WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that eight of his legislative proposals were signed into law at the end of the 118th Congress. Eight of his proposals were included in the final version of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This marks 42 Buchanan legislative initiatives signed into law since he first came to Congress in 2007.
Buchanan has had four initiatives signed by President Bush, six by President Obama and 13 by President Trump. He has also seen 19 proposals signed into law by President Biden.
“I’m proud to see these critical initiatives to enhance military readiness and expand healthcare options for service members signed into law to target some of the most pressing issues facing our military,” said Buchanan. “I’m pleased to get these bills across the finish line and look forward to securing even more wins in the 119th Congress alongside President Trump’s administration.”
The eight Buchanan amendments in the FY25 NDAA include:
- An amendment instructing the Secretary of Defense to examine ways to expand and improve the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which provides academic and fitness coaching to prospective recruits. This important initiative will help address recruitment shortfalls and bolster military readiness.
- The Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act (H.R. 10301), which instructs the Army to resume horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery.
- A mandate directing the Secretary of the Navy to provide a Congressional briefing on the actions taken to improve the training and safety program for operating Assault Amphibious Vehicles and Amphibious Combat Vehicles
- A provision directing the Secretary of Defense to brief Congressional committees on the Department of Defense’s (DOD) plan and strategy to construct a memorial to commemorate the 13 servicemembers who died during the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal
- A requirement that the Secretary of Defense provide a briefing to Congress before March 1, 2025, on the DOD’s current efforts related to combatting obesity within the military
- An amendment calling on the DOD to strengthen U.S. defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region in defense against Chinese exploitation
- A requirement for the Secretary of Defense to provide a Congressional briefing on whether and to what extent active-duty servicemembers have adequate access to mental health care providers and services
- A provision urging the Secretary of Defense to review the family separation allowance to determine whether it is adequate to meet the needs of military families and to adjust the allowance as appropriate
“My proposals signed into law as part of the final NDAA will strengthen our alliances and honor the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. This legislation reflects our unwavering commitment to America’s servicemembers and their families,” said Buchanan.
Additionally, the end-of-year government funding bill included an amended version of Buchanan’s Permanent Telehealth from Home Act (H.R. 134), which removes obstructive geographic limitations to telehealth services. The recent government funding bill extends this flexibility into 2025, and Buchanan looks forward to continuing to fight to make it permanent to provide relief for communities who rely on telehealth services.
“Making telehealth services available to patients regardless of their location is a major win for the nearly two hundred thousand seniors in my district and anyone in need of accessible, convenient care,” said Buchanan. “I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to make this flexibility permanent and expand access to telehealth services.”
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