Bill · S. 5066· Senate(119-S-5066)
Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4233)
- Sponsored by
- Alex Padilla
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026 is a comprehensive legislative effort to improve health outcomes for minority, underserved, and diverse populations. It seeks to strengthen the tracking of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities through enhanced data collection and reporting. The bill implements various programs to diversify the healthcare workforce, expand access to mental health and substance use services, and improve maternal and infant health. It also addresses specific needs for various communities, including Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and rural residents. Additionally, the act provides expanded coverage for dental, nutrition, and chronic disease management through Medicare and Medicaid. Finally, it establishes new oversight bodies to monitor health equity and protect civil rights.
Yes· 3 of 79
Would children be better off under this?+10
Guarantees universal free school meals, expanded pediatric behavioral health, and reduced lead exposure.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+10
Massive expansion of Medicaid, SNAP, universal meals, and free essential health supplies.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+10
Explicitly targets the elimination of Black maternal mortality and health disparities through targeted funding and HBCU support.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-5
Increases federal expenditures through numerous new grant programs, permanent extensions, and Medicaid expansions.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?-4
Imposes federal restrictions on state agencies regarding debt collection, meal eligibility, and menstrual product taxes.
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
Imposes new administrative burdens on health providers and regulatory penalties on pharmacies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Data Accuracy: Strengthening the collection of demographic data like race, ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic status will help ensure health programs are more effective. (Sec. 1001)
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Enhanced Medicare Data: Requiring demographic data for all Medicare applicants helps identify specific health disparities within the program. (Sec. 1003)
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Support for Minority Institutions: Grants provided to minority-serving institutions help them improve their ability to collect and analyze health disparity data. (Sec. 1007)
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Drug Safety and Effectiveness: Mandating investigations into racial or ethnic disparities regarding drug safety ensures better outcomes for those groups. (Sec. 1008)
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Better Data for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: A national strategy and preliminary health survey will help identify the specific health needs of these populations. (Sec. 1009)
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Language Access: Improving access through translation and interpreter services helps those with limited English proficiency. (Sec. 2002, Sec. 2003)
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Increased Diversity in Healthcare: Various scholarship, fellowship, and training programs aim to diversify the healthcare workforce. (Sec. 3001-3016)
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Expanded Mental Health Support: Provisions include support for graduate programs at minority-serving institutions and increased access to high-quality trauma support. (Sec. 3033, Sec. 6105)
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Improved Access to Dental Care: The bill seeks to improve access to dental care and launch oral health literacy campaigns. (Sec. 4251, Sec. 4252)
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Protection for Specific Populations: Measures are included to protect the health of women, children, and families through postpartum care and nutrition assistance. (Sec. 5001, Sec. 5201)
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Mental Health and Substance Use Access: The act aims to increase coverage for substance use disorder counseling and provide funds for research and specialized services. (Sec. 6101, Sec. 6103)
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Cancer and Chronic Disease Management: The bill provides research, outreach, and improved coverage for various cancers and chronic diseases like diabetes and kidney disease. (Sec. 7001, Sec. 7501, Sec. 7901A)
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HIV/AIDS Support: Additional funding is provided for drug assistance, improved surveillance, and programs to increase retention in care. (Sec. 7402, Sec. 7403, Sec. 7405)
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Improved Nutrition Access: The bill aims to improve the efficacy of the SNAP program and provide better nutrition access for seniors and children. (Sec. 10202, Sec. 10311)
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Improved Language Access for Healthcare: The Robert T. Matsui Center will provide resources to link providers with qualified interpreters and translators. (Section 3401(a)(1))
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Reduced Costs and Medical Errors: A health information clearinghouse is intended to reduce costs caused by miscommunication and reduce medical errors. (Section s3401(a)(4)(A))
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Easier Access to Vital Documents: The Center will provide translated vital documents, such as medical consent forms, at no cost to providers. (Section 3401(a)(2)(A))
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Support for Medicare Beneficiaries: A demonstration program awards grants to Medicare providers to offer competent language services to beneficiaries. (Section 2007(a)(1))
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Enhanced Medicaid and CHIP Coverage: The bill expands coverage to include language assistance services under Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. (Section 2007(d))
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Improved Training for Future Doctors: Graduate medical education will include training in culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery. (Section 2006(a))
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Mental Health Support for AANHPI Communities: A national strategy will promote behavioral health and reduce stigma among Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations. (Section 2016(a))
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Increased Workforce Diversity: A national working group will develop a strategic work plan to enhance workforce diversity. (Section 3411)
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Access to Essential Information: A technical clearinghouse will provide statistical information, model practices, and lists of scholarship opportunities. (Section 3412)
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Financial Support for Students and Researchers: Programs offer scholarships, fellowships, and loan repayment assistance to help individuals enter health professions. (Sections 3412, 3414, 3419, 3420, 3421, 3422)
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Support for Educational Institutions: Grants are available to help institutions expand diversity programs, including academic enrichment and mentoring. (Section 3413)
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Enhanced Mental Health Services: The "STAR Plus Scholarship Act" increases the supply of individuals for substance use disorder treatment and mental health services. (Section 3022)
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Improved Training for Mental Health Professionals: The "ACCESS in Mental Health Act" provides grants for graduate programs training professionals in culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. (Section 3033)
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Opportunities for Internationally Educated Professionals: Grants assist skilled immigrants in entering the U.S. health workforce and advancing their careers. (Section 3013)
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Workforce Development: Health centers can receive grants to recruit and retain staff and support career advancement. (Section 3043(a))
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Educational Partnerships: Higher education institutions can partner with health centers to provide training in clinical and IT roles. (Section 3043(c))
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Increased Training for Specialists: Grants can expand training programs specifically for behavioral health specialists. (Section 3043(d))
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Enhanced Medical Education: Hospitals can enter into agreements to conduct graduate medical residency training programs. (Section 3043(a))
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Improved Mental Health Access: Medicaid and Medicare coverage is expanded to include services from behavioral health consultants and case managers. (Section 3044(a))
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Protection of Sensitive Locations: Immigration enforcement actions are restricted within 1,000 feet of schools, medical facilities, and places of worship. (Section 4001(a))
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Reduced Financial Barriers to Healthcare: The bill expands Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP eligibility for children, pregnant persons, and lawfully present individuals. (Section s 4003(a), (c))
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Lower Health Insurance Costs: Taxable year adjustments to the sliding scale can help reduce premium percentages for certain household income tiers. (Section 4004(a))
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Increased Insurance Access: Noncitizens ineligible for Medicaid due to status may be treated as having a household income of s100% of the poverty line for premium tax credits. (Section 4005(a))
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Support for Immigrant Families: Individuals granted federally authorized presence are considered lawfully present for exchange eligibility, premium subsidies, and Medicaid/CHIP. (Section 4006(a))
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Expanded Medicaid Options for States: States have the option to expand Medicaid and CHIP coverage to individuals without lawful presence. (Section 4006(b))
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Improved Medicare Affordability: A Medicare Cost Assistance Program provides assistance for premiums, coinsurance, and deductibles for low-income individuals. (Section 4106(a))
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Better Support for Territories: Medicaid funding limitations are eliminated for several territories and the Supplemental Security Income program is extended to them. (Section 4101(a), 4102(a))
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Enhanced Tribal Healthcare: The definition of "Indian" is expanded to include more specific groups for health service eligibility. (Section 4104(a))
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Help for Incarcerated Individuals: Individuals released from incarceration are provided a special enrollment period for Medicare and may have zero premiums while in custody. (Section 4111(a), (b))
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Employment Benefits: Federal employees can treat pregnancy as a qualifying life event to enroll in health benefits plans. (Section 4112)
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Enhanced Healthcare Quality in Minority Communities: Grants are provided for demonstration projects to improve the quality of and access to healthcare for entities serving racial and ethnic minority groups. (Section 3441)
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Support for Pacific Islander and Insular Areas: Financial assistance is authorized to help reconstruct and improve healthcare facilities in areas like American same, Guam, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. (Section 3443)
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Better Health Outcomes in Border Areas: Grants address healthcare priorities for residents in U.S.-Mexico border areas, including maternal and child health. (Section 4202)
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Improved Care for Rural Residents: The Rural Community Hospital program and Rural Health Quality Advisory Commission aim to strengthen health systems in rural areas. (Sections 4221 and 4222)
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Expanded Dental Care Access: The bill expands dental and oral health services coverage under Medicare and requires Medicaid to cover certain dental services for adults. (Sections 4251 and 4251(d))
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Enhanced Support for Veterans: An Office of Minority Health within the Veterans Health Administration will coordinate disease prevention and health promotion. (Section s 4210)
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Increased Access to Essential Providers: Qualified health plans are required to increase their networks of essential community providers. (Section 4242)
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Improved Medicaid Income Standards for Pregnant Individuals and Infants: This provision amends the Social Security Act to change how income eligibility is calculated. (Section 4113)
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Improved Health Equity Oversight: The Office for Civil Rights and Health Equity and the Federal Health Equity Commission will monitor and investigate inequitable healthcare. (Section s 4504, Section 4506)
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Enhanced Data Collection: Requiring providers to disaggregate data by demographic characteristics can help identify patterns of inequable care. (Section 4501)
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Increased Hospital Accountability: Hospitals can receive grants to establish programs like bias training, translation services, and workforce diversity. (Section 4507)
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Expanded Medicare Benefits: The bill expands Medicare coverage to include qualified acupuncturist services. (Section 4701)
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Support for Sickle Cell Disease: Medicaid can provide specialized "health home" services, including dental and vision care, for individuals with sickle cell disease. (Section 4706)
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Improved Maternal and Pregnancy Support: Hospitals must develop specific discharge plans for pregnant individuals to ensure safe transitions of care. (Section 4704)
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Expanded Community Resources: Grants are provided to community schools to expand school-based health services, such as mental health and nutrition assistance. (Section 4707)
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Expanded Dental Care: States must provide coverage for preventive, diagnostic, periodontal, and restorative dental services for pregnant and postpartum women under Medicaid and CHIP. (Section 1905(nn))
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Extended Coverage Period: The bill requires states to provide full benefits to pregnant and postpartum individuals for a 12-month period. (Section 1902(e)(16))
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Support for Doulas: A program will award grants to grow and diversify the doula workforce through training and scholarships. (Section (c)(1))
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Improved Rural Access: A pilot program provides grants to establish rural mobile health units for obstetric services. (Section 320C(a)(1))
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Addressing Housing Needs: The "Housing for Moms" grant program aims to increase access to safe, stable, and affordable housing for pregnant and postpartum individuals. (Section 5203(b)(2))
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Nutritional Support: A grant program will deliver healthy food, infant formula, clean water, or diapers to pregnant and postpartum individuals in food deserts. (Section 5203(d)(2)(D))
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Child Care Access: Grant programs will provide free and accessible drop-in child care services during prenatal and postpartum appointments. (Section 5203(f)(1))
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Increased Nutritional Benefits: The postpartum period for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is extended to two years. (Section 5203(d)(1)(A))
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Workforce Expansion: The bill provides grants to establish or expand schools for training physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other maternal health professionals. (Section 5205(b), Section 5205(c))
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Improved Diversity in Care: It incentivizes recruiting healthcare providers from diverse backgrounds to provide culturally congruent care. (Section 5205(a)(1)(B)(i))
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Mental Health Support: A grant program aims to improve the integration of maternal mental health and substance use disorder services into primary care. (Section 5207(a)(4)(A))
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Support for Incarcerated Individuals: The bill creates programs to optimize maternal health outcomes for pregnant and postpartum individuals in Bureau of Prisons facilities and local jails. (Section 5208(b), Section 5208(c))
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Climate Change Protection: A grant program helps vulnerable individuals identify and mitigate risks associated with climate change, such as providing access to air conditioning. (Section 5211(a)(5)(A))
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Improved Maternal Health through Research: The NIH Consortium on Birth and Climate Change Research aims to identify risks and strategies to reduce exposure to environmental threats. (Section s5205(c)(2)(A))
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Support for Victims of Violence: The bill funds studies to understand how domestic violence and sexual assault contribute to maternal mortality and provides grants for innovative approaches. (Section 5212)
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Expansion of Midwifery Services: Grants are authorized to support students and the expansion of accredited midwifery schools and programs. (Section 5213(a))
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Managing Gestational Diabetes: The bill funds research and demonstration projects to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes. (Section 5214(a) and (c))
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Promoting Informed Maternity Care: A consumer education campaign is established to promote evidence-based maternity practices. (Section 5215(a)(8))
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Ensuring Access to Contraception: Pharmacies must provide FDA-approved contraception without delay and offer options like transfers if a product is out of stock. (Section 5403(a))
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Access to Menstrual Products: Funds are directed toward the purchase and distribution of menstrual products for low-income individuals. (Section 1(B)(i)(I))
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Support for Families with Diaper Needs: Funding is provided to decrease the need for diapers and adult incontinence materials for low-income families and medically complex children. (Section 5502(a)(2)(A)(i))
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Improved Maternity Care: Efforts are directed toward optimizing maternity care, including the use of evidence-based practices and breastfeeding support. (Section 5407)
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Increased Diversity in Health Workforce: Grants are provided to increase diversity in maternal, reproductive, and sexual health professionals. (Section 5409)
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Expanded Pediatric Behavioral Health: The bill funds the integration of pediatric behavioral health into community-based settings and supports school-based mental health services. (Section s 6401 and 6403)
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Tax Credits for Elder Care: A new tax credit allows individuals to claim expenses for household and elder care services. (Section 5601(a))
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Expanded Medicaid Services: The bill expands coverage under Medicare to include substance use disorder counselor and peer support specialist services. (Section 6101(a)(1))
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Increased Mental Health Support for Youth: The bill provides qualifying services for youth and young adults, including those in high-risk communities. (Section 129(a)(1)(B) via Section 6405)
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Enhanced School-Based Services: The "Mental Health Excellence in Schools Program" supports graduate students pursuing school-based mental health careers. (Section 6704)
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Grants for School Social Workers: A program aims to help agencies reach specific student-to-social-worker ratios. (Section 4645)
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Improved Telehealth Access: The bill directs the Secretary to issue guidance to increase access to telehealth under Medicaid and CHIP. (Section 6406)
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Targeted Outreach for Minority Communities: Strategies are mandated to promote behavioral health and reduce stigma among diverse populations. (Section 556 and 557)
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Support for High-Risk Families: "Care Coordination Grants" provide support for children aged 0 through 5 at risk of adverse childhood experiences. (Section 1255)
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Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction: A program is established to reduce lung cancer mortality through research and screening promotion. (Section 417H)
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Support for Farmworkers: The bill expands peer-to-peer mental health support for those engaged in farming and ranching. (Section 7522)
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Expanded Lung Cancer Treatment and Research: Certain drugs for precancerous conditions and nicotine addiction are classified to aid access. (Section 7001(b))
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Improved Access to Unapproved Therapies: The bill allows more consideration for the safety and effectiveness of investigational drugs relative to the risk of death. (Section s 7001(3))
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Support for Veterans and Service Members: Programs are established for early detection and disease management for those with increased lung cancer risks due to service. (Section 7001(c))
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Prostate Cancer Research and Screening: A task force will coordinate research and improve diagnostic methods. (Section 7002(a))
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Increased Telehealth Access: Four-year pilot projects will use telehealth to improve care for underserved and rural populations. (Section 7002(c))
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Enhanced Prostate Cancer Imaging: Funding is authorized to develop advanced imaging technologies for better detection. (Section 7003(a))
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Improved Medicaid Coverage for Territories: Funding limitations are eliminated and the Federal medical assistance percentage is increased for specific territories. (Section 7006(a)-(b))
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Improved Tobacco Cessation Access: Medicaid and CHIP must cover counseling and pharmacotherapy for tobacco cessation without prior authorization. (Section 7305(a)-(d))
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Expanded HIV/AIDS Support: Policies expand access to antiretroviral therapy, prevention tools like PrEP, and support the Minority AIDS Initiative. (Section 7401; Section 7407)
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Medical Debt Relief for Providers: Medical professionals can have professional education loans repaid for serving in high-need areas. (Section 7409; Section 7410)
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Improved Healthcare Access for HIV Prevention: Coverage for HIV prevention services will be expanded without cost-sharing requirements. (Section 7419)
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Increased Support for Individuals Transitioning from Incarceration: Individuals returning from public institutions benefit from automatic enrollment or reinstatement of Medicaid. (Section 7416)
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Enhanced Protection for People Living with HIV: The bill includes a review of laws to ensure individuals living with HIV are not placed under additional burdens. (Section 7414)
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Enhanced STI Prevention in Prisons: Incarcerated individuals will have improved access to sexual barrier protection, counseling, and prevention education. (Section s 7415)
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Expanded Research on Minority Health: Support is directed toward understanding the causes and complications of diabetes in minority populations. (Section 7501; Section 7502)
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Improved Asthma Management: The bill funds activities for public education, data collection, and state-level planning for asthma. (Section 7601)
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Improved TB Management: Detailed reporting on TB diagnosis and treatment completion is required to ensure better outcomes. (Section 9, Subparagraph A-N)
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Enhanced Arthritis Education: The CDC will expand programs to educate the public on the causes and prevention of arthritis and lupus. (Section 7801(a))
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Culturally Appropriate Health Promotion: Education programs for musculoskeletal conditions will be culturally and linguistically appropriate. (Section 7801(b))
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Educational Grants for Health Professionals: Grants will be awarded to integrate comprehensive education on arthritis and musculoskeletal health into curricula. (Section 7802(a))
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Expanded Sleep Research: The NIH is tasked with researching sleep health disparities and the link between sleep and cardiovascular/metabolic health. (Section 7901(a))
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Enhanced Sleep Awareness: The CDC will conduct public health strategies and awareness regarding sleep and circadian rhythm disorders. (Section 7902(a))
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Educational Grants for Sleep Health: Grants will be awarded to institutions to provide education on sleep and circadian health. (Section 7903(a))
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Improved Kidney Disease Research: The bill aims to increase minority participation in clinical trials and fund research into kidney disease genetics. (Section 7901A(a))
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Support for Kidney Disease Prevention: The CDC is authorized to carry out public education and grant programs to reduce the burden of kidney disease. (Section 7901A(c))
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Increased Kidney Transplant Support: The bill directs research into causes of lower transplant rates in minority populations and establishes a federal plan. (Section 7901A(h))
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Expanded Dialysis Options: The bill provides for staff-assisted home dialysis for patients in their own homes. (Section s 7901A-2(a))
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Increased Clinical Trial Diversity: Manufacturers are encouraged to use digital health technologies to include more diverse populations in clinical trials. (Section 7901B(a)(1))
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Reimbursement for Clinical Trial Participants: Sponsors may be required to reimburse participants for expenses like missed salary or transportation. (Section 7901B(a)(2))
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Expanded Cancer Screening: Medicare coverage is expanded to include multi-cancer early detection screening tests. (Section 7901C(a))
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Amputation Reduction: A program will educate professionals and the public on reducing amputations related to peripheral artery disease. (Section 7901C-1(a))
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Medicare Coverage for Peripheral Artery Disease: The bill expands Medicare coverage to include screening tests for at-risk beneficiaries. (Section 7901C-1(b))
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Expanded Medical Nutrition Therapy: Medicare coverage is expanded to include nutrition therapy for diabetes, obesity, and cancer. (Section 7901C-3(a))
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Support for Antimicrobial Drugs: Additional payments are provided for hospitals using "DISARM" drugs to combat resistant pathogens. (Section 7901C-4(a))
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Improved Obesity Treatment Access: The bill expands the types of providers who can furnish intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. (Section 7901C-5 (a))
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Expanded Medicare Coverage: Medicare Part D coverage may be expanded to include drugs for obesity or weight loss management. (Section 7901C-5 (b))
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Increased Diversity in Alzheimer's Research: The bill provides for new research centers in minority areas and incentives for researchers from underrepresented populations. (Section 7901C-6 (a) and (b))
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Enhanced Kidney Disease Research: It establishes NIDDK Centers of Excellence to research rare kidney diseases and increase public awareness. (Section 7901F (a))
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Worker Safety Protections: The bill mandates a worker heat protection standard to regulate exposure to heat stress. (Section 7901E-1)
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Better Health Information Technology: Resources are provided for health centers to adopt electronic health record technology. (Section 8101 and 8102)
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Increased Access to Telehealth: The bill removes geographic requirements and expands locations from which patients can receive telehealth services. (Section 8501 and 8502)
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Protection of Rights in Health Care: The bill allows for the investigation of inequitable care and provides a process for civil actions. (Section (b)(2), (b)(3), and (c)(1))
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Increased Awareness of Health Impacts: The health impact assessment program helps determine the effects of proposed policies on population health. (Section 10002(a)(3))
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Improved Living Environments: Research grants aim to improve the built environment, addressing nutrition, air, water, and soil quality. (Section 10002(a) and 10004(a))
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Support for Vulnerable Communities: Grants address racial inequities in social determinants of health and improve access to mental health care. (Section 10003 and 10010(c))
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Enhanced Environmental Protections: The National Academy of Sciences will study the effects of specific regulations to maintain public health protections. (Section s 10005(b))
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Empowerment through Data: An environmental justice mapping tool and data repository allow communities to participate through "ground-truthing." (Section 10011(c))
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Improved Public Health Research on Racism: The National Center on Antiracism and Health aims to develop knowledge to dismantle racism in healthcare. (Section 10012(a)(1))
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Enhanced Safety through Violence Prevention Research: A program will develop interventions to reduce deaths and injuries resulting from police interactions. (Section 10012(b)(2))
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Better Data for LGBTQ Individuals: The bill improves the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data. (Section 10013(a)(1))
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Improved Social and Health Outcomes: The Social Determinations Accelerator helps governments improve the outcomes of health and social services. (Section 10014(a)(1))
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Increased Food Security for Seniors and People with Disabilities: The Senior Hunger Prevention Act expands the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. (Section 10206(b)(1))
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Improved SNAP Access for Students: Educational institutions will notify eligible students about potential SNAP eligibility. (Section 10016)
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Increased Food Access for SNAP Participants: New provisions allow for food delivery services for older adults and those with disabilities. (Section s 10205(b)(1)(C))
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Reimbursement of School Meal Debt: The Secretary of Agriculture will establish a program to reimburse schools for delinquent meal debt. (SEC. 10332)
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Increased Food Access for Afterschool Care: The bill adjusts terms for meals and supplements provided in afterschool care. (SEC. 10328)
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Restoration of Health Equity Offices: Federal offices will be required to restore staff levels and functions to January 19, 2025 levels. (SEC. 11002)
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Protection of Sociodemographic Data: Federal agencies must restore data collection systems relating to race, ethnicity, and sex. (SEC. 11003)
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Empowerment of Health Equity Offices: New offices of health equity will be established within the CDC and HRSA. (SEC. 1707B)
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Reinstatement of Anti-Discrimination Protections: It restores enforcement of equal employment opportunity requirements for federal contractors. (SEC. 11004)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Administrative Burden: The Data Council must implement new standards while attempting to minimize the burden on patients and providers. (Sec. 1001(b)(1)(A))
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Privacy Concerns: The collection of sensitive demographic data requires strict adherence to privacy laws to prevent misuse. (Sec. 1001(b)(1)(F), Sec. 1003(a)(8), Sec. 1013(f))
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Potential for Data Misuse: There is a need to safeguard collected health data to ensure it is not used to adversely affect individuals. (Sec. 1001(b)(2)(A))
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Potential for Miscommunication via Technology: Artificial intelligence and machine translation services require human verification to avoid inaccuracies. (Section 2015(d)(2))
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Restrictions on Using Family Members for Translation: Entities must use qualified interpreters rather than family or friends unless a waiver is met. (Section 2009(c)(1))
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Obligated Service Requirements: Some scholarship and loan programs require individuals to commit to a period of service in specific areas. (Section 3022)
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Financial Penalties for Breach of Contract: Individuals may be liable for damages if they fail to complete their service obligations. (Section 3022)
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Workplace Restrictions: Certain fellowship programs place specific limitations on the duration and timing of the award. (Section 3421)
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Enforcement Restrictions: Restrictions on immigration enforcement near sensitive locations may affect the ability of officers to conduct actions unless exigent. (Section 4001(a))
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Enforcement Limitations: An enforcement action may be discontinued if the exigent circumstances that permitted it cease to exist. (Section 4001(a)(2)(B))
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Strict Requirements for Grant Eligibility: Entities must meet specific patient population requirements to receive quality improvement grants. (Section 3441(b)(1))
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Limitations on Dental Care in certain programs: Certain services are excluded from the Community Health Aide Program in specific dental demonstration programs. (Section s 4251(b)(1)(A)(ii))
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Potential for Increased Costs via Pilot Projects: Medicare remote monitoring pilot projects involve creating new incentive payments for home health agencies. (Section 4204)
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Restrictions on Grant Usage: Entities receiving grants for rural health care service outreach cannot use funds for building or acquiring real property. (Section 4223(f)(1))
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Potential Loss of Access to Care: The Secretary may exclude providers from Medicare or Medicaid for inequitable care, subject to specific exceptions. (Section 4503)
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Pharmacy Operational Changes: Pharmacies must follow specific rules regarding the provision of contraceptives and handling out-of-stock items. (Section 4705)
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Increased Tobacco Costs: The bill increases excise taxes on various tobacco products, including cigarettes and large cigars. (Section 5202(g))
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Restrictions on State Eligibility: States face limitations on changing eligibility standards for pregnant women. (Section 1902(l)(5) and Section 2105(d)(4))
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Financial Penalties for States: States facing a 25 percent decrease in certain grant amounts must pass specific laws regarding the use of restraints. (Section 5208(a)(1))
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Potential Unintended Environmental or Housing Consequences: Initiatives to protect against climate change must include strategies to prevent resident displacement or rent increases. (Section 5211(a)(3)(D))
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Regulatory Burdens on Pharmacies: Pharmacies are subject to specific duties regarding contraceptives which carry potential civil penalties. (Section 5403(a) and (f))
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Restrictions on Pharmacy Refusals: The bill limits certain types of pharmacy refusals, which may impact operations. (Section 5403(c))
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Financial Burdens through Medicaid Requirements: Hospitals must meet specific requirements regarding compassionate assistance for rape emergencies to receive full payments. (Section 5405(b)(1))
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Administrative Cost Limits: Eligible entities are prohibited from using more than 9 percent of their funds for administrative costs. (Section 1(B)(ii))
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Economic Limits on Tax Credits: The elder care tax credit is subject to a dollar limit and income limitations. (Section 5601(c)(1) and (d))
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Strict Requirements for State Participation: States seeking increased federal medical assistance percentages must demonstrate they can support specific services. (Section 3 and 4)
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Potential Limitations on Grant Use: Care Coordination Grants cannot be used to inform individual case decisions, such as child removal. (Section 1255(d)(1)(A))
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Restrictions on Service Availability: Certain grants cannot be used if services are already available via a State's approved Medicaid plan. (Section 3102(d)(1))
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Legal Restrictions on Insurance Premiums: The bill involves complex regulations regarding how insurance companies determine premium rates and coverage. (Section 7419)
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Mandatory Medical Requirements: The Bureau of Prisons has an "opt-out" provision for routine HIV testing for certain individuals. (Section 7417)
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Financial Burdens for States: Provisions involving the automatic reinstatement of Medicaid require states to meet specific implementation standards. (Section 7416)
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Constraints on TB Implementation: Programs may face challenges due to health workforce shortages and system limitations. (Section 9, Subparagraph 7)
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Potential Lack of Access to Clinical Trials: Some research may still face challenges in recruitment and retention. (Section 7901B(a)(1))
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Mandatory Workplace Requirements: Employers must implement protective programs for heat stress and provide compensation for time spent on required activities. (Section 7901E-1 (3) and (4)(A))
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Burden of Regulatory Compliance: The bill establishes new requirements for healthcare providers and institutions to comply with various standards. (Section s 7901C-6, 7901D, 8101, 8103, and 9003)
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Restrictions on State Mapping Tools: States are prohibited from developing specific environmental justice or pollution maps. (Section 10011)
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Prohibition on Gun Control Advocacy: The Secretary is not authorized to use assistance or grants for the purpose of advocating or promoting gun control. (Section 10101(c)(1))
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Meal Reimbursement Limitations: Institutions are limited in the number of meals and supplements they can claim reimbursement for per day per child. (SEC. 10328; SEC. 10328(c)(2))
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Rounding of Reimbursement Rates: Meal reimbursement rates for afterschool care will be adjusted to the nearest lower-cent increment. (SEC. 10328(c)(3)(B)(i))
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Repeal of Executive Orders: Several Executive orders related to government efficiency and diversity programs will no longer have force or effect. (SEC. 11001)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+10Good For Asian Americans+10Good For Children+10Good For Hispanic Americans+10Good For Immigrants+10Good For Low Income Households+10Good For Native Americans+10Good For Students+10Good For Women+10Good For People With Disabilities+9Good For Retirees+9Good For Rural Residents+9Good For Seniors+9Good For Young Adults+9Good For L G B T Q Community+8Good For Farmers+7Good For Men+7Good For Middle Class Households+7Good For Veterans+7Good For Middle Aged+6Good For Union Workers+6Good For Urban Residents+6Good For High Income Households+5Good For White Americans+5Good For Billionaires+3Good For High Net Worth Individuals+3Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+3Good For Business Owners-3Good For Gun Owners-2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+10Improves Mental Health Access+10Increases Research Funding+10Increases Medicaid Funding+9Improves Pandemic Preparedness+8Increases Affordable Care Act Support+8Increases Medicare Funding+8Reduces Prescription Drug Costs+8Improves Opioid Crisis Response+7Improves Veterans Healthcare+7Improves Abortion Access+6Reduces Hospital Costs+6Reduces Private Insurance Premiums+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+10Improves Gender Equality+9Improves Disability Rights+8Improves L G B T Q Rights+8Improves Poverty Reduction+8Improves Affordable Housing+7Improves Criminal Sentencing Reform+7Improves Social Security+7Improves Childcare Affordability+6Improves Pathway To Citizenship+6Improves Policing Reform+6Improves Gun Control Measures+4Reduces Homelessness+4Improves Religious Freedom-3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+10Increases Public School Funding+9Improves Student Loan Relief+8Improves College Affordability+7Improves Data Privacy+6Improves Internet Access+6Increases Big Tech Regulation+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Improves Rural Development+8Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+4Improves Public Land Management+4Improves Public Transit+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Privacy Rights+7Improves Due Process+6Improves Government Transparency+6Increases Federal Power+6Improves Interstate Commerce+3Increase States Rights-4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+7Increases Foreign Aid+7Improves International Alliances+6Improves Diplomatic Engagement+5Increases Domestic Surveillance-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+5Reduces Middle Class Taxes+3Improves Economic Growth+2Reduces Government Spending-5Improves Fiscal Responsibility-3Reduces National Debt-3
- 9/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4233)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Cory BookerDemocrat · New Jersey
Tammy DuckworthDemocrat · Illinois
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia