Legislative Activity

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.

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 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.

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 "Ensuring VetSuccess On Campus Act of 2025" expands the VetSuccess on Campus program to ensure there is at least one location in every state. This requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to place at least one program counselor in each state, prioritizing institutions with the highest number of students using Veterans Affairs educational assistance. This ensures veterans across the country have access to the resources and support needed for academic success.

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 Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 establishes national standards for food date labeling, requiring manufacturers to use specific phrases like "BEST If Used By" for quality dates and "USE By" for discard dates. This legislation clarifies the meaning of these dates for consumers and prevents states from creating conflicting terminology. The new labeling requirements will take effect two years after the bill is enacted.

The Medical Disability Examination Improvement Act of 2025 aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of medical disability examinations for veterans' claims. It establishes a pilot program for the VA to use its own medical facilities for these exams and mandates studies to improve access for rural veterans and review current scheduling processes. Furthermore, the bill requires improved training for VA staff reviewing these examinations and establishes a system for regular quality reviews of all disability exams.

This resolution celebrates the 100th anniversary of Pratt & Whitney, recognizing its century of leadership in designing and servicing aircraft engines. It specifically commends the dedication of Connecticut's workforce, whose contributions have been central to the company's global success. The Senate encourages public recognition of Pratt & Whitney's significant contributions to aviation innovation and the economy.

The TRUTH in Labeling Act mandates clear, front-of-package warning labels for foods high in added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat to help consumers make healthier choices. This legislation requires the Secretary of HHS to finalize rules establishing what constitutes "high in" these nutrients based on daily reference values. Furthermore, the bill requires specific disclosure and warnings on front labels if a product contains non-nutritive sweeteners, especially for foods marketed to young children.

This concurrent resolution formally recognizes the critical need to improve physical access to federally funded facilities for all Americans, especially the growing population of people with disabilities. It emphasizes that equal access is fundamental to the nation's founding principles of equality and freedom. The resolution supports existing civil rights laws and commits Congress to prioritizing universal and inclusive design in future infrastructure projects.

The Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2025 mandates comprehensive reports from the VA Secretary regarding its emergency management structure, roles, and readiness centers. This legislation aims to streamline internal operations, assess current supply inventories, and analyze coordination barriers between the VA and FEMA regarding fuel and resource sharing during crises. Ultimately, the bill seeks to improve the VA's overall preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies.