Vern Buchanan

This bill would stop the Department of Defense from using live animals like dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, and marine mammals in live fire trauma training. Instead, military personnel would train using advanced simulators, mannequins, cadavers, or actors. This change would take effect immediately if the bill becomes law.

This bill would stop the commercial farming of mink for fur. It would make it illegal to breed, sell, or transport American mink for fur production. The government would also offer to buy out privately owned mink farms from their owners.

Right now, Medicare does not pay for early detection tests, like blood tests, for Alzheimer's disease or similar dementias before symptoms are clear. This bill would change that. It would allow Medicare beneficiaries to get these specific tests covered starting January 1, 2028, and ensure healthcare providers get paid for giving them.

This bill would create a new federal program to help states set up systems for voluntary emergency contact information on driver's licenses. This means people could choose to have their emergency contacts on file, making it easier for first responders to reach family during an accident. States would get grants or technical assistance to develop these systems.

This bill would give healthcare groups that work with Medicare more choices in how they report on patient care quality from 2025 to 2029. It would also prevent penalties for some incomplete data and start a pilot program for digital reporting, making it easier for some groups to share information.

Summary pending...

Currently, only regular businesses can get tax credits for starting retirement plans or setting up automatic enrollment for their employees. This bill would let eligible tax-exempt organizations, like many charities, churches, and community groups, also claim these credits. They would get these credits against their payroll taxes, making it easier for them to offer retirement savings options.

Hospitals can offer Medicare patients hospital care at home for longer, until September 30, 2030. The bill also requires a new study on how well this home care works and slightly adjusts a Medicare fund.

This bill would temporarily remove import taxes on many bicycle parts for 10 years. This means U.S. bicycle manufacturers would pay less to bring in parts, which could help them make more bikes here. Importers would need to confirm the parts are for assembly in the U.S.

Summary pending...

This bill would create an online training course for police and correctional officers. It would teach them how to better work with people who have Alzheimer's or similar memory loss. This training would help officers spot symptoms, talk clearly, and avoid physical restraints. The goal is to make interactions safer and more understanding for these individuals.

Summary pending...