Legislative Activity

The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025 comprehensively updates federal support for vulnerable youth by modernizing grant programs for basic centers and transitional living. This legislation enhances services by mandating trauma-informed care, improving coordination with other federal agencies, and explicitly addressing the needs of youth experiencing homelessness and trafficking. Furthermore, it expands outreach methods to include digital communication and establishes new funding streams specifically for prevention services.

The Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025 aims to significantly speed up the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and appeals process through new reporting requirements and procedural changes. It mandates increased transparency on claim processing times and requires the VA to establish clearer guidelines for expediting cases. Furthermore, the bill grants the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) new authority to group similar appeals and expands the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims' (CAVC) jurisdiction regarding class actions.

The Protecting Community Television Act revises the definition of a "franchise fee" under the Communications Act of 1934. This change modifies the language from "includes" to "means" and adds "other monetary assessment" to clarify what payments local governments can charge cable operators. Ultimately, this bill refines how franchise fees are calculated and assessed.

This bill, the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, prohibits employers from terminating or altering group health plan coverage for employees during a lawful strike or a lockout intended to gain leverage in collective bargaining. The Act establishes significant civil penalties, up to $\$150,000$ per violation, for employers who illegally cut off this coverage. Furthermore, it allows for individual directors and officers to be held personally liable for these violations.

This bill officially authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the exceptional service and sacrifice of the members of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam – Studies and Observation Group (MACVSOG). Congress acknowledges MACVSOG's critical, highly secret missions during the Vietnam War, which set the standard for modern special operations forces. After presentation, the original medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

The Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 aims to enhance aviation safety through comprehensive reforms. It mandates an expert review of the FAA's Safety Management System and tightens regulations regarding aircraft tracking technology like ADSB Out, while requiring the installation of ADSB In on certain commercial aircraft. Furthermore, the bill establishes new safety review processes for military and specialized aircraft operating near major airports and improves air traffic controller training and hiring timelines.

The Complete Streets Act of 2025 establishes a national program requiring states to create systems for funding and technical assistance to ensure all public roads are designed safely for every user, including pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. Eligible entities must adopt formal Complete Streets policies to qualify for grants aimed at fixing infrastructure gaps, especially in underserved communities. The bill mandates new federal design standards for federally funded road projects to incorporate protected bike lanes, accessible sidewalks, and improved lighting. Finally, states must dedicate a minimum of 5% of certain federal highway funds annually to implement these comprehensive safety and accessibility improvements.

The No Place for LGBTQ Hate Act immediately repeals specific Executive Orders that targeted LGBTQI individuals, preventing any federal funds from being used to enforce them. This legislation specifically cancels orders known for mandating discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The bill also includes a provision to ensure it does not infringe upon the President's existing constitutional authority.

The Informing VETS Act of 2025 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to actively inform eligible veterans about the benefits of the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) Program. This is achieved by mandating the VA to mail personalized letters detailing VR&E benefits alongside a direct comparison chart against the GI Bill. This essential information must also be made publicly available on a VA website.

The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act mandates the National Park Service (NPS) to establish a program to significantly reduce or eliminate the sale of disposable plastic products, including single-use water bottles, across all park units. Regional directors must implement these changes after assessing operational costs, infrastructure needs, and vendor contracts, while prioritizing visitor safety regarding water access. The NPS must also develop visitor education strategies and conduct biennial reviews to evaluate the program's effectiveness and impact on public health.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designation aims to honor victims of gun violence and raise public awareness about the ongoing crisis. The measure encourages Americans to wear orange on that day and promote gun safety practices throughout the month.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates federal grant programs to strengthen the nursing pipeline. It expands eligibility for advanced nursing education grants to cover more specialized roles and updates funding for modernizing nursing school resources like simulation labs. The bill also increases the authorized funding levels for these critical nursing workforce programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

The Remove the Stain Act officially rescinds the 20 Medals of Honor awarded for actions during the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. This action is taken because Congress finds that these awards dishonor the integrity of the nation's highest military decoration. Recipients of these specific medals are not required to return the physical award.

The Vote at Home Act of 2025 aims to modernize federal elections by establishing nationwide standards for voting by mail. It mandates that states mail ballots to all registered voters at least two weeks before federal elections and requires free postage for return ballots. Additionally, the bill overhauls voter registration by streamlining processes at the DMV and implementing automatic registration for eligible citizens who provide proof of citizenship when obtaining a driver's license.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.

This resolution calls for the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive national biodiversity strategy to address the accelerating crisis of species loss in the U.S. and globally. The strategy must set ambitious goals, such as protecting 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, while integrating scientific knowledge and Indigenous practices. Ultimately, this plan aims to coordinate federal efforts, promote equity in conservation outcomes, and position the U.S. as a global leader in protecting nature for future generations.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the ability of victims and heirs to sue for the recovery of art and property stolen by the Nazis. This update explicitly blocks time-based and non-merits defenses, such as laches or the act of state doctrine, ensuring claims are decided on their facts. The law also expands the scope of recoverable property and clarifies that these provisions apply immediately to pending and future cases.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Public Service Worker Protection Act expands the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to explicitly cover federal, state, and local government employees. This ensures that public service workers are protected by federal workplace safety standards. The effective date varies depending on whether a state already has an approved OSHA plan.