Legislative Activity

The Firefighter Learning And Management Education (FLAME) Act establishes new notification requirements for the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration when large-scale cancellations of National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control courses occur. It mandates timely notification to Congress and affected students regarding any significant course reductions. Furthermore, the bill allows fire departments to seek reimbursement for incurred expenses if a course is cancelled for reasons other than "good cause" and requires a GAO study on the impact of these cancellations.

The ACCESS Act aims to significantly improve career counseling and public awareness regarding opportunities in the skilled trades. This legislation requires states to launch public awareness campaigns highlighting high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career and technical education programs. Furthermore, it mandates that local workforce areas provide detailed labor market information focused on these growing professions to better guide students and job seekers.

The SEED Act of 2025 expands the existing educator expense tax deduction to include early childhood educators. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow those working in early childhood education to deduct unreimbursed work expenses "above the line." This change applies to expenses paid for in tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Gun Suicide Prevention Act of 2025 mandates that all firearms sold must include a conspicuous label in English and Spanish directing individuals contemplating suicide to call or text 988. This new requirement applies to manufacturers and retailers, treating non-compliance similarly to violations under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The labeling provisions will take effect two years after the Act is signed into law.

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 Diagnostic Accuracy in Sepsis Act of 2025 amends Medicare rules to classify blood culture contamination as a hospital-acquired condition. This change requires the Secretary to set a standard for blood contamination rates at or below one percent for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. The bill aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and accountability regarding hospital-acquired infections.

This resolution officially recognizes suicide as a serious public health crisis in the United States, highlighting the urgent need for prevention efforts across all demographics. It expresses strong support for designating September as "National Suicide Prevention Month" and September 10th as "World Suicide Prevention Day" to raise awareness. The measure calls for prioritizing comprehensive, tailored strategies to improve access to mental health and suicide prevention services nationwide.

The HCBS Worker Protection Act of 2025 removes a federal payment limitation for certain home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers under Medicaid. This change grants states greater flexibility in receiving federal matching funds for these essential community services.

This bill, the ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act, updates eligibility requirements for certain school employees under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). It adjusts how paraprofessionals and education support staff meet the required hours of service by using a percentage of expected monthly hours worked during the school year. Furthermore, the bill mandates clear guidelines for calculating FMLA leave entitlement for these employees to account for non-standard school schedules.

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.

This resolution expresses support for designating September 9, 2025, as "National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day." The goal is to raise awareness about the growing crisis of firearm suicides across the United States. It emphasizes that safe and secure firearm storage is a critical component of suicide prevention efforts. The resolution encourages professionals to discuss gun safety and suicide prevention with their patients.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to update regulations to encourage aviation workers to seek mental health support without fear of stigma. The bill mandates annual reviews of the medical clearance process and allocates funding to hire more Aviation Medical Examiners. Furthermore, it requires the FAA to implement recommendations from a recent mental health task force and launch a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma.

The United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to modernize grain inspection by prioritizing the adoption of new grading technology for improved accuracy and efficiency. It extends key operational authorizations and funding mechanisms for the grain inspection system through 2030. The bill also mandates annual reporting on technology evaluation and efficiency improvements for the grain export industry.

The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act establishes a new, increasing schedule of authorized appropriations for key Impact Aid programs through fiscal year 2031. This legislation specifically sets funding levels for federal property acquisition, basic payments to heavily impacted school districts, payments for children with disabilities, and construction activities. The goal is to gradually increase federal support for these essential educational services.

The Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Fairness Act aims to integrate Puerto Rico into the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) structure, aligning it with other territories like Guam. The bill mandates a transition period where Puerto Rico must submit a plan of operation to the Secretary of Agriculture for approval to join SNAP. During this transition, existing block grant funding may continue for up to five years while the territory moves toward full participation under federal SNAP rules.

This resolution formally recognizes suicide as a serious public health crisis in the United States and expresses strong support for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It highlights the critical role of the 988 service in providing immediate, life-saving support to those in mental health distress. Furthermore, the resolution supports the designation of September 8th as "988 Day" to promote awareness of this essential resource.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act limits how consumer reporting agencies can share a consumer's report when it is requested in connection with a residential mortgage loan. Reports can only be shared with entities directly involved in the consumer's current mortgage or those providing a firm offer of credit or insurance. The Act also mandates a study by the GAO regarding the use and impact of "trigger leads" derived from credit checks.

This resolution affirms strong Congressional support for the independence of the Federal Reserve System, its Chairman, and the Board of Governors. It emphasizes that the Fed must be free from political pressure to effectively manage monetary policy and maintain financial stability. The bill specifically warns against any executive interference that could undermine the Fed's integrity or global trust in the U.S. financial system.

The Restore Trust in Congress Act establishes strict new rules prohibiting Members of Congress and their immediate families from owning or trading specific financial assets, referred to as "covered investments," while in office. Covered individuals must divest existing prohibited holdings within a set timeframe or face significant financial penalties, including fines and forfeiture of profits. The legislation aims to eliminate conflicts of interest arising from personal financial trading while serving in federal office.

The Protect Patients from Costly Care Act aims to reverse recent changes to Medicaid cost-sharing requirements and the Drug Price Negotiation Program. This bill effectively deletes specific sections from a previous reconciliation act that altered these healthcare provisions. By repealing these changes, the Act restores the original rules regarding Medicaid cost-sharing and the exclusion of orphan drugs from price negotiations.