Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, has expressed support for the signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 7148) by President Trump. The bipartisan legislation provides funding for national priorities and includes two health care bills authored by Buchanan.
“Funding is now in place for critical national priorities that strengthen our country and serve the American people,” said Buchanan. “That includes bolstering our national defense and improving access to health care, education and infrastructure.”
Buchanan highlighted his role as Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, noting: “As Chairman of the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee, I’m proud that two of my health care initiatives are now law. By expanding telehealth and extending the Hospital-at-Home program, we are improving access to care, delivering better outcomes and reducing unnecessary costs. I will continue working to advance commonsense, bipartisan solutions that protect taxpayer dollars and make government work better.”
The first measure, the Permanent Telehealth from Home Act (H.R. 1407), extends reforms by removing geographic restrictions under Medicare and expands originating sites through December 31, 2027. The second measure, the Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313), continues the Hospital-at-Home program through September 30, 2030.
Other provisions in the new law encourage early detection with expanded coverage for cancer and cognitive screening tools, support value-based payment models for coordinated care, promote wearable medical technologies, fund community health centers—especially in rural areas—and increase accountability across the health system.
Buchanan’s legislative record includes four initiatives signed by President Bush, five by President Obama, 19 by President Biden, and 24 by President Trump.
The appropriations package also funds core government operations such as national defense and infrastructure projects while supporting law enforcement personnel. It aims to keep spending below current projected levels.
Vern Buchanan has represented Florida’s 16th district in Congress since 2007 after replacing Katherine Harris. He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives. Born in Detroit in 1951, Buchanan lives in Sarasota. He graduated from Cleary University in 1975 with a BA degree and later from University of Detroit Mercy.
In addition to his committee roles related to Medicare programs, Buchanan remains active on issues impacting both his district and broader federal policy.
