Legislative Activity

The Veterans Medicare Premium Transparency Act requires the federal government to clearly inform veterans how their VA health care enrollment protects them from Medicare late-enrollment penalties. The bill mandates that this information be included in annual Medicare notices and on Medicare.gov to ensure veterans avoid unnecessary costs. Additionally, it requires a joint report to Congress to identify veterans who may have already overpaid premiums due to a lack of this information.

The Stop Insider Trading Act restricts Members of Congress and their immediate families from purchasing individual stocks and requires public notice before selling existing holdings to prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, the bill establishes a national photo identification requirement for voting in federal elections, including specific provisions for in-person and mail-in ballots.

The FECA Modernization and Cost Containment Act of 2026 aims to update the federal workers' compensation system by requiring agencies to utilize managed care networks for non-emergency medical services. This legislation seeks to reduce taxpayer costs and improve clinical outcomes by implementing standardized treatment protocols and enhanced fraud detection tools. Additionally, the bill establishes a review board to oversee network performance and mandates a long-term evaluation of the program's efficiency.

The American Franchise Act aims to protect the traditional franchise business model by clarifying the definition of a "joint employer." This legislation establishes that a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if it exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms of employment for a franchisee's workers. This change specifically targets liability risks associated with maintaining brand standards, ensuring franchisors are not automatically held responsible for local labor practices. The new standard applies prospectively to future legal proceedings.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Chloe Cole Act of 2026 establishes a federal private right of action allowing individuals to sue healthcare professionals and institutions for damages related to gender-transition medical interventions performed on them as minors. The bill permits lawsuits regardless of when the intervention occurred and sets a statute of limitations extending 25 years past the individual's 18th birthday. Additionally, it mandates strict liability for such interventions performed after the Act's enactment.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from assigning specific merchant category codes to firearms retailers. This legislation aims to protect consumer privacy by preventing the tracking of firearm and ammunition purchases through specialized financial classification. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing these provisions and reporting annually on compliance.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 proposes making daylight saving time the permanent, year-round standard time across the United States. By advancing standard time zones by one hour, the bill eliminates the need for biannual clock changes. Additionally, it provides states that currently observe standard time year-round the option to maintain their existing timekeeping practices.

This resolution designates July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day to honor the essential, high-risk work performed by these skilled professionals. It pays tribute to the lineworkers who provide critical service during emergencies and recognizes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The AI Tax Integrity Act of 2026 establishes a Treasury Department pilot program to test the use of artificial intelligence for detecting tax fraud, focusing on identity theft and improper claims. This program will run for 18 to 24 months to assess the accuracy and effectiveness of AI in identifying inaccurate tax filings. Following the pilot, a report will be submitted to Congress detailing the program's success in linking fraud to improper refunds and recovered funds.

The Medicaid RAC Improvement Act of 2026 aims to strengthen oversight and transparency of the Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) program. It expands RAC review to include claims from managed care plans and requires annual reporting to Congress on program effectiveness. The bill also mandates studies and a demonstration project to address barriers states face in implementing robust payment integrity reviews.

The COVID Fraud Transparency Act of 2026 mandates the Small Business Administration's Inspector General to regularly report on the scope and resolution of fraud related to specific COVID-19 relief loans, such as the Paycheck Protection Program. These reports will detail the volume of loans, new and resolved fraud cases, and the types of fraud identified. The reporting requirements are set to terminate two years after the Act's enactment, and implementation must comply with "Cut-As-You-Go" budget rules.

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly expands legal immunity for firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations by redefining terms within existing federal law. It mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against these entities and establishes strict new standards for any exceptions that might apply. Furthermore, the bill preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability based on the criminal misuse of qualified products.

The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act aims to shield manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products from civil lawsuits related to silica dust exposure. This bill prohibits filing new lawsuits, and mandates the dismissal of existing ones, when injuries allegedly result from unsafe cutting or installation practices by third-party fabricators. The intent is to protect commerce by preventing liability for actions outside the manufacturer's control where safety standards already exist for installers.

The Patient Choice and Access Act of 2026 removes the requirement for qualified health plans to maintain a provider network to be certified on the health insurance exchange. This change allows plans to operate without established networks starting in 2027. Plans choosing not to use a network must provide clear disclosures about potential out-of-pocket costs and balance billing to consumers.

This act officially establishes the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum and designates its location on the National Mall, requiring the transfer of land jurisdiction to the Smithsonian Institution. The museum is mandated to preserve and present the history and achievements of biological women in the United States. Furthermore, the legislation requires that exhibits and programs reflect diverse political viewpoints and authentic experiences of women, as guided by a broad array of knowledgeable sources.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

The Preventing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in TANF Act aims to strengthen oversight of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program by applying federal improper payment review standards to state programs. It also restricts the use of federal TANF grants to families with incomes below twice the federal poverty level and establishes strict deadlines for states to obligate and spend these block grant funds. Furthermore, the bill prohibits states from using federal TANF dollars to replace existing state or local spending on eligible activities.

The PLAN Act of 2026 establishes a national public education initiative to inform Americans about the importance of planning for future long-term care needs. Managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, this effort will provide accessible, objective information on risks, planning options, and available resources for individuals and family caregivers. The initiative will utilize broad outreach methods, including digital media and community partnerships, to encourage advance planning before retirement. Funding will be authorized through amendments to the Older Americans Act of 1965.

This resolution officially designates May 15, 2026, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week of May 10-16, 2026, as National Police Week. It honors the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, specifically recognizing 363 officers lost in 2025. The bill expresses unwavering support for law enforcement and acknowledges the need for proper resources to ensure officer safety.