Legislative Activity

The FARMER Act of 2025 modifies federal crop insurance by increasing premium support for certain whole-farm revenue or yield protection plans. It also raises the government subsidy percentage for the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and adjusts its coverage level calculations. Finally, the bill mandates a study on expanding the SCO to cover areas larger than 1,400 square miles.

This resolution affirms the official U.S. position that the only acceptable outcome of any nuclear deal with Iran is the complete dismantlement and destruction of its entire nuclear program. It mandates that any future peaceful nuclear cooperation must require Iran to cease all domestic uranium enrichment and submit to stringent, unconditional international verification protocols. Ultimately, the bill asserts that the U.S. must never permit Iran to gain the capability to produce a nuclear weapon.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that health plans cover medically necessary diagnosis and treatment for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must apply to outpatient and inpatient care, including necessary dental and orthodontic support, unless the procedure is purely cosmetic. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act modifies the maximum funding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide for necessary home improvements and structural alterations for disabled veterans receiving home health services. This bill increases the maximum benefit amount to $\$10,000$ for new applicants and establishes an automatic annual adjustment based on construction cost inflation. The law also limits any single veteran to a total of three such structural alterations under this specific benefit.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends critical Medicare payment provisions for ambulance services. This bill delays the expiration of special payment rules for "super rural" areas until January 1, 2028, while also implementing temporary payment increases for both super rural and standard ground ambulance services during that transition period. The goal is to ensure continued financial stability and access to essential ground ambulance care.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical federal research funding for preterm labor and the care of low birthweight infants through fiscal year 2029. It mandates the establishment of an interagency working group to coordinate efforts related to prematurity. Furthermore, the bill requires a comprehensive study by the National Academies on the financial costs, causes, prevention, and support opportunities related to preterm births.

This resolution supports designating April 2025 as the "Month of the Military Child" to recognize the unique sacrifices and commitment made by children of military service members. It encourages the nation to observe this month with appropriate activities honoring their strength and support. The goal is to formally pay tribute to these children and encourage support for military families.

The Insurance Data Protection Act aims to revise how federal agencies interact with insurance company data. This bill removes certain government subpoena powers and strengthens confidentiality protections when the Federal Insurance Office shares sensitive information. Furthermore, it limits the Office of Financial Research's ability to subpoena insurance companies directly and requires financial regulators to coordinate data collection to avoid duplication.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to raise national awareness about the critical need for personal finance education. It highlights current financial struggles, such as high household debt and lack of banking access, while emphasizing that financial education leads to better economic outcomes. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local entities to observe the month with programs promoting essential skills like budgeting, saving, and debt management.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

The SOAR Act of 2025 aims to significantly reform Medicare coverage for supplemental oxygen therapy by ending competitive bidding and establishing new payment rates for suppliers. The bill also protects access to respiratory therapist services by ensuring Medicare reimbursement for their work. Furthermore, it strengthens fraud prevention through mandated electronic documentation while simultaneously restoring clinical judgment in claim reviews. Finally, the Act establishes a comprehensive set of new rights and protections for beneficiaries receiving oxygen equipment and services.

The LOCAL Infrastructure Act reinstates the availability of advance refunding bonds, effectively undoing a change made by the 2017 tax law. This action immediately restores the previous rules regarding these bonds. By bringing back advance refunding, the bill aims to provide greater financial flexibility for infrastructure projects.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

This resolution officially designates April 5, 2025, as "Gold Star Wives Day" to honor the sacrifices of military families. It specifically recognizes the dedication and contributions of the Gold Star Wives of America, Inc. The day encourages the public to observe this anniversary and raise awareness of the organization's vital support for surviving spouses and children of fallen service members.

The Physician Led and Rural Access to Quality Care Act revises federal physician self-referral rules to create specific exemptions for certain physician-owned hospitals located in rural areas. This legislation allows these designated "covered rural hospitals" to be exempt from general referral prohibitions. Furthermore, the bill eliminates the existing ban that prevented these physician-owned hospitals from expanding their operations.

The Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to expand dual or concurrent enrollment opportunities for high school students. These grants will help colleges partner with local school districts to allow students, particularly those from low-income or rural backgrounds, to earn college credit tuition-free while still in high school. Funds can be used for teacher training, outreach, and ensuring earned credits easily transfer to higher education institutions.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.