Legislative Activity

The Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act amends title 38 of the United States Code to include licensed hearing aid specialists in the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This inclusion allows veterans to seek hearing health services from licensed specialists in their community, expanding access to care. By incorporating these specialists, the bill aims to improve the availability and convenience of hearing healthcare for veterans.

The TRANSPORT Jobs Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and publicize a plan, in consultation with other departments, to help veterans find employment in supply chain jobs. The plan will identify barriers faced by veterans, challenges employers face in hiring them, and recommend actions to help veterans become supply chain employees. This includes identifying regions with the greatest need and highlighting skills veterans possess. The goal is to improve outreach, training, and mentorship programs to increase veteran participation in the supply chain workforce.

The "Lowboy Auto Hauler Fairness Act of 2025" addresses vehicle length limitations for truck tractor-lowboy trailer combinations, setting a standard of 80 feet when the overhang is within specified limits. It defines "lowboy trailer" and exempts these trailers from certain rear overhang flag requirements. This bill aims to create uniform standards for lowboy trailers transporting vehicles, regardless of the truck tractor's cargo-carrying capabilities.

The "Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act" aims to improve the clarity of Veterans Affairs notices through an independent assessment, ensuring veterans receive understandable information regarding their claims. It also extends certain limits on pension payments through the end of December 2031.

The "Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act" ensures the separate observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day. It stipulates that if Inauguration Day falls on the same day as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be moved to the Tuesday following the third Monday in January. This ensures that both important days are celebrated individually.

The Military Helicopter Training Safety Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of Defense to deliver two reports to Congress within 90 days concerning the feasibility of equipping all military helicopters with traffic alert and collision avoidance systems and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast IN capabilities. These reports must include cost analyses, impacts on civilian airspace safety, necessary cockpit changes, and operational implications. If installation is not feasible, the reports must recommend alternative systems or capabilities.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 amends Title 38 of the United States Code to clarify that medical services for veterans include medically necessary automobile adaptations. The clarification includes specific adaptations such as ramp and kneeling systems, raised doors or lowered floors, and wheelchair tiedowns. This ensures veterans receive comprehensive support for their transportation needs.