Overview

Title

Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

H.R. 1974 is a bill that helps pay for important things like defense, health, and emergency relief for the country until April 2025, but it needs to be explained better because some parts aren't clear, like why a submarine costs so much or why money is given to one specific person.

Summary AI

H.R. 1974 is a bill introduced in the House of Representatives that seeks to extend funding and authorization for various federal programs until April 11-12, 2025. This includes continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2025 with specific allocations for military, disaster relief, and health services, among others. It also involves extending certain telehealth services, Medicare adjustments, and funding for programs related to public health and human services. Additionally, the bill temporarily suspends certain budgetary constraints, ensuring these programs and services continue uninterrupted.

Published

2025-03-10
Congress: 119
Session: 1
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Introduced in House
Date: 2025-03-10
Package ID: BILLS-119hr1974ih

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
31
Words:
4,214
Pages:
19
Sentences:
126

Language

Nouns: 1,126
Verbs: 283
Adjectives: 97
Adverbs: 13
Numbers: 538
Entities: 517

Complexity

Average Token Length:
3.90
Average Sentence Length:
33.44
Token Entropy:
5.03
Readability (ARI):
16.62

AnalysisAI

Summary of the Bill

The bill, titled the "Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025," primarily serves to extend funding for various government programs and make additional appropriations for fiscal year 2025. Key components include continued funding for defense, healthcare, and disaster relief, as well as specific provisions for initiatives such as telehealth flexibility and funding for diabetes programs. The bill also contains many short-term date extensions for different legislative measures, potentially indicating a focus on immediate rather than long-term solutions.

Significant Issues

Several significant issues emerge from the text of the bill. Notably, there is substantial defense spending authorized without detailed justification, such as the funds allocated for the Columbia Class Submarine and previous year shipbuilding expenses. This lack of transparency raises concerns about possible wasteful expenditure. Furthermore, the appropriations process highlights potentially inefficient spending patterns, as many legislative actions involve short-term extensions, which may lead to administrative burdens and inefficiencies.

The bill contains a provision for a substantial disaster relief fund that requires presidential designation, potentially delaying rapid responses in emergencies. Additionally, $174,000 is allocated to Ashley Paige Turner without clear justification, raising questions about favoritism and transparency.

Another issue is the frequent references to multiple legislative texts and amendments without enough context, which might render the bill accessible only to individuals with extensive legal knowledge.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the bill's impact on the public largely hinges on its ability to maintain funding for critical services, such as healthcare and disaster relief. However, the extensive defense budget allocation without clear justification might divert funds from other essential services that could directly benefit the public.

The short-term extensions prevalent in this bill could potentially lead to short-sighted policy planning that does not adequately address long-term needs. This may lead to frequent legislative revisits, thus affecting consistent service delivery to the public.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For defense contractors, particularly those involved in shipbuilding, the bill's provisions for defense funding may have positive implications. These stakeholders stand to benefit from continued or increased financial support.

In contrast, Medicare beneficiaries may be concerned about the reduction in the Medicare Improvement Fund, as this could impact the quality or availability of services. Additionally, healthcare providers expanding telehealth services might find the short extensions to hinder rather than facilitate long-term strategic planning.

For disaster response agencies such as FEMA, receiving funding tied to presidential designations could prove detrimental. Delays in fund allocation due to political or procedural roadblocks could hinder timely disaster response capabilities.

Overall, while the bill seeks to continue appropriations and extend funding, it raises pertinent questions about efficiency, transparency, and its actual long-term benefit to the public and specific stakeholders. The need for explanatory justification and long-term planning is evident to ensure the effective implementation of the bill's provisions.

Financial Assessment

The bill H.R. 1974, introduced in the House of Representatives, is focused on extending funding and appropriations for various federal programs through early April 2025. Here, the financial allocations and how they tie into the identified issues will be explored.

Defense Spending

A significant portion of the bill allocates funds to defense programs, particularly the Department of Defense, for shipbuilding. One major appropriation is $3,341,300,000 for the "Columbia Class Submarine," and an additional $1,930,024,000 to complete prior year shipbuilding programs. These large allocations are done without detailed justification or transparency, which raises concerns about potential wasteful spending. Without a clear breakdown of these costs, it is challenging to assess whether such expenditures are necessary or efficient.

FEMA Disaster Relief Fund

The bill appropriates an additional $750,000,000 for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund for FY 2025. However, releasing these funds depends on the President designating them as an emergency requirement. This dependency could delay access to funds when quick responses are critical during emergencies, raising concerns about potential political influences affecting disaster relief efforts.

Individual Payment

A sum of $174,000 is allocated for Ashley Paige Turner, the beneficiary of Sylvester Turner, a late Representative from Texas. This specific payment lacks clear justification in the bill, which poses questions about transparency and the rationale for such a personalized allocation of federal funds.

Medicare and Health Services

The bill outlines various short-term extensions of funding and services, including Medicare and public health programs. It mentions the reduction of the Medicare Improvement Fund from $1,251,000,000 to $1,018,000,000, raising questions about how this cut will impact Medicare services. Additionally, allocations like $132,602,740 for community health centers and $10,963,593 for the National Health Service Corps reflect efforts to maintain healthcare support albeit only for a brief period until April 2025. The bill's numerous short-term changes suggest a lack of long-term planning, potentially causing inefficiencies and administrative burdens.

Additional Funding Allocations

The bill also includes appropriations like $6,058,748 for teaching health centers and $4,798,658 for special diabetes programs. These funds cover just a short timeframe, again indicating the challenges that come with such temporary extensions. These snapshots suggest that while the funds might support critical health initiatives, their short-lived nature necessitates frequent legislative action, contributing to inefficiency.

Overall, while H.R. 1974 ensures the continuation of essential services and programs, the lack of clarity and long-term planning in allocations pose significant challenges. This necessitates closer scrutiny to ensure that funds are used effectively and equitably, without succumbing to administrative inefficiencies or potential biases.

Issues

  • The bill authorizes a large amount of defense spending without detailed justification, specifically highlighting the $3,341,300,000 for the 'Columbia Class Submarine' and $1,930,024,000 for completion of prior year shipbuilding programs, which lacks transparency and may raise concerns about wasteful expenditure. (Section 101, Section 171)

  • The appropriations process allows for potentially inefficient spending patterns as many extensions and date changes, such as those involving Medicare payment adjustments, telehealth flexibilities, and funding for health-related programs, have been made on a very short-term basis, resulting in potential administrative overhead and legislative inefficiency. (Sections 2101-2118)

  • A stipulation ties the release of $750,000,000 for FEMA disaster relief to the President's designation, potentially leading to delays or political misuse in times of emergency, undermining rapid response capabilities. (Section 172)

  • The allocation of $174,000 to a specific individual, Ashley Paige Turner, without clear justification, is a concern for potential favoritism and lack of transparency in appropriation practices. (Section 174)

  • Significant references are made to other legislative acts and amendments without additional context or explanation, such as in the National Cybersecurity Protection System authorization and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program, making understanding the changes accessible only to those with detailed legal knowledge. (Sections 2201, 2204)

  • A reduction in the Medicare improvement fund from $1,251,000,000 to $1,018,000,000 lacks clarity on the potential repercussions, raising questions about the impact on Medicare services. (Section 2120)

  • The sudden short-term date extensions across various sections, such as those in the National health security extensions and sexual risk avoidance education, offer no clarity on their impact and may reflect arbitrary decision-making or insufficient legislative planning. (Sections 2103, 2131)

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section specifies the official short title of the Act, which is called the “Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2025.”

2. Table of contents Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The second section lists the contents of the bill, including Division A, which talks about additional funding for the year 2025, and Division B, which covers extensions and other related issues.

101. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025, extends funding for various programs, including shipbuilding for the Navy and disaster relief for FEMA. It sets aside specific amounts for defense programs such as submarine and ship construction and repair, supports the Federal Emergency Management Agency with additional funds for major disasters, and allocates money for the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation and a payment to the beneficiary of a late Representative.

Money References

  • The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025 (division A of Public Law 118–83) is further amended— (1) by striking the date specified in section 106(3) and inserting “April 11, 2025”; (2) in section 156(b) to read as follows: “(b) Amounts made available by section 101 to the Department of Defense for ‘Procurement—Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy’ may be apportioned up to the rate for operations necessary for ‘Columbia Class Submarine’ in an amount not to exceed $3,341,300,000.”; and (3) by adding after section 169 the following new sections: “Sec. 170.
  • Notwithstanding sections 102 and 104, amounts made available by section 101 to the Department of Defense for ‘Procurement—Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy’ may be apportioned up to the rate of operations necessary for ‘Completion of Prior Year Shipbuilding Programs’ in an amount not to exceed $1,930,024,000 to fund prior year shipbuilding cost increases for the following programs in the following amounts: “(1) 2013/2025:
  • Carrier Replacement Program, $236,000,000; “(2) 2016/2025: DDG 51 Program, $10,509,000; “(3) 2017/2025: Virginia Class Submarine Program, $219,370,000; “(4) 2017/2025: DDG 51 Program, $115,600,000; “(5) 2017/2025: Littoral Combat Ship Program, $8,100,000; “(6) 2017/2025: LHA Replacement Program, $115,397,000; “(7) 2018/2025: Virginia Class Submarine Program, $73,634,000; “(8) 2018/2025: DDG 51 Program, $107,405,000; “(9) 2018/2025: Littoral Combat Ship Program, $12,000,000; “(10) 2018/2025: LPD 17 (Flight II)
  • Amphibious Transport Dock Program, $19,158,000; “(11) 2018/2025: Oceanographic Ships Program, $18,000,000; “(12) 2018/2025: Ship to Shore Connector Program, $14,694,000; “(13) 2019/2025: Littoral Combat Ship Program, $27,900,000; “(14) 2019/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $49,995,000; “(15) 2019/2025: Ship to Shore Connector Program, $33,345,000; “(16) 2020/2025: CVN Refueling Overhauls, $669,171,000; “(17) 2020/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $151,837,000; “(18) 2020/2025:
  • Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, $978,000; “(19) 2021/2025: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, $17,375,000; “(20) 2022/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $13,222,000; “(21) U2022/2025: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, $4,234,000; and “(22)
  • 2023/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $12,100,000.
  • In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, for ‘Federal Emergency Management Agency—Disaster Relief Fund’, there is appropriated $750,000,000, for an additional amount for fiscal year 2025, to remain available until expended, for major disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.):
  • In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, there is appropriated $1,650,000 for the ‘Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation—Salaries and Expenses’ to remain available until expended to carry out responsibilities under the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act of 1974.
  • Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, there is hereby appropriated for fiscal year 2025, for payment to Ashley Paige Turner, beneficiary of Sylvester Turner, late a Representative from the State of Texas, $174,000.”.

170. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In Section 170, it states that, despite what section 101 says, the rule found in section 521(b)(1) of division C of Public Law 118–42 will not be enforced during the time this Act is in effect.

171. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that, despite other rules, the Department of Defense can use funds for shipbuilding and conversion projects by the Navy to manage cost increases from previous years, with a cap of $1,930,024,000. This funding is allocated to various shipbuilding programs, like the Carrier Replacement Program, Virginia Class Submarine Program, and T-AO Fleet Oiler Program, spanning from 2013 to 2023.

Money References

  • Notwithstanding sections 102 and 104, amounts made available by section 101 to the Department of Defense for “Procurement—Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy” may be apportioned up to the rate of operations necessary for “Completion of Prior Year Shipbuilding Programs” in an amount not to exceed $1,930,024,000 to fund prior year shipbuilding cost increases for the following programs in the following amounts: (1) 2013/2025:
  • Carrier Replacement Program, $236,000,000; (2) 2016/2025: DDG 51 Program, $10,509,000; (3) 2017/2025: Virginia Class Submarine Program, $219,370,000; (4) 2017/2025: DDG 51 Program, $115,600,000; (5) 2017/2025: Littoral Combat Ship Program, $8,100,000; (6) 2017/2025: LHA Replacement Program, $115,397,000; (7) 2018/2025:
  • Virginia Class Submarine Program, $73,634,000; (8) 2018/2025: DDG 51 Program, $107,405,000; (9) 2018/2025: Littoral Combat Ship Program, $12,000,000; (10) 2018/2025: LPD 17 (Flight II) Amphibious Transport Dock Program, $19,158,000; (11) 2018/2025: Oceanographic Ships Program, $18,000,000; (12) 2018/2025: Ship to Shore Connector Program, $14,694,000; (13) 2019/2025: Littoral Combat Ship Program, $27,900,000; (14) 2019/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $49,995,000; (15) 2019/2025: Ship to Shore Connector Program, $33,345,000; (16) 2020/2025: CVN Refueling Overhauls, $669,171,000; (17) 2020/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $151,837,000; (18) 2020/2025:
  • Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, $978,000; (19) 2021/2025: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, $17,375,000; (20) 2022/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $13,222,000; (21) U2022/2025: Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ship Program, $4,234,000; and (22) 2023/2025: T–AO Fleet Oiler Program, $12,100,000.

172. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section appropriates $750 million for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund for the fiscal year 2025, to assist with major disasters declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. This funding is designated as an emergency requirement by Congress and will only be available if the President confirms this designation.

Money References

  • In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, for “Federal Emergency Management Agency—Disaster Relief Fund”, there is appropriated $750,000,000, for an additional amount for fiscal year 2025, to remain available until expended, for major disasters declared pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.):

173. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section appropriates $1,650,000 for the Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation to cover salaries and expenses. The funds are available until used and are intended to support responsibilities under the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act of 1974.

Money References

  • In addition to amounts otherwise provided by section 101, there is appropriated $1,650,000 for the “Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation—Salaries and Expenses” to remain available until expended to carry out responsibilities under the Navajo-Hopi Land Settlement Act of 1974.

174. Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that $174,000 is allocated for the fiscal year 2025 to be paid to Ashley Paige Turner, who is the beneficiary of Sylvester Turner, a former Representative from Texas.

Money References

  • Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, there is hereby appropriated for fiscal year 2025, for payment to Ashley Paige Turner, beneficiary of Sylvester Turner, late a Representative from the State of Texas, $174,000.

Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that this part of the legislation can be officially called the “Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025.”

2101. Extension for community health centers, National Health Service Corps, and teaching health centers that operate GME programs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines funding extensions for community health centers, the National Health Service Corps, and teaching health centers running medical education programs, allocating specific amounts from April 1 to April 11, 2025. It also adjusts existing legal text to align with these changes.

Money References

  • (a) Extension for community health centers.—Section 10503(b)(1)(I) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 254b–2(b)(1)(I)) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting “, and $132,602,740 for the period beginning on April 1, 2025, and ending on April 11, 2025; and”. (b) Extension for the National Health Service Corps.—Section 10503(b)(2)(J) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 254b–2(b)(2)(J)) is amended by inserting “, and $10,963,593 for the period beginning on April 1, 2025, and ending on April 11, 2025” before the period at the end.
  • is amended by inserting “, and $6,058,748 for the period beginning on April 1, 2025, and ending on April 11, 2025” before the period at the end.

2102. Extension of special diabetes programs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section extends the funding for special diabetes programs for type I diabetes and for Indians, adding $4,798,658 to each program for the period from April 1, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

Money References

  • (a) Extension of special diabetes programs for type I diabetes.—Section 330B(b)(2)(F) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 254c–2(b)(2)(F)) is amended by inserting “, and $4,798,658 for the period beginning on April 1, 2025, and ending on April 11, 2025” before the period at the end.
  • is amended by inserting “, and $4,798,658 for the period beginning on April 1, 2025, and ending on April 11, 2025” before the period at the end.

2103. National health security extensions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends several parts of the Public Health Service Act by changing the expiration date of certain provisions from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025. This change affects sections related to national health security extensions and their corresponding subsections within the Act.

2111. Extension of increased inpatient hospital payment adjustment for certain low-volume hospitals Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section extends the deadline for increased payments to certain low-volume hospitals by changing the expiration dates in the Social Security Act from March 31, 2025, to April 11 or April 12, 2025, depending on the specific provision. It allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement these amendments by program instruction or other means.

2112. Extension of the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) program has been extended, changing its expiration date from April 1, 2025, to April 12, 2025. Additionally, related amendments adjust certain references to these new dates in legislation, allowing hospitals the option not to reclassify until April 11, 2025.

2113. Extension of add-on payments for ambulance services Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section changes the end date for certain extra payments for ambulance services under the Social Security Act from April 1, 2025, to April 12, 2025.

2114. Extension of funding for quality measure endorsement, input, and selection Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Social Security Act to extend the deadline for funding related to quality measure endorsement, input, and selection from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2115. Extension of funding outreach and assistance for low-income programs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section of the bill extends funding for various programs that assist low-income individuals, including state health insurance assistance, area agencies on aging, and aging and disability resource centers. The funding amounts and deadlines have been updated from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025, with slight increases in the specified monetary allocations for each program.

Money References

  • Extension of funding outreach and assistance for low-income programs. (a) State health insurance assistance programs.—Subsection (a)(1)(B)(xiv) of section 119 of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (42 U.S.C. 1395b–3 note) is amended by striking “March 31, 2025, $22,500,000” and inserting “April 11, 2025, $23,125,000”. (b) Area agencies on aging.—Subsection (b)(1)(B)(xiv) of such section 119 is amended by striking “March 31, 2025, $22,500,000” and inserting “April 11, 2025, $23,125,000”.
  • (c) Aging and disability resource centers.—Subsection (c)(1)(B)(xiv) of such section 119 is amended by striking “March 31, 2025, $8,500,000” and inserting “April 11, 2025, $8,708,333”.
  • (d) Coordination of efforts To inform older Americans about benefits available under Federal and State programs.—Subsection (d)(2)(xiv) of such section 119 is amended by striking “March 31, 2025, $22,500,000” and inserting “April 11, 2025, $23,125,000”.

2116. Extension of the work geographic index floor Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Social Security Act to extend the deadline for the work geographic index floor. The original date of April 1, 2025, is changed to April 12, 2025.

2117. Extension of certain telehealth flexibilities Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill section extends various telehealth services and flexibilities until April 2025, allowing more healthcare providers and sites to offer telehealth and enabling ongoing use of audio-only telehealth; it also delays certain in-person requirements for mental health services provided via telehealth. Additionally, it permits the use of telehealth for hospice care certification and grants authority to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement these changes.

2118. Extending acute hospital care at home waiver authorities Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Social Security Act to extend the deadline for acute hospital care at home waivers from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2119. Extension of temporary inclusion of authorized oral antiviral drugs as covered part D drugs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section updates the Social Security Act to extend the deadline for considering certain oral antiviral drugs as covered under Medicare Part D from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2120. Medicare improvement fund Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Social Security Act to change the amount allocated to the Medicare Improvement Fund from $1,251,000,000 to $1,018,000,000.

Money References

  • Section 1898(b)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395iii(b)(1)) is amended by striking “$1,251,000,000” and inserting $1,018,000,000.

2131. Sexual risk avoidance education extension Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section extends the end date for sexual risk avoidance education under the Social Security Act from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2132. Personal responsibility education extension Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section extends the deadline for personal responsibility education under the Social Security Act, changing it from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2133. Extension of funding for family-to-family health information centers Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends the Social Security Act to increase funding for family-to-family health information centers from $3,000,000 to $3,200,000 and extends the funding deadline from April 1, 2025, to April 12, 2025.

Money References

  • Section 501(c)(1)(A)(viii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 701(c)(1)(A)(viii)) is amended— (1) by striking “$3,000,000” and inserting “$3,200,000”; and (2) by striking “April 1, 2025” and inserting “April 12, 2025”.

2141. Eliminating certain disproportionate share hospital payment cuts Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, the Social Security Act is updated to change certain dates related to hospital payment reductions, moving them from April 1 to April 12.

2201. Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends an existing law to change the date mentioned in paragraphs (3) and (4) from "March 14, 2025" to "April 11, 2025" concerning the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program.

2202. Protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section changes the date in an existing law to extend the protection of certain facilities and assets from drones. The deadline is moved from March 14, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2203. Additional special assessment Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Section 2203 modifies title 18, United States Code, by changing the date in Section 3014 from March 14, 2025, to April 11, 2025, effectively extending the period for an additional special assessment by about a month.

2204. National Cybersecurity Protection System authorization Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015 has been updated to change the expiration date from March 14, 2025, to April 11, 2025.

2301. Budgetary effects Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that the financial effects of this law will not be recorded on federal budget tracking systems known as PAYGO scorecards. It also clarifies that these budget effects will not be considered in certain fiscal rules and procedures outlined in existing budget regulations.