Legislative Activity

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to improve falls prevention among veterans by establishing an Office of Falls Prevention within the VA, mandating falls risk assessments and prevention services, and promoting research and education on falls prevention. The act also requires updated safe patient handling policies and explores the feasibility of a home improvement pilot program to prevent falls. Additionally, the bill expands the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities to include the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The "New Producer Economic Security Act" establishes a program within the Farm Service Agency to award grants and cooperative agreements to eligible entities. These funds will support projects aimed at improving access to land, capital, and markets for farmers, ranchers, and forest owners with less than 10 years of experience, those operating on rented land, or those with low incomes. The program prioritizes projects offering direct financial assistance, promoting collaborative networks, and supporting land transitions to new farmers. This act aims to strengthen food system security by supporting the next generation of agricultural producers.

The "Tools Tax Deduction Act" allows employees to deduct necessary work-related expenses for construction tools, protective gear, and other job-related costs from their gross income. It modifies Section 67(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, ensuring that miscellaneous itemized deductions for employee business expenses are not subject to certain limitations. These changes will be effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

The "Protect Postal Performance Act" modifies the procedures for the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding the closure or consolidation of post offices and processing and distribution centers. It mandates public hearings and transparency requirements for proposed closures, limits closures based on proximity to other post offices or population served, and restricts the USPS from closing or downgrading processing centers if it impacts mail delivery. The bill also requires Postal Regulatory Commission review of proposed changes to mail processing facilities and transportation optimization efforts.

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act modifies the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship to prioritize eligible veterans who have used the most months of their educational assistance and are pursuing a STEM degree. It adjusts the remaining benefits required to apply and mandates that individuals exhaust all other educational assistance benefits before using the STEM Scholarship.

The Rural Wellness Act extends provisions from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to 2029, adjusting specific allocation timelines. It prioritizes rural development program grants for projects that include behavioral and mental health treatment services. This prioritization includes facilities for prevention, treatment, or recovery and applicants focusing on behavioral and mental health education.

The LEAP Act introduces a tax credit for employers who employ apprentices in qualified programs, incentivizing apprenticeship opportunities. The credit is capped at $1,500 per apprentice, and is only applicable after a certain threshold is met. The bill also seeks to reduce government printing costs by transitioning publications online and setting guidelines for employee printing, while ensuring essential documents remain accessible to vulnerable populations.

The Presidential Legacy Act officially renames the federal holiday on the third Monday of February from "Washington's Birthday" to "Presidents Day." This act mandates that all federal laws, rules, regulations, and official documents be updated to reflect this change, ensuring consistent recognition of the holiday as Presidents Day.

This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, modifying the 180-day exclusivity period for generic drug approvals. It allows the FDA to approve subsequent generic drug applications if the initial applicant fails to begin commercial marketing within a specified timeframe, ensuring timely market entry of generic drugs. The bill establishes conditions under which the FDA can approve these subsequent applications and introduces penalties for applicants who fail to meet the marketing deadline, promoting market competition and access to affordable medications. These changes apply to drug applications filed after the bill's enactment.