Votes, bills and records by issue · 119th Congress
Health
Jeff Merkley
Democratic, Oregon
On Health, the 130 measures they backed sit 23% past the typical Democrat, on the far side from the typical Republican.
From votes
Too few votes for a position from votes: 4 votes cast, and a position needs 20.
From bills backed
130 measures · 16 sponsored · 114 cosponsored
Sits 23% past the typical Democrat, on the far side from the typical Republican.
Exact figures
Positions are coordinates on the map's main axis. Only the distance from the typical Democrat and typical Republican means anything.
From bills backed
- Senator at −0.30
- Democratic caucus median −0.24, from 46 senators
- Republican caucus median 0.01, from 42 senators
Each mark is a senator. The vertical line is the typical senator in that caucus.
A position shows which senators someone votes or legislates alongside, not whether they are for or against a policy. Issues come from each bill's topic, so an issue can include amendments on other topics. Left and right on the strips have no meaning of their own. Bills often have backers from both parties, so a position from bills is read against the medians for bills, not against the position from votes. See how these summaries are written.
- Contested vote:
- a roll call where the losing side got at least 10% of the votes cast.
- Party break:
- a contested vote against the majority of their own party.
- Cosponsor:
- a senator who signs on to support a measure, a bill or resolution, that another senator introduced. Bills backed means sponsored or cosponsored.
- Typical senator:
- the middle senator of a group, with half on each side. "17% of the way" means 17% of the distance from the typical senator in one party to the typical senator in the other.
Votes on this issue
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,…
Show the full description
HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program".
Voted Yea
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior…
Show the full description
Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".
Voted Yea
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Market Integrity and Affordability".
Voted Yea
A bill to provide a health savings account contribution to certain enrollees, to reduce health care costs, and for other purposes.
Voted Nay
Legislation on this issue
These are records, not a score, and sponsoring a measure does not mean it moved. Simple and concurrent resolutions cannot become law, and a proposal enacted through a companion House bill or inside a larger bill is not counted as becoming law here.
1 measure this senator backed has no other backer on the map, so it is listed but not counted in the position from bills.
Sponsored
A resolution supporting the designation of September 19, 2026, as "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day", recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4759)
Nurse Overtime and Patient Safety Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Nursing is a Professional Degree Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2175)
A resolution designating the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week".
Latest action, : Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1690; text: CR S1675)
Show the other 12 sponsored measures
A resolution recognizing 2026 as "The Year of The Power of Nurses" in Celebration of the 130th Anniversary of the American Nurses Association.
Not counted in the position from bills: no other backer on the map.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S260)
School Access to Naloxone Act of 2026
Latest action, : Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
FAAN Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution supporting the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day", recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S6735)
Microplastics Safety Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Choose Medicare Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2026
Latest action, : Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 527.
End Price Gouging for Medications Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Mental Health Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2778)
A resolution designating the first week of April 2025 as "National Asbestos Awareness Week".
Latest action, : Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1864; text: CR S1875)
I CAN Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Cosponsored
A resolution expressing support for the designation of September as "Dystonia Awareness Month" to promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia.
Latest action, : Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5138; text: CR S5172)
Affordability is Access Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Jeanette Acosta Invest in Women’s Health Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Stop Corporate Takeovers of Physicians Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act 2.0 of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Show the other 109 cosponsored measures
Cancer Drug Parity Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Momnibus Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Pathways to Health Careers Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
PROTECT Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
HCBS Access Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Equity in Pretrial Health Coverage Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Green New Deal for Health Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Right to IVF Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Health Over Wealth Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A bill to require the United States Postal Service to sell the Alzheimer's semipostal stamp for 6 additional years.
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Medicare Dental Benefit Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Latest action, : Held at the desk.
Let Doctors Provide Reproductive Health Care Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Medicare Cost Cap Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".
Latest action, : Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 46 - 50. Record Vote Number: 199.
Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program".
Latest action, : Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 48 - 51. Record Vote Number: 251. (consideration: CR S5139-5140)
Equitable Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4701)
Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S1616)
Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025
Latest action, : Held at the desk.
Moms Matter Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Lower Drug Costs for Families Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to "Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model".
Latest action, : Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 431.
Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that over 25 years of real-world evidence and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies proving that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2309-2310)
Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program Reauthorization
Latest action, : Held at the desk.
Protecting Free Vaccines Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
No Immunity for Glyphosate Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Drug Deal Disclosure Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2026, as "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1824-1825)
Vision Lab Choice Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
ATTAIN Mental Health Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Perinatal Workforce Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Take Back Our Hospitals Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
PrEP Access and Coverage Act of 2026
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Corporate Crimes Against Health Care Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A resolution recognizing that it is the duty of the Federal Government to develop and implement a Transgender Bill of Rights to protect and codify the rights of transgender and nonbinary people under the law and ensure their access to medical care, shelter, safety, and economic security.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S580-581)
Mental Health Career Promotion Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S511)
Honor Our Living Donors Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution designating November 2025 as "National Lung Cancer Awareness Month" and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
Latest action, : Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S140; text: CR 12/18/2025 S8925)
Cannabinoid Safety and Regulation Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Restoring Patient Protections and Affordability Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Healthy MOM Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Transgender Health Care Access Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A resolution designating November 20, 2025, as "National Rural Health Day".
Latest action, : Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8248; text: CR S8243-8244)
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
TREATS Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Alternatives to PAIN Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act
Latest action, : Became Public Law No: 119-118.
Became Public Law 119-118
Health Care Workforce Expansion Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Marketplace Integrity and Affordability".
Latest action, : Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 47 - 52. Record Vote Number: 8.
SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Safe Step Act
Latest action, : Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
A resolution expressing support for the designation of September as "Dystonia Awareness Month" to promote public awareness and understanding of dystonia.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S6697)
Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Restoring Essential Healthcare Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A bill to provide that members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices may not be terminated except for cause and to require the immediate reinstatement of the members of such advisory committee.
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
340B PATIENTS Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
EACH Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Access to Birth Control Act
Latest action, : Star Print ordered on the bill.
Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
State-Based Universal Health Care Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act
Latest action, : Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
A resolution recognizing that climate change poses a growing threat to public health and necessitates coordinated action to mitigate its impacts and safeguard the health and well-being of all people in the United States.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4318-4319)
Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Keeping Obstetrics Local Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
End Prescription Drug Ads Now Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
State Public Option Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
HCBS Relief Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
ENROLL Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Protect IVF Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
SMART Prices Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2864)
Due Process Continuity of Care Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
Latest action, : Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Midwives for MOMS Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Living Donor Protection Act of 2025
Latest action, : Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 352.
Medicare for All Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
National Nursing Workforce Center Act of 2025
Latest action, : Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025
Latest action, : Star Print ordered on the measure.
A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual "Black Maternal Health Week", founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S2570-2571)
Expanding Access to Family Planning Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
CONNECT for Health Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Convenient Contraception Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
WATCH Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
No UPCODE Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
HELP Copays Act
Latest action, : Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
Family Building FEHB Fairness Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Kids’ Access to Primary Care Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the operations of the National Institutes of Health should not experience any interruption, delay, or funding disruption in violation of the law and that the workforce of the National Institutes of Health is essential to sustaining medical progress.
Latest action, : Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S1352)
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests.
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Safe and Affordable Drugs from Canada Act of 2025
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Rural Health Focus Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Right to Contraception Act
Latest action, : Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.