Manatee Review

Congressman Vern Buchanan has introduced eight bills at the start of the 119th Congress, aiming to provide tax relief for families and small businesses, address illegal immigration, and promote conservative leadership. Buchanan emphasized the need to move past current administrative challenges and focus on economic recovery.

“It’s time to move past the chaos of the current administration and focus on getting our country and economy back on track,” Buchanan stated. He added that Americans desire conservative leadership to revive the economy and protect communities.

The proposed bills include an amendment requiring Congress to balance the federal budget (H.J.Res. 3), citing a national debt of $36 trillion as a pressing concern. The TCJA Permanency Act (H.R. 137) seeks to make permanent tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, with support from over 100 Republican colleagues during the previous Congress.

The Hurricane Milton and Helene Tax Relief Act (H.R. 140) offers tax relief for those affected by hurricanes, incentivizing donations to relief efforts and expanding benefits for disaster victims. The Protecting Our Communities from Sexual Predators Act (H.R. 134) focuses on detaining, deporting, and banning illegal immigrants convicted of sexual assault.

The Sunshine Protection Act (H.R. 139), co-introduced with Senator Marco Rubio in a prior session, aims to make daylight saving time permanent, aligning with interests expressed by President Trump’s administration.

The Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 136) mandates a review by the Department of Veterans Affairs into veteran suicides or drug overdose deaths over five years to improve treatment strategies.

The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act (H.R. 138) proposes allowing caregivers to use health savings accounts for medical expenses related to non-dependent parents or loved ones.

Lastly, the Manatee Protection Act (H.R. 135) intends to reclassify West Indian manatees as “endangered” under federal law, enhancing conservation efforts through increased resources.

Buchanan concluded his previous term with eight legislative initiatives signed into law, totaling 42 since he took office in 2007 under various presidential administrations.

He will continue serving as Vice Chairman of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee in addition to chairing its Health Subcommittee overseeing Medicare-related programs.