Jack Bergman

The Tribal Oral Health Sovereignty Act amends federal law to expand dental therapist services available to American Indian tribes through the Community Health Aide Program. The bill removes restrictions that previously limited dental therapists' ability to provide care in Indian health programs and allows tribes to establish their own certification standards for dental therapists as long as they meet or exceed federal standards. Dental therapists certified under this expanded authority may provide services regardless of state licensing laws, giving tribes greater autonomy over their oral health care delivery. The legislation protects existing funding levels for the Community Health Aide Program and ensures that services follow established training, supervision, and scope-of-practice standards. This bill directly affects tribal healthcare systems and Native American communities seeking expanded access to preventive and basic dental care services.

The CERI Act of 2026 establishes a settlement program to resolve disputes between the Internal Revenue Service and taxpayers over syndicated conservation easement deductions claimed before December 30, 2022. The IRS must create this program within 180 days of enactment and halt all new disputes related to these transactions during that period. The law significantly limits the IRS's ability to penalize taxpayers, allowing deficiencies only in cases of outright fraud, inadequate appraisals, or extreme valuation misstatements, and requiring a 180-day freeze on the statute of limitations for all related disputes. The bill also makes it easier for taxpayers to defend their valuations by creating a presumption that qualified appraisals are accurate unless the IRS provides its own detailed appraisal with clear and convincing evidence to rebut it, and it protects taxpayers who disclosed their transactions on required forms from penalties based solely on technical compliance failures. The law requires annual reports to Congress for six years detailing how many taxpayers received relief, the amounts of forgiven penalties and interest, and any cases where the IRS refused to settle.

This resolution expresses the House's position that Federally Qualified Health Centers should maintain their current single definition of a patient when delivering all services, including prescription drugs purchased through the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The resolution emphasizes that these nearly 1,400 health centers serve over 32 million medically underserved Americans, including one in eight U.S. children and one in five rural residents, with about 90 percent of patients living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. The resolution argues that using one consistent patient definition across all services minimizes administrative costs and allows health centers to provide coordinated, comprehensive care rather than fragmenting services through multiple conflicting definitions. The resolution also stresses that any restrictions on health centers' ability to provide affordable prescription drugs to all their patients would undermine the healthcare safety net and conflict with Congress's intent in establishing programs like the 340B Drug Pricing Program to help stretch limited resources. This is a non-binding resolution expressing the House's sense of the matter rather than legislation that would change law or allocate funding.

The SMILE for Veterans Act establishes a three-year pilot program requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to improve dental care access for veterans in rural areas. The program will partner with community-based dental providers including nonprofits, health centers, dental schools, and mobile clinics to offer basic, preventive, and urgent dental services in at least ten rural locations across five states. Eligible veterans are those enrolled in VA care who either lack dental coverage or cannot access existing benefits within established timeframes, with special provisions allowing homeless veterans to participate with alternative documentation. The bill authorizes $5 million for setup in fiscal year 2027 and $20 million annually for fiscal years 2028 through 2030, with reimbursement rates capped at federal employee dental insurance rates and providers required to accept VA payments without billing veterans for covered services. The VA must also establish a working group to assess rural dental access barriers and submit a comprehensive report to Congress within three years evaluating the program's effectiveness and recommending whether to continue or expand it.

The PLOW Storms Act amends the Clean Air Act to classify municipal snow removal vehicles and equipment as emergency vehicles for regulatory purposes. This change allows state, local, and tribal governments to treat snow plows and de-icing machinery as emergency vehicles under the law's covered fleet definition, which typically provides exemptions or reduced regulatory burdens. The bill affects city and county public works departments that operate snow removal equipment during winter weather events. No specific funding amounts or implementation timelines are specified in the legislation. The primary purpose is to streamline compliance requirements so that essential winter road maintenance operations are not impeded by air quality regulations designed for other vehicle types.

The Red Star Service Banner Act establishes the Red Star Service Banner—a white banner with a blue border and centered red star—as an official U.S. commemorative symbol to honor service members, veterans, and first responders who have died by suicide, as well as their families. The banner may be displayed in homes, workplaces, veterans organizations, public buildings, schools, libraries, and other community spaces to raise awareness and show support for affected families. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of Defense may work together to promote public awareness of the banner, though the legislation explicitly clarifies that displaying the banner does not entitle anyone to veterans benefits or require federal certification. The bill requires no additional funding and directs that implementation occur using existing Department of Veterans Affairs resources.

The State Veterans Homes Inspection Simplification Act streamlines how state-run veterans nursing homes are inspected and certified for Medicare and Medicaid participation. Under this bill, state veterans homes that are inspected and certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs would be automatically considered compliant with federal Medicare and Medicaid requirements, eliminating the need for separate federal inspections by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The VA would need to submit its inspection standards and procedures for review at least every two years to ensure they meet federal standards, and all inspection findings would be publicly reported on the Nursing Home Care Compare website. The legislation takes effect 90 days after enactment and includes safeguards allowing federal authorities to still investigate complaints, impose penalties, or revoke the deemed status if problems are found. The Government Accountability Office is required to evaluate the program's impact within three years and report back to Congress.

The Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2026 strengthens oversight of the H-2B temporary worker program by granting the Labor Secretary authority to investigate violations and penalize non-compliant employers through back wages, damages, and program disqualification for up to five years or permanently for repeat offenses. The bill establishes a formal complaint process allowing workers or organizations to report violations within two years and prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who report problems or participate in investigations. It also requires federal agencies to share compliance information to improve program enforcement. The legislation applies to temporary nonimmigrant workers and their employers, as well as to U.S. citizens and authorized workers competing for the same jobs, creating a framework to protect both domestic and temporary workers from exploitation and ensure fair labor practices.

The VA Fiscal Management Modernization Act restructures financial oversight at the Department of Veterans Affairs by renaming the Assistant Secretary for Management to Assistant Secretary for Planning and Budget and expanding their authority as the department's Chief Financial Officer. The bill creates a new Office of Planning and Budget, increases the number of deputy assistant secretary positions from 19 to 21, and establishes a specialized Legislative and Congressional Budget Information Office, limited to six staff, dedicated solely to providing Congress with accurate financial and budget information upon request. It also centralizes reporting for financial officers across VA administrations and regional networks, requiring them to report directly to the Chief Financial Officer rather than to local management, while barring them from performing operational duties. These organizational changes would take effect within 180 days of enactment but are designed to sunset after five years unless renewed. Separately, the bill makes a minor technical change extending a pension payment limitation deadline from January 31, 2033, to December 31, 2033. Overall, the bill primarily affects VA's internal management structure and financial reporting processes rather than veterans' benefits directly, aiming to improve budget transparency and congressional oversight of VA spending.

The Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act requires pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) with the lowest 340B ceiling prices upfront at the point of purchase, rather than charging higher prices with rebates or reimbursements coming later. This legislation affects community health centers that serve low-income and uninsured patients across the country, ensuring they pay the full discounted price immediately when buying covered outpatient drugs instead of fronting higher costs. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to all drug purchases made after the law passes, with the amendments also applying retroactively to existing manufacturer agreements to ensure compliance with the new requirement. No new federal funding is specified in the bill, as it primarily modifies existing pricing requirements under the 340B drug pricing program that already provides discounts to eligible health centers.

Gerald's Law ActThis bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide a burial and funeral allowance for a veteran who dies in a home or other setting at which the veteran was receiving VA hospice care (if such care was directly preceded by VA hospital or nursing home care).

The Expanding Veterans' Access to Emerging Treatments Act directs the Veterans Affairs Department to establish a research program offering innovative treatments and emerging therapies—including psychedelic-assisted treatments like psilocybin and MDMA, as well as ketamine and other therapies—to veterans with conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders that currently lack effective treatments. The VA must designate a lead administrator within 60 days and develop the program within 90 days, creating both clinical trials and compassionate access pathways for eligible veterans. The department must report back within one year with information on participating clinics, the number of veterans involved, and findings on safety and efficacy, and the program will automatically be reviewed after two years for possible extension or termination. The bill does not specify new funding but allows the VA to use existing appropriations to support the research trials. This legislation aims to give veterans faster access to promising but still-investigational treatments for serious conditions while maintaining compliance with federal laws governing controlled substances and experimental drugs.

The BEACON Act of 2026 directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a three-year TBI Innovation Grant Program aimed at developing and testing new neurorehabilitation treatments for veterans suffering from chronic mild traumatic brain injury, defined as cases where symptoms persist for at least six months after injury. The program will award grants of up to $5 million annually to nonprofits, academic institutions, non-VA health providers, or partnerships among them, with priority given to applicants who coordinate with VA facilities. Funded research must emphasize patient-centered, non-pharmacological therapies designed to reduce suicidality and improve veterans' mental health, and grant recipients will retain control over their own clinical protocols and study designs. The bill includes application requirements along with annual reporting and oversight provisions to track outcomes and spending. Congress has authorized $10 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to support this initiative, benefiting veterans experiencing lasting effects of mild brain injuries as well as the research and healthcare organizations that serve them.

The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to offer annual preventative health evaluations to all veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders who choose to participate. These evaluations must assess health risks, chronic pain management, diet and weight, prosthetic equipment needs, and access to assistive technologies—including newer devices like non-invasive spinal stimulation technology that could improve mobility and independence. The VA must consult with spinal cord specialists, technology experts, veteran organizations, and device manufacturers when developing policies for these evaluations, and can deliver training and follow-up care through telehealth. Beginning one year after the bill's enactment and every two years thereafter, the VA must report to Congress on how many veterans received evaluations and assistive technology, what types of technology were prescribed, and their outcomes. The legislation aims to expand access to advanced medical devices and ensure veterans with spinal cord injuries receive comprehensive, proactive health management.

The VA Contracting and Procurement Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs' ability to enter into contracts and agreements exceeding $50 million without specific Congressional authorization. The bill imposes this spending cap across multiple VA programs, including personal services contracts, community care agreements, healthcare administration, educational benefits, and health-care item procurement. The restrictions do not apply during declared wars, armed conflict authorized under the War Powers Resolution, presidential emergencies, major disasters affecting VA facilities, or public health emergencies. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to maintain and coordinate a catalog of prosthetic appliances and surgical implants with the Department of Defense, directs the VA to procure surgical implants through a single purchase order process within one year, and mandates annual certifications to Congress regarding compliance with domestic preference requirements for emergency medical supply purchases.

H.Res. 869 is a commemorative resolution marking the 50th anniversary of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald's sinking on November 10, 1975, when the Great Lakes freighter went down in Lake Superior during a violent storm, killing all 29 crew members aboard. The resolution honors the ship's legacy and the mariners who died, recognizing how the tragedy remains one of the deadliest in Great Lakes maritime history and prompted significant improvements in vessel safety, weather forecasting, and navigation technology. The resolution celebrates the contributions of Great Lakes shipping to American commerce and industry, while acknowledging the ongoing work of museums, historians, and maritime organizations to preserve the ship's memory and promote maritime education. This is a symbolic measure with no funding or programmatic requirements—it simply expresses the House's official recognition and respect for those who lost their lives and the maritime traditions they represented.

The School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act of 2025 requires states to maintain their funding levels for school resource officer programs in elementary and secondary schools as a condition of receiving federal education funding under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Starting in the fiscal year after the bill's enactment, states must spend at least as much on these programs as they did in the previous compliant year, or alternatively, match their average spending from the prior five years—whichever is greater. States must submit annual reports to the federal government documenting their school resource officer funding amounts and the number of officers employed. If a state fails to maintain required funding levels and doesn't receive a waiver, the federal government will reduce the state's total education funding in the following year by a proportional amount. The Secretary of Education can grant waivers for states experiencing extraordinary financial hardships such as severe economic downturns or natural disasters.

H.Res. 411 is a nonbinding resolution expressing the House of Representatives' support for strengthening the U.S.-Israel military and defense partnership. The resolution reaffirms American commitment to Israel's security and calls for expanded cooperation on defense technologies, joint research, and intelligence sharing to counter emerging threats including terrorism, cyber attacks, and emerging military technologies. It specifically supports increased investments in missile defense systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, and urges the U.S. government to ensure Israel maintains its military capabilities in the Middle East. The resolution also indicates these defense priorities should be central to negotiations over the U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding. As a House resolution rather than legislation requiring presidential approval, this measure serves to state congressional sentiment rather than create law or allocate specific funding, though it signals congressional support for continued military aid and technology partnerships with Israel.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 allows veterans' representatives—including agents and attorneys—to charge fees when helping veterans file initial and supplemental disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, a practice currently prohibited. The bill establishes guardrails on these fees, capping contingency fees at the lesser of $12,500 (adjusted annually) or five times the monthly benefit increase, and prohibits charging fees for presumptive conditions or active-duty cases. To protect veterans, the VA must notify unrepresented claimants about free help options, maintain a public list of accredited representatives, streamline the recognition process for new representatives, and require fee agreements to be filed with the agency. The bill increases penalties for unauthorized fee-charging to include $50,000 fines and up to 10-year bars from representing veterans, and directs the VA to improve transparency and training standards for representatives through public knowledge tests and biennial reviews of continuing education requirements.

H.Res. 254 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, which falls on November 10, 2025. The resolution honors the Marine Corps' history, achievements, and values of honor, courage, and commitment, commemorating its founding at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia in 1775 and celebrating its service through major American conflicts from the Revolutionary War to present-day operations. The resolution pays tribute to Marines and Navy corpsmen who have died in service and acknowledges the current servicemembers continuing the Marine Corps tradition. This resolution does not allocate funding or establish new programs; instead, it invites the public and communities across the country to participate in commemoration events and recognize the contributions of local Marines. As a House resolution, this is a symbolic gesture rather than legislation with direct legal or budgetary impact.

VA Budget Shortfall Accountability ActThis act requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and report on the circumstances and causes of the shortfall in funding of the Veterans Benefits Administration for FY2024 and the expected shortfall in funding of the Veterans Health Administration in FY2025. The Department of Veterans Affairs must submit such GAO report to Congress. For each of the five fiscal years following the date of enactment of this act, GAO must conduct subsequent reviews and reports regarding the funding of the VA.

The PLUS for Veterans Act allows attorneys and agents to charge veterans fees for helping them prepare and file initial veterans benefit claims, which was previously restricted. Under the bill, these professionals can charge a flat fee up to $12,500 (adjusted annually for inflation) or up to five times the monthly benefit increase granted, whichever is smaller, but only if the claim succeeds and payment is contingent on a favorable outcome. The bill establishes a 90-day application process for agents and attorneys seeking recognition from the VA, with conditional temporary recognition granted if the VA cannot verify qualifications in time. Veterans must receive a standard form disclosing that free assistance is available through veteran service organizations and that they can hire private doctors for medical exams independent of their attorney. The VA will collect up to $500 in fees from recognized representatives to fund oversight administration, and can fine violators of these rules up to $50,000 and ban them from practice for one to ten years. The VA must submit annual reports to Congress on suspensions and denials of representatives, and the bill's provisions override any conflicting state laws.

Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act or the RELIEVE Act This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following their enrollment in the VA health care system.

Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of the Interior to transfer funds to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) in Baraga County, Michigan, in order to settle the KBIC's land claims and clear title to those lands.The KBIC may use these funds for any lawful purpose except to acquire land for gaming.

This bill allows the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan to transfer, lease, encumber, or otherwise convey its real property that is not held in trust by the United States. The United States shall not be held liable for any loss resulting from a transfer of real property by the tribe.