Legislative Activity

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 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 Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2026 strengthens and broadens protections against retaliation for individuals and entities working on federal, defense, and NASA contracts and grants. The bill expands the definition of protected individuals, clarifies shielded activities, and prohibits the waiver of these rights through private agreements or arbitration. Additionally, it establishes new disciplinary consequences for executive branch officials who request or facilitate reprisal against whistleblowers.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from assigning specific merchant category codes to firearms retailers. This legislation aims to protect consumer privacy by preventing the tracking of firearm and ammunition purchases through specialized financial classification. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing these provisions and reporting annually on compliance.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia, as the "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building." All official federal references to this location will be updated to reflect this new name.

The Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act significantly expands legal immunity for firearm manufacturers, sellers, and trade associations by redefining terms within existing federal law. It mandates the immediate dismissal of pending lawsuits against these entities and establishes strict new standards for any exceptions that might apply. Furthermore, the bill preempts state and local laws that attempt to impose liability based on the criminal misuse of qualified products.

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 significantly narrows the federal beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. This legislation limits reporting obligations exclusively to foreign individuals and foreign-connected companies. Furthermore, it mandates the deletion of all previously collected data pertaining to domestic persons and entities.

The Interstate Ferry Fairness Act expands the federal Ferry Boat Program to include privately owned ferry boats and terminal facilities that provide substantial public benefits. This legislation allows private operators on qualifying interstate routes to access federal construction and maintenance funding, provided they adhere to regulated fare structures. The bill aims to improve surface transportation connectivity by integrating private ferry services into the national infrastructure framework.

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.

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.

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 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.