Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating May 12-16, 2025, as "Veterans Affairs Research Week" to celebrate the centennial of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research. It recognizes the VA's significant contributions to medical advancements and improved healthcare for veterans and the global population. The resolution highlights key milestones, Nobel Prize-winning researchers, and the ongoing impact of VA research, while emphasizing the importance of continued support and funding for these vital initiatives.

The Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act aligns leave provisions for members of the Public Health Service with those of the Armed Forces. This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to include a chapter on leave and repeals the section that previously addressed this issue.

The TSA Commuting Fairness Act requires the TSA Administrator to conduct a study on the feasibility of counting travel time between regular duty locations and airport parking/transit stops as on-duty hours for TSA employees. The study will assess various factors, including travel times at different airport sizes, potential benefits to employees and the TSA, technological feasibility for tracking, and estimated costs. Results of the study will be submitted to specific committees in the House and Senate.

This resolution addresses concerns over the involuntary dismissal of veteran Federal employees since January 20, 2025, including those at the Department of Veterans Affairs. It demands transparency regarding the decision-making process and potential disruptions to critical programs. The resolution calls for the immediate reinstatement of all affected veteran employees with full back pay and clear communication regarding their positions.

The "IVF for Military Families Act" expands TRICARE to cover comprehensive fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) for active duty service members. It sets guidelines for the number of IVF cycles covered and directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a program that ensures timely access to care. These changes will be effective for services provided on or after October 1, 2027.

This resolution celebrates the 113th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America and its founder, Juliette Gordon Low, for their legacy of empowering girls. It recognizes the organization's focus on developing courage, confidence, and character in young women through STEM, outdoor activities, and entrepreneurship. The resolution also acknowledges the release of the Juliette Gordon Low Commemorative Quarter.

The "Youth Poisoning Protection Act" bans the sale of consumer products containing 10% or more sodium nitrite by weight, classifying them as hazardous under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Exceptions are made for commercial, industrial, and certain food-related uses. This ban aims to protect individuals from the dangers of highly concentrated sodium nitrite.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act allows for the reinstatement of veteran Federal employees who were involuntarily dismissed without cause between January 20, 2025, and the date of enactment. It also mandates Executive agencies to report to Congress every 90 days on the number and reasons for veteran employee dismissals until January 20, 2029.

The School Bus Safety Act of 2025 mandates new safety requirements for school buses, including 3-point seatbelts, fire suppression systems, automatic emergency braking, and enhanced training for school bus operators. It also requires studies on motion-activated detection systems and safety belt alerts, and establishes a grant program to help states and local agencies implement these safety measures.

The "Family Building FEHB Fairness Act" amends Title 5 of the United States Code to include comprehensive fertility treatment benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program. This includes procedures such as egg freezing, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, genetic testing of embryos, fertility medications, and gamete donation. These changes will take effect one year after the enactment of the Act.

The Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act of 2025 amends Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 4001, to prohibit the detention of individuals in the United States based solely on protected characteristics. Protected characteristics include race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and any additional characteristic the Attorney General specifies. The Attorney General cannot remove any of the characteristics already listed (race through disability).

The "Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act" aims to improve the hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, and related items during airport security screening. It mandates the TSA to update its guidance in consultation with maternal health organizations to minimize contamination risks and ensure adherence to hygienic standards. Additionally, it requires a report from the Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General on compliance and the impact of screening technologies on these items.