Proposed legislation related to healthcare and medical insurance: July 17, 2025 – August 22, 2025

Includes regular insurance coverage, i.e., not Medicare or Medicaid.

Unlike other “reports” regarding proposed legislation, this one is only from the House of Representatives. Neither Sen. Fetterman nor Sen. McCormick sits on health-related committees. Pennsylvania Rep. John Joyce, who is an M.D., neither introduced nor cosponsored a single piece of legislation related to health during this six-week period.

H.R.4484 - ADAPT Act (Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees Act). To expand psychological mental and behavioral health services to Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries by permitting reimbursement of psychological services provided by certain supervised psychology trainees, and facilitating the reimbursement of those services.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Troy Balderson (R-OH). Cosponsored by Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Carol Miller (R-WV), and Suzan DelBene (D-WA). Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means the same day. Stuck in committee.

H.R.4486 – Microplastics Safety Act. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to conduct a study, and submit to Congress a report, on the human health impacts of exposure to microplastics in food and water.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Janelle Bynum (D-OR). Cosponsored by six Democrats and six Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day. Stuck in committee.
Comment: Just a study. No regulation. Try to find out the health risks associated with microplastics. Why is this stuck in committee?

H.R.4493 – Climate Health Emergency Act of 2025. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to declare a public health emergency in connection with health risks associated with climate change.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Maxine Dexter (D-OR). Cosponsored by sixteen Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
Note: July 22, 2025, Maxine Dexter introductory remarks on measure (CR H3548-3549).
Comment: This may be tilting at windmills until Democrats control Congress.

H.R.4515 – Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2025. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a program and national strategic action plan to prepare and empower the health care sector to protect the health and well-being of our workers, our communities, and our planet in the face of the climate crisis.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Doris Matsui (D-CA). Cosponsored by 23 Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.

H.R.4518 – Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act. To amend the Controlled Substances Act to require electronic communication service providers and remote computing services to report to the Attorney General certain controlled substances violations.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA). Cosponsored by four Republicans and five Democrats. Referred to Energy and Commerce and Judiciary Committee the same day.
Comment: In 2024, Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced this same Act, with Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) as a cosponsor. According to Craig’s Web site: “Both Davis and Norring died of fentanyl poisoning after purchasing what they thought were Percocet pills on Snapchat. The pills were laced with illicit fentanyl.”
Also, Angie Craig discusses this proposed legislation on her House Web site. I am baffled at the Republican silence on this topic, since fentanyl is a big deal (to hear them talk).

H.R.4525 – Right to FDA-Approved Medicines Act. To protect an individuals (sic) ability to access medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration to protect a health care providers ability to provide such medicines, and information related to such medicines.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Deborah Ross (D-NC). Cosponsored by twelve Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
From the bill: The purposes of this Act are—(1) to provide a clear and comprehensive right to FDA-approved medicines; and, (2) to permit individuals to seek and obtain FDA-approved medicines and to permit health care providers to facilitate prescribing such medicines.
Comment: Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009 would expire in 2026. H.R.4525 extends it to 2031. – Where is John Joyce?

H.R.4536 – Fit for Duty Act. To recognize and reward exceptional physical fitness among members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and to promote physical readiness and overall health in the Armed Forces.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by William Timmons (R-SC). No cosponsors. Referred to Ways and Means and Armed Services the same day.
Snarky comment: Isn’t the military supposed to provide that as a matter of course? But I guess Timmons can say he introduced a bill.
Comment: This bill would give members of the military tax-free cash bonuses for achieving certain levels of their annual physical. So, cash bonuses, but not voting in favor of improved healthcare for our military? Something is wrong with House Republicans.

H.R.4541 – EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025. To reauthorize the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). Cosponsored by three Republicans and six Democrats.
Note: Maxine Waters introduced H.R.4543, “To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require coverage for certain individual with breast or cervical cancer under the Medicaid program.” She was joined by 26 Democratic representatives.
The same day, Maxine Waters also introduced H.R.4545, “To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the provision of certain information with respect to breast reconstruction surgery under the Medicare program.” She was joined by 26 Democratic representatives.

H.Res.593 – Congratulating the Oncology Nursing Society on the occasion of its 50th anniversary.
Introduced July 17, 2025 by Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA). Cosponsored by Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Why didn’t John Joyce cosponsor? How is this controversial?

H.R.4556 - Protect Our TEETH Act. Protect Our Treatment for Enamel, Erosion, and Tooth Health Act. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to carry out a rapid response evidence review of proposed rules relating to fluoride.
Introduced July 21, 2025 by Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO). Cosponsored by eleven Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to carry out a rapid response evidence review of proposed rules relating to fluoride. Since this bill was cosponsored only by Democrats and no Republicans, it is safe to assume RFK Junior does not approve.

H.R.4564 - Dillon’s Law. To amend the Public Health Service Act to create a special rule for treating trained individuals as trained personnel of a school for purposes of giving preference to States for children’s asthma treatment grant programs.
Introduced July 21, 2025 by Glenn Grothman (R-WI). Cosponsored by seven Republicans and seven Democrats. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: From Rep. Glenn Grothman’s Congressional Web site: Dillon’s Law is named in honor of Dillon Mueller, a native of Mishicot, Wisconsin, who tragically passed away in 2014 at just 18 years old after being stung by a bee that resulted in an anaphylactic reaction. At the time of the incident, epinephrine was not readily available and accessible.
Several states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana, have enacted versions of Dillon’s Law with strong bipartisan support. While Congress passed a similar measure in 2013 to support epinephrine programs in schools, this legislation expands access further by allowing any trained individual to administer epinephrine in the event of an emergency.
Additional comment: Debbie Dingell first introduced Dillon’s Law in 2023, without success. Glenn Grothman was a cosponsor. “Dillon’s Law is named after Dillon Mueller, an 18-year-old boy whose life was tragically cut short due to a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting. Dillon had never experienced such a reaction before and did not have a prescription for epinephrine.” – Again, where is John Joyce?

H.R.4569 – Supporting Premature Infant Nutrition Act of 2025. To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require no-cost coverage of human milk fortifier.
Introduced July 21, 2025 by Morgan McGarvey (D-KY). Cosponsored by Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Juan Vargas (D-CA) and no Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: This bill would require Social Security to provide no-cost coverage of human milk fortifier.

H.R.4581 - 340B PATIENTS Act of 2025. 340B Pharmaceutical Access To Invest in Essential, Needed Treatments & Support Act of 2025. To ensure the accessibility of drugs furnished through the drug discount program under section 340B of the Public Health Service Act.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Doris Matsui (D-CA). Cosponsored by sixteen Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: The text of H.R.4581 is worth reading, if only for its “findings” section. Section 340B requires drug manufacturers to offer discounted prices on covered outpatient drugs to covered entities participating in the program, and, as a condition of participating in the Medicaid program and part B of the Medicare program, drug manufacturers are required to offer drug discount pricing to covered entities when requested.

H.R.4583 - Living Donor Protection Act of 2025. To promote and protect from discrimination living organ donors.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Don Bacon (R-NE). Cosponsored by 88 Democrats and 24 Republicans. Referred to Energy and Commerce and Financial Services the same day.
Comment: This is not about race or sex or ethnicity, rather: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an insurer shall not deny coverage, cancel coverage, refuse to issue, determine the price or premium for, or otherwise vary any term or condition of a life insurance policy, disability insurance policy, or long-term care insurance policy for a person based solely, and without any actual, unique, and material actuarial risks, on the status of such person as a living organ donor.
I do not understand why a bill with such strong bipartisan support is still stuck in committee. The dysfunction is overwhelming.

H.R.4595 - Small and Homestead Independent Producers Act of 2025. To provide authority for small cultivators of cannabis and small manufacturers of cannabis products to ship cannabis and cannabis products using the mail.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Jared Huffman (D-CA). Cosponsored by Val Hoyle (D-OR). Referred to Agriculture and Judiciary and Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Government Reform the same day.
Comment: This bill would permit the shipment of cannabis by mail.

H.R.4605 - End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act. To ban drug manufacturers from using direct-to-consumer advertising, including social media, to promote their products.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). Cosponsored by Maxine Dexter (D-OR) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN). Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: This would ban drug manufacturers from using direct-to-consumer advertising, including social media, to promote their products. I dare say that if this were put to a referendum in the United States, it would pass overwhelmingly! As long as lobbyists were not allowed to pour billions into ad campaigns.

H.R.4606 – Ally’s Act. To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require coverage of hearing devices and systems in certain private health insurance plans.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Joe Neguse (D-CO). Cosponsored by 57 Democrats and 9 Republicans. John Joyce did not cosponsor. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce and Ways and Means the same day.
Comment: Why is this bill essentially partisan, with so few Republicans cosponsoring?

H.R.4607 - SEEK HELP Act. Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections Act. To provide protections from prosecution for drug possession to individuals who seek medical assistance when witnessing or experiencing an overdose.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Joe Neguse (D-CO). Cosponsored by three Republicans and three Democrats. (Madeleine Dean (D-PA) is an original co-sponsor.) Referred to Judiciary and Energy and Commerce the same day. Stuck in committee.
Comment: I cannot comprehend how anyone would be against this legislation… And again, why isn’t John Joyce a cosponsor?

H.R.4611 – EACH Act of 2025. Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act of 2025. To ensure affordable abortion coverage and care for every person.
Introduced on July 22, 2025 by Ayanna Pressley (D-MA). Co-sponsored by 181 Democratic representatives and zero Republicans. [Close to codification?] Referred to Committee on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means and Natural Resources and Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs and Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform and Foreign Affairs – the same day.
On December 19, 2025, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs referred it to their subcommittee on Health. Otherwise, no movement whatever.
ALERT: This is one to watch.

H.R.4623 – Plain Prescription Prices Act. To require direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs and biological products to include truthful and not misleading pricing information.
Introduced July 22, 2025 by Nikema Williams (D-GA). Cosponsored by three Republicans and one Democrat. Referred to Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce the same day.
From the bill: Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (referred to in this section as the “Administrator”), shall promulgate regulations requiring each direct-to-consumer advertisement on television (including broadcast, cable, streaming, and satellite television) for a prescription drug or biological product for which payment is available under title XVIII or XIX of the Social Security Act to include a textual statement, which shall be truthful and not misleading, indicating the list price, as determined on the first day of the quarter during which the advertisement is being aired or otherwise broadcast, for a typical 30-day regimen or typical course of treatment (whichever is most appropriate).
Comment: Why isn’t it already illegal for DTC ads to include misleading pricing? This bill is similar to H.R.4605, which had no Republican cosponsors.

H.R.4624 - Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. To amend the Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996 to establish requirements for unified boxing organizations, to further enhance the well-being of professional boxers.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Brian Jack (R-GA). Cosponsored by five Republicans and seven Democrats. Referred to Education and Workforce and Energy and Commerce the same day.
Question: Befuddled with this one. Is it to promote boxing, or to protect the health of boxing athletes?

H.R.4639 – Infertility Treatment Affordability Act of 2025. To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an income tax credit for the costs of infertility treatments.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Mike Carey (R-OH). Cosponsored by Greg Landsman (D-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), Eugene Vindman (D-VA), and Laura Gillen (D-NY). Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means the same day.
Comment: What I am reading is that Democrats think health insurers (including Medicare and Medicaid) should cover certain items—fertility treatments, hearing aids, prosthetics—while Republicans merely want to provide people a small tax credit for those same items. Two very different approaches.
It is a tax credit, not a tax deduction, which means it is subtracted directly from taxes owed. However, it’s limited to 50% of what a taxpayer paid during the tax year, capped at $40,000 total deduction. I am guessing that it would be far cheaper if insurance covered it from start to finish.

H.R.4648 – Access to Fertility Treatment and Care Act. To require health insurance plans to provide coverage for fertility treatment.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). Cosponsored by Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), and Valerie Foushee (D-NC) and no Republicans. Referred to Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce and Oversight and Government Reform and Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs the same day.
Comment: It does what the “purpose” section says by amending the Public Health Service Act (Part D of Title XXVII) to require health insurance plans that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments to the same degree. Why is this a non-starter with House Republicans? Didn’t they read Trump’s Executive Order from February?
Compare and contrast: H.R.4639, introduced by Mike Carey (R-OH), which would provide an income tax credit for the costs of infertility treatments, had bipartisan support.

H.Res.601 - Recognizing the duty of the Federal Government to lead the world in biomedical research.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Diana DeGette (D-CO). Cosponsored by Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day. Dead in the water.

H.Res.607 - Supporting the designation of the week of August 25 through August 29, 2025, as the third annual “National Community Health Worker Awareness Week.”
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Raul Ruiz (D-CA). Cosponsored by ten Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Where is John Joyce?

H.Res.611 – Expressing the importance of accurate information for medical professionals treating pregnant women and their unborn children in the emergency department, and for informing the general public.
Introduced July 25, 2025 by Kat Cammack (R-FL). Cosponsored by five Republicans and no Democrats. Referred to Energy and Commerce the same day. [Remember that Energy and Commerce oversees not only fossil fuels and commerce, but health legislation as well.]
Comment: This resolution (not a bill) seeks to differentiate between elective-induced abortion and treatment for ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Even that cannot garner widespread Republican support.

H.R.4668 - End the Vaccine Carveout Act. To amend the Public Health Service Act to end the liability shield for vaccine manufacturers.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Paul Gosar (R-AZ). Cosponsored by twenty-nine Republicans and no Democrats. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Snarky comment: So this bill they can all get behind? But not healthy children?
Serious comment: Thankfully, John Joyce did not cosponsor this bill. I would have to report him to the AMA otherwise. Lloyd Smucker has not cosponsored yet. But I expect him to do so any day now.
Interesting that the bill specifically excludes COVID-19 vaccines. Guess we know which stock those thirty Republicans own.

H.R.4698 - PAAW Act (Preventing Animal Abuse and Waste Act). To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the Director of the National Institutes of Health from conducting or funding research that causes significant pain or distress to a dog or cat.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Nancy Mace (R-SC). Cosponsored by eight Democrats and six Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.

H.R.4705 - ACHE Act of 2025 (Appalachian Communities Health Equity Act of 2025).To place a moratorium on the issuance and renewal of certain Federal authorizations for mountaintop removal coal mining until a health study is conducted.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Morgan McGarvey (D-KY). Cosponsored by six Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Energy and Commerce and Transportation and Infrastructure the same day.
Comment: No one from West Virginia or Pennsylvania cosponsored.

H.R.4709 - Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2025. To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain programs under part A of title XI of such Act relating to genetic diseases.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Kelly Morrison (D-MN). Cosponsored by two Democrats and two Republicans. John Joyce did not cosponsor. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
On September 10, Energy and Commerce referred to their subcommittee on Health. That subcommittee held and markup session and referred it to the full committee the same day. Energy and Commerce has sat on it since.
Comment: While the intent of this bill seems good, I doubt it will make it past committee. If it does, it will be amended. It does not simply extend existing legislation to 2030. It adds a great deal to that legislation.

H.R.4710 - No Surprises Act Enforcement Act. To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Gregory Murphy (R-NC). Cosponsored by seven Democrats and five Republicans. Referred to Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce and Education and Workforce the same day. No movement in any committee.
Comment: Like the “no Rx ads on TV,” I would wager that if a nationwide referendum were held regarding this proposed legislation, it would pass in a landslide. And, it adds teeth by substantially increasing penalties to health insurers that violate the law.
Surprisingly, John Joyce cosponsored this bill on July 23!

H.R.4722 - Urban Indian Health Parity Act. To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require a Federal medical assistance percentage of 100 percent for urban Indian organizations.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Raul Ruiz (D-CA). Cosponsored by Don Bacon (R-NE) and Sharice Davids (D-KS). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Simple amendment that expands Section 1905(b) of the Social Security Act from Indian tribes or tribal organizations to include urban Indian organizations as well.

H.R.4723 - Mental Health for Latinos Act of 2025. To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a behavioral and mental health outreach and education strategy to reduce stigma associated with mental health among the Hispanic and Latino population.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Andrea Salinas (D-OR). Cosponsored by nine Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.

H.R.4725 - TRUTH in Labeling Act (Transparency, Readability, Understandability, Truth, and Helpfulness in Labeling Act). To strengthen requirements related to nutrient information on food labels.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Janice Schakowsky (D-IL). Cosponsored by eight Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Why is this a “Democratic” bill? Do House Republicans not care about truth in labeling?

H.R.4729 - To codify Executive Order 14292 relating to improving the safety and security of biological research. (No short title.)
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Keith Self (R-TX). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Science, Space, and Technology the same day.
Snarky comment: Another suck-up bill. Executive Order 14292 prohibits research into pathogens, specifically “gain-of-function” research in the field of virology (sort of important if we are going to develop vaccines) (oh wait, we’re not doing that any more).
Oh well. At least Keith Self recognized that an executive order is not law. A small step in the right direction.

H.R.4731 - Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025. To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the distribution of additional residency positions.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Terri Sewell (D-AL). Cosponsored by 74 Democrats and 9 Republicans. Referred to Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce the same day.
Republicans who broke rank: Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Michael Lawler (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Robert Bresnahan (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Don Bacon (R-NE), Daniel Meuser (R-PA), and Mike Rogers (R-AL). If one of these is your representative, send them a Thank-You note!
Note: Surprised that JOHN JOYCE (R-PA) did not cosponsor this bill. In 2021, the consolidated appropriations bill allowed Medicare to increase the number of Medicare-funded residencies at hospitals to make up for shortage of physicians. H.R.4731 would increase the number of residents funded by Medicare, since the 2021 appropriations funds have been used up. Read more on the official Medicare Web site.

H.R.4737 - Apeel Reveal Act of 2025. To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require the disclosure of certain product coatings used on fruits and vegetables.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Marlin Stutzman (R-IN). Cosponsored by Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: I wondered why this did not enjoy broader support, until I read the text of this very short bill. It only attacks the brand Apeel Sciences, and its sub-brands Edipeel and Organipeel. It is not a comprehensive bill regarding product coatings across the board.
Even more fascinating, it’s currently an alt-right talking point (against Apeel), likely because part of its initial funding stemmed from Bill Gates’ foundation. But Andreessen Horowitz is among its largest backers, dwarfing Gate’s initial investment. Wikipedia has an entire section debunking alt-right conspiracy theories about Apeel, and Snopes has a 2023 article debunking even more ludicrous claims.
This is not an endorsement of Apeel, Edipeel, or Organipeel. It’s merely a warning that legislation that sounds good on the surface (pun intended) can have its roots in alt-right conspiracy theories.

H.R.4744 - Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025. To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promote mental wellness and resilience and prevent and heal mental health, behavioral health, and psychosocial conditions through developmentally and culturally appropriate community programs, and award grants for the purpose of establishing, operating, or expanding community-based mental wellness and resilience programs.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Paul Tonko (D-NY). Cosponsored by Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Kathy Castor (D-FL). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Serious comment: Since the odds are stacked against this bill during the current congressional session, could you four please resubmit in 2027? We are all suffering from PTSD.

H.R.4752 - Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act. To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide hereditary cancer genetic testing for individuals with a history of a hereditary cancer gene mutation in a blood relative or a personal or ancestral history suspicious for hereditary cancer, and to provide coverage of certain cancer screenings or preventive surgeries that would reduce the risk for individuals with a germline (inherited) mutation associated with a high risk of developing a preventable cancer.
Introduced July 23, 2025 by Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL). Cosponsored by ten Democrats and three Republicans. John Joyce did not cosponsor. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means the same day. Stuck in committee.

H.R.4773 - ACO Assignment Improvement Act of 2025. To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a SNF-at-home program under the Medicare program.
Introduced July 25, 2025 by Adrian Smith (R-NE). Cosponsored by Suzan DelBene (D-WA). Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: SNF means “skilled nursing facility” – at home instead of in hospital.

July 26, 2025 alert. July 30, 2025 meeting. 11:00AM(EDT), 328A Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Hearings to examine a review of the USDA reorganization proposal. Meeting Details include video of the hearing.
Comment: A reorganization of the USDA? Why hasn’t this been all over the news? -- This is the memorandum that triggered the announcement. Secretary memorandum SM 1078-015. Disbanding the central office in Washington, DC and establishing five new regional offices. So much for saving money.

S.2519 - Medical Debt Relief Act of 2025. To amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to prohibit the inclusion of medical debt on a consumer report.
Introduced July 29, 2025 by Jeff Merkley (D-OR). Cosponsored by five Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs the same day.
Very serious comment: Democrats in the Senate are genuinely trying to effect change via the rule of law. The five Democrats who cosponsored this bill: Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Fetterman (D-PA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). I strongly recommend you write those five (plus Jeff Merkley who introduced it) and thank them. This is a big deal for many Americans. It will likely not get out of committee thanks to Tim Scott. But maybe in 2026, if we can hold on.

July 29, 2025 alert: S. Rept. 119-49 – “Youth Poisoning Protection Act.” Accompanies Bill: S.289, which makes a consumer product with a concentration of sodium nitrite of 10% or greater a banned hazardous product (with the exception of pharmaceuticals).
Comment: Interesting, since I am only following the House’s Energy and Commerce committee, not the Senate health committee. S.289 made it out of committee and has been placed on the Senate calendar for a vote.

H.Res.617 - Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.
Introduced July 29, 2025 by Earl Carter (R-GA). Cosponsored by Paul Tonko (D-NY), Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), Joe Neguse (D-CO). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Where are all those House Republicans who fret about fentanyl when a camera is pointed in their general direction? Isn’t this a Republican talking point?

H.Res.619 - Supporting the goals and ideals of “Minority Mental Health Awareness Month” and recognizing the disproportionate impacts of mental health conditions and struggles on minority populations and communities.
Introduced July 29, 2025 by Jasmine Crockett (D-TX). Cosponsored by thirteen Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.

H.R.4841 - Stomach Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Act. To require the Director of the National Cancer Institute to conduct a review of the current state of stomach cancer incidence, prevention, screening, awareness, and future public health importance.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Judy Chu (D-CA). Cosponsored by Joe Wilson (R-SC), Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI). Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs the same day.
Comment: Chu and Wilson’s bill would authorize a joint study by the National Cancer Institute, the CDC, and the Department of Defense.
Snarky comment: Please excuse me for a moment. I have the vapors. Lloyd Smucker cosponsored a Democratic bill? Hey, John Joyce!

H.R.4849 - Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025. To repeal health-related portions of An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Adam Gray (D-CA). Cosponsored by 136 Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce the same day.
Note: Here is Adam Gray’s press release after introducing this bill.
Comment: This is an amendment to the table in the 1986 tax code regarding premium deductions. This was one of many Democratic attempts to restore Affordable Care Act subsidies. It never made it out of committee.

H.R.4858 - Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act. To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to deem adulterated food containing certain color additives.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Grace Meng (D-NY). No cosponsors. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: This bill would ban the following color additives: Red No. 40; Red No. 3; Yellow No. 5; Yellow No. 6; Blue No. 1; Blue No. 2; Green No. 3; Orange B; Citrus Red 2; Red 3; Titanium Dioxide; and, any additive that is substantially similar to the additives specified above.
Snarky comment: Guess House Republicans aren’t fans of RFK, Jr.?

H.Res.630 – Recognizing July 28, 2025, as “World Hepatitis Day.”
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Nydia Velázquez (D-NY). Cosponsored by Henry Johnson (D-GA). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: I am tired of asking, Where is John Joyce?

H.R.4878 - MOSSA Act (Make Our Streets Safe Again Act). To help end crime and disorder on America’s streets.
Introduced August 5, 2025 by Earl Carter (R-GA). Cosponsored by Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Gregory Steube (R-FL). Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and Energy and Commerce and Financial Services the same day.
Comment: Please read this bill if you want to understand what is wrong with the House Republican approach to mental health, homelessness, and crime. Because although they occasionally say ‘the right words,’ it’s empty and harmful.

H.R.4880 - Primacy Certainty Act of 2025. To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to clarify the requisite timeline for making a decision on the approval or disapproval of a State underground injection control program.
Introduced August 5, 2025 by Dan Crenshaw (R-TX). Cosponsored by August Pfluger (R-TX) and Randy Webster, Sr. (R-TX). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: There is probably a reason this bill is sponsored only by representatives from Texas.

H.R.4903 - Plastic Health Research Act. To amend the Public Health Service Act to carry out, expand, and coordinate programs relating to plastic exposure health research, to authorize grants, contracts, and agreements with respect to such research.
Introduced August 5, 2025 by Haley Stevens (D-MI). Cosponsored by Frank Lucas (R-OK), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Cleo Fields (D-LA), Dave Min (D-CA), Juan Vargas (D-CA), and Seth Moulton (D-MA). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.

H.Res.641 - Expressing support for community health centers during National Health Center Week, August 3 through August 9, 2025, and encouraging all Americans to take part in this week by visiting their local community health center and celebrating the important partnership between America’s community health centers and the communities they serve.
Introduced August 8, 2025 by Donald Davis (D-NC). Cosponsored by Deborah Ross (D-NC). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: John Joyce, where are you?

H.R.4958 - GRAS Act (Grocery Reform And Safety Act). To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require notification to the Food and Drug Administration prior to use of substances as generally recognized as safe, reassessment of the safety of certain substances marketed as generally recognized as safe, provide resources for reviews and reassessments.
Introduced August 12, 2025 by Frank Pallone (D-NJ). Cosponsored by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.

H.R.4963 - Marijuana 1-to-3 Act of 2025. To provide for the rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.
Introduced August 12, 2025 by Gregory Steube (R-FL). Cosponsored by David Joyce (R-OH), Troy Carter (D-LA), and Brian Mast (R-FL). Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Judiciary the same day.
Surprised comment: Wow! Republicans wants to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III!

H.R.4977 - Connected MOM Act (Connected Maternal Online Monitoring Act). To identify and address barriers to coverage of remote physiologic devices under State Medicaid programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women.
Introduced August 15, 2025 by Lois Frankel (D-FL). Cosponsored by five Republicans and five Democrats. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: While I generally like the addition of telehealth for people who have limited access to transportation (and that is one component of this bill), I worry about the “remote physiologic devices” for monitoring purposes. Intent may be good, but I believe the bill needs more language regarding data privacy. Not sure I want Big Brother monitoring anyone's pregnancy or postpartum medical status.

H.R.4979 - Tick Identification Pilot Program Act of 2025. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to award grants to States to implement a tick identification pilot program.
Introduced August 15, 2025 by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). Cosponsored by four Republicans and three Democrats. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Since this is an issue in Pennsylvania, why did not all Pennsylvania representatives cosponsor this bill? Brian Fitzpatrick and Robert Bresnahan were the only ones who did.

H.R.4980 – BITE Act (Battling Infections Transmitted by Ticks and Exposure Act). To establish a comprehensive national vector-borne disease prevention system.
Introduced August 15, 2025 by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). Cosponsored by five Republicans and two Democrats. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: Same as for H.R.4979—why aren’t all Pennsylvania representatives cosponsoring? John Joyce, Lloyd Smucker? Brian Fitzpatrick and Robert Bresnahan were again the only Pennsylvanians who cosponsored.

H.R.4981 - Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act. To provide for the issuance of a Lyme Disease Research Semipostal Stamp.
Introduced August 15, 2025 by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). Cosponsored by four Republicans and three Democrats. Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce the same day.
Comment: A semipostal stamp is a stamp bearing a higher-than-normal postage rate. The excess amount is donated to a specified charity. For example, there have been 9/11 and breast cancer semipostal stamps.
This bill would authorize issuance of a Lyme disease awareness semipostal stamp, with the excess donated to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Again, why are not all Pennsylvania (and Poconos, Catskills, Adirondacks, and Texas, anywhere are deer and ticks together) representatives signing on to this bill? Brian Fitzpatrick and Robert Bresnahan were again the only Pennsylvanians who cosponsored.

H.R.4987 - Food Date Labeling Act of 2025. To establish requirements for quality and discard date phrases that are voluntarily declared on the food label to display calendar dates.
Introduced August 15, 2025 by Chellie Pingree (D-ME). Cosponsored by six Democrats and three Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Agriculture the same day.

H.R.5006 - Health Privacy From Global Bureaucrats Act. To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of the Treasury to take such actions as may be necessary to prohibit the release of taxpayer, patient, or vaccine data to the World Health Organization or a foreign government.
Introduced August 19, 2025 by Gregory Steube (R-FL). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means the same day.
Comment: I want data privacy even with respect to my US government. Un-doge medicine, please!

August 20, 2025-August 22, 2025: No activity.

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