Legislative Activity

The RECOVER Act establishes a three-year pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to non-profit mental health providers. These grants will facilitate culturally competent, evidence-based mental health care for veterans, with a focus on those in underserved areas. The program aims to improve veterans' access to mental health services and encourage enrollment in the VA system. It authorizes $20,000,000 per year from 2025-2027 to carry out the pilot program.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act establishes a grant program to expand commercial truck parking and improve safety. The program provides funds to states, local governments, and tribal entities for projects that increase parking availability, improve existing facilities, and use technology to manage parking. The Act also requires a biennial report to Congress on the availability of truck parking and the effectiveness of funded projects. It authorizes $151 million per fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 for these initiatives.

The Securing Our Lands and Resources Act (SOLAR Act) restricts USDA funding for ground-mounted solar energy systems that convert covered farmland, with exceptions for small projects, on-farm energy use, or projects approved by local governments. These approved projects must adhere to a farmland conservation plan that protects soil health, ensures restoration after the project ends, and provides sufficient decommissioning funds. Failure to comply with the conservation plan results in repayment of USDA financial assistance.

The "Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2025" increases penalties for fraudulent and grossly negligent violations of U.S. customs laws, including banning violators and their affiliates from importing goods. It also allows private parties harmed by customs fraud to sue for damages and injunctive relief. The Act excludes those who commit fraud from participating in the importer of record program.

The Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025 amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to ensure payment and performance security for construction projects receiving federal assistance. It allows the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator to consider state or local laws mandating payment and performance security as fulfilling this requirement if they cover at least 50% of the construction contract. If state or local laws don't apply or meet the 50% threshold, adherence to federal bond requirements under 40 U.S.C. 3131(b)(1) and (2) is required.

The PANELS Act denies federal clean energy tax credits for solar energy facilities built on prime or unique farmland, as defined by federal regulations. This change aims to protect valuable agricultural land by removing incentives for solar development on these specific areas.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the fact that the veteran requires assistance managing their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judge has determined the veteran to be a danger to themselves or others.

This bill relocates the National Woman's Relief Corps' incorporation and official home from the District of Columbia to Illinois. It designates Murphysboro, Illinois, as the principal office. The bill updates the legal procedures for serving papers, replacing the District of Columbia agent with an Illinois agent.

This bill allocates $12,136,370 from the House of Representatives' funds to cover the expenses of the Committee on Veterans Affairs for the 119th Congress, including staff salaries. It sets spending limits for specific periods and mandates that all payments be made through vouchers approved by the House Administration Committee. Funds provided must be spent in accordance with the regulations set by the House Administration Committee.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.

The "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025" aims to improve accountability within the VA by modifying procedures for disciplining VA supervisors, senior executives, and other employees for misconduct or poor performance. It expedites the disciplinary process, limits external review of disciplinary actions, and broadens the scope of employees subject to these procedures. The bill emphasizes the VA Secretary's authority in disciplinary matters, while also protecting whistleblowers. These changes apply retroactively to misconduct or performance issues dating back to the enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.