Legislation

This act, the Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2025, aims to strengthen the quality of care within the Veterans Health Administration by eliminating conflicts of interest in medical peer reviews. It mandates that reviewers with direct involvement in a case must recuse themselves. Furthermore, it ensures that reviews of VA medical facility peer review committee members are conducted by a neutral committee at a different VA facility.

The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act mandates the Secretary of the Interior to issue a specific right-of-way for an emergency exit from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 9.6. This issuance is conditional upon the Secretary certifying that alternative non-federal routes have been evaluated, a fire behavior analysis is complete, and all necessary environmental reviews are finalized. This legislation aims to secure a vital emergency egress route for the Wintergreen area.

The Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act establishes a direct payment program administered by the USDA to compensate specialty crop growers and wine producers for specific financial losses, such as those related to increased tariffs or reduced exports. The bill also authorizes the Secretary to purchase surplus crops for distribution through federal nutrition assistance programs. This assistance is authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with required reporting to Congress on payments and purchases.

The Inspector General Access Act of 2025 amends existing law to streamline investigations of Department of Justice personnel. Specifically, this bill removes a previous exception regarding certain types of allegations from the general investigation procedures governing the Inspector General. This change ensures that the Inspector General has broader authority to investigate all relevant matters concerning DOJ personnel.

The CLEAR Act of 2025 aims to streamline energy project development by limiting repeated legal challenges through a "single action" rule for all related authorizations. It also establishes a deferential standard for judicial review of federal agency decisions, requiring courts to uphold agency discretion unless an abuse is found. If procedural errors are identified, courts must remand the issue to the agency with a strict 180-day deadline for correction, during which the project authorization remains valid. Furthermore, the bill imposes strict deadlines and participation requirements for filing lawsuits challenging project authorizations.

The FAIR Leave Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act to remove restrictions on leave for married couples employed by the same company. This legislation repeals the existing limitation that capped the combined leave spouses could take. The goal is to ensure fair and equal access to leave benefits for married employees.

The WATER Act of 2025 establishes a program allowing states to voluntarily assume federal permitting responsibilities for certain transportation projects under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. This assignment requires a written agreement with the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, mandating that states adhere to existing federal environmental review standards. The law outlines application, oversight, and termination procedures for state participation in this permitting process.

The VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act mandates comprehensive reviews by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the causes of recent and projected funding shortfalls within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation requires the VA Secretary to report the GAO's findings annually to relevant Congressional committees. The goal is to improve budget accuracy and implement measures to prevent future funding gaps for veterans' services.

The FAST VETS Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to review each veteran's vocational rehabilitation plan annually. If a veteran's long-term goals are no longer feasible due to changes in their employment handicap, the VA must work with the veteran to redevelop a new plan. This ensures veterans receive the most effective path toward successful employment and transition.

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a specific 0.81-acre parcel of Forest Service property in Perryville, Arkansas, to Perry County upon request. The transfer is free of charge, provided the county covers all associated costs and agrees to use the land exclusively for public purposes. If the land is no longer used for public benefit, the Secretary retains the discretion to reclaim ownership.

The Do No Harm in Medicaid Act seeks to prohibit federal Medicaid matching funds for specified gender transition procedures and related medications administered to individuals under 18 years of age. This prohibition includes funding for surgeries and the administration of puberty blockers or supraphysiologic hormone doses. Exceptions are made for treatments related to verifiable genetic disorders of sex development or to correct for certain medical emergencies or prior prohibited procedures, provided parental consent is obtained.

The More Affordable Care Act establishes a Health Freedom Waiver program allowing states to opt out of certain federal ACA requirements if they maintain a high-risk insurance pool. States utilizing this waiver can redirect federal subsidies into "Trump Health Freedom Accounts" for residents, which are specialized Health Savings Accounts with unique contribution and spending rules. The bill also enhances tax credits for small employers in waiver states and mandates improved price and outcomes data reporting from healthcare providers.

This resolution formally recognizes Atlanta, Georgia, as the cradle of the civil rights movement for its profound historical contributions to the fight for equality. It commemorates numerous pivotal events and leaders from the city that shaped American society. Furthermore, the bill honors Atlanta's ongoing role as a dynamic center for diversity, opportunity, and progress.

The Healthy Maternity and Obstetric Medicine (Healthy MOM) Act aims to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by ensuring comprehensive and affordable maternity coverage. It establishes special enrollment periods for pregnant individuals across various health plans, including employer-sponsored and exchange plans. Furthermore, the bill mandates that dependent coverage must include maternity care and makes 12 months of continuous postpartum coverage mandatory under Medicaid and CHIP.

This bill, the Improve and Enhance the Work Opportunity Tax Credit Act, extends and significantly increases the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers hiring from targeted groups through 2030. It raises the base credit amount, adjusts key figures for inflation, and adds qualified military spouses as an eligible group. Furthermore, the legislation mandates federal agencies to promote the hiring of WOTC-eligible individuals within critical sectors like manufacturing and healthcare.

The Building Housing for the American Dream Act amends the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program to incentivize foreign investment in qualifying U.S. housing projects. It mandates priority processing for petitions related to housing developed under specific federal assistance programs. The Act also establishes annual reporting requirements for the Department of Homeland Security and periodic reviews by the Government Accountability Office to track the impact of these incentives on housing development.

The In-Home CARE Act establishes a new grant program to support home visiting services for family caregivers. These grants aim to enhance the ability of family members to provide care at home, thereby helping individuals remain in their homes longer and reducing institutionalization. Programs funded under this Act will conduct caregiver assessments and provide essential education, training, and referrals to necessary support services.

This bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to correct the long title of S. 1071. The correction updates the title to accurately reflect the bill's purpose, which is to authorize appropriations for the Department of Defense and related activities for fiscal year 2026.

This resolution condemns the People's Republic of China's coercive military and economic actions against Japan following statements regarding Taiwan. It reaffirms the strong U.S.-Japan alliance and commitment to regional stability. Furthermore, the bill calls on the PRC to cease its pressure tactics and urges the U.S. to work with allies to counter such coercion in the Indo-Pacific.

The Power Plant Reliability Act of 2025 grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) new authority to order utilities to maintain adequate interstate electric service, including requiring the continued operation of specific generating units if service is deemed insufficient. This legislation also mandates that owners must provide FERC and relevant state bodies with at least five years' advance notice before retiring any qualifying electric generating unit. Compliance with a FERC order to maintain service is protected from potential violations of environmental laws.