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S. 999: Public Health Improvement Act

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-03-12
SponsorSen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
Policy areaHealth
Cosponsors1
Latest action2025-03-12 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Last updated2026-01-06

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-03-12):

Public Health Improvement Act

This bill narrows the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with respect to the control of communicable diseases and renewals of public health emergencies. It also limits the priorities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to solely communicable diseases. 

Specifically, the bill removes HHS' discretion to take measures it deems necessary to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. It also narrows the objectives and priorities of the CDC by removing noncommunicable diseases, injuries, occupational and environmental hazards, and discretionary priorities from its strategic plan.

Also, the bill removes the authority of HHS to renew a declaration of a public health emergency and instead requires Congress to issue a renewal.

The bill also limits the terms of the directors of the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to 12 years and requires members of the Advisory Committee to the Director of the CDC to be appointed by members of Congress and other officials (currently appointed by the director). Additionally, the bill transfers eight offices from the CDC to the NIH (e.g., the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). 

Cosponsors (1)

NameParty / state
Mike Lee R UT (original cosponsor) 2025-03-12

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 999 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 999 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 999?

S. 999 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Public Health Improvement Act.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 999 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).