Legislative Activity

The Head Start for Our Future Act updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 by replacing the term "literacy training" with "child development and early learning" when describing eligible community services. This change explicitly ensures that Head Start and Early Head Start programs are recognized under this section of the law. The bill aims to better reflect the comprehensive nature of early childhood education services.

This resolution officially commends Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic actions during the devastating central Texas floods of July 2025. It specifically recognizes him for personally rescuing 165 individuals and coordinating triage efforts under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, the bill extends deep gratitude to all federal, state, and volunteer responders who risked their lives during this major natural disaster.

The FADS Act of 2025 clarifies the authority for the Department of Energy to dispose of certain foreign-origin radiological materials, specifically Russian-made Americium-241, at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). This change addresses a current regulatory gap that prevents the safe and efficient disposal of these materials alongside similar U.S.-origin waste. The legislation ensures that these proliferation-attractive sources can be quickly removed from circulation.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 aims to combat the growing obesity epidemic, particularly among older adults, by expanding access to intensive behavioral therapy under Medicare. This bill mandates that Medicare Part D plans begin covering FDA-approved medications for obesity and weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, it requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of these new obesity treatment strategies.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 significantly expands and permanently secures access to Medicare telehealth services by eliminating outdated geographic restrictions and allowing more practitioners to offer remote care. The bill also strengthens program integrity by dedicating funds for telehealth oversight while clarifying rules around providing necessary technology to patients. Finally, it mandates the creation of tailored educational resources and public reporting to improve quality measurement and transparency in remote care delivery.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating **September 25th** as **National Stop SuiSilence Day**. The bill emphasizes that open conversation is crucial for reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and preventing loss of life. It encourages individuals, communities, and the government to actively engage in suicide prevention awareness and action on this designated day.

The Defining Humanitarian Demining Assistance Act of 2025 updates U.S. law to clearly define "humanitarian demining assistance" and "stockpiled conventional munitions assistance." This legislation specifies the types of training, equipment, and technical support the U.S. military can provide to help foreign nations clear landmines and safely manage dangerous leftover explosives. The goal is to standardize and enhance U.S. foreign assistance aimed at reducing explosive hazards overseas.

This Act amends the Federal Employees Compensation Act to expand the list of authorized healthcare providers for federal employees' work-related injury claims. Specifically, it includes physician assistants and nurse practitioners as eligible providers under the law. This change aims to improve access to care for injured federal workers by broadening their choice of medical professionals.

The Supporting the Mental Health of Educators and Staff Act of 2025 aims to bolster the mental well-being of school employees through several key actions. It mandates the sharing of best practices for suicide prevention and mental health support across the education workforce. The bill also establishes national awareness campaigns to encourage staff to seek necessary mental health services and funds new grant programs to develop and expand direct support and training initiatives. Finally, it requires comprehensive reviews by the Secretary and the GAO to assess the effectiveness of these new and existing federal efforts.

The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the organ transplant process. This legislation ensures that a disability alone cannot be a basis for denying a transplant, referral, or listing. It mandates reasonable modifications and the provision of necessary support, including recognizing support networks, unless the disability presents a medically significant barrier to the transplant itself. The Act ensures these protections apply from initial evaluation through post-transplant care and does not diminish existing state or local protections.

The Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2025 establishes a new pilot program to award grants for evidence-based skills training to family caregivers of children with autism or developmental disabilities. This training aims to improve child well-being and community engagement by focusing on communication, daily living skills, and caregiver self-care. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will oversee the program, which requires grantees to establish diverse advisory committees and report annually on program effectiveness. Funding is authorized through fiscal year 2030 to support at least 25 entities across multiple states.

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 Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act allocates \$162 million in federal funding to assist local agencies in hiring or rehiring career law enforcement officers. This funding is designated as an emergency requirement, bypassing standard budget caps. Any agency utilizing these funds must ensure new hires undergo mandatory background checks and psychological evaluations, with the agency covering the costs of these requirements.

The Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the long-standing Medicaid exclusion for services provided in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). To qualify for this coverage, states must submit a comprehensive plan detailing how they will increase access to community-based outpatient care and improve crisis response services for these patients. This legislation aims to ensure better coordination of physical and behavioral health care while requiring states to demonstrate policies that support the least restrictive, most clinically appropriate level of treatment.

The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act aims to clarify and ensure proper coverage of occupational therapy services under Medicare for treating mental health and substance use disorders. It mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to educate stakeholders on billing and payment rules within the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. This ensures providers are correctly reimbursed when using occupational therapy for mental health treatment.

This resolution expresses the strong support of the U.S. Congress for Israel's recent military actions aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities. It condemns Iran's advancement toward nuclear weapons and its retaliatory attacks against Israeli civilians. Furthermore, the bill urges Iran to immediately cease all nuclear activities and reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the life, achievements, and distinguished public service of former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush on the occasion of her 100th birthday. It highlights her dedication to family, her support of her husband's career, and her crucial advocacy for national literacy initiatives. The House of Representatives commends her enduring legacy as a model citizen and public servant.

This proposed constitutional amendment seeks to grant Congress the explicit power to prohibit the physical desecration of the United States flag. If ratified by three-fourths of the states within seven years, this would allow Congress to enact federal laws protecting the flag from physical damage or destruction.

The Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act removes a long-standing federal prohibition that prevented students from receiving certain housing assistance. This legislation allows the Secretary to waive specific requirements for Section 8 housing assistance for college students who live in campus housing and have a history in foster care or are emancipated minors. Crucially, any assistance received through this waiver will not negatively impact a student's eligibility for federal financial aid or other support programs.

The Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act aims to increase the pay for certain Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees currently receiving the "Rest of US" locality pay rate. This bill mandates that their pay locality be adjusted to the nearest established locality offering a higher rate, provided it is within 200 miles of their worksite. This change is designed to ensure fairer compensation for these federal correctional staff.