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Steve Gleason Act of 2015

Became Public Law No: 114-40.

Official summary

Version 49 · Public Law · Jul 30, 2015

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.)

Steve Gleason Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover as durable medical equipment any eye tracking and gaze interaction accessories for speech generating devices furnished to individuals with a demonstrated medical need for them.

(Sec. 3) Payment for speech generating devices or accessories shall be made on a rental basis, or in a lump-sum amount for the purchase of the item, without a cap on the amount in the case of devices furnished on or after October 1, 2015, and before October 1, 2018.

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Who introduced it

Sen. Vitter, David [R-LA] · R–LA

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
  • Ways and Means Committee
6 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Became Public Law No: 114-40.

  2. Became Public Law No: 114-40.

  3. Signed by President.

  4. Signed by President.

  5. Presented to President.

  6. Presented to President.

  7. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  8. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5214)

  9. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H5214)

  10. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 984.

  11. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5214-5217)

  12. Mr. Ryan (WI) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  13. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 154.

  14. Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.

  15. Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.

  16. Reported by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 114-178, Part I.

  17. Reported by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 114-178, Part I.

  18. Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

  19. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  20. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

  21. Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

  22. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  23. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  24. Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  25. Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  26. Received in the House.

  27. Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2319; text as passed Senate: CR S2319)

  28. Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S2319; text as passed Senate: CR S2319)

  29. Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 59.

  30. Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2284-2285)

  31. Introduced in Senate

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Oct 15, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze S.984 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine S.984 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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