Legislative Activity

The Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act seeks to provide more accurate cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for Social Security recipients. It mandates that COLAs be calculated using either the CPI-W or the newly required Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers (CPI-E), whichever shows a greater increase. The bill also requires the Bureau of Labor Statistics to prepare and publish the CPI-E monthly. These changes will take effect for determinations made for computation quarters ending on or after September 30, 2026.

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Opportunity Act modifies the existing scholarship program to better support veterans pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math. This bill revises priority categories for applicants and mandates that recipients must exhaust their primary educational assistance benefits before using the STEM scholarship funds. Additionally, the Act extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veterans' pension payments.

The VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must proactively offer an annual mental health consultation to every veteran receiving disability compensation for a service-connected mental health condition. This outreach aims to ensure these veterans are regularly informed about and offered access to available mental health care options. The law also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report on the implementation and effectiveness of these new consultation requirements within two years.

This bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense establish regulations requiring all optional combat boots worn by service members as part of their required uniform to be 100% manufactured in the United States. This requirement covers all materials and components used in the boots. Exceptions are provided for boots needed for specialized military requirements or documented medical necessity.

The Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025 establishes a new Veterans Experience Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs, led by a Chief Officer reporting directly to the Secretary. This office is tasked with creating a unified strategy to improve veteran satisfaction by collecting feedback, assessing service quality, and advising other VA departments. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress detailing customer feedback and proposed solutions for barriers preventing veterans from accessing benefits.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated Office of Falls Prevention within the VA to centralize and standardize all efforts to reduce falls among veterans. This office will set care standards, oversee national education campaigns, and promote research into evidence-based prevention programs. The Act also mandates specific falls risk assessments and prevention services for veterans in VA nursing homes and updates requirements for extended care services.

The New Producer Economic Security Act establishes a new federal program to fund community-led projects that help new and disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and forest owners gain access to land, capital, and markets. Run by the USDA's Farm Service Agency, the initiative aims to ensure the long-term economic viability and security of these producers. Eligible entities will apply for grants to provide direct assistance, technical support, and financial tools to qualified beneficiaries. Priority will be given to projects that offer direct financial aid, support land affordability, and involve strong local partnerships.

The Tools Tax Deduction Act aims to make it easier for employees to deduct necessary work-related expenses, such as tools and safety gear, from their federal income taxes. This legislation allows certain job expenses to be deducted "above the line," lowering Adjusted Gross Income even for those taking the standard deduction. Furthermore, it removes the 2% floor threshold for miscellaneous employee business expenses starting in 2026 if taxpayers itemize.

The Protect Postal Performance Act establishes stricter public review periods and new protections before the Postal Service can close or consolidate local post offices. It also imposes significant limitations on the USPS's ability to change mail processing centers and transportation schedules. These changes require advisory opinions from the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) and prohibit facility closures in areas with poor recent on-time delivery performance.

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.