Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Democrat · NY · 13 bills sponsored
Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025
# Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would extend and expand the federal Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income households make their homes more energy-efficient. The main change is doubling the maximum amount of federal money available per home—from $6,500 to $12,000—allowing for more extensive improvements like better insulation, efficient heating systems, or window replacements. The bill would keep the program running through 2030. **Who it affects:** Primarily low- and moderate-income households that struggle with high heating and cooling costs. The expanded funding would also affect contractors and energy efficiency companies that perform the work, and the Department of Energy, which manages the program. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 1355, sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko of New York), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.
Climate Pollution Standard and Community Investment Act of 2025
# Climate Pollution Standard and Community Investment Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This proposed legislation would establish new federal standards to reduce climate pollution and require investments in communities affected by pollution. The bill aims to set limits on greenhouse gas emissions from various sources and direct funding toward environmental remediation and community benefits in areas that have historically experienced high pollution levels. **Who It Affects** The bill would impact industries that emit greenhouse gases (particularly energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors), communities living near pollution sources, and potentially consumers through any resulting changes in energy or product costs. States and local governments would also be involved in implementation. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. It was introduced by Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) in the 119th Congress. The bill has not yet been enacted into law. *Note: Specific provisions and detailed impacts cannot be fully summarized as the bill text details are limited in the available information.*
Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2025
# Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2025 appears designed to address the use of automated software ("bots") that unfairly purchase limited-quantity items during high-demand sales periods—like concert tickets, holiday gifts, or gaming consoles. While specific details aren't available in the provided information, bills with similar titles typically aim to make it illegal or more difficult for these bots to bypass purchase limits and buy up inventory faster than human shoppers can. **Who It Affects and Current Status** The bill would potentially impact consumers (who face inflated prices from resellers), retailers (who lose control of their inventory), and bot operators. It's currently in committee, meaning it's still in the early legislative stage and hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. **Note:** The summary reflects general provisions typical of such legislation. For specific details on enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and exact definitions, you would need to review the full bill text on Congress.gov, as those specifics weren't included in the provided information.
State Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2025
# State Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2025 (HR 6676) **What the Bill Would Do** The State Industrial Competitiveness Act of 2025 would establish federal support for state-level industrial development and manufacturing initiatives. While specific details are limited in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to help states compete in key manufacturing sectors by providing funding, grants, or technical assistance for industrial projects and workforce development. **Who It Affects** This bill would primarily affect state governments, manufacturers, and workers in industrial sectors. It could also impact federal budgets allocated to economic development. States seeking to strengthen their manufacturing base and local economies would be the main beneficiaries if passed. **Current Status** As of now, HR 6676 is in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. The bill was introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY). No further action has been taken. *Note: For complete details on specific provisions and funding amounts, you would need to review the full bill text, which may be found on Congress.gov.*
New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act of 2025
# New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill aims to protect and manage the water resources shared between New York and New Jersey. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, watershed protection bills typically establish protections for water quality, regulate pollution, fund conservation projects, and coordinate management between states. The bill would likely address issues affecting the Hudson River, Delaware River, or other major water systems in the region. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects residents and businesses in New York and New Jersey that depend on shared water resources, including communities using these watersheds for drinking water, recreation, and commerce. It would also impact industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and utilities that use or discharge water in the region. Additionally, it could affect federal agencies involved in environmental oversight. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (HR 5762) is in committee and has not yet been brought to a full vote in the House of Representatives. It was introduced by Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY). To become law, it must pass through committee review, receive a House vote, pass the Senate, and be signed by the President. *Note: For complete details on specific provisions, you may want to visit Congress.gov to review the full bill text.*
Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act of 2025
# Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Schools Act of 2025 would establish federal requirements to improve air quality in schools. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically focus on setting standards for ventilation systems, air filtration, and monitoring of indoor air quality in K-12 schools. The goal would be to reduce exposure to pollutants, allergens, and airborne pathogens in school buildings. **Who It Affects** This legislation would primarily affect public and private schools across the country, along with school districts that would need to implement and maintain any new air quality standards. Students, teachers, and staff would benefit from improved indoor air conditions. Schools may also face costs for upgrading ventilation systems or air filtration equipment to meet federal standards. **Current Status** The bill (HR 5123) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Paul Tonko, a Democrat from New York. It is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. For more detailed information about specific provisions, you can review the full text through Congress.gov.
Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025
# Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025 is a proposed federal law designed to expand mental health services and support at the community level. While specific provisions aren't detailed in the available information, bills with this title typically aim to increase funding for mental health programs, improve access to mental health care in underserved areas, and support community-based mental wellness initiatives. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect communities with limited mental health resources, individuals seeking mental health treatment, and mental health service providers. It was introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it's under review by the relevant House committees before any vote by the full chamber. At this stage, it has not yet been approved or moved forward for a floor vote. **Note:** The bill summary provided lacks detailed information about specific provisions, funding amounts, and program details. For complete information about what this bill actually contains, you can review the full text on Congress.gov.
Medicaid Bump Act
# Medicaid Bump Act Summary **What the bill would do:** The Medicaid Bump Act would increase the federal government's share of funding for state Medicaid programs that spend money on behavioral health services (mental health and substance abuse treatment). Specifically, it would provide extra federal funding for behavioral health expenses that go beyond the amounts states were spending as of March 2019. States would be required to use this additional money to expand or improve mental health and addiction services, rather than replace existing funding. **Who it affects:** This bill primarily affects states, which administer Medicaid, and individuals who rely on Medicaid for mental health and addiction treatment services. It could also impact healthcare providers who offer these services. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. No action has been taken to advance it further at this time.
Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2025
# Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would eliminate a 65-year-old restriction that limits Medicare beneficiaries to just 190 days of inpatient psychiatric hospital care over their entire lifetime. If passed, seniors and disabled individuals covered by Medicare would no longer face this cap and could receive inpatient mental health treatment without hitting a lifetime ceiling on covered days. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects Medicare beneficiaries (people 65 and older, some younger disabled individuals, and those with end-stage renal disease) who need hospitalization for serious mental health conditions like severe depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder. It could also indirectly affect hospitals and mental health providers by potentially increasing the volume of covered services. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Rep. Paul Tonko, a Democrat from New York.
Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2025
# Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2025 would update federal laws governing energy production in U.S. ocean waters. While specific details aren't yet available in public records, such bills typically address how offshore wind farms, oil and gas operations, or other marine energy projects are regulated and permitted. The bill would likely modernize outdated rules to reflect current energy technologies and environmental standards. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would impact energy companies operating offshore, coastal communities and states, environmental organizations, and ultimately consumers who benefit from energy production. Fisheries and marine life could be affected depending on the bill's environmental provisions. Workers in offshore energy industries and renewable energy sectors would also have a stake in how these rules are structured. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill (HR 3742) is in committee review, meaning it's still in early stages and hasn't been debated or voted on by the full House. No text details have been made publicly available yet. To learn more about the specific provisions once they're released, you can check Congress.gov.
Reentry Act of 2025
# Reentry Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** The Reentry Act of 2025 would allow Medicaid (the government health insurance program for low-income individuals) to pay for medical care for incarcerated people during the 30 days before they're released from prison or jail. Currently, Medicaid typically stops covering inmates while they're incarcerated. The bill also requires a federal commission to study and report on the quality and accessibility of healthcare for incarcerated individuals, as well as how this change affects them. **Who it affects:** This bill would primarily affect incarcerated individuals preparing for release, many of whom are low-income and rely on Medicaid. It could also impact correctional facilities, state and federal budgets, and healthcare providers. The goal appears to be helping people transition back to society with better health management. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
SAFE Bet Act of 2025
# SAFE Bet Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What It Does:** The SAFE Bet Act would create federal rules for sports betting across the United States. Currently, sports betting is regulated state-by-state with varying rules. This bill would require all states to meet minimum federal standards if they want to allow sports betting. It would also ban illegal sports betting operations and require the Department of Justice to approve and regularly review each state's sports betting program every three years. **Key Provisions and Who It Affects:** The bill includes several consumer protections: states must prevent people under 21 and sports industry employees from betting, restrict advertising during live games, and implement safeguards like deposit limits to protect against problem gambling. States would need to designate an agency to regulate betting operators and enforce the rules. The bill also requires federal agencies to study how sports betting affects public health. This affects sports bettors, state governments, betting companies, and sports leagues. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives.
Scientific Integrity Act
# Scientific Integrity Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Scientific Integrity Act would require all federal agencies that fund, conduct, or oversee scientific research to create and enforce policies protecting the integrity of that research. The bill aims to prevent political interference in science by ensuring that scientific conclusions are based on evidence rather than politics, prohibiting the suppression or alteration of research findings, and allowing researchers to share their work and collaborate with the broader scientific community. Agencies would need to submit their policies to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for approval, and these policies would be made public and shared with Congress. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects federal agencies like the EPA, NIH, CDC, and others involved in scientific research, as well as the scientists who work for them. It also has indirect effects on the public, since federal research influences public health, environmental, and other policy decisions. Key requirements include establishing a way for people to report violations of scientific integrity policies and requiring the Government Accountability Office to review how well agencies are following these rules. Agencies can use existing policies if they meet the bill's standards. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full vote in the House of Representatives.