year 2027, Part D and MA‑PD plans would have to report to HHS on incentive payments and fees paid to pharmacies. For plan years on or after January 1, 2028, PBMs serving Part D plans would face stronger contract rules, including paying back sponsors for violations, disgorging improper payments, and documenting affiliate commitments. By January 1, 2028, HHS must also set up a process for pharmacies to submit standardized complaints about unreasonable Part D contract terms without retaliation. MedPAC would study PBM agreements and report to Congress.
Stricter vetting for broadband build funds
Within 180 days, the FCC would set a vetting process for applicants seeking new High‑Cost universal service broadband funding. Applicants would need detailed technical, financial, and operational documentation and a reasonable business plan, and past compliance would be reviewed. Penalties would include at least $9,000 per pre‑authorization default and a base forfeiture of at least 30% of total support unless the FCC shows a need to set it lower.
Slower rollout of youth justice coverage
States would not be found out of compliance with new juvenile justice Medicaid/CHIP rules before January 1, 2026. States must send an interim work plan by June 30, 2025. Also, youths in Federal custody would not count as “eligible juveniles” for these Medicaid/CHIP rules (effective as if December 29, 2022).
Ban some satellite licenses over security
The FCC would be barred from granting licenses, market‑access rulings, or earth‑station authorizations for satellite systems held or controlled by entities that make or provide covered communications equipment or services, or their affiliates. The rule would apply to grants on or after enactment. The FCC would issue rules to implement this within one year.
Medicare could cover multi‑cancer tests
If enacted, Medicare would cover certain multi‑cancer early detection tests furnished on or after January 1, 2029. Before January 1, 2031, payment would equal a multi‑target stool DNA test; on or after January 1, 2031, payment would be the lesser of that amount or the section 1834A amount. No payment would be allowed for people under 50, for those who have not reached the year’s specified age (65 in 2029, rising by one each year), or if tested in the prior 11 months. If the USPSTF gives an A or B grade, coverage would start per that timing and the age and timing limits would not apply.
New rules for COVID injury claims
If enacted, you would get more time to file a COVID countermeasure injury claim: 3 years from use, or 1 year after enactment, whichever is later. Claims denied only for being late could be refiled. But you could not get compensation under this program if your vaccine was on the Vaccine Injury Table when you got it.
Stricter Medicaid death and address checks
If enacted, States would have to check the Death Master File at least every 3 months starting January 1, 2026 to remove Medicaid enrollees who appear deceased and stop future payments. States must immediately reinstate anyone later found to be alive, with coverage back to the disenrollment date, and must keep enrollee addresses updated. Separately, starting January 1, 2027, States would have to check the Death Master File when enrolling and revalidating Medicaid providers, and at least every 3 months while they are enrolled.
New billing rules for off‑campus clinics
If enacted, for services on or after January 1, 2026, an off‑campus outpatient department would not be paid under the hospital outpatient system unless it has a separate provider ID, filed an initial attestation within the prior 2 years, and filed a later attestation on time. HHS would set the submission and review process within one year of enactment and may use site visits and remote audits.
Allow wider ethanol blends in gasoline
If enacted, the EPA could allow fuels that are similar to certified fuels or have waivers even if they fail an RVP limit, while still meeting other RVP rules. The ethanol reference would change from 10% to a 10–15% range. Some States with earlier notices would have transitional rules for the high‑ozone season.
Monthly drug cost surveys and Medicaid pharmacy rules
If enacted, HHS would hire vendors to run monthly pharmacy surveys to set national average drug acquisition cost benchmarks, with public data updates. The Inspector General would study the data, backed by $5 million in FY2025 and an added $9 million for FY2025 and each year after. The Secretary must issue guidance by January 1, 2026 to define non‑retail pharmacies and stagger survey start dates (retail: first quarter ≥6 months after enactment; non‑retail: first quarter ≥18 months after). The bill would also set broad definitions for PBMs and non‑retail pharmacies that apply to Medicaid contracting and oversight.
Better language access for telehealth
If enacted, within one year HHS would issue best‑practice guidance for telehealth with people who have limited English skills. It would cover using interpreters in video visits, clear instructions to access platforms, improving language access in patient portals, multi‑person video for interpretation, and translated materials.
Keep telehealth before the deductible
If enacted, HSA‑compatible plans could keep covering telehealth before the deductible through plan years starting after December 31, 2024 and until January 1, 2027. This keeps the tax safe harbor for two more years.
More support for health worker wellbeing
If enacted, the Dr. Lorna Breen program would extend best‑practice sharing from 2 to 5 years and require yearly education after that. Program years would shift to 2025–2029 and add groups focused on cutting administrative burden for health workers.
Part D antivirals covered through 2025
If enacted, Medicare Part D would keep covering certain authorized oral antiviral pills through December 31, 2025.
Pharmacies can deliver some treatments
The bill would let pharmacies deliver certain schedule III–V drugs to a prescriber for injection or implant when used for maintenance or detox treatment. It would also allow delivery when a drug has special safety rules that require provider monitoring.
Regional help for peer support programs
This bill would set up one regional center to help peer support programs. It would authorize $2 million each year for 2025 through 2029. The center would be reviewed within four years, and the authority would end on September 30, 2029.
States must keep CHIP addresses current
If passed, States would follow Medicaid rules to regularly collect address information for CHIP enrollees. This could help keep kids covered and reduce mail errors.
Faster hiring for public health fellows
If enacted, HHS could convert eligible epidemiology, surveillance, or lab fellows into career‑conditional federal jobs without a competitive hiring process. The fellow would still need to meet job qualifications. This would help retain talent in public health.
Create NTIA spectrum and international offices
NTIA would establish an Office of International Affairs and an Office of Spectrum Management. These offices would handle international telecom policy, represent U.S. positions, assign frequencies for federal users, maintain databases, and coordinate long‑range spectrum planning with the FCC.
Extend clean diesel grants through 2029
This bill would extend the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act through 2029. That would allow related grants and programs to continue.
More recycling data and local grants
EPA would report on compostable materials and contamination in recycling within two years, and create an inventory of recycling facilities within three years and every four years. It would authorize $4 million per year for 2025–2029 for data work. A pilot grant program would fund $500,000 to $15 million projects, with $30 million per year for 2025–2029 and at least 70% going to underserved communities. EPA would report on grant results within two years after the first award.
FDA clarity for generics and pediatrics
If enacted, FDA would tell generic applicants on request whether inactive ingredients match the listed drug and, if not, by how much. FDA would also add steps before finding a lack of due diligence on pediatric studies, including a noncompliance letter and a 45‑day written response window, with a 180‑day transition on enforcement.
FDA opioid plan and pediatric reporting
If enacted, within one year HHS would post an FDA plan to assess opioid pain drugs, with timelines, actions, and public input. FDA’s pediatric enforcement report would also have to list penalties and settlements, including the drug, sponsor, and amount.
GAO studies on wearables and drug prices
If enacted, GAO would report within 18 months on wearable medical devices used in clinical decisions, including AI benefits and risks. GAO would also study Medicare Part D drug supply‑chain payments and report to Congress within two years with findings and recommendations.
Grants for better mosquito control
If enacted, mosquito control grants could support innovative technologies and fund training and technical help. Funding would be set for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 and remain available through December 31, 2026.
Help states detect outbreaks in wastewater
If enacted, HHS/CDC could fund wastewater testing to spot diseases, with $20 million in 2025 and $20 million in 2026 available through December 31, 2026. HHS could also give technical help to states, Tribes, and localities during declared public health emergencies to address the needs of at‑risk people.
Medicare doctor pay bump in 2025
If enacted, Medicare would pay doctors 2.5% more for services from Jan 1, 2025 through Dec 31, 2025. This is a one‑year increase. It could help keep access to care for people on Medicare.
NIH project on Down syndrome
If enacted, NIH would run the INCLUDE Project to coordinate research on Down syndrome across the lifespan and report to Congress every two years.
Study new ways to fund drug research
If enacted, HHS would ask the National Academies to study prize and other models that separate R&D costs from drug prices. The study would start within 90 days of enactment and report to Congress within two years. It must include public listening sessions.
Short extension for teen education grants
If enacted, the Sexual Risk Avoidance and Personal Responsibility Education programs would extend key dates to September 30, 2025. They would also add a pro‑rated period from Oct 1 to Dec 31, 2025 and update references to fiscal year 2026. This keeps funds flowing briefly while programs transition.
FDA Abraham Accords office abroad
Within two years, the FDA would set up an office in an Abraham Accords country. It would offer technical help to regulators there, support aligning rules like good manufacturing practices, and share information on U.S. regulatory paths. Actions could be limited by national security needs.
Let MedPAC and MACPAC use multiyear contracts
MedPAC and MACPAC would be able to sign multiyear contracts and contracts that cross fiscal years, similar to executive agencies. This could help them buy services or property that span budget years.
Promote American music tourism nationwide
The Visit America office would work to find and promote places and events tied to American music. It would report to Congress within one year and every two years after. The goal is to increase travel to music sites and events.
Limits on adding vaccines to injury table
HHS would not be able to add a vaccine, recommended for routine use in children or pregnant women, to the Vaccine Injury Table until at least one product in that category is fully approved under section 351. If added under that rule, all vaccines in the category, including some under emergency use, would be treated as included.
Medicare fraud checks and coding updates
If enacted, starting January 1, 2028, Medicare could flag certain DME items for extra review if many orders come from doctors without prior patient history. For hospice claims on or after January 1, 2026, telehealth visits would need a special code or modifier. By January 1, 2026, Medicare would send guidance to clinicians on screening for medication‑induced movement disorders, including telehealth tips. The HHS Inspector General would report by January 1, 2026 on lab test fraud risks and ways to reduce them.
Transplant network EHR links and fees
The transplant network would be pushed to use hospital EHRs and APIs for referrals, consistent with privacy rules. The Secretary could charge a registration fee for each candidate listed for transplant, post fee totals quarterly, and the fee authority would expire 3 years after enactment.
Priority review vouchers and fee timing
If enacted, Medical Countermeasure priority review vouchers could be used through December 31, 2026. When a voucher is used, the priority review fee would be due when the drug application is submitted. Other application fees would still follow existing rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Pallone
NJ • D
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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This bill would create a Federal–State grant partnership to fully eliminate tuition and required fees for eligible students at participating public colleges and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). It would also raise Pell Grant maximums, expand Pell uses to living costs, and start awards in 2026–2027. - Students and families: Eligible students at public two‑year and four‑year colleges and TCUs could have tuition and required fees covered beginning 2026–2027, with initial income limits applied to some 4‑year students in the first year. - States and institutions: Federal support phases down from 100% in 2026–2027 to 80% by 2030–2031, while States must meet maintenance‑of‑effort and accountability rules tied to faculty, aid, and per‑student spending. - HBCUs, MSIs, and student supports: Private nonprofit Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority‑Serving Institutions get a separate grant stream, and a new Inclusive Student Success fund starts with $10.0 billion for FY2026; TRIO funding rises to $3.0 billion.
HR51 — Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Full statehood for Washington, Douglass Commonwealth would admit the District of Columbia as a new state on equal footing, while defining a smaller federal "Capital" and setting staged transitions for courts, property, and federal programs. - Capital residents would gain full congressional representation: two U.S. Senators and one U.S. Representative. The bill also requires states to allow "absent Capital" residents to vote by absentee ballot in federal elections. - The U.S. House would be permanently increased to 436 members and apportionment would be adjusted beginning with the first decennial census after admission. - The bill defines the federal Capital with a required 180-day survey, preserves federal court, prosecutorial, prison, parole, National Guard, and employee benefit arrangements on a temporary basis, and phases those responsibilities to the State as it certifies the necessary laws and personnel are in place.
HR1939 — U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act
Targeted sanctions and a civilian-protection strategy that would pressure Sudanese combatants, expand humanitarian access across conflict lines, and support an inclusive, civilian-led transition with meaningful roles for women and youth. - Sudanese civilians and aid groups: The bill would require a U.S. strategy to protect civilians and enable humanitarian delivery, including support for grassroots organizations, training for doctors, lawyers, and human-rights defenders to document abuses, and authority to help deploy or sustain a U.N., African Union, or multinational force. - Accountability and sanctions: It would force reports within 60 days identifying people who committed genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, or who systematically blocked aid, plus a separate report on Darfur arms-embargo violators, and would require sanctions within 60 days of those lists using tools like asset blocking, lending limits, export and procurement restrictions, and visa bans while keeping humanitarian and national-security exceptions. - Women, youth, and U.S. diplomatic tools: It would push inclusive political talks led by women and youth, authorize a Special Envoy with $4.0 million per year for 2025–2029, direct U.S. advocacy at the U.N. to expand embargoes and unblock aid, and prohibit major defense sales to countries found supporting the Rapid Support Forces or Sudan Armed Forces with a case-by-case national-interest waiver.
HR1229 — United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025
Would deepen U.S.-Israel defense cooperation by creating new joint programs, offices, and multi-year funding to develop and deploy counter-unmanned systems and other emerging defense technologies. - U.S. military and Department of Defense: Creates a United States–Israel Counter-Unmanned Systems Program and a program office, authorizes $150 million per year for 2026–2030, and requires annual unclassified reports. - U.S. and Israeli defense industries and tech firms: Authorizes joint research, testing, and procurement across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, quantum, and automation with $50 million per year for 2026–2030 and a framework for cost sharing and intellectual property. - Regional partners and missile defense planners: Requires an assessment of integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command area with an unclassified report in 180 days and extends the War Reserves Stockpile Authority beyond January 1, 2029. Would authorize $150 million per year for counter-unmanned systems and $50 million per year for emerging technology cooperation from 2026–2030, and raises funding caps for anti-tunnel and counter-UAS programs through 2028.
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