Manatee Review

Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan announced that eight of his legislative proposals were signed into law as part of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) at the end of the 118th Congress. This achievement brings the total number of Buchanan's legislative initiatives signed into law to 42 since he first joined Congress in 2007.

Buchanan has seen his proposals signed by four presidents: four by President Bush, six by President Obama, thirteen by President Trump, and nineteen 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 amendments introduced by Buchanan included in the FY25 NDAA cover various areas:

- An amendment instructing the Secretary of Defense to explore ways to expand and improve the Future Soldier Preparatory Course.

- The Honoring Our Heroes with Dignity Act (H.R. 10301), directing resumption of horse-drawn funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery.

- A mandate for a Congressional briefing on training and safety improvements for Assault Amphibious Vehicles.

- A provision requiring a plan for a memorial honoring servicemembers who died during Afghanistan withdrawal.

- A requirement for a briefing on efforts related to combatting obesity within the military.

- An amendment urging strengthened U.S. defense alliances in response to Chinese activities in Indo-Pacific.

- A requirement for a briefing on access to mental health care services for active-duty servicemembers.

- A provision urging review and adjustment of family separation allowance.

“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,” stated Buchanan.

Additionally, an amended version of Buchanan’s Permanent Telehealth from Home Act (H.R. 134) was included in an end-of-year government funding bill. This amendment removes geographic limitations on telehealth services, extending this flexibility into 2025.

“Making telehealth services available to patients regardless of their location is a major win for nearly two hundred thousand seniors in my district and anyone in need of accessible, convenient care,” commented Buchanan. “I look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to make this flexibility permanent and expand access to telehealth services.”