Legislative Activity

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve federal support for state-level stillbirth research and data collection. It authorizes grants for states to enhance surveillance, track risk factors, and build local capacity for analyzing stillbirth data, provided the information remains de-identified. Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of standardized guidelines and educational materials regarding stillbirth awareness and risk factors, developed in consultation with experts and bereaved families.

The Second Chance at Life Act of 2025 establishes new federal requirements for abortion providers offering chemical abortions involving two drugs. These rules mandate that doctors inform women about the possibility of reversing the effects of the first pill, mifepristone, at least 24 hours in advance. The law also requires specific signage in clinics and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create an accessible, privacy-focused website detailing reversal information. Finally, it creates a pathway for civil lawsuits against providers who knowingly violate these new informed consent and disclosure mandates.

The No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act amends the tax code to clarify and expand the definition of "qualified overtime compensation." This change ensures that overtime pay earned above a standard rate, whether mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act or agreed upon beforehand with an employer, is treated favorably for tax purposes. The goal is to incentivize and reward workers for putting in extra hours.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 ensures that active duty military personnel and essential civilian support staff continue to receive their pay if Congress has not yet passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026. This act provides automatic continuing appropriations from the Treasury to prevent a lapse in military salaries due to budget delays. The funding automatically terminates once a new budget or continuing resolution is passed, or on January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

This act establishes the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program to correct historical errors where Jewish service members killed in WWI and WWII were mistakenly buried under non-Jewish grave markers overseas. The American Battle Monuments Commission will contract with a nonprofit organization to identify these "covered members" and contact their survivors over a five-year period. The legislation also extends a deadline related to certain pension payments.

The Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services Act of 2025 (RESULTS Act) aims to improve Medicare payment rates for clinical lab tests by mandating the collection of more accurate, real-world payment data directly from large, independent private insurance claims databases. This legislation updates definitions, collection timelines, and calculation methods to ensure Medicare payments for widely available tests reflect current market rates. It also establishes default payment rules if sufficient private payor data cannot be secured.

The FEMA Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency to lead a unified, all-hazards approach to national emergency management. The bill enacts sweeping reforms across Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Mitigation programs to accelerate recovery, streamline funding, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for disaster survivors and communities. Furthermore, it mandates significant new transparency measures, including public data reporting and GAO oversight, to ensure accountability for federal disaster spending.

The Restore Trust in Congress Act establishes strict new rules prohibiting Members of Congress and their immediate families from owning or trading specific financial assets, referred to as "covered investments," while in office. Covered individuals must divest existing prohibited holdings within a set timeframe or face significant financial penalties, including fines and forfeiture of profits. The legislation aims to eliminate conflicts of interest arising from personal financial trading while serving in federal office.

The Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act officially recognizes and integrates "cottage family homes" into federal foster care regulations. This allows these specialized homes to receive federal maintenance payments if they meet strict standards focused on family connection, trauma-informed care, and prohibiting harmful restraints. The bill ensures states maintain flexibility in utilizing these placements while upholding high standards for child well-being.

This resolution formally condemns the tragic mass shooting in New York City that resulted in the deaths of civilians and NYPD Officer Didarul Islam. It honors the victims and commends the bravery of the New York City Police Department for their response to the attack. Furthermore, the bill takes a stand against all acts of violence directed toward law enforcement officials nationwide.

The Supporting Equity for Aquaculture and Seafood Act mandates comprehensive reporting from the USDA on its spending and support for the domestic seafood industry to ensure transparency and equity. It requires the USDA to treat aquaculture producers equally with traditional farmers in grant applications and mandates training for USDA staff on the importance of seafood production. Finally, the bill extends funding for aquaculture research centers and directs the development of a tailored federal crop insurance product for fish and shellfish farmers.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's recently submitted rule on the "Barred Owl Management Strategy." By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this action nullifies the proposed management strategy, preventing it from taking legal effect. Essentially, Congress is rejecting the USFWS's plan for managing Barred Owls.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act strictly prohibits the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to individuals. This legislation prevents the Fed from developing, testing, or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, Congress asserts that any authority to create such a digital asset must explicitly come from Congress itself.

This resolution mandates the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publicly release nearly all documents, records, and communications related to the investigations of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell within 30 days. The bill strictly prohibits withholding information based on embarrassment or political sensitivity. Any permitted redactions, such as protecting victim privacy or grand jury secrets, must be publicly justified to Congress.

This bill requires states to reimburse the federal government for the costs of deploying military forces, such as the National Guard, when state or local obstruction of federal immigration enforcement leads to civil unrest. If a state fails to pay the resulting invoice from the Department of Defense within 180 days, the President is authorized to withhold federal discretionary grant funds to cover the debt. This legislation establishes financial accountability for local interference with federal immigration operations.

The BIRD Health Act of 2025 establishes a new cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel to accelerate joint research and development in healthcare innovation. Managed by the BIRD Foundation under the oversight of HHS, this program will fund projects spanning medical devices, digital health, and biomanufacturing. The goal is to leverage bilateral expertise to bring new health technologies to market while strengthening both nations' healthcare ecosystems.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to otherwise qualified applicants solely based on their involvement in the firearms industry. This legislation ensures that businesses defined as "firearm entities," their affiliates, or trade associations are not unfairly rejected for SBA loans or guarantees. The Act clearly defines these terms to prevent discrimination against businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, or servicing firearms and related accessories.

The Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act requires a comprehensive report on the security of current mobile service networks against cyberattacks and foreign surveillance. This report must analyze existing vulnerabilities, the adoption of strong encryption, and customer awareness of security risks. The goal is to provide Congress with an unclassified assessment of the security landscape, excluding 5G protocols.