Vern Buchanan

A simple blood test could change everything for families facing Alzheimer’s. As Chairman of the @WaysandMeansGOP Health Subcommittee, I introduced the bipartisan ASAP Act to expand Medicare coverage to catch Alzheimer’s early, a disease that affects over 7.2 million Americans. https://t.co/yHgDRGmXF3

Animal welfare and medical innovation can go hand in hand. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I’m proud to have introduced the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 to end outdated animal testing. Thank you to @SecKennedy and @HHSGov for putting it into action. https://t.co/yuHeAACuZX

More sun in the evenings means more time for our children, safer drives home and longer evenings together. As Chairman of the @WaysandMeansGOP Health Subcommittee, I introduced the Sunshine Protection Act because permanent DST is a win for health and public safety. https://t.co/vQW8VtvBtJ

It’s time to lock the clock. My Sunshine Protection Act passed the House with strong bipartisan support. I’m working with @SenRickScott to send permanent DST to President Trump’s desk. My bill brings many economic, safety, family and health benefits to Americans nationwide. https://t.co/DeAVn1a0qI

Food security begins at home. Over the past two decades, Florida’s share of the U.S. fruit and vegetable market has dropped nearly 50% while Mexico’s has surged more than 200%. I'm fighting for seasonal protections for our Florida growers in the USMCA review. https://t.co/2Csdqb07xP

The future of research doesn’t have to come at an animal’s expense. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I applaud @hhsgov for implementing my FDA Modernization Act 2.0, to reduce unnecessary animal testing and accelerate modern, human-based research. https://t.co/7uxs08001z

The future of research doesn't have to come at an animal's expense. As co-chair of the Congressional Animal Protection Caucus, I applaud @HHSGov for moving to reduce unnecessary animal testing and accelerate modern, human-based research. Better science and less animal suffering is a win for everyone.

With 100 days left, my fight for Florida hasn’t changed. I will continue to advocate for our communities and represent the people who sent me to Washington. There's still work to do, and I’m ready to make it happen. https://t.co/XaLp2UIm9s

Enters Final Months Building on Two Decades of Delivering Results for Florida WASHINGTON — Today marks the start of Congressman Vern Buchanan’s final 100 days in office. Buchanan, who announced his retirement in January after 20 years representing Florida, is highlighting his signature legislation that passed the House this Congress while focusing on the work that lies ahead this fall. “Fighting for Florida over the last 20 years has been the honor of my life, and I’m continuing in that fight over my last 100 days in office,” said Buchanan. “I didn’t come to Washington to let down the people who sent me here: our seniors, veterans, small business owners, and hardworking families. I came here to ensure the American Dream that was possible for me is still possible for them, and for our children and our grandchildren. There are still bills to pass and problems to solve, and I’m not leaving any of that on the table. Until my very last day, I’ll keep championing legislation for the people of Florida’s 16th Congressional District like I’ve done every day since first elected to serve.” Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, enters his final 100 days with a record of results this Congress. His bipartisan Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act passed the House unanimously in March 2025, allowing employers that offer high-deductible health plans to cover certain services for common chronic illnesses before the deductible kicks in. In December 2025, the House unanimously passed his bipartisan Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act, which extends the successful Hospital at Home program through 2030. That was followed in June 2026 by unanimous House passage of his Healthcare Efficiency Through Flexibility Act, which gives Accountable Care Organizations more options for reporting on quality of care. In July 2026, the House passed his Sunshine Protection Act in a bipartisan vote to make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-yearly clock change. More of Buchanan’s bills are advancing. The Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced his bipartisan Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act last week, which would expand Medicare coverage for early Alzheimer’s detection and now has 219 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee also advanced an amended version of his SAFE Act, which would ban the transportation of horses for slaughter for human consumption, and is headed to the House floor as part of the bipartisan five-year surface transportation reauthorization. Buchanan also secured 10 amendments in the House-passed FY27 National Defense Authorization Act. Over the coming months, Buchanan will build on that momentum as he helps Congress finish strong on the work still ahead and continues to author legislation for the people of Florida’s 16th Congressional District. Buchanan leaves office as the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives, with 51 of his bills and initiatives signed into law under four presidents. ###

Today marks my last 100 days in Congress. As the longest serving Southwest Florida member in the House, I have spent 20 years fighting for our veterans, our seniors and our families. Every day left will be spent doing the same as I finish strong. https://t.co/kWiRlouuQx

Early detection could save America up to seven trillion dollars. That’s why I'm proud of my bipartisan ASAP Act, which advanced through @waysandmeansgop to expand Medicare coverage for early Alzheimer’s detection, giving families more time and hope. https://t.co/inhEOfnqfA https://t.co/1L6cKwSYpU

What hurts American phosphate hurts the American farmer. Sulfur prices are up nearly 600 percent, forcing fertilizer producers to cut jobs and production. That’s why I wrote a letter urging the Trump Administration to act now and protect our farmers. https://t.co/lGszPffksO https://t.co/XEoIoYEdWr

The best cure for Alzheimer’s is catching it before it starts. I'm honored, as Chairman of the @WaysandMeansGOP Health Subcommittee, to be named a Rural Health Champion by the National Grange for expanding access to Alzheimer’s diagnostics. https://t.co/b6DBjxV4Vc https://t.co/zagNSWFREo

Prevention today means better health tomorrow. That’s why I’m proud to support preventive care policies, like the ASAP Act, as Chairman of the @waysandmeansGOP Health Subcommittee. https://t.co/6tHj0L8jJV

Early detection gives families more time, options and hope. On World Alzheimer’s Day, I’m proud to share my ASAP Act advanced through @WaysandMeansGOP to expand coverage for early Alzheimer’s detection. https://t.co/pjfpbxmGA5

Twenty years in Congress. One mission that never changed. To fight for Florida. Since entering Congress, my goal was to deliver for the people of our district and the state of Florida. I will continue that fight strong as I near the end of my time in Washington. https://t.co/Ohv3xpKZKc

“What Hurts American Phosphate Hurts the American Farmer and Costs American Families” Sulfur Prices Have Surged Nearly 600 Percent as Domestic Fertilizer Producers Cut Production and Jobs WASHINGTON — Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urging immediate action to address the severe disruption in sulfur supply putting American phosphate fertilizer production at risk. “Sulfur is the backbone of domestic phosphate fertilizer production, and right now American producers cannot afford it,” said Buchanan. “What hurts American phosphate hurts the American farmer and costs American families. More than 200 workers have already lost their jobs, and every day the interagency process drags on puts more of them at risk. The Administration has the tools to act, and I am urging them to use them now to support and protect our farmers. This isn’t one company’s problem or one state’s problem. It’s whether America can feed itself without depending on foreign suppliers. I’m not willing to leave that to chance for our children and grandchildren.” Sulfur is a critical raw material for domestic phosphate fertilizer production. The letter warns that the shortage has already forced significant production curtailments and that the more than 200 workers who lost their jobs a few weeks ago may be the first of many. Recent geopolitical and shipping disruptions have constrained global sulfur supplies and driven prices to historic levels. The ten-year average price for sulfur in Tampa is $172 per long ton. Since May, prices have surged more than $1,000 per long ton and are currently approximately $1,100 to $1,200, a nearly 600 percent increase. The disruption affects thousands of contractors, suppliers and communities that depend on these operations every day. This is not a challenge that can be fixed by one company, state or industry. Losing domestic fertilizer production would increase America’s reliance on foreign sources for an essential agricultural input. The letter calls on the Administration to act quickly to support American farmers and the domestic fertilizer industry they depend on. Read the full letter here or below: Dear President Trump and Secretary Lutnick, I write requesting immediate, high-level action to address the severe disruption in sulfur supply and affordability. Sulfur is a critical raw material in phosphate fertilizer production in the United States. Without sulfur, there is no domestic phosphate fertilizer production. Without phosphate-based fertilizers, American agriculture, food security and supply chains are at risk. Thousands of American workers rely on the American fertilizer industry, and this challenge is already forcing production curtailments. A few weeks ago, hundreds of those workers lost their jobs, threatening the domestic fertilizer supply farmers rely on. Elemental sulfur is essential to converting phosphate rock into crop nutrients. No affordable sulfur means less fertilizer and lower crop yields, resulting in an impacted food supply. What hurts American phosphate, hurts the American farmer, and costs American families. Recent geopolitical and shipping disruptions have constrained global sulfur supplies and driven prices to historic levels. The ten-year average price for sulfur in Tampa is $172 per long ton. Since May, prices have surged to $1,000 per long ton and are currently approximately $1,100 to $1,200, a nearly 600 percent increase. These disruptions also affect the thousands of contractors, suppliers, and communities depending on these operations. It’s important to note once production capacity is lost, it cannot be quickly restored. Every day America produces less fertilizer amounts to lost volumes for future planting seasons. This is a direct impact to American agriculture. More broadly, this is not a challenge fixed by one company, state or industry. It is a critical national supply chain and food security issue. Losing domestic fertilizer production would increase our reliance on foreign sources for an essential agricultural input at a time when Congressional Republicans are working with your Administration to bolster domestic manufacturing and strengthen American supply chains. The interagency process, while appreciated, falls short of moving at a speed commensurate with the urgency of the situation. Immediate engagement at the highest levels is needed. Your Administration has a range of lawful tools to increase the near-term availability of competitively priced sulfur, including authorities under the Defense Production Act; voluntary coordination with domestic refiners and sulfur marketers; transportation, storage, and logistics solutions; trade or financing tools; and engagement with allied suppliers. Any action should be targeted and account for potential impacts on energy markets and other domestic sulfur users. Market forces alone cannot resolve this challenge quickly enough. Every day of disruption threatens more jobs, fertilizer production, and U.S. agricultural resilience. Prompt action can help protect a critical domestic industry and the farmers who depend on it. We stand ready to partner with your Administration in pursuing practical solutions and respectfully request to be kept informed of next steps. ###

Freedom takes flight because of the men and women who fly, fix and defend from above. Happy 79th birthday to the U.S. Air Force, and thank you to every Airman and military family for your service and sacrifice. Florida is proud to stand with you. https://t.co/sp6VgZ8Yhh

The 119th Congress has been one of the most effective congresses in American history. With over 900 pieces of legislation passed so far, our work to provide for the American people is not over. Thank you to @SpeakerJohnson and @SteveScalise for your incredible leadership. https://t.co/KIovPu0OGt

Early detection for Alzheimer’s is crucial for our seniors and families health. I’m proud to continue pushing for the ASAP Act after it passed out of @WaysandMeansGOP unanimously yesterday, agreeing that preventative tools in Alzheimer’s care is essential. https://t.co/OWIypBhtJs

“Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease is Key to Giving Families More Time, Options and Hope” The ASAP Act Would Provide Medicare Coverage for Preventive Alzheimer’s Detection WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, announced that his bipartisanAlzheimer’s Screening and Prevention (ASAP) Act (H.R. 6130) advanced out of the committee in a unanimous vote. Buchanan’s bill is co-led by Congressman Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.). “Early detection of Alzheimer’s is key to giving families more time, options and hope,” said Buchanan. “Having served as a caregiver to an elderly parent with Alzheimer’s and with nearly 200,000 seniors in my district, this issue is deeply personal to me. Expanding access to early detection will give millions of Americans the opportunity to plan ahead and seek preventative care. I’m grateful to the committee for advancing my Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act and call on my colleagues in the House to pass it and ensure every American can benefit from these lifesaving innovations.” “More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and for too many families, a diagnosis comes only after the disease has already taken a serious toll,” said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (MO-08). “Today, we have blood-based tests that can help detect Alzheimer’s before symptoms even appear, but outdated Medicare rules stand between seniors and access to these tools. As Chairman of our Health Subcommittee, Representative Buchanan has prioritized policies that improve health outcomes for Americans, informed in part by his own experience caring for his parent. His ASAP Act will help make sure seniors and their families can benefit from earlier detection and have more information as they navigate this devastating disease.” “Many promising and potentially lifechanging advancements are being made in Alzheimer’s diagnoses, treatment, and care; but they will mean little unless patients are able to access and afford them,” Congressman Tonko said. “This is where Congress can and must act. I was proud to join Congressman Buchanan to introduce the ASAP Act, which builds a pathway for Medicare coverage of FDA approved blood biomarker screening tests that help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease. I urge my colleagues to join us in advancing this bipartisan legislation that keeps Congress at pace with these exciting new innovations and ensures they are accessible to those who need them.” The ASAP Act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide a pathway for Medicare coverage for FDA-approved or cleared blood-based biomarker tests for the early detection of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Under current law, Medicare can only cover preventive services that Congress has specifically authorized or that are recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. That can delay coverage for years after a screening test receives FDA approval. With 7.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s nationwide and more than 580,000 Floridians facing the disease, the ASAP Act aims to give families more time to plan ahead, seek care sooner and preserve their quality of life as blood-based screening technology continues to advance. Buchanan’s bill is supported by the Alzheimer’s Association and the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement and has secured 215 bipartisan cosponsors in the House. Senators Susan Collins(R-Maine) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate which has already secured 50 bipartisan cosponsors. Buchanan is a leader in advancing legislation to support Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers and families. In June 2026, he introduced a bipartisan resolution alongside Reps. Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) and Linda Sánchez (D-Calif.), recognizing June 2026 as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. ###

ASAP brings what American’s need for their health. More preventative care. I’m proud to announce my ASAP Act advances to the House as we push to make Alzheimer’s screening accessible and people’s lives healthier. https://t.co/oH7XsM4YW2

For families facing Alzheimer’s, access to preventative care can make all the difference. That’s why I’m proud to see the ASAP Act advance through @WaysandMeansGOP today as we work to bring it one step closer to becoming law. https://t.co/ajiTztcgox

Physical activity is crucial for a child’s proper development and health. That’s why as Chairman of @WaysandMeansGOP Health Subcommittee, I cosponsored the Healthy Access for Learning Act with @RepTomBarrett as we look to help better children’s health. https://t.co/pc0vqcxXRC

Physical activity is crucial for a child’s proper development and health. That’s why as Chairman of @waysandmeansgop Health Subcommittee, I cosponsored the Healthy Recess for Learning Act with @RepTomBarrett as we look to help better children’s health. https://t.co/pPNalGWAW2