Healthcare: South Dakota Congressional Delegation

in committee · United States · Senate Jul 15, 2026

S 4991: Homestake AI Act of 2026

The Homestake AI Act of 2026 directs the Department of Energy to launch a scientific initiative focused on sequencing the genomes of organisms found in extreme environments, such as deep mines and areas with unique heat or pressure conditions. This program aims to collect biological samples from at least five specific locations, including one deep underground mine, to build a comprehensive database that could lead to new medical treatments for diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. The act mandates that all physical samples and data processing occur within the United States to prevent export, while also requiring the construction of a secure, long-term storage facility capable of surviving catastrophic events. Additionally, the legislation establishes a working group to coordinate with international allies and private sector partners to avoid duplicate efforts and create a foundation for receiving industry contributions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · United States · Senate Jun 23, 2026

S 4875: PASTEUR Act of 2026

The PASTEUR Act of 2026 establishes a government program to financially support the development and commercial availability of new antibiotics needed to fight drug-resistant infections. Under this bill, the Secretary of Health and Human Services can enter into contracts with pharmaceutical sponsors to provide annual payments ranging from $75 million to $300 million for drugs that treat specific resistant pathogens and address unmet medical needs. To receive these funds, companies must agree to manufacture the drugs in the United States, report resistance data, educate healthcare professionals on proper usage, and adhere to environmental best practices. The legislation also creates a new advisory group to evaluate drug applications and authorizes grant programs to help hospitals and outpatient clinics improve their antibiotic stewardship and resistance monitoring.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · United States · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SRES 765: A resolution expressing support for the designation of July 2026 as "National Sarcoma Awareness Month".

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating July 2026 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month. It aims to raise public awareness about sarcoma, a rare cancer affecting bones and connective tissues, and to encourage people to seek proper diagnosis and treatment. The bill highlights that sarcoma is often misdiagnosed and affects hundreds of thousands of individuals in the United States. By officially recognizing this month, the Senate intends to focus attention on the disease and its various subtypes.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 30, 2026

SRES 709: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026.

This Senate resolution formally supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, which is observed annually from May 6 to May 12, 2026. The measure recognizes the vital contributions of nurses to the healthcare system and encourages the public to acknowledge their role through ceremonies and activities during the designated week. While the bill does not create new laws or funding, it serves to honor the profession and highlight the importance of nursing in patient care and public health.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Public Health

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 4420: Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2026

The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2026 expands the National Health Service Corps to include physical therapists, allowing them to participate in loan repayment programs to encourage practice in underserved areas. The bill directs the government to identify specific regions with shortages of physical therapy professionals and requires the collection of data to guide where these professionals are assigned. Additionally, it increases funding by $15 million to support these loan repayments and extends Medicare coverage to include physical therapy services provided at rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers starting in 2027.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Medicare

passed · United States · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SRES 727: A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

This Senate resolution designates May 29, 2026, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to highlight mental health issues within the farming industry. The bill aims to reduce stigma surrounding mental illness among the approximately 3.37 million agricultural producers and 1.6 million farmworkers in the United States. It acknowledges specific challenges faced by these workers, such as suicide rates that are significantly higher than the general population, and encourages the use of existing resources like the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to promote well-being rather than enacting new laws or funding changes.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Mental Health Tags Agriculture

in committee · United States · Senate Apr 13, 2026

S 4106: Rx ACCESS Act

This bill, known as the Rx ACCESS Act, aims to improve medication access for military beneficiaries enrolled in the TRICARE health program by allowing them to choose how they receive non-generic prescription maintenance medications starting in October 2026. It requires pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse retail pharmacies at least the actual cost of acquiring drugs plus a professional dispensing fee, and prohibits hidden fees on pharmacies. The bill also mandates annual audits by the Government Accountability Office to review reimbursement rates, pharmacy network adequacy, and beneficiary access, with results reported to congressional defense committees.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Prescription Drugs Veteran Healthcare

in committee · United States · House Jan 23, 2025

HR 648: Strengthening our Servicemembers with Milk Act

HR 648, the Strengthening our Servicemembers with Milk Act, requires the Secretary of Defense to provide a variety of milk options - including unflavored, organic, lactose-free, and different fat levels - to all members of the Armed Forces at military dining facilities. The bill mandates that installations offer these choices to support servicemember nutrition and dietary needs. It also prohibits purchasing milk from entities owned or controlled by foreign adversaries, as defined by Commerce Department regulations. This policy directly affects military personnel dining at on-base facilities nationwide.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · United States · House Feb 18, 2025

HR 1418: Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025

This bill amends the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to replace the term "contract health care" with "purchased/referred care" throughout federal law. It ensures patients who pay out-of-pocket for authorized purchased/referred care (such as services arranged by the Indian Health Service) can receive reimbursement from the IHS within 30 days of submitting documentation electronically or in person. The IHS must establish these reimbursement procedures within 120 days and update all relevant documents, including the Indian Health Manual, within 180 days. The changes apply to all purchased/referred care authorized by the IHS after enactment, but do not affect tribal self-determination programs unless tribes agree to the new terms.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Tags Tribal Nations

passed · United States · Senate Dec 15, 2025

S 610: Ensuring VetSuccess On Campus Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expand its VetSuccess on Campus program to have at least one location in every U.S. state. It mandates that each state must have at least one VA counselor dedicated to supporting veterans at participating colleges and universities, regardless of the number of veteran students. The VA must prioritize schools with the largest veteran student populations when placing new program locations. This directly affects veterans using education benefits at colleges and the VA counselors assigned to support them.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

All healthcare bills