Healthcare

HR 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025, extends the funding period for the Young Women’s Breast Health Education and Awareness program. It amends the Public Health Service Act to update the program’s expiration date from 2026 to 2031. The bill directly affects young women aged 15-25 by ensuring continued access to breast health education and awareness resources. The key provision is a simple extension of the existing program’s authorization period, without altering its scope or requirements. This is a procedural reauthorization to maintain current services through 2031.

This bill, known as the Putting Patients First by Strengthening Provider Accountability in FECA Act, aims to improve oversight of healthcare providers who receive payments under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program. It directly affects medical service providers, suppliers, and the Department of Labor by introducing a new rule that allows the Secretary of Labor to suspend payments to any provider convicted of fraud in this program, federal health care benefit programs, or similar state programs. The law requires the Secretary to issue regulations to enforce this suspension authority and specifies that the changes will take effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.

HR 8469 is an appropriations bill that allocates federal funds for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and several related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027. The bill provides substantial funding for military construction projects across all service branches, including new facilities, upgrades, and family housing for military personnel and their families. It also dedicates significant resources to the Department of Veterans Affairs to support a wide range of veterans' benefits, healthcare services (including community care, mental health, and care for toxic exposures), medical research, and the modernization of the veterans' electronic health record system. Additionally, the bill funds national cemeteries, the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, and the American Battle Monuments Commission, while setting administrative rules and conditions for how these funds can be obligated and spent. This legislation directly affects military members, veterans, and their families by providing the financial resources for their infrastructure, healthcare, and benefit programs.

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to construct a major medical facility project in St. Louis, Missouri, during fiscal year 2026. It specifically funds a new bed tower, expanded clinical buildings, a consolidated administrative building, warehouse, utility plant, and parking garages, with a maximum funding limit of $1,762,668,000. The bill directly affects veterans receiving care at the St. Louis VA medical facility by enabling physical infrastructure upgrades. It does not change existing VA benefits or policies but provides the necessary funding authorization for these construction projects. The authorization is for fiscal year 2026, not fiscal year 2025 as referenced in the bill's title.

This bill reauthorizes three existing rural health care grant programs under the Public Health Service Act through 2030, extending funding from the previous 2021-2025 period. It requires all funded projects to directly serve rural underserved populations and involve these communities in planning, development, and operations. The programs support rural clinics, health networks, and quality improvement initiatives to expand access to care in underserved areas. Funding will now continue through 2030, maintaining critical support for rural health providers.

This bill requires colleges receiving federal student aid to provide clear information about pregnancy-related accommodations and resources to all students annually. It mandates institutions to send emails to enrolled students each academic year, include details in student handbooks and orientations, and display the information at health centers and on websites. The disclosure must cover campus/community resources for pregnant students, available accommodations, and how to file complaints under Title IX regarding pregnancy discrimination. The bill does not create new rights but ensures existing protections and resources are communicated to students. It directly affects all participating colleges and pregnant students enrolled in higher education programs.

# Summary of U.S. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill This document is a comprehensive federal appropriations bill for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for fiscal year 2026. It contains detailed provisions governing the allocation, use, and reporting requirements for foreign assistance funds. ## Key Provisions 1. **Funding Restrictions**: - Prohibits funding for abortions as a method of family planning or involuntary sterilization - Bans direct assistance to governments of Cuba, North Korea, or Iran - Prohibits assistance to countries that have experienced a military coup d'état - Restricts assistance to countries in default on U.S. loans - Prohibits funding for countries supporting international terrorism 2. **Notification Requirements**: - Mandates 15-day advance notification to Congress for program changes exceeding $1 million or 10% - Requires prior consultation for major program changes or reprogramming - Requires notification for assistance to specific countries including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, and others 3. **Funding Allocation Rules**: - Specifies minimum funding levels for various programs - Limits deviations from designated amounts to 10% (up to 50% for national security emergencies) - Requires detailed reports on fund allocation at program, project, and activity levels 4. **Prohibited Expenditures**: - Bans first-class travel in contravention of federal regulations - Prohibits use of funds for tobacco promotion - Restricts use of funds for entertainment at recreational events - Requires computer network filters to block sexually explicit websites 5. **Reporting and Transparency**: - Requires posting of reports on public websites within 45 days - Mandates detailed beneficiary feedback collection for assistance programs - Requires impact evaluations of foreign assistance programs - Requires coordination of foreign assistance with Department of State programs 6. **Transfer Authorities**: - Allows limited transfers between appropriations accounts (up to 5%) - Requires prior consultation for significant transfers - Prohibits transfers to other departments without specific authorization This bill represents a comprehensive framework for U.S. foreign assistance, emphasizing accountability, transparency, national security considerations, and restrictions on certain types of funding. It contains numerous specific prohibitions and requirements aimed at ensuring U.S. foreign aid serves American interests while adhering to specific policy constraints.

HR 498, the "Do No Harm in Medicaid Act," prohibits federal Medicaid funding for gender transition procedures for individuals under 18 years old. The bill amends the Social Security Act to define "specified gender transition procedures" broadly, including surgeries, hormone treatments, and certain medications, and bans federal Medicaid coverage for these services for minors. Exceptions are made only for medically necessary treatments related to precocious puberty, genetic disorders of sex development, or urgent medical conditions requiring bodily correction (like infections or injuries from prior procedures). This directly affects minors enrolled in Medicaid state plans, as states would no longer receive federal funds for these specific covered services.

SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 This act reauthorizes and revises programs and activities relating to addressing substance use disorders, overdoses, and mental health. (For additional information on each section of this act, see CRS Report R48864 .) TITLE I--PREVENTION (Sec. 101) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) programs that provide information, grants, and technical assistance relating to studying and preventing prenatal and postnatal substance use disorders. (Sec. 102) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 CDC programs that carry out and provide grants for surveillance, treatment, and education relating to infections associated with illicit drug use. (Sec. 103) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands CDC programs that carry out activities and provide grants relating to monitoring drug use and overdoses (e.g., supporting state prescription drug monitoring programs), preventing and responding to substance use disorders, and raising awareness regarding opioids and other substances.  The section authorizes additional activities, including wastewater surveillance and collecting data on risk factors associated with overdoses. (Sec. 104) This section reestablishes, expands, and provides statutory authority for Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) activities addressing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (i.e., conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure), including carrying out and providing grants for research, education and public awareness, and intervention and support services for affected individuals. (Sec. 105) This section specifies that, in providing grants to support state prescription drug monitoring programs, the CDC is not authorized to require states to use specific vendors or interoperability systems other than to align with general, consensus-based standards for interoperability.   (Sec. 106) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands grants to government entities to provide first responders with opioid overdose reversal drugs (e.g., naloxone) and related training. The grant program is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The section expands the program to include (1) treatment and training for overdoses from other drugs besides opioids, and (2) treatment with drugs or devices that are legally marketed under applicable law. Current law limits the program to addressing opioid overdoses and to drugs or devices that are officially approved or cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (Sec. 107) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and revises the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative and related activities, which are administered by SAMHSA. Under the initiative, SAMHSA provides grants and other support to improve the quality of and increase access to services addressing psychological trauma in youth and families.  The section requires grant recipients to develop training and other resources for collaborative implementation of best practices. (Sec. 108) This section requires SAMHSA to undertake efforts to protect the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from cybersecurity threats. (The lifeline is a three-digit number that connects callers in suicidal crisis or mental health distress to a national network of crisis centers.) The section includes requirements for the lifeline’s network administrator and participating local and regional crisis centers to report identified cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities. The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study that evaluates cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities associated with the lifeline and report the findings to Congress. (Sec. 109) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 CDC activities to collect and report certain public health data relating to potentially traumatic childhood experiences. (Sec. 110) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 an interdepartmental committee on substance use disorders, establishes an interagency work group on fentanyl contamination of illegal drugs, and expands certain SAMHSA activities to include supporting strategies to raise awareness about the dangers of synthetic opioids for youth. (Sec. 111) This section requires HHS to publish guidance regarding at-home safe drug disposal systems. (Sec. 112) This section requires HHS to publish a plan for assessing approved opioid analgesic drugs (i.e., opioid pain relievers) that addresses the public health effects of these drugs, including updates on actions by the FDA with respect to risk-benefit assessments and supporting development and approval of nonaddictive medical products. HHS must provide an opportunity for public input on the FDA’s regulation of opioid analgesic drugs. (Sec. 113) This section provides statutory authority for SAMHSA’s State Opioid Response and Tribal Opioid Response Grants to be used for facilitating access to drug checking technologies, such as fentanyl and xylazine test strips, to the extent permitted by federal and state law. TITLE II--TREATMENT (Sec. 201) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 the Residential Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women program, which is administered by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment within SAMHSA. This program awards grants to fund services for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders, including services for treatment, recovery support, and case management.  The section also specifically allows grant recipients to conduct outreach that is targeted at women disproportionately impacted by maternal substance use disorders. (Sec. 202) This section provides statutory authority for the Minority Fellowship Program to include fellowships for training in the field of addiction medicine. The Minority Fellowship Program, administered by SAMHSA, funds fellowships for individuals seeking graduate degrees and planning to work on addressing mental or substance use disorders in racial and ethnic minority populations. (Sec. 203) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 the Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Professionals, which is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This program provides grants to educational organizations and programs to recruit and educate students in mental and behavioral health. (Sec. 204) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program, which is administered by HRSA. This program provides repayment of educational loans for health care practitioners who agree to provide direct treatment or recovery support for substance use disorders in certain areas with shortages of health professionals or high rates of overdose. (Sec. 206) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands an interagency task force that must develop recommendations relating to (1) best practices for preventing and mitigating trauma in youth and (2) coordinating the federal response to families impacted by substance use disorders and other trauma. (Sec. 208) This section requires SAMHSA to conduct a review of how states use funds under the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant program to address first episode psychosis, including the use of evidence-based services for individuals with early serious mental illness and children with serious emotional disturbance. SAMHSA must report to Congress on the findings of the review and update the guidance for the block grant program based on such findings. (Sec. 209) This section requires HHS to review relevant data and, if determined appropriate, request that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) revise the scheduling of approved products containing a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA must review such requests and determine whether to revise the schedules. (Sec. 210) This section requires that, when HHS issues new regulations or guidance on grant programs addressing opioid use disorders, references to an opioid overdose reversal drug (e.g., naloxone) must broadly include any opioid overdose reversal drug approved by the FDA. Within one year after the act’s enactment, HHS must update all references accordingly in regulations or guidance issued prior to the act’s enactment that are applicable to State Opioid Response Grants, Tribal Opioid Response Grants, or certain other grants relating to substance use disorder prevention. (Sec. 211) This section requires HHS to convene a public roundtable with public and private stakeholders on expanding the use of electronic health records among mental health and substance use disorder service providers. HHS must report to Congress on the results of the roundtable with respect to specified topics. TITLE III--RECOVERY (Sec. 301) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 the Building Communities of Recovery program, which is administered by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment within SAMHSA. This program provides grants to certain community nonprofit organizations for developing and delivering coordinated community and statewide recovery support services for individuals with substance use disorders. (Sec. 302) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands the National Peer-Run Training and Technical Assistance Center for Addiction Recovery Support, which is administered by SAMHSA. The center provides training and resources to public and private nonprofit entities relating to recovery support services for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions (i.e., mental health conditions coexisting with substance use disorders). The section expands the center's functions to include professional development of peer support specialists and recovery support services in nonclinical settings. It also authorizes through FY2030 a regional technical assistance center to support the ability of the center to meet a particular region's needs. (Sec. 303) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 grants to nonprofits for establishing or operating opioid recovery centers providing comprehensive treatment and recovery support services. The grant program is administered by SAMHSA. (Sec. 304) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and revises the Preventing Youth Overdose: Treatment, Recovery, Education, Awareness, and Training (PYO-TREAT) program, which is administered by SAMHSA. The PYO-TREAT program provides grants and other support to educational and public entities for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery for children and young adults. The section revises the program to provide statutory authority for (1) requiring applicants to submit plans for sustaining activities under the program after the grant has ended, and (2) expanding eligible grant recipients to include consortia of local educational agencies. SAMHSA must report to Congress on the PYO-TREAT program’s effectiveness. (Sec. 305) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 and expands the Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support program, which is administered by SAMHSA. This program provides grants to public and private nonprofit entities to support individuals in treatment and recovery for substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions to live independently and participate in the workforce. The section authorizes using 5% of such grant funds for transportation services and requires grant recipients to report on the employment and earnings outcomes of program participants. Also, the section reauthorizes through FY2030 the Recovery Housing Pilot Program, which assists states in providing individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder with stable, temporary housing for up to two years. This program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Sec. 306) This section reauthorizes through FY2030 the Support to Communities: Fostering Opioid Recovery through Workforce Development program, which is administered by the Department of Labor. This program provides grants to public entities to address the economic and workforce-related impacts of substance use disorders through activities such as screening and support services, training, and engaging with employers. (Sec. 307) This section requires HHS to convene a public meeting relating to improving awareness of and access to grants provided by SAMHSA. Based on the stakeholder feedback received at the meeting, HHS must implement improvements to relevant websites and report to Congress. TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS (Sec. 401) This section allows pharmacies to deliver to prescribing practitioners schedule III-V controlled substances that are not directly administered by the practitioner (i.e., self-administered), provided the controlled substances are subject to a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy to assure safe use by the patient, including post-administration monitoring by a health care provider.  (Sec. 402) This section expands the types of organizations that may provide training or education required for practitioners registering with the DEA to dispense (i.e., prescribe or administer) schedule II-V controlled substances. This section applies retroactively, taking effect as if enacted on December 29, 2022.

This bill creates a program to assign traveling physicians to provide healthcare services to veterans residing in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assign physicians for up to one year at VA facilities in these territories, requiring coordination with local medical providers to ensure quality care. Physicians assigned under this program would receive a relocation or retention bonus similar to existing federal employee incentives. The bill directly affects veterans in U.S. territories and VA healthcare operations there.