Legislative Activity

The "JOBS Act of 2025" expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term job training programs (150-600 hours) that lead to credentials in high-demand fields. These programs must meet specific requirements, including alignment with industry needs and assurance from state boards. The act also requires accrediting agencies to assess the quality of these programs and mandates data sharing between the Departments of Education and Labor. Finally, the bill lowers the threshold for the minimum Federal Pell Grant from 10 percent to 5 percent.

The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to improve obstetric emergency care in rural areas by establishing programs to train healthcare providers, provide grant funding for equipment and supplies, and create a pilot program for teleconsultation. It focuses on equipping rural facilities without specialized obstetric units to handle emergencies during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. The act also mandates a study on the closure of maternity wards and patient transport patterns in rural areas.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These tests, which use genomic sequencing to detect multiple cancer types, will be covered for eligible beneficiaries with age and frequency limitations. The payment amount for these tests will initially align with that of multi-target stool screening DNA tests. This new coverage aims to improve early cancer detection without affecting existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

The "Charitable Act" modifies and extends the deduction for charitable contributions for individuals who do not itemize deductions. For the 2026 and 2027 tax years, the deduction is capped at one-third of the standard deduction for the individual. The bill also eliminates a penalty related to this deduction. These changes are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This bill, known as the "PSA Screening for HIM Act," mandates that group health plans and health insurance issuers provide coverage for prostate cancer screenings without cost-sharing for high-risk men, including African-American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer, starting in 2025. The goal is to improve early detection and survival rates for those at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. This bill ensures coverage aligns with current recommendations for breast cancer screening and prevention, while also allowing plans to offer additional services.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act seeks to ensure that foreign non-governmental organizations are eligible for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, regardless of the health or medical services they provide, as long as those services adhere to specific guidelines. It ensures that these organizations are not subject to more restrictive requirements for using non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying compared to U.S. non-governmental organizations.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that the U.S. should remain committed to the Paris Agreement, support policies at all levels of government to reduce global warming pollution, and encourage actions by businesses, investors, and individuals to combat climate change. It recognizes the economic benefits of clean energy investments and the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The "Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act" extends the statute of limitations for criminal charges and civil actions related to fraud in pandemic-era programs, increasing the time to bring charges or initiate actions to 10 years after the offense or discovery of the violation. This extension applies to offenses and violations related to funding and programs authorized under laws like the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act. The bill aims to provide more time to identify and prosecute those who defrauded COVID-19 relief programs.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 tax credit for nurses who serve at least 200 hours per year as preceptors in designated health professional shortage areas. To qualify, preceptors must supervise and mentor nursing students, advanced practice nursing students, or newly hired nurses and receive certification from a partnering academic institution or clinical site. The Treasury Secretary will report to Congress on the credit's usage and effectiveness, which is set to expire after 2032. This act aims to incentivize experienced nurses to train the next generation, particularly in underserved communities.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans to veterans as member business loans. The term "veteran" is defined by section 101 of title 38, United States Code. This change aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by expanding access to credit union business loans. The changes will take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.

The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" seeks to update Medicare's chiropractic coverage to reflect modern practices. It broadens coverage to include all services that Doctors of Chiropractic are licensed to perform in their state, not just manual spinal manipulation. Payment for expanded services requires doctors to attend a documentation webinar. This aims to align Medicare with other healthcare systems and improve beneficiary access to chiropractic care.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making them eligible for federal services and benefits. It designates specific counties in North Carolina as the Tribe's service area and requires a needs assessment report to Congress. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe and addresses jurisdictional matters, while clarifying the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and the United States Olympic Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the legacy of slavery and discrimination against African Americans from 1565 to the present. The commission will identify the harms caused by these injustices and recommend appropriate remedies, including how the nation can best educate itself on the commission's findings. It will also explore methods of reparations, such as a formal apology, eliminating discriminatory laws, and providing compensation to descendants of enslaved individuals. The commission will then submit its findings and recommendations to Congress.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals to qualify for financial assistance. It also adjusts the premium tax credit calculation to provide more support based on income level. These changes aim to make health coverage more affordable for a broader range of Americans, starting in 2026.

The "Washington, D.C. Admission Act" outlines the process for admitting Washington, D.C., into the Union as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a Capital to serve as the seat of the U.S. Government. It addresses the transition of laws, governance, and federal responsibilities, ensuring continuity of services and representation for the residents of the new state. The Act also defines the boundaries of the new State and the Capital, and includes provisions for elections, federal property, and the establishment of a Statehood Transition Commission.