Legislative Activity

This bill, the Ensuring VetSuccess On Campus Act of 2025, mandates the expansion of the VetSuccess on Campus program to ensure at least one location and counselor is present in every state. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must prioritize schools with the largest populations of students utilizing VA educational benefits when selecting program sites. This ensures broader access to support services for student veterans nationwide.

This resolution supports the goals of a National Move Over Law Day by establishing November 20th as National Traffic Incident Management Responder Day. This day honors traffic incident management responders and promotes public awareness of state "move over" laws. The goal is to encourage drivers to slow down or change lanes when passing emergency scenes to protect roadside workers.

The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act (SWIFT Act) of 2025 aims to significantly improve Social Security benefits for surviving spouses and divorced spouses. It removes the age restriction for disabled survivors to receive full benefits and introduces new incentives for delaying the claiming of survivor benefits. Furthermore, the bill raises the age limit for a child to qualify a parent for child-in-care benefits from 16 to 18. These major changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

This bill establishes the Right to Representation for Department of Veterans Affairs Workers Act of 2025. It grants most VA employees the right to have a representative present during certain examinations if they believe the exam could lead to disciplinary action. This representation can occur during paid duty time upon the employee's request.

The VA CBA Act of 2025 affirms the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation specifically nullifies Executive Orders 14251 and 14343 as they apply to the VA. The Act ensures that current labor agreements remain in effect for their full term.

This resolution officially recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps on November 10, 2025. It honors the Corps' history, its values of honor, courage, and commitment, and its distinguished record as a premier fighting force. The resolution invites the American public to join in celebrating this significant milestone and honoring the service and sacrifice of all Marines.

The Presumptive CLARITY Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs publicly list all conditions and veteran cohorts currently under review for establishing or removing service connection presumptions related to toxic exposure. This requirement ensures transparency by detailing the review process, timelines, and opportunities for public comment. The VA must implement this public posting requirement within 180 days of the Act becoming law.

The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act seeks to update how Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated. It mandates using the index that results in a higher adjustment: either the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers or a newly established Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers. This change aims to provide a more accurate reflection of seniors' actual cost of living in benefit calculations starting after September 2026.

The FALCON Act mandates that federal agencies and their associates must swiftly cooperate with requests from their respective Inspectors General (IGs). This new law requires compliance with an IG's request for information or access within 60 days. Failure to comply can result in administrative discipline for employees or adverse actions for contractors. The IG must report any noncompliance to Congress and the agency head.

The FRAUD in VA Disability Exams Act of 2025 mandates that the VA actively identify and report suspected fraud related to Disability Benefit Questionnaires (DBQs) submitted for benefits claims. This requires establishing clear reporting processes, conducting regular DBQ audits, and notifying applicants when their submissions raise suspicion. While the bill enhances the Inspector General's investigative powers, it generally prevents the VA from overturning past benefit decisions unless a court convicts the applicant of fraud. The Secretary must also provide annual reports on these anti-fraud efforts to Congress.

The FAST Justice Act grants federal employees the right to sue in federal district court if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) fails to issue a decision on their appeal within 120 days. This allows individuals to challenge the underlying personnel action when the MSPB causes undue delay. The bill outlines specific rules for where these lawsuits can be filed and how the court must review the case. Filing such a lawsuit requires the MSPB to immediately pause its work on the original appeal.

The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act aims to increase consumer protection by regulating the sale of used vehicles with known safety defects. This bill prevents dealers from selling or leasing unrepaired used cars subject to a manufacturer safety recall. Furthermore, it establishes a reimbursement system requiring manufacturers to compensate dealers for holding vehicles when recall repairs are significantly delayed.

This bill grants permanent resident status to Valent Kolami, allowing them to apply for an immigrant visa or adjust their status immediately. This special eligibility is contingent upon Kolami filing the required application and fees within two years of the law's enactment. The legislation effectively waives certain standard immigration eligibility requirements for this specific individual.

The Stop CMV Act of 2025 establishes a framework for voluntary newborn screening for congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) across the United States. It tasks states with developing testing procedures, while authorizing federal funding through HRSA grants to support implementation and CDC grants for data collection and education. The bill also directs the NIH to expand research into CMV screening, prevention, and treatment.

The Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act invalidates pre-dispute agreements that force individuals into private arbitration for employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights claims. This legislation protects the right of individuals and groups to pursue legal action in court rather than being compelled into private arbitration before a dispute arises. It ensures that courts, not arbitrators, decide if this new law applies to a specific agreement. The Act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

This Act officially establishes the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025 to honor the life and groundbreaking civil rights achievements of the late legal pioneer. The bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to her family in recognition of her service, including her role in *Brown v. Board of Education*. Furthermore, it permits the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II with the surrender of Imperial Japan. It formally honors the sacrifices of the more than 16 million Americans who served in both the Pacific and European theaters. The resolution calls upon the nation to recognize this historic milestone and express deep gratitude to the "Greatest Generation."

This Act officially renames the VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, in honor of Medal of Honor recipient and dedicated veterans advocate, Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha. The designation recognizes his extraordinary military service and lifelong commitment to supporting fellow veterans. This legislation ensures his legacy is permanently associated with the facility where he received compassionate care.

The Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025 establishes comprehensive consumer protections and enhances safety standards for passengers on large cruise vessels operating in U.S. waters. It creates a new Department of Transportation office to handle consumer complaints, clarifies contract terms, and restricts mandatory arbitration for disputes. Furthermore, the bill mandates faster crime reporting to the FBI, increases video retention requirements, and standardizes crew training and medical support services onboard.

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.