Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26]
Democrat · NY · 23 bills sponsored
Safe Flights for Passengers and Flight Crews Act
# Safe Flights for Passengers and Flight Crews Act (HR 7501) **What the Bill Would Do** The Safe Flights for Passengers and Flight Crews Act aims to improve safety and security on commercial aircraft. While specific details aren't provided in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on measures to protect both passengers and airline employees from incidents like unruly passenger behavior, physical assaults, or other safety threats during flights. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect commercial airline passengers, flight crews, and airlines operating in the United States. It's currently in committee, meaning it's under review and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) in the 119th Congress. **Note:** The full text of this bill wasn't provided, so this summary reflects what bills with this title typically address. For complete details on specific provisions and requirements, you would need to review the actual bill text on Congress.gov or contact the sponsoring office.
DHS Grants Accountability Act
# DHS Grants Accountability Act (HR 6507) Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The DHS Grants Accountability Act would establish new oversight and accountability measures for grants distributed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While the bill text details aren't fully specified in the available information, this type of legislation typically aims to ensure that federal grant money is spent properly, tracked effectively, and used for its intended purposes. The bill would likely require improved reporting, auditing, and monitoring of how DHS grants are allocated and used by recipient organizations. **Who It Affects** This bill would impact organizations that receive DHS grants—including state and local governments, nonprofits, and private contractors—as they would face stricter accountability requirements. It would also affect DHS itself, requiring the agency to implement stronger oversight systems. Ultimately, taxpayers have an interest as the bill aims to ensure their federal tax dollars are spent responsibly. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy, a Democrat from New York.
Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act
# Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act Summary I appreciate your request, but I need to be transparent: the bill information you've provided is quite limited. The summary shows only basic metadata (bill number, sponsor, committee status) without details about the actual provisions, purpose, or specific loan programs it would address. To give you an accurate plain-language summary, I would need access to the bill's text, which typically includes: - The specific loans or professions it targets - What changes it proposes - Which borrowers would benefit - The estimated fiscal impact **What I can tell you:** This is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) that appears to relate to loans for professionals in some capacity, but is currently in committee review rather than being voted on. **My recommendation:** To get a complete summary, check Congress.gov (search "HR 6574") or your representative's office, where you'll find the full bill text and current details. If you can share the bill's actual provisions, I'd be happy to explain them in plain language.
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1200 William Street, Room 200, in Buffalo, New York, as the "William J. Donovan Post Office Building".
# Summary of HR 1706 **What the Bill Does** This bill would officially rename a U.S. Postal Service building located at 1200 William Street in Buffalo, New York. The facility would be designated as the "William J. Donovan Post Office Building" to honor William J. Donovan. The change would be purely ceremonial—it would not affect the building's operations or services, only its official name. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill primarily affects the Buffalo, New York community and the local postal service facility. It was introduced by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Bills of this type—naming or renaming government buildings as tributes—are common in Congress but require legislative action to become official.
To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to administer the Next Generation Warning System grant program and disburse obligated funds under such program, and for other purposes.
# Summary of HR 6201 **What the Bill Would Do** HR 6201 would require FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) to manage and distribute grant money for the Next Generation Warning System program. The bill essentially ensures that funds that have already been approved and set aside for this warning system initiative are actually handed out to recipients. The phrase "and for other purposes" suggests the bill may contain additional provisions, though specific details aren't provided here. **Who It Affects** This bill would affect FEMA's operations and likely benefit communities and organizations that develop or implement modern emergency warning systems. By requiring FEMA to disburse already-obligated funds, the bill could impact any states, localities, or private entities working on updated warning technologies designed to alert the public during emergencies. **Current Status** HR 6201 was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. At this stage, the bill remains under review by the relevant congressional committee.
Veterans Healthcare Equality Act of 2025
# Veterans Healthcare Equality Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The Veterans Healthcare Equality Act of 2025 (HR 5635) is a proposed law designed to improve healthcare access and services for veterans. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to ensure veterans receive equitable treatment and comprehensive healthcare benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill may address gaps in current VA coverage or modernize how veterans access medical services. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact U.S. military veterans and their families, as well as the VA healthcare system that serves them. It could also affect healthcare providers who work with the VA and potentially federal healthcare budgets. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee review. This means it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. At this stage, it's being examined by the appropriate congressional committee to assess its merits before potential advancement. *Note: For detailed provisions and specific policy changes, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.*
Honoring Our Heroes Act of 2025
# Honoring Our Heroes Act of 2025 — Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide free headstones or burial markers for older veterans who have passed away. Currently, this benefit is only available to veterans who died after November 1, 1990. The new bill would extend this benefit to veterans who died before that date, as long as they were discharged honorably or under other-than-dishonorable conditions. The program would run as a two-year pilot to test how it works before potentially becoming permanent. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects families of deceased veterans who died before November 1, 1990, and who were not discharged dishonorably. It also requires the VA to update its website with clearer information about eligibility requirements for headstones and burial markers, which would help any veteran's family understand what benefits they might qualify for. **Current Status:** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is awaiting further action in the Senate. No companion bill in the Senate has been identified yet.
Securing America’s Ports of Entry Act of 2025
# Summary of the Securing America's Ports of Entry Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill, officially titled the Securing America's Ports of Entry Act of 2025, is currently under review in Congress but has not yet been assigned specific policy details in available sources. Based on its title, the legislation appears intended to strengthen security measures at U.S. ports of entry—the locations where people and goods cross the border into the United States. **Who It Affects and Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY) and would potentially affect border security operations, port facilities, and individuals crossing U.S. borders. Currently, the bill remains "In Committee," meaning it's in the early stage of the legislative process and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House. Without the specific legislative text or detailed provisions available, we cannot confirm what exact security measures or resources it would authorize. **Note:** For comprehensive details about the bill's specific provisions, funding levels, or implementation details, you would need to review the full text on Congress.gov or contact the sponsor's office directly.
McCarran-Walter Technical Corrections Act
# McCarran-Walter Technical Corrections Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would make technical corrections to the McCarran-Walter Act, the federal law that governs immigration and nationality in the United States. "Technical corrections" means fixing outdated language, clarifying confusing provisions, and updating the law to reflect current practices—without making major policy changes. The specific corrections haven't been detailed in available records, but such bills typically address inconsistencies, remove obsolete references, and improve clarity in how immigration law is written and applied. **Who It Affects:** The bill would potentially affect immigration officials who administer the law, as well as immigrants, visa applicants, and citizens going through immigration-related processes. By clarifying confusing provisions, it could make the system easier to navigate for both government agencies and individuals dealing with immigration matters. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (HR 4596) remains in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. This means it has been assigned to the relevant House committee for review but hasn't been voted on by the full House or Senate yet.
Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act.
# Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require Medicare to conduct outreach and education campaigns to inform the public about coverage for occupational therapy services that treat mental health problems and substance use disorders. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people develop or regain skills needed for daily living and work. Currently, Medicare covers occupational therapy, but many people may not know these services are available for mental health and addiction treatment. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (people 65 and older, plus some younger individuals with disabilities) who struggle with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. It also affects occupational therapists and healthcare providers who treat these conditions, as increased awareness of coverage could lead to more referrals and patient access to their services. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No vote has been scheduled.
Tax Fairness for Disaster Victims Act
# Tax Fairness for Disaster Victims Act (HR 3975) - Summary ## What the Bill Does This bill would provide tax relief to people who have experienced major disasters. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, disaster relief tax bills typically allow affected individuals to claim losses, defer tax payments, or receive other tax breaks to help them recover financially after events like hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes. ## Who It Affects The bill would benefit disaster victims and potentially their insurance companies or employers involved in recovery efforts. It could also affect federal tax revenues, since tax relief measures reduce money collected by the government. ## Current Status HR 3975 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy, a Democrat from New York. To become law, it would need to pass committee review, a full House vote, Senate approval, and the President's signature. *Note: Detailed provisions of this bill were not available in the source information provided.*
Gold Star Family Education Parity Act
# Gold Star Family Education Parity Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Gold Star Family Education Parity Act would expand educational benefits for families of military members who died in service. Specifically, it aims to ensure that the dependents and spouses of fallen service members receive equal educational support compared to veterans who survived their service. The bill addresses potential gaps where Gold Star families (those who lost a loved one in military service) may not have access to the same educational assistance programs as living veterans. **Who it affects:** This legislation directly impacts spouses and children of military members killed in action or due to service-related causes. It also affects the Department of Veterans Affairs and educational institutions that administer veteran benefits programs. **Current status:** As of now, HR 2720 remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY) in the 119th Congress.
Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act
# Aaron Salter, Jr., Responsible Body Armor Possession Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would restrict who can legally possess body armor in the United States. While the specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the bill is named after Aaron Salter Jr., a Buffalo police officer killed in 2022 during a mass shooting where the perpetrator wore body armor. The legislation appears designed to regulate body armor access, likely by limiting possession to military personnel, law enforcement, and security professionals while restricting civilian access. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would primarily affect civilians seeking to purchase or own body armor, while likely exempting military and law enforcement personnel. It's currently in committee in the House of Representatives, meaning it hasn't yet advanced to a full floor vote. Without detailed legislative language available, the exact scope of restrictions—such as whether all body armor would be banned or only certain types—remains unclear. **Note:** For comprehensive details on specific provisions, penalties, and exemptions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.
Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025
# Summary of HR 3106: Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to improve infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in northern regions of the United States. While specific details aren't fully available in the summary provided, the bill's title suggests it would focus on weatherizing (reinforcing and protecting) infrastructure against harsh winter conditions and enhancing readiness for emergency situations. The bill would likely direct federal funding or establish programs to upgrade vulnerable infrastructure systems in northern states. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would primarily affect residents and infrastructure systems in northern U.S. states, potentially including utility companies, municipalities, and federal agencies responsible for infrastructure maintenance. It could impact federal budgets allocated to infrastructure improvement and emergency management programs. **Current Status:** As of this summary, HR 3106 is still in committee review and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. This means it's in the early legislative stage and would need to pass committee review, gain House approval, and potentially Senate approval before becoming law. *Note: For more detailed information about specific provisions and funding amounts, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.*
To direct the United States Postal Service to designate a single, unique ZIP Code for Wheatfield, New York.
# HR 2938 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would require the U.S. Postal Service to assign Wheatfield, New York its own dedicated ZIP Code, rather than sharing one with surrounding areas. Currently, Wheatfield appears to use a shared ZIP Code with neighboring communities. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects residents and businesses in Wheatfield, New York, as well as the U.S. Postal Service. A dedicated ZIP Code could potentially improve mail delivery efficiency and help establish the town's distinct identity for mailing purposes. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY-26) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Protecting Medical Research Funding Act
# Protecting Medical Research Funding Act (HR 2855) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to protect federal funding for medical research. While the specific details aren't provided in the information available, bills with this title typically seek to maintain or increase government funding for medical studies and research initiatives, likely through agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The bill would prevent cuts to these research budgets or establish protections to ensure consistent funding levels. **Who It Affects:** The bill would primarily affect medical researchers, universities, and research institutions that depend on federal grants. It would also indirectly affect patients who benefit from medical advances resulting from federally-funded research, and taxpayers who fund these programs through their taxes. **Current Status:** HR 2855 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives yet. The bill was sponsored by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy (D-NY). At this stage, it remains under review and debate before any further legislative action can occur. *Note: Without access to the bill's full text, this summary addresses the general purpose implied by the title. For complete details on specific provisions, refer to Congress.gov.*
Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act
# Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act (HR 2856) **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to protect federal funding for Great Lakes research and the National Weather Service. While specific details aren't provided in the summary, bills with this title typically seek to prevent budget cuts or ensure stable, long-term funding for these agencies. The National Weather Service provides weather forecasts, warnings, and climate data that affect public safety, agriculture, and commerce, while Great Lakes funding typically supports environmental monitoring and research. **Who It Affects:** The bill would impact the National Weather Service workforce, Great Lakes states (Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York), and the general public who relies on weather forecasting and warnings. Environmental scientists, commercial shipping interests, and communities dependent on Great Lakes resources would also be affected. **Current Status:** As of the latest information, the bill is in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House. The bill was sponsored by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy, a Democrat from New York. No further action has been taken at this time. *Note: For complete details on specific funding amounts and provisions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.*
Setting the Table for Transition Act
# Setting the Table for Transition Act (HR 2780) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Setting the Table for Transition Act is currently in committee and has not yet advanced for a full vote. Based on its title and sponsorship, the bill appears intended to address transition-related matters, though specific legislative details are not provided in the available information. Without access to the bill's full text or official summary, the precise provisions and mechanisms cannot be detailed here. **Who It Affects and Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy M. Kennedy, a Democrat from New York's 26th district. As of now, it remains in committee, meaning it is still in the early stages of the legislative process and has not been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. Many bills introduced in Congress never advance beyond committee stage. **Note:** For a comprehensive understanding of this bill's specific provisions and potential impact, I recommend reviewing the full text on Congress.gov, where you can find detailed summaries, amendments, and any committee actions.
VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act
# VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill, introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY), aims to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and implement measures to protect VA employees. While specific details aren't available in the basic information provided, bills with this title typically address staffing levels, employee benefits, workplace safety, and operational budgets for VA facilities that serve veterans. **Who It Affects** The legislation would primarily impact VA employees and veterans who receive healthcare and services through VA facilities nationwide. It could also affect federal budgets and taxpayers, as it involves appropriating government funds. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. For detailed information about specific provisions, you can visit Congress.gov and search for HR 2722 to view the full text and any amendments.
Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act
# Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would allow veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by enemy action to receive the Purple Heart medal, even if their injuries occurred decades ago. Currently, the Purple Heart is primarily awarded for wounds caused by enemy weapons, but many service members with combat-related brain injuries have been excluded. The bill would require the military to create an application process so eligible veterans can apply for the medal retroactively, going back to December 7, 1941 (Pearl Harbor). **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects veterans with service-connected traumatic brain injuries from enemy action who haven't yet received a Purple Heart. These veterans would need to either have a documented service-connected disability from the brain injury or military records proving the injury occurred in combat. This could include veterans from recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where blast-related brain injuries have been particularly common. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill has not advanced further at this time.
VA Home Loan GRACE Act of 2025
# VA Home Loan GRACE Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** The VA Home Loan GRACE Act of 2025 is designed to modify benefits for veterans seeking home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. While the bill's specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, the "GRACE" acronym typically indicates the legislation addresses borrower protections, loan terms, or eligibility requirements for VA home loans—a benefit that helps veterans purchase homes with favorable terms and lower down payments. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact veterans and their families who use or are eligible for VA home loan benefits. It could also affect lenders and loan servicers who work with VA-guaranteed loans, as well as the VA itself in administering the program. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 2723) was introduced by Representative Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. Without access to the full legislative text, specific provisions cannot be detailed at this time.
TSA Commuting Fairness Act
# TSA Commuting Fairness Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to study whether the time its airport employees spend commuting between different work locations, parking lots, and public transit stops should count as paid work time. Currently, TSA workers don't get paid for this travel time, even though it's necessary to perform their jobs at airports. **Who It Affects and Key Details** The bill primarily affects TSA employees stationed at airports. It's a relatively modest measure—it doesn't change any current policies, but instead directs the TSA to investigate the feasibility of counting commute time as "on-duty hours" and report back to Congress. This would help lawmakers understand the costs and logistics of such a change before deciding whether to implement it. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and is now pending consideration in the Senate. It was sponsored by Rep. Timothy Kennedy (D-NY).
SNOW Act of 2025
# SNOW Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Does:** The SNOW Act would provide federal funding through FEMA to help communities prepare for and recover from severe winter storms. It would allow communities to use federal grant money to purchase snow removal equipment and take other steps to reduce winter storm damage. The bill also makes it easier for states and communities to qualify for federal disaster assistance after major snowstorms by changing some of FEMA's eligibility requirements. **Who It Affects:** The bill specifically targets rural areas and disadvantaged communities, which would receive a higher percentage of federal funding to cover disaster costs. Communities affected by severe winter storms would benefit from the new funding opportunities and more flexible eligibility rules for federal assistance. **Key Provisions:** The bill increases federal funding support for winter storm preparation and recovery, expands what types of projects can use federal hazard mitigation grants (including equipment purchases), and requires FEMA to create new rules that may make it easier for snowstorm-affected areas to receive major disaster declarations. This means communities wouldn't necessarily need to show record-breaking snowfall or meet the same strict cost thresholds currently required. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by Congress.