Legislative Activity

The Upending Secret Postal Shutdowns Act (USPS Act) establishes clear, mandatory procedures for the Postal Service when temporarily closing a post office due to an emergency. This bill requires immediate public notice, timely notification to elected officials, and specific review periods for longer closures. Ultimately, it aims to increase transparency and accountability regarding sudden postal service disruptions.

The Protecting Veterans Claim Options Act modifies how the Board of Veterans Appeals handles certain supplemental claims, ensuring they are not rejected solely for lack of new evidence on appeal. It also establishes specific rules for considering new evidence when cases are remanded from the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Finally, this bill extends the expiration date for certain existing limits on veterans' pension payments until January 2035.

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 Agricultural and Rural Road Improvement Program Act establishes a new federal program dedicated to repairing and improving critical local and rural roads essential for agriculture. This program aims to enhance access to farms and agricultural facilities, reduce weight-restricted bridges, and increase the safety and resilience of rural transportation networks. Federal funding for these projects will cover up to 90 percent of the total cost.

This Act, also known as the VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act, directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to analyze the cost-effectiveness of treating regulated medical waste on-site at its facilities versus shipping it off-site. If on-site treatment is found to be financially beneficial over a five-year period, the VA must purchase and install the necessary treatment systems. Importantly, this legislation does not authorize any new funding for its implementation.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "National Truck Driver Appreciation Week." It recognizes the vital role of the nation's 3.5 million professional truck drivers in supporting the economy by safely moving over 70 percent of all freight. The bill serves as a formal acknowledgment from Congress of the essential sacrifices and dedication of these drivers to the American supply chain.

The Clean Water SRF Parity Act of 2025 expands eligibility for federal water pollution control funding to include qualified nonprofit organizations for treatment works projects. It also establishes specific rules for how funds can be used by privately owned treatment works, ensuring assistance primarily benefits users rather than shareholders. Furthermore, the Act prohibits states from providing additional subsidies to these specific nonprofit and privately owned entities receiving assistance under these new provisions.

The Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2025 aims to significantly speed up the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and appeals process through increased reporting and new procedural tools. This legislation mandates annual transparency on decision times and empowers the Board of Veterans Appeals (BVA) to group similar cases for faster resolution. Furthermore, it expands the jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and requires studies to explore issuing precedential BVA decisions to streamline common legal issues.

The Shawnee TRAILS Act mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture must designate and maintain at least 20 percent of trails in the Shawnee National Forest specifically for recreational use by covered vehicles, including e-bikes and off-highway vehicles (OHVs). This legislation ensures continuous access to these designated trails for trail riding while requiring active management to maintain trail quality and minimize natural resource impacts. Furthermore, the Act prohibits restricting covered vehicles from using existing paved roads within the forest.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically sharing a veteran's information with the DOJ for national background checks solely based on the appointment of a fiduciary. This bill prohibits the VA from classifying a veteran as a "mental defective" based only on an administrative finding of incompetence or the need for a fiduciary. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General if previously shared information based on fiduciary status is no longer valid.

The Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery (RECOVER) Act establishes a three-year Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to award grants to non-profit organizations. These grants fund the provision of culturally competent, evidence-based mental health care specifically for veterans. Recipients cannot charge veterans for this care and must encourage them to enroll in the VA system for ongoing services. The VA must report on the program's outcomes, including veteran engagement and care quality, after the pilot concludes.

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 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 "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 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.

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 "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.