Legislative Activity

The SOAR Act of 2025 aims to improve access to supplemental oxygen therapy for Medicare beneficiaries by removing oxygen equipment from competitive bidding programs, establishing fair payment rates, and ensuring access to respiratory therapists. It mandates specific service standards for oxygen suppliers, requires electronic templates for documenting medical necessity to prevent fraud, and restores clinical inference in claim reviews. The act also establishes a series of beneficiary rights, including the right to choose suppliers, receive clear communication, and have faulty equipment repaired or replaced promptly. Finally, the Act requires annual and monthly notices to beneficiaries regarding their benefits and cost-sharing responsibilities.

The "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" aims to combat the rise in organized retail theft and related crimes by amending Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include provisions that target the theft, fraud, and illegal redistribution of goods. It also establishes an "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts, share information, and track trends related to organized retail crime. The center will work to support training and technical assistance to combat organized retail crime and organized supply chain crime. Finally, the Act requires the evaluation of existing federal programs to identify ways to expand support for state, local, and tribal law enforcement.

The Veterans for Mustangs Act amends the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, prioritizing humane fertility control methods for managing wild horse and burro populations. It requires the Secretary to immediately take steps to manage population levels when necessary. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is directed to prioritize training and hiring military veterans to administer these fertility controls, offering them compensation and contracting opportunities. Contracted veterans will not be considered federal employees.

This resolution recognizes April 10th as National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to encourage investment in the health and education of young people, who are disproportionately affected by HIV. It supports comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment strategies, including access to care and accurate information, while urging the removal of discriminatory laws and increased funding for relevant programs. The resolution emphasizes the importance of youth leadership and involvement in decisions impacting their health, advocating for a generation free of HIV stigma. It also acknowledges the negative impact of restricted bodily autonomy on youth access to HIV prevention and care.

The "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act" aims to increase investment in Title X family planning clinics by establishing a dedicated fund within the Department of Health and Human Services. It allocates significant annual funding from 2026-2035 for grants, contracts, and infrastructure improvements for these clinics. The bill ensures that subawards are based on service capabilities and mandates nondirective pregnancy counseling, requiring clinics to offer comprehensive information on all options, including prenatal care, adoption, and abortion.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The American Family Act establishes a refundable child tax credit with monthly advance payments, providing up to $300 per month per child, and creates a $500 tax credit for other dependents. The amount of the credit is reduced based on the taxpayer's income, with initial reductions starting at $150,000 for joint returns. The IRS will make monthly advance payments and establish an online portal for taxpayers to manage their payments and provide necessary information. This act terminates the existing annual child tax credit after 2024 and aims to provide regular financial support to families.

The "Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to assess the potential of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. This study, to be completed within one year and in consultation with relevant groups, will evaluate the trail's suitability for inclusion in the National Trails System. The bill acknowledges the trail's scenic value, economic benefits, and existing management by the Benton MacKaye Trail Association.

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025" mandates increased transparency by requiring the TVA Board to hold at least four annual public meetings with a minimum of six days' notice. It also requires the TVA to make meeting minutes and summaries accessible to the public, ensuring greater accountability. Exceptions are made for emergency meetings called by the Board chairman.

The "Defending American Diplomacy Act" requires congressional approval for any Department of State reorganization and mandates the Secretary of State to submit detailed plans assessing the impact of such changes. It ensures transparency and accountability by requiring a thorough analysis of potential risks, effects on foreign policy, and workforce implications. The Act also restricts federal funds for the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel by politically appointed officials if reorganizations are implemented without proper authorization.

The "Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act" or the "SAVES Act" establishes a five-year pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to veterans with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions such as PTSD. The grants, up to $2,000,000 each, will support the planning, development, and management of service dog programs, ensuring veterans receive these dogs at no cost and are informed of available VA benefits. The VA will also provide veterinary insurance for the service dogs. $10,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for each of the five fiscal years following the establishment of the pilot program.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

The "Reentry Act of 2025" amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to inmates in the 30 days before their release. It also requires the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission to submit a report to Congress analyzing health and safety standards in correctional facilities, the impact of this change, and recommendations for further action.

The "Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025" directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national public health education campaign to improve access to abortion and related health services. This campaign will educate the public on how to access abortion services, the legality of abortion, accurate medical information, patient rights, and how to identify misleading information. The campaign aims to be culturally competent and accessible, providing resources for underserved communities while protecting personal information and avoiding the promotion of misinformation.

The "Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025" aims to prevent increases in food insecurity when the thrifty food plan is re-evaluated or updated within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It ensures that adjustments to the diet's cost continue as outlined in existing guidelines.

The "ABC Act" aims to simplify and streamline the processes, procedures, forms, and communications within Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs for family caregivers. It mandates a comprehensive review of these programs to reduce administrative burdens, improve communication, enhance website accessibility, and ensure employee understanding of caregiver support. The Act requires regular reports to Congress and encourages states to adopt similar simplification measures.

This bill supports the designation of the last Saturday in March 2025 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" to honor and recognize the contributions of Vietnam War veterans. It encourages the people of the United States to observe this day with ceremonies and activities that promote awareness and support for these veterans.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to expand and update the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to better protect vulnerable households from high energy costs and utility shutoffs. It increases funding, broadens eligibility, and includes assistance for cooling during extreme heat events, alongside heating assistance. The act also prioritizes energy efficiency upgrades, weatherization, and a transition to renewable energy sources, while preventing utility companies from charging late fees or shutting off service to those receiving assistance. Furthermore, it seeks to improve data collection on energy arrears and encourages states to develop plans for retrofitting low-income housing to adapt to rising temperatures.