Legislative Activity

This bill aims to strengthen efforts to prevent maternal deaths by reauthorizing support for State-based Maternal Mortality Review Committees. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regularly disseminate proven best practices for maternal mortality prevention to hospitals and professional societies. Furthermore, the legislation increases federal funding dedicated to these crucial prevention initiatives.

This bill appropriates funding for Fiscal Year 2026 across the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education, along with related agencies. It sets spending levels for workforce training, public health initiatives, K-12 and higher education programs, and administrative oversight. The legislation also includes numerous provisions governing fund transfers, lobbying restrictions, and specific operational rules for various federal programs.

The Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025 establishes a rigorous new vetting process for companies seeking federal funding from the High-Cost Universal Service Fund to build broadband networks. This legislation requires the FCC to create rules ensuring applicants prove they possess the necessary technical expertise, financial stability, and operational capacity before receiving awards. The review will heavily weigh an applicant's past performance in government broadband programs. Additionally, the Act imposes significant minimum penalties for early defaults on funding commitments.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 18 through May 24, 2025, as "National Public Works Week." It serves to recognize and celebrate the essential contributions of public works professionals who maintain vital infrastructure like roads, water systems, and waste management. The bill urges communities nationwide to observe this week with activities honoring these dedicated workers.

The PEAKS Act aims to preserve the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status for certain hospitals by grandfathering their compliance with specific distance requirements. It also modifies the Medicare payment rules for ambulance services furnished by CAHs, updating the distance limitations for reimbursement. This legislation ensures continued access to essential emergency and healthcare services in key, often remote, locations.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The rule concerned Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards related to the fuel system integrity of hydrogen vehicles, specifically compressed hydrogen storage systems. By disapproving the rule under the Congressional Review Act, Congress prevents this specific NHTSA regulation from taking effect.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves critical federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation specifically reauthorizes key demonstration projects through 2030 and broadens the scope of services these grants can cover. Updates now explicitly allow funding for substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery support and reentry housing services. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal investment in evidence-based reentry initiatives through the end of the decade.

This bill amends Medicare rules to require the detection of cognitive impairment during routine patient visits. Specifically, it mandates that cognitive screening using National Institute on Aging-approved tools be incorporated into both the Annual Wellness Visit and the Initial Preventive Physical Examination. These new requirements are set to take effect for services provided on or after January 1, 2026.

The Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act of 2025 aims to establish coverage and payment mechanisms for FDA-approved Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs) under Medicare Part B, beginning in 2026. This legislation mandates the Secretary to develop payment methodologies based on manufacturer pricing and private insurer rates, while also requiring manufacturers to report detailed payment data. Furthermore, the bill extends coverage for these software-based treatments to beneficiaries under the Medicaid program.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule concerning California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" pollution control standards. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is effectively vetoing this EPA regulation. This action prevents the EPA's rule regarding California's vehicle emission standards from taking effect.

The Credit for Caring Act of 2025 establishes a new, non-refundable tax credit for working family caregivers who incur qualified expenses for a dependent with long-term care needs. This "Working Family Caregivers Credit" equals 30% of eligible expenses exceeding $2,000, up to a maximum annual credit of $5,000. To qualify, caregivers must have earned income over $7,500 and the care recipient must be certified by a healthcare practitioner as needing long-term care. The credit begins to phase out for taxpayers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income over $150,000 (joint filers) or $75,000 (all others).

The "Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025" expands Medicare access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It allows these programs to be offered in physician's offices and permits physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to oversee exercise within these programs, in addition to physicians. These changes aim to increase patient access to these vital rehabilitation services.

The "Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act" enhances the rehabilitation tax credit for buildings in rural areas, offering a 40% credit for affordable housing projects and a 30% credit for other qualified projects. It defines "rural area" and "affordable housing project," sets a $5,000,000 limit on qualified rehabilitation expenditures, and allows taxpayers to transfer these credits. The bill also eliminates the basis adjustment for the rehabilitation credit for applicable rural projects.

The AIMM Act permanently extends the allowance for depreciation, amortization, or depletion when calculating the limitation on business interest. This provision, which had expired for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, is now effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2021.

The Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to expand grant eligibility, increase grant amounts for remediation, and provide additional funding for state response programs. The act aims to improve access to grant opportunities for small and disadvantaged communities by reducing matching share requirements and increasing community involvement. It also directs the EPA Administrator to streamline the grant application process and update guidance to encourage applications from these communities, and includes Alaska Native tribes in brownfield revitalization funding. Finally, it reauthorizes grants through 2030.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Environment and Public Works to spend money, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government entities to support its mandated duties. It sets specific expense limits for the committee from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, and outlines the procedures for handling these expenses, including exceptions for certain payments that do not require vouchers. Additionally, it authorizes payments from the Senate's Inquiries and Investigations expense account for agency contributions related to committee employee compensation during the specified periods.

The STEWARD Act of 2025 aims to improve recycling infrastructure and accessibility by establishing a grant program for underserved communities and enhancing data collection on recycling and composting. The act directs funds towards projects that expand recycling services, especially in areas lacking adequate facilities, and promotes public-private partnerships to reduce costs. Additionally, it mandates comprehensive reporting on recycling and composting activities, materials recovery facilities, and end markets to better understand and improve the nation's recycling rates. The act also requires federal agencies to report on their recycling and composting rates.

The Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act of 2025 restricts U.S. funding to the United Nations for Afghanistan assistance unless the Secretary of State certifies that no U.S. funds are used for cash shipments by the United Nations into Afghanistan, and that no specially designated global terrorist organizations or foreign terrorist organizations receive funds from these shipments. The Secretary can revoke this certification if found inaccurate, with notification to relevant congressional committees. The bill defines key terms like "foreign terrorist organization" and "specially designated global terrorist organization" to ensure clarity in its application.