Legislative Activity

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF), recognizing its vital role in advancing U.S. science, engineering, and education since 1950. Congress acknowledges the NSF's foundational support for groundbreaking innovations, including the internet and advancements in medical technology. The bill reaffirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the NSF continues to lead in scientific discovery for decades to come.

The Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act establishes a new federal grant program to provide operating support for high-quality public transit services. This funding is specifically targeted to improve mobility and environmental outcomes, with a requirement that the majority of funds benefit underserved communities or areas of persistent poverty. The Act also increases the federal share for rural transit operating assistance up to 80%.

The When Minutes Count for Emergency Medical Patients Act establishes a demonstration project to provide supplemental Medicare payments to ambulance services for stocking and using critical life-saving medications and blood products during severe emergencies. The bill also mandates a comprehensive report from MedPAC analyzing Medicare payments for EMS professionals and medical directors, alongside requiring HHS to issue guidance aimed at reducing excessive wait times for EMS crews handing off patients at hospitals. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve emergency care quality and supply chain reliability for essential medical resources.

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 establishes mandatory minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios across various hospital units to enhance patient safety and care quality. This legislation requires hospitals to implement detailed staffing plans, ensures enforcement through federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and supports the nursing workforce through expanded financial aid and retention initiatives. Furthermore, the bill protects nurses who refuse unsafe assignments and establishes clear mechanisms for reporting violations.

The HEADs UP Act of 2025 aims to expand access to primary and dental healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities. It revises federal funding criteria to specifically recognize this population as medically underserved, allowing health centers to qualify for enhanced support. The bill authorizes dedicated federal grants for health centers to establish or expand comprehensive services tailored to this community through 2030. This legislation also updates designations for Health Professional Shortage Areas to include these individuals, incentivizing increased staffing.

The Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends child labor laws to prohibit individuals under 18 from having direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. This change ensures that agricultural work involving direct handling of tobacco falls under federal child labor protections. The bill specifically updates exemptions to reflect this new restriction on youth employment in tobacco agriculture.

The Pink Tax Repeal Act prohibits businesses from charging different prices for substantially similar consumer products or services based solely on the buyer's gender. This legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce the ban as an unfair business practice. State Attorneys General are also authorized to file lawsuits to stop violations and seek restitution for affected residents.

The Born in the USA Act of 2025 declares that Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional and contrary to the 14th Amendment. This Act prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement or enforce that Executive Order. It affirms the established constitutional right to birthright citizenship for nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It highlights the significant historical contributions of these communities to the United States, while also acknowledging past hardships and ongoing challenges. The bill encourages the nation to observe this month to appreciate the diversity and strength AANHPI individuals bring to the country.

The Eliminating Thickets to Increase Competition Act (ETHIC Act) aims to curb anti-competitive practices by limiting the number of patents a company can assert in a single patent infringement lawsuit against drug or biological product competitors. This prevents brand-name manufacturers from overwhelming generic challengers with numerous, related patents, often referred to as "patent thickets." Specifically, it restricts plaintiffs to asserting only one patent per defined "Patent Group" in these actions.

The VA Employee Fairness Act of 2025 modifies the collective bargaining rules for employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by streamlining existing statutes. This act removes outdated subsections related to bargaining and renumbers the remaining relevant section. Importantly, these changes do not affect the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' existing authority regarding incentive pay or expedited hiring processes.

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 officially recognizes the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, confirming their status as a federally recognized tribe. This Act makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to recognized tribes. Furthermore, it mandates the Secretary of the Interior to take specified lands in western Michigan into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. The legislation ensures that this recognition does not diminish any existing rights the Tribe may hold.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 declares that practices attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for payment constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice. Citing professional consensus on the ineffectiveness and harm of such "conversion therapy," the bill prohibits its provision and advertising. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the law allows both the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to file civil actions against violators.

This resolution supports designating the first week of April as "Adolescent Immunization Action Week" to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinating adolescents and young adults. It recognizes that current vaccination rates are lagging and highlights the need to combat misinformation. The bill encourages federal, state, and local entities, along with healthcare providers, to actively promote immunization to protect the health of young people.

This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating July 16, 2025, as "Glioblastoma Awareness Day." It highlights the devastating impact and slow progress in treating glioblastoma, the deadliest common brain tumor. The bill urges increased public awareness, research funding, and collaboration to develop better treatments and improve patient outcomes.

The Save Healthcare Workers Act aims to protect hospital personnel by making assault against them a federal crime with severe penalties. It also establishes a new federal grant program to help hospitals implement crucial safety measures, such as violence prevention training and physical security upgrades. This legislation seeks to reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings across the nation.

This House resolution urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to withdraw a recent notice that would reduce opportunities for public comment on new regulations. It affirms the importance of robust public input in the rulemaking process, which directly affects millions of Americans. The resolution calls for HHS to maintain its existing, open procedures for gathering feedback before finalizing any policy changes.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.