Legislation

The Duty Drawback Clarification Act updates the U.S. tariff schedule to standardize the classification of whiskies under Chapter 22. This legislation removes an outdated whiskey classification code and requires the U.S. International Trade Commission to add new statistical tracking codes for imports. These changes will take effect 15 days after the Act is officially enacted.

The Stamp Out Invasive Species Act mandates the creation and sale of a special "Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp" by the U.S. Postal Service for a two-year period. Proceeds from the extra cost of this stamp will be equally divided between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture. This funding is specifically dedicated to supporting federal programs aimed at combating the significant ecological and economic damage caused by invasive species.

This concurrent resolution formally recognizes the critical importance and vital contributions of the United States Special Operations Forces (SOF) community to national security. It expresses strong support for the designation of an annual "SOF Week" to honor the service members and their families. The resolution underscores the need to continue providing these elite forces with the necessary resources, training, and support.

The Expanding Access to Fertility Care for Servicemembers and Dependents Act amends the TRICARE program to guarantee comprehensive coverage for assisted reproductive services for active-duty service members and their dependents. This new benefit ensures access to treatments like IVF and embryo storage, regardless of the cause of infertility or the service member's duty-related status. The legislation removes previous barriers to coverage based on service-connected injuries, sexual orientation, or marital status.

The Combatting Hospital Monopolies Act expands the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) authority to regulate certain entities. This bill specifically amends the definition of "Corporation" to include tax-exempt, non-profit hospital organizations. This change allows the FTC to oversee the business practices of these hospitals to combat potential monopolies.

The Preventing Ranked Choice Corruption Act explicitly bans the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) in all federal elections, including those for President, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. This prohibition amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to ensure only traditional voting methods are used for federal races nationwide. The ban will take effect for all federal elections held in 2026 and beyond.

The Highway Formula Fairness Act allows the Secretary of Transportation the discretion to provide additional highway funding to states experiencing population growth. Furthermore, the bill mandates a comprehensive study to modernize the existing federal highway funding formula, ensuring it is equitable and meets current national transportation goals. The Secretary must report the study's findings and recommendations for a new formula to Congress within 90 days of enactment.

The ACES Act mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to investigate the prevalence and mortality rates of various cancers among active duty fixed-wing aircraft crew members due to potential service-related exposures. This legislation also extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veteran pension payments by one month. The study will analyze specific cancer types and utilize data from the VA, DoD, and other federal sources.

This bill expands the Department of Veterans Affairs' authority to provide grants to entities that assist homeless veterans. These grants will now specifically support organizations helping veterans access all eligible VA benefits and coordinate broader support services from government and private sources. The updated criteria also prioritize organizations capable of providing comprehensive assistance beyond just housing repair.

The Empowering Patient Choice of Medical Care Act eliminates the "inpatient-only" list maintained by HHS, effective January 1, 2026. This change prevents the automatic denial of payment for hospital services simply because they were traditionally considered inpatient-only. The Act aims to increase flexibility in where certain medical procedures can be safely performed and reimbursed.

The Falun Gong Protection Act establishes a firm U.S. policy to cease cooperation with China on organ transplantation until the practice of state-sponsored organ harvesting ends. The bill mandates sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against foreign individuals knowingly involved in forced organ harvesting in China. Furthermore, it requires a comprehensive report assessing China's transplant practices and directs the U.S. to coordinate international pressure against these abuses.

This resolution officially supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses as frontline healthcare providers and patient advocates. The measure encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate events honoring the nursing profession.

The United States Postal Service Shipping Equity Act amends federal law to permit the mailing of alcoholic beverages through the USPS under strict new regulations. These regulations will require age verification upon delivery, restrict shipments to personal use, and mandate that shippers be registered entities. This change does not preempt any existing state or local laws regarding alcohol sales or shipment.

The MEGOBARI Act expresses Congress's concern over Georgia's democratic backsliding and growing alignment with authoritarian states. It directs the Secretary of State to suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia demonstrates commitment to democratic principles and EU/NATO aspirations. Furthermore, the Act establishes a policy supporting Georgia's Western trajectory while mandating reports on Russian influence and authorizing targeted sanctions against officials undermining Georgian democracy or stability.

The Restoring Rights of Medical Residents Act focuses on eliminating an outdated federal rule by repealing Section 207 of the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2004. This action removes existing requirements previously placed on medical residents under that section. The changes enacted by this bill will take effect on the first March 18th following its enactment.

This bill aims to strengthen support for homeless veterans by increasing the authorization of appropriations for comprehensive service programs. It extends the funding authorization through fiscal year 2024 and sets a specific funding target of \$350 million for fiscal year 2025. Moving forward, the bill authorizes necessary funding for these vital services indefinitely.

The Measuring State Healthcare Freedom Act mandates a 10-year annual study by the Department of Health and Human Services to track healthcare competition and consolidation across every state. This study will analyze professional licensing rules, major mergers, state regulations, and market concentration using metrics like the HHI. The findings and raw data must be reported to Congress and made publicly available each year.

The Nucleic Acid Standards for Biosecurity Act aims to enhance national security by updating guidelines for synthetic DNA production. It mandates research to improve the accuracy and reliability of nucleic acid screening tools used in biomanufacturing. The bill also establishes a stakeholder consortium to develop best practices and roadmaps for these critical biosecurity measures.

The Green Star Families Act establishes a new, free counseling program for the next of kin and former volunteer caregivers of veterans who die by suicide. This program mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs make these critical mental health services easily accessible to eligible survivors. The VA is required to implement and publicize this support within 90 days of the Act's enactment.

The No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act prohibits the State Department and USAID from funding any program or contract that knowingly involves goods or merchandise produced in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Exceptions require written assurances from partners guaranteeing no XUAR goods are used and prior notification to key Congressional committees. The Secretary of State must also submit annual reports detailing enforcement challenges and violations.