Kathy Castor

Department of Energy Nuclear Transparency Act

The Department of Energy would be required to publicly disclose more information about how it authorizes nuclear facilities, making the approval process more transparent to Congress and the public. This affects nuclear power plants, research reactors, and other nuclear operations that need DOE approval, as well as anyone interested in understanding how the government oversees nuclear safety and security decisions.

Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026

Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026 This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 and expands the pilot Energy Sector Operational Support for Cyber Resilience Program of the Department of Energy (DOE). The program aims to protect energy infrastructure through collaboration between the federal government and the energy sector and enhancing DOE’s emergency response capabilities. Specifically, the bill expands the program objectives to include enhancing collaboration between the government and the energy sector to address threats to energy systems, advancing the collective understanding of national security risks and vulnerabilities associated with the energy sector that may be exploited by adversaries, and helping the energy sector increase its understanding of tactics of adversaries that present risks to the energy sector. The bill allows DOE to establish an Energy Threat Analysis Center at one or more physical locations for program activities. The bill also eliminates technical assistance provided under the program to small electric utilities. Under the bill, the decision to provide assistance or information under the program to a governmental or private entity is at the sole discretion of the Secretary of Energy and is unreviewable. The bill authorizes the Secretary to (1) enter into and perform contracts, grants, and other transactions with public agencies, private organizations, and persons to carry out the program; and (2) establish and utilize preapproved national security contracting mechanisms, model partnership agreements, and expedited review procedures for purposes of entering into such transactions. In addition, the bill exempts the program from certain public disclosure and other transparency requirements.

Expediting Generator Interconnection Procedures Act of 2025

The bill would speed up the process for connecting new power generators—including solar, wind, and other energy sources—to the electrical grid by setting strict timelines for utility companies to review and approve interconnection requests. This would help renewable energy companies and other power producers get their facilities online faster, potentially lowering costs and reducing delays that can take years under current procedures. Utility companies and energy developers would be the main groups affected by these new requirements.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program".

Congress would reject a new rule from Medicare and Medicaid that sets health insurance payment amounts and benefits for 2027 under the Affordable Care Act, preventing the rule from taking effect. This would affect millions of Americans who get health insurance through the ACA marketplace or state basic health programs, as well as insurance companies and healthcare providers who rely on these payment guidelines. The measure is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Recognizing the contributions of academic medicine and observing Academic Medicine Week from June 8 through 12, 2026.

This resolution designates June 8-12, 2026 as Academic Medicine Week to recognize the work of doctors, researchers, and educators at teaching hospitals and medical schools across the country. The measure honors how academic medical centers train the next generation of physicians, conduct medical research, and provide patient care in their communities. No new laws or funding are created; this is primarily a symbolic recognition of the contributions these institutions make to American healthcare and medicine.

At HOME Services Act

Medicare would test a two-year program allowing hospitals to provide observation care services to seniors in their homes instead of requiring them to come to the hospital. This would let doctors monitor patients' conditions remotely while they recover at home, potentially making care more convenient and comfortable for elderly Medicare patients. The program would help determine whether home-based observation services are safe and cost-effective compared to traditional hospital-based care.

Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2026

The legislation would require the Food and Drug Administration to improve how it evaluates and labels medications that pregnant women and nursing mothers take, ensuring that doctors and patients have better information about safety risks for both mother and baby. It would also establish new research programs to fill gaps in knowledge about which drugs are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since many medications have never been properly tested in these situations. The changes would affect pregnant women, new mothers, their healthcare providers, and pharmaceutical companies that develop and market these drugs.

PREVENT HPV Cancers Act of 2025

The legislation would expand access to HPV vaccines by requiring insurance coverage without cost-sharing and increasing funding for vaccination programs in underserved communities. It aims to prevent certain cancers caused by human papillomavirus infection, particularly cervical cancer and other cancers in both men and women. The bill would affect patients, insurance companies, and public health programs working to increase vaccination rates across the country.

Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act

Increasing Access to Lung Cancer Screening Act This bill provides for coverage without prior authorization requirements of annual lung cancer screenings under Medicaid, Medicare, and private health insurance for individuals for whom screenings are recommended under U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines. It also expands Medicaid coverage of counseling and pharmacotherapy for cessation of tobacco use to all individuals, rather than only pregnant women. The Department of Health and Human Services must conduct outreach on the importance of lung cancer screenings and who should be screened, and the Government Accountability Office must report on the demographics of those diagnosed with lung cancer and recommend ways the federal government can improve screenings.

CLEANER Act of 2025

The CLEANER Act would establish new environmental protection standards and regulations, likely focusing on reducing pollution and improving air or water quality across the United States. The bill would affect businesses that produce emissions or pollutants, as well as everyday Americans who benefit from cleaner air and water. The proposal is currently under review by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to determine its specific requirements and potential impacts.

Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act

Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act This bill establishes certain requirements for disbursing unused funds after a federal election. The bill also requires former candidates serving as registered lobbyists or foreign agents to comply with disbursement requirements. Specifically, the bill requires each authorized committee or leadership political action committee (PAC) of a candidate to disburse all unused funds within a specified time period beginning after an election or before the candidate registers as a lobbyist or foreign agent, unless the candidate files to run for office again before the disbursement period begins. A committee or PAC disbursing unspent funds shall first pay any obligations incurred. If funds are left over, the committee or PAC may only disburse the funds in one or more of the following ways: (1) returning funds to donors; (2) making contributions to nonprofit organizations; and (3) transferring funds without limitation to a national, state, or local committee of a political party. The bill generally prohibits disbursements to relatives of the candidate. A former candidate must, in order to register as a lobbyist or foreign agent, comply with the disbursement requirements outlined by this bill.

Ethics in Energy Act of 2025

This bill would establish new ethics rules and oversight requirements for the energy industry, likely aiming to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transparency in how energy companies operate and make decisions. It would probably affect energy companies, their executives, and potentially government officials who work with the energy sector. The specific requirements would depend on the bill's detailed provisions, which would be developed as it moves through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Keep Kids Covered Act

The proposal would extend health insurance coverage for children whose parents' jobs end or change, ensuring kids don't lose their health benefits during family transitions. It would allow children to stay on their parents' insurance plans for a longer period when coverage would otherwise be lost due to job loss, reduced work hours, or similar employment changes. This would primarily affect families with children and help prevent gaps in medical coverage during economically difficult times.

Recognizing the contributions of academic medicine and observing Academic Medicine Week from June 23 through 27, 2025.

This resolution designates June 23-27, 2025 as Academic Medicine Week to recognize and celebrate the work of doctors, researchers, and educators who work in university hospitals and medical schools. Academic medicine professionals conduct medical research, train the next generation of physicians, and provide patient care, often contributing significantly to advances in treatment and disease prevention. The resolution honors these contributions without creating any new laws or funding programs.

Advancing GETs Act of 2025

The bill aims to advance geothermal energy technology and development in the United States, likely by providing funding, tax incentives, or regulatory support to make geothermal power more accessible and cost-effective. This would affect energy companies, utilities, and communities looking to develop geothermal resources as a renewable energy source. The measure has been sent to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for review.

Florida Coastal Protection Act

This bill would likely establish protections or regulations for Florida's coastal areas, possibly related to energy development, infrastructure, or environmental safeguards along the state's shorelines. The specific measures could affect energy companies, coastal property owners, and residents living in vulnerable areas, though the exact details would depend on the bill's provisions. It is currently under review by the House Committee on Natural Resources to determine whether it should move forward for a vote.

To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program.

The federal government would continue funding a grant program that helps military and civilian hospitals work together to improve how they treat trauma patients and prepare for emergencies. This partnership allows military medical expertise and resources to be shared with civilian hospitals, strengthening trauma care capabilities across both systems. The program supports training, equipment, and coordination efforts that benefit patients in emergency situations at participating hospitals.