Tom Barrett

This resolution provides a special rule for consideration of H.R. 185 and amends that bill to direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to make publicly available certain records related to Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. Under H.R. 185, as amended by the resolution, DOJ must publicly disclose all unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials in its possession that relate to Epstein or Maxwell. The records include unclassified records referring or relating to Epstein's detention and death; flight logs of aircraft owned or used by Epstein; individuals named in connection with Epstein’s criminal activities, civil settlements, or immunity or plea agreements; immunity deals, sealed settlements, or plea bargains of Epstein or his associates; entities with ties to Epstein’s trafficking or financial networks; and internal Department of Justice communications concerning decisions to investigate or charge Epstein or his associates.  However, under the amended bill, DOJ may withhold or redact portions of records with written justification that such portions contain (1) victims' personally identifiable information; (2) child sexual abuse materials; (3) images of death, physical abuse, or injury; (4) information which would jeopardize an active federal investigation or prosecution; or (5) classified information. DOJ may not withhold or redact records on the basis of embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity. Further, within 15 days of completing the required disclosures, DOJ must provide Congress with a report listing all categories of records released and withheld, all redactions made and their legal basis, and all government officials and politically exposed persons named or referenced in the released materials.

This resolution honors Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township, Michigan, on its 108th anniversary, commends the thousands of men and women who have worked and trained at the base, and reinforces the commitment of the Armed Forces to the base as a facility that is key to national security. The resolution also encourages continued cooperation and dialogue with the Department of Defense in support of the base and acknowledges Michigan's ongoing investments in its defense assets and workforce.

This resolution recognizes the goal of education in U.S. schools as that of ensuring that virtually every student achieves grade-level reading proficiency. It also encourages state and local governments, including educational agencies, to collaborate with private organizations that offer proven literacy programs to (1) identify and implement effective solutions to address illiteracy, and (2) create adult literacy initiatives for adults with reading skills below an 8th grade level.

**Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025** This bill expands the membership of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee within the Veterans Health Administration by requiring the addition of one representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes who holds a professional license in nursing home administration. Additionally, the committee must consult with the National Association of Veterans State Homes with respect to matters concerning the association.

**Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act of 2025 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025** This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters. Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill * establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP, * requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and * extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers. The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by * establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders, * tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and * establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner. Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.