Legislative Activity

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax-free distributions from health savings accounts (HSAs) to cover the funeral expenses of the account beneficiary. The definition of "funeral expenses" includes costs related to burial, cremation, and funeral services. The amount that can be distributed for funeral expenses is capped at $5,000 per account beneficiary, and expenses must be paid within 90 days of the account holder's death.

The "Securing Access to Care for Seniors in Critical Condition Act of 2025" amends the Social Security Act to change Medicare payment rules for long-term care hospitals. Beginning October 1, 2026, hospitals will not be subject to site-neutral payment rules for patients discharged under specific high-severity diagnosis groups. This adjustment aims to ensure adequate financial support for hospitals treating the most critical patients.

This bill amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate in-person requirements for Medicare beneficiaries receiving mental health services through telehealth. It removes geographic restrictions for telehealth services related to substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Additionally, it allows rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers to continue providing mental health services via telehealth without time restrictions.

The "Protecting Life from Chemical Abortions Act" restricts the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA, requiring them to enforce Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) requirements for abortion drugs, reinstate the in-person dispensing requirement, and prohibits reducing REMS protections until standardized abortion data is collected by the CDC from every state. It also defines key terms such as "abortion," "abortion drug," and "unborn child" and prohibits the HHS secretary from declaring a public health emergency with respect to abortion.

The "PROTECT Our Kids Act" prohibits federal funds from being given to elementary and secondary schools that have partnerships with Chinese government-funded cultural or language institutes, operate learning centers supported by the Chinese government, or receive support from anyone acting on behalf of the Chinese government. Schools with pre-existing contracts that violate this may apply for a waiver from the Secretary of Education. The Secretary is required to notify schools of these requirements and provide guidance on compliance.

The "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act" modifies the carbon oxide sequestration credit under Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code to ensure equal treatment for various uses of captured carbon oxide. It removes distinctions between different uses of qualified carbon oxide, updates the applicable dollar amount of the credit, and adjusts it for inflation. These changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Student Empowerment Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow 529 savings accounts to cover a broader range of K-12 educational expenses, including homeschooling costs. Qualified expenses include tuition, curriculum, books, online resources, tutoring, standardized tests, dual enrollment fees, and educational therapies for students with disabilities. These changes aim to give parents more flexibility in funding their children's education.

This resolution directs the House of Representatives to attend the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025. Following the inauguration, the House will adjourn and reconvene the next day for legislative business.

This bill formally elects specific members to serve on the House of Representatives' standing committees for Agriculture, Foreign Affairs, Natural Resources, and Science, Space, and Technology.