Eugene Vindman

Headache Education, Access, Diagnosis, and Care Health Equity Act or the HEADACHE Act

This bill temporarily establishes a federal initiative, an advisory council, and related reporting to address headache disorders. The bill defines headache disorder as a medical condition for which a headache is a principal symptom, including primary conditions (e.g., tension-type headaches, migraines) and secondary conditions (i.e., headaches that are symptoms of other health conditions).

Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must establish a coordinated federal initiative to take actions that advance research and improve care for headache disorders.

Also, HHS must establish an advisory council comprised of certain federal and non-federal members to advise HHS on headache disorders and hold annual research meetings.

Finally, HHS must annually report to Congress on headache disorders, including (1) an annually updated national plan, (2) evaluations of all relevant federally funded efforts, and (3) recommendations for priority actions.

The requirements of the bill sunset five years after the bill’s enactment.

North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the individuals and communities that provided financial and other support for the North Platte Canteen in North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II.

Companion Animal Protection Against Cruel Testing Act

This bill prohibits the use of funds made available to covered federal agencies for any biomedical research activity involving a live dog or cat. Covered agencies are agencies or offices within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that award, administer, or expend federal funds for biomedical research.

This prohibition also applies to activities that materially facilitate biomedical research involving a live dog or cat (e.g., salaries, facility maintenance, and administrative support primarily related to such research). It does not apply to transportation and rehousing of animals previously used in biomedical research or observational activities that do not involve alteration of an animal’s normal environment or medical care.

The prohibition applies to federal funds obligated or expended beginning 180 days after the bill is enacted. HHS may waive the prohibition in limited circumstances if necessary to respond to a specified emergency.

Recipients of funding from covered agencies must make reasonable efforts to transfer dogs and cats no longer needed for research to rescue organizations or other appropriate entities. Further, recipients may only euthanize an animal if a veterinarian has determined euthanasia is necessary for animal welfare or public safety.

If HHS determines that a recipient has violated a provision of the bill, it may withhold further funding to the recipient, recover funds expended in violation, and impose other administrative remedies.

Finally, the Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the bill's implementation within three years after the bill takes effect.