Legislative Activity

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory, transparent exception processes for health plans that use "step therapy" protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients or their doctors can quickly request coverage for a prescribed medication when specific clinical criteria are met, such as previous treatment failure or risk of harm. Plans must decide on standard requests within 72 hours and urgent requests within 24 hours, and approved exceptions must last for at least one year. Furthermore, insurers must report detailed data annually on exception requests, approvals, and denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Chloe Cole Act prohibits healthcare professionals from engaging in chemical or surgical mutilation of minors, defined as specific medical interventions intended to alter appearance or biological function related to sex. This prohibition is enforced through federal jurisdiction when interstate commerce is involved in the procedure. The bill also establishes a private right of action, allowing individuals subjected to these procedures as minors to sue participating providers, and sets strict liability standards for future violations.

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.

This resolution officially recognizes the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, celebrating its long history since the Continental Navy was established in 1775. Congress expresses deep gratitude for the bravery and dedication of all past and present Sailors who have defended the nation. The bill reaffirms the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian efforts, and maintaining American strength worldwide.

The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Stone Slab Products Act aims to shield manufacturers and sellers of stone slab products from civil lawsuits related to silica dust exposure. This bill prohibits filing new lawsuits, and mandates the dismissal of existing ones, when injuries allegedly result from unsafe cutting or installation practices by third-party fabricators. The intent is to protect commerce by preventing liability for actions outside the manufacturer's control where safety standards already exist for installers.

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 Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends the authorization of the Digital Coast Act through 2030. This legislation mandates that all data provided under the Act must be fully and freely available once accessible. Furthermore, it explicitly expands the required data to include information on underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

This Act, the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act, aims to speed up Medicare coverage for innovative, FDA-approved "breakthrough devices." It establishes a process for manufacturers to gain a four-year transitional coverage period for these devices, ensuring patients have timely access while long-term coverage decisions are finalized. The bill also allocates funding to CMS to manage these expedited reviews and allows for oversight of provider billing practices related to these new technologies.

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.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 15 through September 19, 2025, as "National Clean Energy Week." It recognizes the vital role of the growing clean energy sector in creating American jobs and advancing national environmental and economic goals. The bill encourages public and private entities to promote affordable, low-emission energy solutions across the country.

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs multispecialty clinic in Marietta, Georgia, to honor the late Colonel Michael H. Boyce. The renaming recognizes Colonel Boyce's distinguished military service and his significant contributions to the Marietta community, particularly his efforts to improve veteran services. Moving forward, the facility will be known as the "Colonel Michael H. Boyce Department of Veterans Affairs Multispecialty Clinic."

This resolution condemns the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and extends condolences to his family. It honors his life and legacy, recognizing his founding of Turning Point USA and his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses.

This resolution strongly condemns the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, during his national speaking tour. It honors his life, his founding of Turning Point USA, and his dedication to conservative principles. Ultimately, the document calls for national unity and reaffirms the commitment to protecting the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.

The SAFE Driving Laws Act aims to ensure that states only issue standard driver's licenses to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. To comply, states must prohibit issuing licenses to non-citizens and must cooperate fully with federal immigration enforcement information sharing. States failing to meet these requirements starting in fiscal year 2027 will face the withholding of 50% of their federal highway funding.

The Drug Shortage Compounding Patient Access Act of 2025 aims to improve patient access to necessary medications during drug shortages. It allows pharmacists and physicians to compound urgent batches of drugs without an individual prescription if the drug is on the shortage list and commercial alternatives are unavailable. Furthermore, the bill enhances drug shortage mitigation by requiring manufacturers to report sudden surges in demand to the FDA, alongside existing reporting for manufacturing interruptions. Finally, it clarifies compounding regulations and adds specific labeling requirements for patient-specific compounded drugs.

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 American Franchise Act aims to protect the traditional franchise business model by clarifying the definition of a "joint employer." This legislation establishes that a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if it exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms of employment for a franchisee's workers. This change specifically targets liability risks associated with maintaining brand standards, ensuring franchisors are not automatically held responsible for local labor practices. The new standard applies prospectively to future legal proceedings.

The PART Act aims to combat catalytic converter theft by requiring new vehicles to have traceable identifying markers on these parts. It establishes a federal grant program to help entities stamp identifying numbers onto existing converters. Furthermore, the bill imposes strict record-keeping requirements on businesses that buy used converters and creates new federal criminal penalties for stealing or trafficking stolen catalytic converters.

The Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act enables states to establish specialized Medicaid health homes focused exclusively on individuals with sickle cell disease starting in 2026. If a state adopts this program, it must provide mandatory dental and vision coverage to enrolled patients, regardless of standard state Medicaid policies. States implementing these health homes will also be required to report on patient outcomes, access to care, and expenditures.