Legislative Activity

The Healthcare Equality and Rights for Our Heroes Act (HERO Act) establishes a new legal process allowing members of the uniformed services to sue the United States for damages resulting from medical malpractice at military treatment facilities. This act repeals existing law and creates a new exclusive remedy against the U.S. government for injuries or death caused by negligence in military healthcare. Lawsuits must be filed within 10 years of discovering the injury, and damage awards cannot be reduced by any VA benefits received.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

This bill establishes new federal requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D and Medicaid plans, effective in 2027. It mandates specific payment standards for pharmacies, requires PBMs to pass manufacturer rebates directly to patients and plan sponsors, and strictly prohibits steering patients toward specific pharmacies. Additionally, the legislation enhances transparency by expanding drug price reporting requirements for all types of pharmacies within the Medicaid program.

The FAIR Vets Act modernizes federal contracting by significantly increasing the dollar thresholds for sole-source contracts awarded to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. This change raises the maximum contract value for both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. The goal is to improve access to federal contracts for these veteran-owned businesses.

This bill, the Pharmacists Fight Back in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act, establishes new rules for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) administering prescription drug benefits for federal employees. It mandates specific reimbursement rates for pharmacies and prohibits PBMs from engaging in anti-competitive practices like steering patients to affiliated pharmacies. The legislation also institutes civil monetary penalties and potential debarment for PBMs that fail to comply with these new requirements.

This bill mandates the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a single, uniform system for credentialing and privileging medical providers. The departments must first report on their existing systems and then jointly select one system to be implemented by January 1, 2028. This integration aims to streamline the process for medical providers serving both agencies.

The Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2025 establishes strict new rules to eliminate conflicts of interest in quality review processes within the Veterans Health Administration. This legislation mandates that individuals reviewing the care of a colleague must be impartial and recuse themselves if they were directly involved in the case. Furthermore, it ensures that reviews of VA health care providers, including those serving on peer review committees, are conducted by neutral parties at different facilities when necessary.

This resolution denounces the rhetoric of six specific Members of Congress for allegedly sowing disallegiance within the U.S. military and intelligence community. It condemns their actions for encouraging service members to potentially violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice by suggesting they defy orders without evidence of illegality. The bill asserts that this rhetoric undermines the President's role as Commander in Chief and compromises national security.

The Freedom to Heal Act of 2025 establishes a special registration process for physicians to administer certain unapproved, experimental Schedule I investigational drugs to terminally ill patients under existing "Right to Try" laws. This process, overseen by the Attorney General, requires physicians to meet specific criteria regarding state compliance, manufacturer agreements, and drug handling to prevent diversion. The Act mandates a swift approval timeline for these applications, enabling terminally ill patients greater access to promising treatments.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), recognizing its landmark achievement in guaranteeing a free, appropriate public education for every child with a disability. It honors the law's transformative impact since 1975, which ensured access, protected rights, and established critical early intervention services. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to fully implementing IDEA so all students with disabilities have the opportunity to thrive.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

This resolution congratulates Korson's Tree Farms of Montcalm County for being selected to provide the official 2025 White House Christmas Tree after winning the National Christmas Tree Association contest. It recognizes this significant achievement as the first Michigan grower in 41 years to earn this honor. The bill also highlights the importance of Michigan's thriving Christmas tree industry.

The Advancing Access to Telehealth Act aims to permanently extend key Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were established during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This legislation makes permanent expanded access for beneficiaries to receive care from home, broadens the scope of eligible practitioners, and ensures continued coverage for audio-only telehealth services. Furthermore, it eliminates several temporary in-person visit requirements for mental health, substance use disorder, and ESRD treatments provided via telehealth.

The Save Great Lakes Fish Act of 2025 authorizes the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to develop comprehensive strategies to combat invasive mussel species. This effort requires coordination with federal agencies, state, tribal, and local governments. The bill authorizes $500 million in funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 to support these critical conservation measures.

The Bringing Assistance for Rural Needs During Shutdowns Act designates services provided by the Farm Services Agency (FSA) as essential during a government shutdown. This ensures that FSA officers and employees can continue their work, recognizing their services as necessary for protecting human life and property.

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025, recognizing the history of the observance from Armistice Day. It affirms the nation's deep commitment to supporting the over 15 million veterans and their families. The resolution calls upon the public to observe Veterans Day and ensure veterans continue to receive the services they deserve.

The National Cemetery Access Act mandates that all national cemeteries managed by the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the National Park Service must remain open to the public on all federal legal public holidays. This ensures continuous access for visitors to honor veterans and their families throughout the year.

This resolution officially designates October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day" to honor the importance of the National Marine Sanctuary System. It recognizes these underwater parks for protecting vital ecosystems, cultural history, and supporting local economies through recreation and tourism. The bill encourages the public to responsibly visit and enjoy these treasured ocean and Great Lakes sites.

This proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit members of Congress from receiving any compensation for the duration of a government shutdown. If Congress fails to pass necessary funding, Senators and Representatives will not be paid until the government is fully operational again. The amendment also grants Congress the authority to enact laws to enforce this provision.