WASHINGTON, D.C. (Targeted News Service) — Rep. Tracey Mann, R-KS, has introduced the First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act, aimed at easing the financial burden on first-time homebuyers by allowing them to access funds from long-term qualified tuition programs for their initial home purchases. This legislative proposal seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code, providing a significant financial incentive for young individuals entering the housing market.
The act would enable individuals who have maintained contributions to a qualified tuition program for at least 15 years to withdraw up to $35,000, without incurring penalties, for the purchase of their principal residence. This initiative responds to the growing challenges faced by young adults struggling to buy homes due to soaring real estate prices and high entry costs. By allowing early access to savings previously earmarked for education, the bill aims to help mitigate the financial hurdles faced by prospective homeowners.
In a climate where affordability has become a pressing issue, this legislation creates an opportunity for savings to be repurposed for housing, thereby promoting homeownership among younger generations. The legislation is designed to foster homeownership while ensuring that funds are appropriately utilized, requiring that the distribution be spent within 60 days of the withdrawal. Addressing concerns about misuse, the bill incorporates provisions that would recapture the tax benefits if the purchased home is sold or ceases to be the primary residence within five years.
The First-Time Home Buyer Empowerment Act represents a broader commitment to support economic mobility for first-time buyers, particularly as homeownership remains a goal for many Americans. As the housing landscape continues to evolve, this legislation aims to provide vital financial assistance to those most in need, helping them achieve the dream of owning a home.
The bill (H.R. 7468) has 10 co-sponsors: Reps. J. Luis Correa, D-CA; Mark Alford, R-MO; Tom Barrett, R-MI; James C. Moylan, R-GU; John J. McGuire III, R-VA; Russ Fulcher, R-ID; Sharice Davids, D-KS; Nancy Mace, R-SC; Mike Bost, R-IL; James R. Baird, R-IN.
More bills
Here are other bills introduced by Kansas House members in the past week
•Rep. Tracey Mann, R-KS, has introduced the Motor Carrier Safety Screening Modernization Act, aimed at reforming employment screening protocols within the motor carrier industry to enhance safety and accountability.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing provisions in Title 49 of the United States Code regarding the employment screening of motor carrier operators. The bill will expand the scope of safety performance history checks to include not only preemployment screening but also ongoing assessments of current operators. With a focus on updating the methodologies for tracking serious driver-related safety violations, the act proposes clear guidelines for data management and appeal processes.
This legislative effort is motivated by rising concerns over road safety and the quality of operators within the motor carrier sector. Despite advancements in transportation technology, incidents related to operator performance continue to pose significant risks. By modernizing employment screening practices, the Motor Carrier Safety Screening Modernization Act aims to prevent unsafe drivers from operating commercial vehicles, thereby protecting the general public and enhancing the overall safety of roadways.
The bill also addresses the issue of transparency in the appeals process regarding safety violations. It mandates that when an operator contests a violation, relevant databases must clearly indicate that the violation is under review. Furthermore, it establishes guidelines for a prompt appeals process, ensuring that operators have the opportunity to challenge adverse actions based on their safety performance history.
The introduction of this act signifies a proactive step toward bolstering safety measures within the motor carrier industry and reflects Rep. Mann’s commitment to improving transportation safety standards. As the bill advances through the legislative process, it is expected to undergo further discussion and potential amendments before final approval.
The bill (H.R. 7261) has three co-sponsors: Reps. Sharice Davids, D-KS; Derek Schmidt, R-KS; Daniel Meuser, R-PA.
• Rep. Ron Estes, R-KS, has introduced the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act, a measure aimed at postponing the implementation of a controversial efficiency adjustment affecting work relative value units under the Medicare physician fee schedule. This initiative seeks to give health-care providers additional time to adapt to these changes, which could significantly influence their reimbursement rates.
The bill is positioned as a response to concerns raised by health-care professionals about the efficiency adjustment, which was established in a final rule published in November 2025. The act proposes delaying the implementation of these efficiency adjustments until January 1, 2030, allowing stakeholders to assess their impact more thoroughly. Under the proposed legislation, the Secretary of Health and Human Services would also be required to report to Congress within two years, evaluating the necessity for any future adjustments.
Delay in implementing these efficiency adjustments is critical, given that health-care providers emphasize the need for stability in reimbursement structures, especially in a rapidly evolving health-care landscape. Many stakeholders argue that abrupt changes could disrupt patient care, particularly for services that have not been reviewed in over a decade. The proposed bill includes provisions to limit the implementation of future efficiency adjustments to one time only, ensuring more predictability in the reimbursement process.
This legislative move reflects a broader desire among lawmakers to address the financial challenges facing healthcare providers, especially amidst ongoing economic pressures. By providing more time for analysis and adjustment, the Efficiency Adjustment Delay Act aims to support medical professionals and enhance the overall quality of care delivered to patients. If enacted, this act could pave the way for a more thoughtful approach to medicare reimbursements.
The bill (H.R. 7520) has one co-sponsor: Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi, D-NY.
• Rep. Sharice Davids, D-KS, has introduced the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act, aimed at establishing an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA). This office will focus on enhancing support for small business creation and expansion within Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations.
The proposed office will serve as a direct link between the SBA and Indigenous communities, fostering better access to entrepreneurial resources, financial capital, and business development programs. Specifically, it will promote initiatives that empower individuals within these communities to establish or expand businesses, thereby boosting economic development in Indian country.
Motivated by the persistent disparity in business ownership and economic opportunity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, the act seeks to address these challenges with culturally tailored assistance. An appointed Assistant Administrator will head the office, ensuring that programs align with the unique needs and cultural contexts of the communities served. This position will also be instrumental in facilitating collaboration with other federal agencies to create a comprehensive support network for Native entrepreneurs.
In addition to providing assistance in entrepreneurship, the office will educate Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations about existing federal resources that can further aid their business endeavors. Annual reports to Congress will track the office’s effectiveness and the number of clients served, allowing for adjustments to programs based on community feedback and needs.
By establishing this dedicated office, the Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act aims to empower Indigenous communities, foster economic resilience, and promote sustainable growth in small businesses across the United States. The act reflects a growing recognition of the importance of equitable access to business resources for all Americans.
The bill (H.R. 7396) has four co-sponsors: Reps. Jake Ellzey, R-TX; Kelly Morrison, D-MN; Elijah Crane, R-AZ; Hillary J. Scholten, D-MI.
