Legislative Activity

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 Clergy Act allows certain religious workers currently exempt from Social Security self-employment taxes to voluntarily revoke that exemption and begin paying into the system. This option for revocation must be exercised by a specific deadline in 2030 or 2031, with the change being permanent once elected. The legislation also mandates that the IRS develop a plan to inform eligible clergy about this new option.

The CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act extends enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace health insurance through 2026, while also establishing strict new penalties and verification processes to combat fraud by agents and brokers in health insurance exchanges. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant new transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D plans. Finally, it extends the 2026 open enrollment period and creates a fast-track legislative process for future premium tax credit reform bills.

This bill exempts specific, carefully defined less-than-lethal projectile devices and their ammunition from the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. It also removes these qualifying devices from regulation under the National Firearms Act. The legislation establishes clear criteria, including velocity limits and design restrictions, to ensure the exemption applies only to tools intended for de-escalation rather than lethal force. Manufacturers can request official classification for their products to confirm eligibility for these tax and regulatory benefits.

The Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act aims to lower healthcare costs by extending and enhancing premium tax credits for Marketplace insurance through 2027. It also institutes strict new anti-fraud measures and verification processes for agents and brokers enrolling consumers in Exchange plans. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Medicare Part D and mandates a full pass-through of rebates in certain private health plans. Finally, it expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for certain Exchange enrollees.

The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages community care provided to veterans. This bill mandates the VA to develop clear guidance and set performance goals for VA medical centers to ensure timely and complete collection of medical documentation from community providers. Furthermore, it requires regular reporting to Congress on the progress of implementing these new coordination and training standards.

The HELP Copays Act requires that financial assistance provided by non-profit organizations and drug manufacturers must count toward a patient's deductible, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums for prescription drugs. This change ensures that patient assistance dollars directly reduce the amount a patient must pay before their coverage fully kicks in. The legislation specifically applies to specialty drugs and those subject to utilization management. These provisions will take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 12208 North 19th Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona. The facility will henceforth be known as the "Officer Zane T. Coolidge Post Office." This designation ensures all official records and references use the new name.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

This Concurrent Resolution formally denounces the ideology of socialism based on its historical outcomes. It asserts that socialist principles have consistently led to totalitarian regimes, mass atrocities, and economic collapse worldwide. The resolution contrasts these failures with the founding principles of the United States, concluding with a statement opposing the implementation of socialist policies domestically.

This act, the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, amends federal law to exempt specific less-than-lethal projectile devices from existing firearm restrictions. It clarifies that these devices, designed to avoid serious injury and firing projectiles below a certain velocity, are not classified as firearms under federal statute. This change aims to facilitate the adoption of non-lethal tools by law enforcement.

This bill, the Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act, extends the authorization period for a key water recycling program established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Specifically, it doubles the program's authorization from five years to ten years. This action supports continued investment in large-scale water recycling infrastructure.

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act aims to address the critical shortage and high turnover among Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill mandates that the Office of Management and Budget review and revise the Standard Occupational Classification system to establish a distinct code for DSPs. This change will allow for more accurate labor market data collection to better support these essential workers. The Act does not authorize any new funding.

The Newborns Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) Act establishes a program to purchase and distribute essential supply kits to mothers recovering from childbirth and their newborn infants. These kits will contain necessary supplies, educational materials on maternal health resources, and information on federal support programs. The legislation reserves federal funds from 2026 through 2030 to award grants to nonprofit entities for the nationwide distribution of these kits, prioritizing areas of greatest need.

The Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025 aims to increase financial support for veterans. This legislation mandates a supplemental monthly allowance for veterans receiving Aid and Attendance benefits and adjusts Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rates based on Social Security increases. Additionally, it modifies the collection of fees for VA-guaranteed housing loans under specific conditions until September 30, 2035.

The Stuck On Hold Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implement automated systems to inform callers of their estimated wait times on customer service lines. If the wait exceeds ten minutes, callers must be offered an automated callback option. The VA is also required to issue guidance aimed at reducing average wait times to ten minutes or less.

The VA Billing Accountability Act establishes new deadlines and procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to notify veterans about copayments for medical care and services. If the VA fails to notify a veteran within specified timeframes (180 days for VA care or 18 months for non-VA care), the bill restricts the VA's ability to collect that payment. The Act also grants the VA Secretary temporary authority to waive copayments resulting from VA billing errors.

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025, recognizing the history of the observance from Armistice Day. It affirms the nation's deep commitment to supporting the over 15 million veterans and their families. The resolution calls upon the public to observe Veterans Day and ensure veterans continue to receive the services they deserve.

The Veterans Transition Support Act of 2025 expands the existing Solid Start program to enhance outreach to specific separating service members. This legislation mandates proactive contact between 210 and 120 days before separation to inform members about transitional health care and provide disability claim assistance resources. The program must also incorporate suicide prevention resources into its outreach efforts for these veterans.