Legislative Activity

The Gerald E. Connolly Esophageal Cancer Awareness Act of 2025 aims to address the rapidly increasing and deadly nature of esophageal cancer. This bill mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to examine healthcare spending and screening rates for high-risk individuals within the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. The legislation supports increased awareness to promote early detection, which is crucial for improving low survival rates.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act prohibits the VA from reporting veterans to the NICS background check system solely because a fiduciary was appointed to manage their benefits. This legislation ensures that a VA finding of mental incompetence or the appointment of a fiduciary alone is not used to treat a veteran as a "mental defective" for gun control purposes. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General about past transmissions of this information that lacked a proper legal basis.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA pilot grant program to improve recycling access, focusing specifically on underserved communities. These competitive grants will fund infrastructure projects, such as building transfer stations or expanding curbside service, using a "hub-and-spoke" model. Priority is given to projects located far from existing materials recovery facilities, with grants ranging from $\$500,000$ to $\$15$ million.

This bill, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, makes two major changes: it allows for the year-round sale of E15 gasoline and reforms the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for small refineries. The RFS reform phases out existing small refinery exemptions starting in 2028, replacing them with a 75% compliance obligation reduction. The Act also directs the EPA to update fuel infrastructure rules for E15 distribution.

The "Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act" repeals the Corporate Transparency Act, eliminating the requirement for companies to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). It also makes necessary technical adjustments to Title 31 of the United States Code, specifically sections related to financial recordkeeping and reporting of currency and foreign transactions, to reflect the repeal.

This bill, the Hemp Planting Predictability Act, seeks to amend the Agriculture Appropriations Act of 2026. Specifically, it delays the implementation of recent amendments affecting hemp production under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. The delay for these changes is extended from one year to three years.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

This bill proposes to delay the implementation of recent amendments affecting hemp production under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. Specifically, it extends the current delay period for these changes from one year to three years.

The Protect Children’s Innocence Act establishes federal criminal penalties for performing genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on individuals under 18 years old. This law applies when the act involves interstate commerce or occurs in U.S. territories. It explicitly prohibits procedures intended to change a minor's body to correspond with a different sex, with narrow exceptions for specific medical necessities.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and financial processors from creating or requiring special merchant category codes specifically for firearm retailers. This legislation aims to prevent the singling out of businesses that sell firearms, ammunition, or related components through transaction coding. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcement and reporting annually to Congress on the law's implementation.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

This bill establishes new federal requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D and Medicaid plans, effective in 2027. It mandates specific payment standards for pharmacies, requires PBMs to pass manufacturer rebates directly to patients and plan sponsors, and strictly prohibits steering patients toward specific pharmacies. Additionally, the legislation enhances transparency by expanding drug price reporting requirements for all types of pharmacies within the Medicaid program.

This bill, the Pharmacists Fight Back in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act, establishes new rules for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) administering prescription drug benefits for federal employees. It mandates specific reimbursement rates for pharmacies and prohibits PBMs from engaging in anti-competitive practices like steering patients to affiliated pharmacies. The legislation also institutes civil monetary penalties and potential debarment for PBMs that fail to comply with these new requirements.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

The Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025 significantly broadens protections against retaliation for individuals working on federal contracts, particularly those with the DoD and NASA. This legislation expands the definition of a "protected individual" to cover a wider range of contractors, subcontractors, and grantees, ensuring they can report waste, fraud, or illegal activity without fear of punishment. Furthermore, the Act explicitly voids any agreement, including arbitration clauses, that attempts to waive these newly expanded whistleblower rights.

The Ensuring a Qualified Civil Service Act of 2025 (EQUALS Act) significantly extends probationary periods for new federal employees in the competitive and excepted services to two years (one year for veterans). This legislation also establishes new agency certification requirements before appointments become final and extends the service time needed before non-veteran employees can face certain adverse performance actions. The Act mandates that the Office of Personnel Management issue implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment.

The Official Time Reporting Act establishes a new annual reporting requirement for federal agencies regarding the time their employees spend on union business while on the clock. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must compile and publicly release a detailed report analyzing this "official time" usage, costs, and impact across the government. This legislation mandates transparency by requiring agencies to submit detailed data, including explanations for any increases in time usage, to OPM for inclusion in the public report.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia. The building will henceforth be known as the "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building." This designation will apply to all future official references to the facility.

This resolution expresses the deepest condolences of the House of Representatives to the families and loved ones of the victims of the UPS Airlines flight 2976 crash. It specifically honors the fourteen individuals who lost their lives in the tragic accident. Furthermore, the resolution commends the heroic and selfless actions of the numerous first responders and emergency personnel who assisted at the scene.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that essential firearm-related government operations continue without interruption during a federal shutdown. This legislation specifically mandates the continuation of the FBI's NICS background check system and related processing at the ATF, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. By deeming these functions essential for protecting life and property, the bill prevents delays in firearm transfers and export licensing during lapses in appropriations.