Legislative Activity

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.

The Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act establishes a new temporary visa category, H-2C, designed to allow registered employers in areas with low unemployment to hire foreign workers for specific, registered positions. This bill creates a comprehensive framework defining eligibility, setting numerical caps, and outlining strict requirements for both employers and workers to address labor shortages. It also includes provisions for worker protections, portability, and a mandatory study on the program's economic and social impact.

The Medical Student Education Authorization Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to bolster primary healthcare in medically underserved communities. This funding, administered by HRSA, will support public medical colleges that train students committed to practicing in high-need areas like rural or Tribal regions. Grants will focus on developing community-based training, increasing faculty capacity, and providing direct student support to improve the primary care workforce pipeline.

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 Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 ensures that active duty military personnel and essential civilian support staff continue to receive their pay if Congress has not yet passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026. This act provides automatic continuing appropriations from the Treasury to prevent a lapse in military salaries due to budget delays. The funding automatically terminates once a new budget or continuing resolution is passed, or on January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

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 resolution formally condemns the horrific political assassination of conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. It expresses deep condolences to his family and recognizes the bravery of the first responders at the scene. Ultimately, the measure reaffirms the fundamental American right to peaceful assembly and stands firmly against political violence.

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 Pay Our Border Patrol and Customs Agents Act ensures that essential U.S. Border Patrol Agents and Customs and Border Protection officers who must work during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026 will receive their salaries. This legislation appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury to cover these payments during the lapse in appropriations. The goal is to guarantee that critical border security personnel are paid even if the government temporarily closes.

The Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act of 2025 updates Medicare payment requirements for facilities not directly directed by a physician. It mandates that these facilities must have formal arrangements with Physician Assistants (PAs) or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) whose practice adheres to state laws and regulations. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act of 2025 updates the criteria for clinics to qualify as Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) under Medicare. This legislation revises the definition of an "urban area," setting a new population threshold of 50,000 people to determine eligibility. These changes to the location standards will take effect starting January 1, 2027.

The Rural Behavioral Health Improvement Act of 2025 aims to enhance behavioral healthcare access in rural areas by modifying Medicare coverage rules. This bill specifically removes the existing exclusion that prevents Medicare payment for services provided in facilities primarily focused on treating mental diseases. This significant change is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The Bipartisan Premium Tax Credit Extension Act extends the enhanced financial assistance available for purchasing health insurance through the Marketplace. This legislation pushes the expiration date for these boosted premium tax credits, including those for higher earners, from the end of 2025 through the end of 2026. Essentially, it ensures continued, robust subsidies for Marketplace health coverage.

This resolution expresses the strong support of Congress for designating September 22nd as "National Military and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day." The goal is to formally recognize the sacrifices of service members and veterans while raising crucial awareness about the mental health challenges and suicide risks they face. By establishing this day, the resolution aims to reduce stigma and encourage greater focus on providing necessary support and resources to this population.

This joint resolution formally honors the thirteen U.S. service members who were killed in the August 26, 2021, bombing at Abbey Gate during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. It recognizes their ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation and expresses deep gratitude to their Gold Star Families. The bill essentially establishes a National Day of Remembrance to ensure their faithful service in the fight for liberty is never forgotten.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 765 West Old Route 66 in Ash Fork, Arizona, as the "Fayrene Hume Post Office." This action ensures the post office is formally recognized under this new name in all official records.

The Afghan Adjustment Act establishes new pathways for certain Afghan nationals already in the U.S. to obtain conditional permanent resident status, contingent upon rigorous security vetting. It also creates a special referral process for at-risk Afghan allies still outside the U.S. to access the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program remotely. Furthermore, the bill extends deadlines and expands eligibility for existing Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) while mandating significant interagency coordination and reporting to Congress on processing efficiency.

The SAVES Act establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to eligible veterans. These grants, up to $\$2,000,000$ each, will fund the training and provision of service dogs for veterans with qualifying conditions like PTSD or TBI. The bill also extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments until February 2033.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.