3 things you missed in government last week

Here is a roundup of three happenings in government that you may have missed last week: 

1.    The House of Representatives voted unanimously Feb. 10 to advance the Protect Small Businesses from Excessive Paperwork Act of 2025, or H.R. 736. If passed, the legislation would delay the Corporate Transparency Act’s filing deadline to Jan. 1, 2026, for businesses created prior to 2024. The bill now heads to the Senate. 

2.    A new bill was introduced Feb. 11, known as the Oral Health Products Inclusion Act, that would increase access to certain oral care items that can be purchased with flexible spending account and health savings account funds. These include essential items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash. The Consumer Healthcare Products Association released a statement in support, which included a quote from ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., stating the legislation will allow Americans to take charge of their own health.

3.    Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed by the Senate on Feb. 13 as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a final vote of 52-48. The ADA emphasized in a statement that it will continue to promote evidence-based policymaking to address the country’s health challenges, while simultaneously working with HHS leadership to find common ground and improve the nation’s oral health.