Legislative Activity

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (Global HER) Act ensures that foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) remain eligible for U.S. foreign assistance regardless of the legal health services or advocacy they provide using their own non-U.S. funds. By overriding restrictive policies, the bill protects the autonomy of these organizations to deliver comprehensive care and engage in advocacy, provided their activities comply with local laws and would be legal if performed in the United States.

This resolution emphasizes the importance of the Department of Health and Human Services' role in providing timely and accurate health information to the public. It recognizes the value of resources like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and the Health Alert Network in protecting public health. The resolution expresses the Senate's belief that Americans should have continuous access to this vital information.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2025 mandates that direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs and biological products include the wholesale acquisition cost for a 30-day supply. By requiring this disclosure for products costing $35 or more, the bill aims to empower patients to make more informed purchasing decisions and foster greater price competition. Manufacturers that fail to comply with these transparency requirements face civil monetary penalties.

The Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions (CURD) Act establishes a formal federal definition for "natural cheese" to ensure consumer transparency and consistency in labeling. By distinguishing natural cheese from processed varieties, the bill sets clear standards for production and prohibits states from imposing conflicting labeling requirements.

The Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act (or "FASD Respect Act") updates federal programs to provide a more comprehensive approach to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This legislation expands research, improves diagnostic and support services, and establishes Centers of Excellence to build capacity for prevention and care at the state and tribal levels.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making the tribe and its members eligible for all federal Indian programs and services. The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to verify the tribal roll and take land into trust for the tribe's benefit. Additionally, it clarifies jurisdictional arrangements between the state and the tribe while ensuring the tribe receives the same federal support as other recognized tribes.

The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 seeks to expand Medicare coverage to include all services that doctors of chiropractic are legally authorized to perform under their state licenses. By removing the current restriction that limits coverage solely to manual spinal manipulation, the bill aligns Medicare with other federal and private health programs. To provide services beyond spinal manipulation, chiropractors will be required to complete a designated educational documentation program.

The Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their historic victory. This legislation honors the team’s extraordinary achievement, which served as a defining moment in American sports and a source of national inspiration during the Cold War. The medals will be permanently displayed at three prominent institutions dedicated to Olympic and hockey history.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to premium tax credits by removing the current income eligibility cap, allowing more households to qualify for financial assistance. The bill also introduces a new sliding scale for premium contributions to ensure health insurance costs remain more manageable for families. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act provides for the admission of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while maintaining a smaller federal district to serve as the seat of the U.S. government. This legislation establishes the framework for the transition, including the transfer of property, the restructuring of local and federal authorities, and the granting of full congressional representation to the new state's residents. It also creates a transition commission to ensure the orderly shift of legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities.