Legislative Activity

The CARE Act of 2025 mandates that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) test a new payment model for emergency services. This model will allow Medicare to pay ground ambulance providers for emergency responses, even when a patient does not ultimately require transport under Medicare Part B. The five-year demonstration aims to evaluate the impact of covering these non-transport emergency responses on patient access and resource utilization.

This Act mandates the Secretary of Labor to establish an interim and then a final standard requiring comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans for employers in the healthcare and social service sectors. These plans must be developed with employee input and detail risk assessments, hazard controls, reporting procedures, and annual training. Furthermore, the bill amends the Social Security Act to require Medicare-funded hospitals and skilled nursing facilities not covered by OSHA to comply with these new federal workplace violence prevention standards. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for workplace violence and includes strong anti-retaliation protections for employees who exercise their rights under the Act.

The PLAN for School Safety Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to create regional School Safety Development Centers. These centers will provide personalized, research-backed consultation and technical assistance to schools on developing and implementing comprehensive safety and mental health plans. The program prioritizes support for rural, Tribal, and low-resource communities, while explicitly prohibiting the use of funds for firearm training.

The EASE Act of 2025 mandates that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) test a new model to improve access to specialty health services. This "Specialty Health Care Services Access Model" will utilize digital tools, like telehealth, to connect eligible Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas with necessary specialty care. The model must be tested through a network of qualified, experienced, and primarily rural-based nonprofit providers.

The Arts Education for All Act aims to elevate the status and accessibility of arts education across the entire educational spectrum. It mandates evidence-based training for early childhood providers, requires states to integrate arts education into core academic planning and public reporting, and authorizes the use of the arts in juvenile and adult offender reentry programs. Furthermore, the bill directs federal research agencies to study the impact of the arts and restores arts assessment to the national testing schedule.

The COMPLETE Care Act aims to improve mental healthcare access by providing Medicare incentives for primary care providers to integrate behavioral health services into their practices between 2027 and 2029. This legislation offers increased Medicare payments for specific integrated services during those years, ensuring these bonuses do not trigger cuts elsewhere in the Medicare budget. Additionally, the bill mandates technical assistance to help primary care offices successfully adopt these new integrated care models.

The Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 addresses the critical need for comprehensive eating disorder treatment under Medicare. This bill expands Medicare coverage to include essential medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries diagnosed with an eating disorder, starting January 1, 2026. It establishes initial and ongoing annual coverage limits for these crucial dietitian-led services, requiring a referral from a physician or psychologist. By covering this vital component of care, the Act aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the significant economic burden associated with these serious mental illnesses.

The ABC Act mandates a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to significantly simplify application processes, forms, and communications for family caregivers. This effort requires federal agencies to streamline requirements, improve customer service, and enhance accessibility across their systems. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden on caregivers while ensuring clear and timely access to essential benefits. Agencies must report their findings and planned actions to Congress within two years of enactment.

The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025 updates Medicare coverage to include diagnostic ultrasound tests. This legislation mandates that Medicare establish separate payments for the transportation and setup of portable ultrasound equipment, mirroring existing payments for portable X-ray services. These changes are set to take effect starting January 1, 2027.

The Foster Care Tax Credit Act establishes a new, non-refundable \$850 federal tax credit for eligible taxpayers who provide foster care for a qualifying child under age 17 for at least one month during the year. This credit phases out for higher-income taxpayers based on specific income thresholds. Furthermore, the bill mandates new reporting requirements for placement agencies to the IRS and requires a study on the financial impact of emergency and short-term foster placements.

This resolution formally recognizes the 10th anniversary of Educators Rising and commends its vital role in addressing the national teacher shortage. It highlights the program's success in inspiring future educators through "Grow Your Own" initiatives and providing essential career preparation. Congress is acknowledging the organization's commitment to building a diverse and well-prepared teaching workforce for the future.

The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act prohibits colleges and universities receiving federal funding from allowing, supporting, or paying for any event on campus that promotes antisemitism. This legislation mandates the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for enforcement. The goal is to ensure federally funded institutions do not host or endorse antisemitic activities.

This resolution formally recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in 2025. Congress is honoring the Corps' long history, core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and its consistent readiness to defend the nation. The bill encourages the public to join in celebrating this significant milestone and acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all Marines.

The **SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025** seeks to reauthorize and update the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This legislation expands the program's focus to include cancer prevention and aims to reduce health disparities in screening access. The bill authorizes $235 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and mandates a GAO study on program eligibility and service trends.

This resolution supports the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the severe impact of this common, painful condition. It recognizes the urgent need to reduce the long diagnostic delays and significant personal and economic burdens caused by endometriosis. The bill encourages public education, better provider training, and continued commitment to research for improved treatments and a potential cure.

The American Families United Act grants immigration officials increased discretion to halt removal proceedings or grant immigration benefits for family members of U.S. citizens when separation would cause hardship. This discretion is presumed to be met if the action results in family separation, though certain serious criminal grounds remain disqualifying. The Act also allows individuals to file motions to reopen or reconsider past immigration decisions if the outcome would have been different under these new provisions, subject to a two-year filing deadline.

The Safer Skies Act of 2025 mandates enhanced security screening for certain smaller charter and commuter air carriers that sell individual passenger seats publicly. This legislation requires these specific operations, currently exempt from TSA checkpoints, to adopt the security standards applied to larger commercial airlines. The goal is to raise the baseline security level across a broader segment of air travel operations.

The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2025 amends Medicare to specifically cover augmentation therapy for individuals with severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder when administered in the home. This legislation establishes new payment rules under Medicare Part B for the necessary intravenous kits and associated nursing services. The goal is to ensure qualified home infusion suppliers are reimbursed directly for providing this essential, ongoing maintenance treatment.

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 establishes a national standard for carrying concealed handguns across state lines. This act allows individuals legally permitted to carry in their home state to carry concealed in any other state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. The law does not override private property restrictions or prohibitions on government property, but it provides protections and legal recourse for those traveling in compliance with the new federal standard.

The Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025 changes the required update cycle for official dietary guidelines from every five years to at least every ten years, requiring adherence to formal rulemaking procedures. The bill mandates that future guidelines must be based on rigorous, evidence-based scientific review and address accessibility and affordability for all populations. If updates occur sooner than the ten-year cycle, an independent, temporary advisory board must be established to submit guiding scientific questions. The Act also strictly limits the scope of the guidelines, excluding topics like taxation, social welfare, and food production methods.