Legislative Activity

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a landmark 1975 agreement establishing principles for security, economic cooperation, and human rights among signatory nations. Congress reaffirms the United States' enduring commitment to these foundational principles, especially in light of current violations by some states. The resolution urges all signatories to uphold their commitments and calls for public observance of this diplomatic milestone.

This bill aims to strengthen efforts to prevent maternal deaths by reauthorizing support for State-based Maternal Mortality Review Committees. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regularly disseminate proven best practices for maternal mortality prevention to hospitals and professional societies. Furthermore, the legislation increases federal funding dedicated to these crucial prevention initiatives.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve support for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). It mandates a VA report on technology-facilitated MST and overhauls the disability claims process to be more sensitive and evidence-flexible for survivors. Furthermore, the bill expands access to necessary healthcare and support services for a broader range of former service members affected by MST.

The Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act establishes a program to correct historical burial errors for Jewish American service members lost in WWI and WWII who are interred overseas under incorrect grave markers. This initiative tasks the American Battle Monuments Commission with identifying these service members and contacting their families over a ten-year period. The goal is to restore the correct religious heritage for these fallen troops buried in U.S. military cemeteries abroad.

The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 mandates an increase in disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) rates for veterans and survivors. This adjustment, effective December 1, 2025, must match the percentage increase applied to Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to publish these new payment rates concurrently with the SSA's annual COLA announcement.

This bill establishes an "External Provider Scheduling Program" within the VA to streamline appointment scheduling for veterans receiving care under the Veterans Community Care Program. The program will utilize technology to allow VA schedulers to view healthcare providers' schedules and book real-time appointments, aiming to reduce scheduling times and wait times. The VA Secretary will oversee the program's implementation, provide annual progress reports, and ensure program availability across all VA medical centers by September 30, 2025.

The "Improving Veteran Access to Care Act" establishes an integrated project team within the VA to improve healthcare appointment scheduling. This team will develop a scheduling system for VA personnel and patients to view and book appointments across all VA facilities, create a self-service scheduling platform for patients, and establish a phone-based scheduling process. The team must be fully established within 180 days and complete its objectives within one year, with regular reports to Congress on progress and challenges.

The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act extends crucial federal programs aimed at combating vector-borne diseases like those carried by ticks. This legislation reauthorizes funding and support for national strategies, regional centers, and local health departments through 2030. It also updates the composition of the advisory group overseeing the national strategy.

The Veterans Scam And Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, or VSAFE Act of 2025, establishes a dedicated Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This new officer will be responsible for leading efforts to prevent, track, and respond to fraud and scams targeting veterans. The bill also temporarily extends existing limits on certain pension payment rules for two additional months.

The SkyFoundry Act of 2025 establishes a new Department of Defense initiative, the SkyFoundry Program, tasked with rapidly developing, testing, and mass-producing small unmanned aircraft systems (drones). Run by the Army, the program will feature dedicated innovation and production hubs, utilizing special acquisition authorities to speed up fielding. The Act also directs efforts to boost domestic manufacturing capacity and allows for the modification of internal regulations to ensure rapid execution.

The HEALING Mothers and Fathers Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to allow eligible employees to take leave following the spontaneous loss of an unborn child. It also establishes new leave entitlements for federal civil service employees experiencing such a loss. Furthermore, the Act creates a new refundable personal tax credit, equivalent to the Child Tax Credit amount, for individuals who suffer a stillbirth.

The SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 mandates that airline passenger security fees be exclusively used to enhance aviation safety and security, ending any diversion of these funds by 2027. The bill increases dedicated funding for the Aviation Security Capital Fund, ensuring a minimum of \$500 million annually starting in Fiscal Year 2026. Additionally, it establishes the new Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund to finance the purchase and maintenance of advanced screening equipment at airports. This legislation aims to guarantee consistent and robust financial support for critical TSA security operations and technology upgrades.

This resolution officially designates June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Appreciation Day." It serves to recognize the vital and growing contributions of women who have served in the U.S. military throughout history. The day encourages the nation to honor the sacrifices and service of the approximately 2.1 million women veterans.

The PROTECTED Act aims to reform how financial institutions collect and handle sensitive data from small business loan applicants. It mandates clearer disclosures to applicants regarding the voluntary nature of providing data and restricts institutions from retaining data gathered through observation rather than direct submission. Furthermore, the bill modifies reporting requirements and establishes a multi-year timeline for the CFPB to implement new privacy-focused rules.

The Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2025 legalizes the use of specific pulsating or flashing brake light systems on motor vehicles to potentially reduce rear-end collisions. This system allows the high-mounted stop lamp to flash rapidly a few times upon braking before remaining steady. The Secretary of Transportation is tasked with establishing the necessary performance standards and updating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 within 180 days of enactment.

The Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act aims to significantly expand the palliative care and hospice workforce through new federal grant and award programs for education, training, and career incentives. The bill also mandates the dissemination of information about palliative care services to patients, families, and providers, while enhancing palliative care research efforts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Importantly, the legislation clarifies that funds cannot support activities intended to cause death, ensuring alignment with existing federal funding restrictions.

The Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 officially designates the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates, including Hamas, as terrorist organizations under U.S. law. This act imposes strict prohibitions on their operations within the United States and mandates visa and entry bans for their members. Furthermore, the legislation requires the Secretary of State to annually report on all Muslim Brotherhood branches globally, compelling the President to impose sanctions on those identified.

The Farmers First Act of 2025 aims to enhance mental health support for agricultural producers. This legislation increases funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and mandates the inclusion of dedicated crisis lines within its services. Furthermore, it formalizes partnerships between network recipients and various certified healthcare providers to improve access to mental health and substance use treatment.

The Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025 ensures continuity of care by allowing physical therapists to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare. This legislation updates existing rules to ensure that temporary coverage for outpatient physical therapy services is treated the same way as coverage for physicians' services. The goal is to prevent disruptions in patient access to necessary physical therapy.

This resolution formally honors the Yell County Wildlife Federation for its long history of dedicated conservation work in Arkansas since 1946. It recognizes the group's significant contributions, including supporting student scholarships and leading vital habitat improvement projects. The bill serves as a commendation from Congress recognizing the Federation's service to the community and the state.