Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses support for designating June 2025 as "National Dairy Month" to recognize the vital role of the dairy industry. It highlights the industry's significant contributions to American health, noting that dairy is a key source of essential nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D. Furthermore, the resolution commends the nation's family-owned dairy farms for their economic impact and agricultural heritage. It also strongly opposes unfair regulations that hinder dairy farmers.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve support for postsecondary students with disabilities. It standardizes the types of documentation colleges must accept to verify a disability, ensuring clearer access to necessary accommodations. The bill also authorizes increased funding for national technical support centers and requires colleges to report essential data on enrolled students with disabilities. Finally, it clarifies that these changes do not alter existing rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The American Flags to Honor Our Veterans Act of 2025 specifically authorizes the placement of the U.S. flag directly next to the gravesite of any individual who served in the Armed Forces or is a veteran. This provision ensures that flags can be displayed securely and upright next to individual graves, regardless of other existing flag display regulations.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

This joint resolution formally establishes "Life Month" to affirm the fundamental value and inherent dignity of every human life as an unalienable right. It recognizes the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision and urges Congress to enact laws protecting unborn life. Furthermore, the resolution commends organizations and individuals who support pregnant women and new families.

The Protecting Children from Experimentation Act of 2025 establishes a new federal crime prohibiting healthcare professionals from performing specific gender transition procedures on minors under 18. This bill imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations connected to interstate commerce. Minors subjected to these procedures are explicitly protected from prosecution and granted the right to sue those involved. The Act broadly defines banned procedures, including the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and various surgeries, while carving out exceptions for certain medical conditions and life-saving measures.

The VA Data Transparency and Trust Act mandates significant, detailed annual reporting from both the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for five years. This new law requires comprehensive data on veteran care, demographics, benefit recipients, and claims processing times to be made public. Furthermore, it establishes secure, anonymized data-sharing systems to allow approved researchers access to detailed VHA and VBA information.

This bill expresses the disapproval of Congress, under the Congressional Review Act, of a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The rejected rule concerned the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for the rubber tire manufacturing industry. As a result of this disapproval, the EPA's proposed standards will not take effect.

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act mandates that the Secretaries of State and Defense map critical global ports and report on any efforts by the People's Republic of China to gain influence over them. This legislation requires a detailed study assessing the national security and economic risks posed by Chinese control of these strategic locations. The resulting report must include a proposed strategy for securing trusted investment and protecting these vital maritime assets from foreign influence.

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 Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act mandates an independent review of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) forms sent to claimants to ensure they are clear and easy to understand. The VA Secretary must hire an outside entity to assess these forms and implement recommendations for improvement within a set timeline. Additionally, this bill slightly extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act mandates the Comptroller General to investigate the causes of recent and projected funding shortfalls within the Veterans Benefits and Health Administrations. This review will examine spending accuracy, internal fund transfers, and estimate reliability. The resulting reports must be submitted to the VA Secretary, who is then required to promptly forward them to relevant Congressional committees to ensure greater fiscal transparency and prevent future budget gaps.

The COUNTER Act enhances the Department of Defense's authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems targeting U.S. assets. This legislation delegates specific response powers and updates mitigation rules for drone threats. Crucially, it exempts sensitive information regarding these counter-drone technologies and procedures from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also adjusts several deadlines and clarifies the applicability of certain federal laws when operating overseas to counter these threats.

The STOP Screwworms Act mandates the establishment of facilities to rear and release sterile New World screwworm flies in high-risk areas to combat infestations. The Secretary of Agriculture must build these modular facilities within 180 days of enactment and provide annual public reports on the threat and control efforts. The bill authorizes up to $300 million to fund these necessary actions.

The Rural Broadband Modernization Act updates federal support for building high-speed internet infrastructure in underserved rural areas. It establishes new minimum buildout requirements of 100 Mbps symmetrical speed and prioritizes funding for the most unserved communities. The Act authorizes significant annual appropriations through fiscal year 2030 to provide grants, loans, and loan guarantees for these modernization projects.

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 CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

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.

The Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives (LOCOMOTIVES) Act clarifies and strengthens federal authority over emission standards for existing locomotives and engines. This legislation limits the ability of states to set their own pollution control standards for certain railroad equipment. Specifically, it expands federal preemption to cover more nonroad engines and locomotives engaged in commerce.