Words Matter Act of 2025

The Words Matter Act would modernize federal law by replacing more than two dozen instances of the term 'mentally retarded' and 'mental retardation' throughout the U.S. Code with contemporary, respectful language such as 'individuals with intellectual disabilities' and 'intellectual disability.' The bill is a bipartisan effort sponsored by Representatives Pete Sessions (R-TX), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Richard Hudson (R-NC). The changes would apply across multiple federal programs and laws, including those governing medical care, mortgage insurance, Social Security benefits, long-term care facilities, and criminal justice provisions. The bill explicitly states that these language changes are not intended to alter coverage, eligibility, rights, or definitions in the affected laws—only to update the terminology to reflect current standards of dignity and respect. The bill has passed committee review and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House.