Legislative Activity

The OATH Act of 2025 establishes new requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs to proactively notify veterans released from secrecy oath programs about their full range of benefits. This legislation specifically mandates outreach to veterans who participated in programs like those at Edgewood Arsenal. Furthermore, it adjusts the effective date for disability compensation awards for these veterans to begin the day following their discharge.

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.

The Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act of 2025 mandates the establishment of federal, interagency task forces to conduct collaborative research on the health conditions affecting descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances. This legislation updates reporting requirements, requiring an initial report within one year detailing research activities and subsequent annual reports summarizing findings. The law specifically requires the creation of a dedicated task force and a public website to share evidence reviews linking specific health conditions to toxic exposure risks for these descendants.

The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study and regulate unfair or deceptive advertising and marketing practices related to firearms. This includes examining materials that may appeal to minors or encourage illegal use, particularly concerning semiautomatic assault weapons. Following the study, the FTC must issue rules to prohibit these deceptive practices, enforced under the existing Federal Trade Commission Act.

The Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act of 2026 aims to reduce fatalities involving disabled vehicles and in active work zones. It expands highway safety program coverage and data collection to specifically track roadside and work zone incidents. The bill establishes two distinct working groups to analyze crash data and develop strategic solutions for both disabled vehicle and work zone safety. Finally, it enhances public awareness campaigns and mandates reporting on the use of work zone safety contingency funds.

This bill seeks to amend Medicare law to provide coverage for wigs, referred to as cranial prostheses, as durable medical equipment. Coverage would be granted only when a physician certifies the wig is medically necessary due to hair loss from a health condition like cancer or an autoimmune disease. This ensures Medicare covers essential supportive care for patients requiring cranial prostheses.

The Prohibiting Political Prosecutions Act of 2026 aims to safeguard the integrity of federal law enforcement by explicitly barring political considerations from investigations and prosecutions. It mandates sworn attestations from officials confirming that legal actions are not politically motivated and establishes a right for individuals to sue for violations. Furthermore, the bill introduces significant grand jury reforms and prohibits direct influence over charging decisions by the White House.

Jaime's Law aims to strengthen the ammunition background check system to prevent prohibited individuals from purchasing ammunition. The bill requires licensed dealers to conduct background checks for most private ammunition transfers, with specific exceptions for family, law enforcement, and certain temporary situations. This legislation does not authorize a national firearms or ammunition registry and preserves state authority to enact stricter laws.

This bill establishes the Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services to investigate and document the history of racial, ethnic, and LGBTQ+ discrimination within the U.S. armed forces since 1775. The Commission is tasked with holding hearings, gathering testimony, and developing comprehensive recommendations for Congress and the President. These recommendations will address remedies such as compensation, record correction, and policy reform to promote equity and reconciliation. The independent commission will terminate shortly after submitting its final report.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove a recent rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would nullify the VA's September 9, 2024, regulation, rendering it without legal effect.

The Military Occupancy Living Defense (MOLD) Act establishes mandatory minimum health and safety standards for all military family housing, addressing issues like mold contamination and poor maintenance. It institutes rigorous independent inspection, reporting, and enforcement requirements for privatized housing providers. Furthermore, the bill mandates financial accountability for contractors regarding remediation and relocation expenses, aiming to improve living conditions for service members and their families.

The SHIFT Act modernizes federal fishery management by requiring the consideration of shifting fish stocks due to ecological changes in management plans. It establishes a clear process for determining when a fishery spans multiple regional council jurisdictions and dictates how those councils must cooperate to manage it. Furthermore, the bill tightens the process for authorizing new fisheries or fishing gear, ensuring minimal adverse effects on existing ecosystems and fisheries.

The REAADI for Disasters Act aims to significantly improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It establishes dedicated funding, new federal standards of care, and training programs to ensure these vulnerable populations receive accessible services and are protected from discrimination during emergencies. The bill also mandates the inclusion of people with disabilities and older adults in all phases of disaster planning and response efforts.

This resolution formally recognizes the essential role of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in providing high-quality health care, training medical professionals, and conducting vital research for veterans. It highlights the VA's strong performance in patient satisfaction and quality metrics compared to commercial care. The resolution urges support for VA employees and reaffirms commitment to ensuring veterans receive timely, veteran-centered care through VA facilities or community providers.

The Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2025 makes it illegal to use automated means to bypass online purchasing limits or inventory controls set by sellers. This prohibits the circumvention of technological controls used to enforce sales restrictions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general are granted authority to enforce these prohibitions against unfair and deceptive practices.

The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 mandates that the Supreme Court provide written explanations and disclose the votes of participating justices for emergency orders concerning preliminary injunctive relief or stays thereof. These explanations must address key legal standards, such as the likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable harm. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the Federal Judicial Center to assess compliance with these new transparency measures.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 establishes a resident's right to designate at least one "essential caregiver" who must be granted in-person access to the resident in healthcare facilities, even during periods of restricted visitation. This right is designed to prevent the isolation and decline seen during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring family support remains available. Facilities can only deny access under strict, time-limited conditions if the caregiver violates agreed-upon safety protocols.

The Support Our Troops Shipping Relief Act of 2025 mandates that the U.S. Postal Service treat humanitarian care packages sent to U.S. service members overseas as domestic mail. This simplifies shipping procedures for these morale-boosting parcels. The law also allows for a simplified customs declaration form for these shipments.

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.

The Background Check Completion Act of 2025 mandates that a completed background check must occur before any firearm transfer can take place. This law removes the previous "default proceed" provision that allowed transfers after three business days if the check was incomplete. It also updates related federal laws to align with this new, stricter requirement.