LIBRE Applauds Introduction of the Bipartisan SPEAK Act

Arlington, VA (3/14/25) – The LIBRE Initiative, the nation’s leading center-right Latino organization, proudly supports the introduction of the Supporting Patient Education and Knowledge (SPEAK) Act in Congress. This bipartisan legislation, to be introduced by Representatives Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and co-leads Representative Evans (CO-08), Representative Veasey (TX-33), and Representative Fitzpatrick (PA-01) aims to improve access to telehealth services for non-English speakers by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue guidance for enhancing language accessibility. For over 25 million Americans —many within the Latino community—language barriers remain a major obstacle to accessing quality health care.

Sandra Benitez, Executive Director for The LIBRE Initiative stated:

“Millions of Americans—including many in the Latino community—face significant language barriers when seeking medical care. I have seen firsthand with my own immigrant family how these challenges can impact access to quality health care. The introduction of the SPEAK Act is a critical step toward ensuring that all patients, regardless of their English proficiency, can fully benefit from telehealth services. We commend Representative De La Cruz for her leadership and commitment to breaking down language barriers in health care. This bipartisan effort demonstrates that lawmakers can still come together to improve the lives of millions.”

Helder Toste, Government Affairs Liaison for The LIBRE Initiative stated:

“Latinos, and all Americans, deserve equal access to health care, and language should never be a barrier to receiving the medical attention they need. With an estimated $1.7 Billion in medical malpractice costs coming from miscommunication alone, The SPEAK Act represents an important step toward bridging the gap in telehealth accessibility and ensuring that all patients can make informed decisions about their well-being. We encourage Congress to move quickly to pass this legislation.”

The LIBRE Initiative is also grateful to Representatives Panetta (CA-19), Pettersen (CO-07), Lee (NV-03), Barragán (CA-44), Valadao (CA-22), Kim (CA- 40), and Holmes-Norton (DC-AL) for joining this legislative effort and supporting their Latino and Immigrant constituents. 

Background:

• Directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop guidance on enhancing language accessibility for telehealth.
• Aims to ensure that the over 25 million limited-English proficient (LEP) patients receive critical medical information in their preferred language.
• Seeks to reduce language barriers in health care, which disproportionately impact Latino and immigrant communities but also affect those with medical disabilities.
• Strengthens patient autonomy and engagement by improving understanding of medical diagnoses and treatment options.
• Demonstrates bipartisan cooperation to address health disparities and improve health care outcomes.