Legislative Activity

The Oversight of Medicare Billing Code Cost Act mandates a comprehensive study by the Inspector General to review the process and data used by Medicare when adding, changing, or removing billing codes. This legislation requires the Inspector General to report findings and recommendations to Congress within one year. Furthermore, the Secretary of HHS must annually publish a public report detailing all new billing codes added in the previous year, including associated spending data.

The Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act makes a technical organizational change within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill specifically moves the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) to be situated directly within the Office of the Secretary. This clarifies the OSA's placement and reporting structure within the VA.

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 officially ratifies a major agreement to settle long-standing water rights claims for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe. The bill authorizes significant funding for tribal water projects, establishes dedicated trust funds for future development, and mandates the construction of the *iin b paa tuwaqatsi* pipeline to deliver Colorado River water. Finally, it confirms specific water allocations, details leasing options, and establishes limited waivers of sovereign immunity to ensure the settlement is enforceable.

This bill aims to enhance security along the southern border by constructing roads, increasing access for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and allowing temporary placement of structures by border states. It also seeks to mitigate environmental damage on federal lands caused by illegal activities through initiatives focused on reducing trash, preventing wildfires, and remediating contamination. Additionally, the bill restricts housing options for non-citizens who have not been formally admitted into the country by preventing the use of federal funds to house these individuals on federally managed lands.

The "Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act" removes the age restriction, allowing working adults with disabilities over 65 to be eligible for Medicaid under specific Social Security Act provisions. States that already offer this assistance will not be penalized for non-compliance until January 1, 2027.

The Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act establishes a new federal criminal offense for using a motor vehicle to evade law enforcement near the U.S. border, with penalties increasing significantly if the act results in injury or death. Additionally, the bill mandates that non-citizens convicted of this offense are inadmissible to the U.S., subject to deportation, and ineligible for immigration relief such as asylum. The legislation also requires the Attorney General to submit annual reports to Congress detailing enforcement data and prosecution outcomes.

The "BEST Facilitation Act" establishes an image technician pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of Field Operations, where trained technicians review non-intrusive inspection images to identify contraband and other illicit activities, and then refer them to CBP officers. The Act mandates specific training, assessment, and reporting requirements to evaluate the program's effectiveness in improving border security and trade facilitation. This pilot program will operate for five years, after which the image technicians may be transferred to other comparable positions within the agency.

The CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program to expand education and training for careers in the residential construction industry. By providing $20 million annually, the bill supports community colleges and trade schools in developing skilled labor pipelines, with a priority on serving rural and underserved populations. These programs aim to increase the supply of qualified workers while helping to address local housing needs through flexible, industry-aligned training.

The Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act establishes a three-year pilot program to improve health outcomes and care coordination for veterans enrolled in both VA health care and Medicare. By utilizing dedicated case managers and private sector care models, the program aims to streamline access to services, reduce costs, and eliminate gaps in care. The initiative will be implemented across select regions, including rural and medically underserved areas, to ensure better integration between VA and Medicare systems.

The Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025 directs federal agencies to assess and counter the use of social media and digital platforms by transnational criminal organizations for illicit recruitment and operations. The bill mandates the development of a comprehensive national strategy to improve interagency coordination, enhance intelligence analysis, and foster community outreach. This initiative aims to disrupt criminal activities—such as human and narcotics trafficking—while ensuring the protection of civil rights, privacy, and civil liberties.

The HEADWAY Act updates credentialing requirements for Early Head Start teachers to improve workforce accessibility while maintaining quality standards. The bill mandates that each classroom have at least one fully qualified teacher, while requiring all other staff to actively pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. To support this professional development, agencies are required to provide mentorship for teachers working toward their certifications.

The Transnational Criminal Organization Illicit Spotter Prevention and Elimination Act establishes new federal criminal offenses for individuals who intentionally assist in bypassing border security, such as by monitoring law enforcement movements or damaging border infrastructure. Additionally, the bill strengthens penalties for alien smuggling by mandating enhanced sentencing for the use of firearms during these crimes.