Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May 2025 as "National Electrical Safety Month" to combat the significant dangers posed by electrical hazards. It encourages citizens to proactively inspect their homes, install modern safety devices like GFCIs and AFCIs, and ensure smoke alarms are functional. Ultimately, the goal is to raise awareness and promote safe electrical practices to reduce fires, injuries, and deaths nationwide.

This resolution strongly condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. It specifically honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were tragically murdered while promoting peace. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and ensuring the vigorous enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom.

The Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program through the Department of Transportation to fund the installation of suicide deterrents like nets and barriers at high-risk locations such as bridges and rail stations. The bill also amends existing law to explicitly allow National Highway System funds to be used for these safety barriers on bridges. Finally, it mandates a study on the effectiveness of suicide prevention measures for structures other than bridges.

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 Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits life insurance companies from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling policies solely because an individual is a living kidney donor. This federal law ensures that living donors are not penalized financially for their altruistic act, unless unrelated health risks are present. Individuals harmed by discrimination under this Act have the right to sue in federal court.

The Fair Wage Act of 2025 fundamentally reforms the federal minimum wage by tying it to local costs of living, establishing regional minimum wages based on Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and nonmetropolitan areas. This legislation also adjusts the minimum cash wage for tipped employees to 30% of the new regional standard and modifies the subminimum wage for younger workers. These changes aim to create a more localized and dynamic wage floor, taking effect on the first day of the third month following enactment.

The Traffic Safety Enhancement Act of 2025 amends federal transportation funding rules to explicitly allow states to use Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funds for the construction of roundabouts. This change provides states with greater flexibility to implement modern intersection designs aimed at improving traffic flow and safety.

The Empty Lots to Housing Act streamlines the process for transferring federally funded, unneeded real property to local entities or qualified private developers. This transfer is contingent upon the recipient agreeing to long-term affordability requirements for the resulting housing. Specifically, at least 40% of new units must be affordable for low-income families, with a portion reserved for extremely low-income households.

This resolution formally congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the 267th pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the significance of him being the first American-born Pope in the Church's history. The measure also commends his lifelong service, missionary spirit, and dedication to truth and mercy. Finally, it offers prayers for his leadership as he begins his papacy.

The Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit for businesses purchasing qualified, domestically retreaded tires through 2028. The bill also mandates that federal executive agencies prioritize purchasing retreaded tires when available through the GSA schedule, rather than buying new ones. These provisions aim to boost domestic jobs, enhance supply chain security, and promote sustainability in the tire industry.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the families of first responders who died in the line of duty, known as Gold Shield Families. It recognizes the profound sacrifice made by these families and calls upon local communities to support the nonprofit organizations that provide them with essential resources and aid during their time of need. The bill emphasizes the nation's ongoing commitment to honoring both the fallen heroes and their surviving loved ones.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

This resolution establishes a "Bill of Rights" to support U.S. law enforcement personnel nationwide, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law. It strongly opposes any efforts to defund or abolish police departments while outlining specific due process rights for officers under investigation. The bill encourages states to adopt similar protections to ensure fair investigations and recognizes the dangerous work officers perform daily.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.

The SALUTE Act establishes a pilot program to allow certain active-duty service members and their dependents to purchase supplemental private insurance for uncovered cancer-related medical expenses. This optional coverage will be offered through agreements with selected insurance companies, with participants paying the full premium cost. The Department of Defense must report on the program's success after three years to determine if it should become permanent.

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 Business over Ballots Act reaffirms that the Small Business Administration's (SBA) primary mission is solely to support small businesses. This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from engaging in or facilitating voter registration activities. Furthermore, it mandates that all new contracts and existing assistance agreements must restrict recipients from using SBA funds for voter registration efforts.

The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2025 ensures that group health plans and insurers must cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. This means no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance will apply to these necessary exams. These provisions take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This bill establishes a new dedicated position within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to exclusively assist small businesses in setting up and navigating Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). This expert will provide guidance on compliance, valuation, and resource connection for businesses interested in employee ownership. The Act also mandates annual reporting to Congress detailing the assistance provided and offering recommendations for improving the ESOP process. Funding is authorized as necessary, with a specific initial appropriation of $500,000 for the first fiscal year.

This bill aims to enhance safety for individuals outside their vehicles and for workers in construction zones by updating federal highway safety programs. It mandates improved data collection on roadside and work zone crashes and expands public awareness campaigns to cover disabled vehicles and work zones. Furthermore, the legislation establishes two specialized working groups to develop strategies and share data to reduce fatalities and injuries in these specific high-risk areas.