Legislative Activity

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 establishes a new advisory committee within the VA to focus on improving physical, digital, and service accessibility for veterans with disabilities. This committee, composed of veterans, experts, and VA staff, will review compliance with accessibility laws and provide recommendations to the VA Secretary. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for a limitation on certain pension payments for veterans residing in nursing facilities.

The Valve Safety Fairness Act of 2025 mandates that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) apply specific safety standards to Type A gas gathering lines. This action ensures these lines comply with the existing "Pipeline Safety: Requirement of Valve Installation and Minimum Rupture Detection Standards" published in April 2022. In short, the bill extends crucial valve and rupture detection requirements to this category of gas pipelines.

The Protecting Our Constitution and Communities Act aims to reassert Congress's exclusive constitutional authority over federal spending by clarifying that the President cannot unilaterally withhold appropriated funds. It strengthens the Comptroller General's oversight role and establishes new legal avenues for private citizens and governments to sue for damages if funds are improperly impounded. Furthermore, the bill tightens the definition of budgetary "contingencies" and ensures that judicial review of these spending disputes remains robust.

The Housing Stability for Dreamers Act ensures that individuals with current DACA status are eligible for key federal housing programs, including FHA mortgages and certain housing assistance. This legislation specifically prohibits federal agencies and mortgage purchasers like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from denying benefits based solely on DACA status. Furthermore, it clarifies that DACA recipient veterans will not be disqualified from receiving earned VA housing loan guarantees.

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 establishes mandatory minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios across various hospital units to enhance patient safety and care quality. This legislation requires hospitals to implement detailed staffing plans, ensures enforcement through federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and supports the nursing workforce through expanded financial aid and retention initiatives. Furthermore, the bill protects nurses who refuse unsafe assignments and establishes clear mechanisms for reporting violations.

The Pink Tax Repeal Act prohibits businesses from charging different prices for substantially similar consumer products or services based solely on the buyer's gender. This legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce the ban as an unfair business practice. State Attorneys General are also authorized to file lawsuits to stop violations and seek restitution for affected residents.

The Born in the USA Act of 2025 declares that Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional and contrary to the 14th Amendment. This Act prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement or enforce that Executive Order. It affirms the established constitutional right to birthright citizenship for nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.

The GHOST Act of 2025 establishes a new Federal Interstate Firearm Parts Reporting System to track the shipment of specific gun components, including barrels, slides, and bolts, across state or international lines. Shippers must pre-register these covered components with the Attorney General, detailing sender, recipient, and shipping method, and later confirm delivery. The system allows for retroactive registration but imposes significant penalties for knowingly circumventing these tracking requirements.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for federal retirement purposes under both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This change adds specific IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and VA police roles to those eligible for enhanced retirement benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for current officers to elect to have their prior service counted under these new definitions, which may require a payment from the employee and their employing agency.

The VA Employee Fairness Act of 2025 modifies the collective bargaining rules for employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by streamlining existing statutes. This act removes outdated subsections related to bargaining and renumbers the remaining relevant section. Importantly, these changes do not affect the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' existing authority regarding incentive pay or expedited hiring processes.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 declares that practices attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for payment constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice. Citing professional consensus on the ineffectiveness and harm of such "conversion therapy," the bill prohibits its provision and advertising. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the law allows both the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to file civil actions against violators.

This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." It highlights the devastating impact and slow progress in treating glioblastoma, the deadliest common brain tumor. The bill urges increased public awareness, research funding, and collaboration to develop better treatments and improve patient outcomes.

The Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act restricts law enforcement from using intercepted communications or compelled records that contain reproductive or sexual health information to investigate or prosecute individuals seeking or providing related care. This bill mandates specific sworn statements in wiretap applications and court orders, and in demands for electronic records, affirming that sensitive health details will not be used for such purposes. The Act broadly defines reproductive and sexual health information to ensure comprehensive protection.

The ACES Act mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to investigate the prevalence and mortality rates of various cancers among active duty fixed-wing aircraft crew members due to potential service-related exposures. This legislation also extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veteran pension payments by one month. The study will analyze specific cancer types and utilize data from the VA, DoD, and other federal sources.

The Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025 amends the Lacey Act to prohibit the importation, sale, breeding, and possession of most nonhuman primates across state lines. This sweeping ban includes species like monkeys and lemurs, with limited exceptions for registered research facilities and existing owners who register their animals promptly. The law establishes immediate prohibitions, even before the Secretary of the Interior finalizes all associated regulations.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May 4 through May 10, 2025, as Wildfire Preparedness Week. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of wildfires and promote essential fire safety and community preparedness education. It highlights the need for proactive measures, such as evacuation planning and better land management, to mitigate the growing threat posed by these destructive events.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May as "National Menstrual Health Awareness Month." It recognizes the significant impact that menstruation stigma has on the health, education, and economic participation of women and people who menstruate. The bill advocates for increased education, better access to care for menstrual conditions, and greater clinical research into women's reproductive health.