Legislative Activity

The State Veterans Homes Inspection Simplification Act streamlines the regulatory process by allowing State Veterans Homes certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to be automatically deemed compliant with Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements. The bill ensures continued oversight and accountability by mandating that VA inspection standards align with federal protocols and requiring that all quality and compliance data be publicly reported. Additionally, it tasks the Government Accountability Office with reviewing the effectiveness and impact of this new authority within three years.

The VA Fiscal Management Modernization Act strengthens the Department of Veterans Affairs' financial oversight by formally designating the Assistant Secretary for Management as the Chief Financial Officer. The bill establishes a dedicated Office of Management and a specialized legislative budget office to improve financial reporting and accountability to Congress. Additionally, it centralizes financial authority by requiring all departmental financial officers to report directly to the CFO.

The Community Health Center Drug Pricing Protection Act ensures that Federally-qualified health centers (FQHCs) receive the full 340B discounted price for drugs at the point of purchase. This legislation prohibits manufacturers from requiring FQHCs to pay more than the established ceiling price upfront, regardless of any later rebates or reimbursements. The goal is to guarantee immediate, upfront savings for these vital health centers.

The Gerald's Law Act expands eligibility for a veteran's burial allowance. It now covers survivors whose veteran died at home while receiving VA hospice care, provided that care immediately followed a stay in a VA hospital or nursing home. This change ensures benefits for veterans transitioning from facility care to end-of-life care at home.

The VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act mandates comprehensive reviews by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the causes of recent and projected funding shortfalls within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation requires the VA Secretary to report the GAO's findings annually to relevant Congressional committees. The goal is to improve budget accuracy and implement measures to prevent future funding gaps for veterans' services.

This bill establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research program to study innovative and emerging therapies, such as psychedelic-assisted treatments, for conditions like PTSD and chronic pain. The program will facilitate clinical trials and compassionate access protocols for eligible veterans. The VA Secretary must report on the program's progress and outcomes within one year of enactment.

The BEACON Act of 2026 establishes two new Department of Veterans Affairs grant programs to significantly advance the treatment of veterans suffering from chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These programs will fund research, clinical trials, and the testing of new, non-drug neurorehabilitation approaches focused on improving mental health outcomes. The legislation aims to foster partnerships and independent third-party studies to identify and implement best practices for mTBI care outside of traditional VA pathways.

The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act mandates an annual preventative health evaluation for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. This comprehensive assessment will cover risks, pain management, nutrition, and the need for advanced assistive technologies, including neuromodulation devices. The VA is required to consult with specialists and manufacturers when developing implementation guidelines. Furthermore, the Secretary must report biennially to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of these evaluations and assistive technologies.

The VA Contracting and Procurement Act imposes spending limitations, generally capped at $50 million, on various Department of Veterans Affairs contracts and agreements unless specifically authorized by Congress, with exceptions for declared emergencies. The bill also establishes a special notification process for educational benefit agreements exceeding this threshold. Furthermore, it updates the VA's authority and processes for procuring prosthetic appliances and surgical implants, requiring a standardized catalog and firm-fixed price purchase orders for implants.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members lost in the tragedy on Lake Superior. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the ship's historical significance and the vital safety improvements that resulted from the disaster.

The School Resource Officer Funding Protection Act of 2025 requires states to maintain a baseline level of state funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) to receive their full share of federal education funds. States must annually report their SRO spending to certify compliance with this maintenance rule. Failure to maintain the required spending level will result in a proportional reduction of the state's federal funding in the following fiscal year, though waivers are available for documented extraordinary financial hardship.

This resolution expresses the strong sense of the House of Representatives affirming the enduring U.S.-Israel alliance based on shared democratic values. It emphasizes the necessity of expanding defense cooperation to address evolving regional threats and maintain Israel's qualitative military edge. The bill calls for continued joint efforts in missile defense, technology sharing, and intelligence to ensure the security of both nations.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

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 PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to protect veterans by clarifying who can assist with VA claims, reinstating penalties for charging unauthorized fees, and ensuring fair representation. It requires agents and attorneys to apply for recognition, limits fees for initial claims, and mandates transparency regarding free services available to veterans. The Act also overrides conflicting state laws to ensure consistent enforcement of these protections.

The RELIEVE Act waives the prior care requirement for veterans seeking reimbursement for emergency treatment at non-VA facilities if that treatment was furnished within 60 days of enrolling in the VA health care system. This change applies to emergency treatment received one year after the Act's enactment, removing a barrier to care for newly enrolled veterans facing emergencies. Formally, the bill amends section 1725(b)(2)(B) of title 38, United States Code.

This bill authorizes the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan to manage and transfer its real property without federal approval, excluding lands held in trust by the U.S. The U.S. is generally not liable for losses from these transactions unless directly involved or otherwise liable by law. This authority does not extend to land transferred into federal trust for the tribe.

The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Land Claim Settlement Act of 2025 seeks to resolve historical land claims by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community related to the uncompensated use of Reservation Swamp Lands and Reservation Canal Lands. The Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to transfer $33,900,000 to the Community as compensation for these claims. Upon payment, the Act extinguishes all Community claims to the specified lands and confirms ownership by current landowners, while also preventing the use of funds for future gaming-related land acquisition. This aims to provide a fair settlement, protect current landowners, and avoid further litigation.

The "Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement Restoration Act" or the "VOICE Restoration Act" re-establishes the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office within US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to support victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, witnesses, and their legal representatives by providing resources, referrals, and information. It mandates VOICE to offer a toll-free hotline, local contacts, and assistance with custody status updates, as well as requiring quarterly reports to Congress and executive leaders analyzing the impact of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.

The "Rural 340B Access Act of 2025" expands the 340B drug discount program to include rural emergency hospitals. To qualify, these hospitals must be owned/operated by a government entity or a non-profit with governmental powers, or have a contract to provide healthcare to low-income individuals ineligible for Medicare/Medicaid. This expansion aims to improve access to affordable medications in rural communities.