Legislative Activity

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs concerning "Reproductive Health Services." If enacted, this resolution would prevent the VA's September 2025 rule from having any legal force or effect.

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.

The Mammography Access for Veterans Act of 2025 permanently expands and solidifies the Department of Veterans Affairs' telescreening mammography program. This legislation mandates that comprehensive mammography services, including telescreening, full-service, or mobile options, must be available nationwide in every state and Puerto Rico within two years. Furthermore, it ensures that all offered mammography programs are fully accessible to veterans with disabilities.

This Act mandates the Director of National Intelligence to report on oil and ballistic missile-related transactions between China and Iran, detailing circumvention tactics. Following this report, the Treasury Secretary must determine whether China is engaging in sanctionable activities. The legislation aims to track and restrict adversarial circumvention of existing embargoes.

The No Palaces Act establishes new, strict requirements for any improvements or demolition on the White House or its grounds. It mandates consultation and approval from the National Capital Planning Commission before any work can begin. Furthermore, Congress is given a 60-day window to block approved improvements via a joint resolution of disapproval. The Act also restricts the use of private funds for such projects and creates an expedited judicial review process for alleged violations.

The Junk Fee Prevention Act aims to protect consumers by requiring clear, upfront disclosure of all mandatory fees for event tickets, short-term lodging, and communications services. This legislation prohibits excessive or deceptive fees across these sectors and specifically bans early termination fees for communication services. Furthermore, it mandates increased transparency regarding ancillary fees charged by airlines.

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.

This Act establishes the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Workers Act, which creates a new, tiered loan forgiveness schedule for newer public service loans. Borrowers will see increasing percentages of their loan balance canceled after reaching specific payment milestones, culminating in full forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments. The bill also streamlines the employment certification process and ensures that interest accruing during the application review period is canceled.

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.