Legislative Activity

The Protect Our Hospitals Act aims to restore previous regulations concerning Medicaid provider taxes by repealing a specific section of Public Law 11921. This action effectively nullifies recent changes, returning the rules governing how states tax Medicaid providers to their original status.

The EATS Act of 2025 significantly updates eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by removing previous restrictions that often disqualified students. This legislation explicitly includes bona fide students enrolled at least half-time in recognized educational programs as eligible participants for food assistance. These changes take effect on January 2, 2026.

The Protected Time Off Act establishes a federal minimum standard for earned paid annual leave, requiring employers to grant employees at least one hour of paid time off for every 25 hours worked, up to 80 hours annually. This law specifies how leave is accrued, used, and rolled over, while protecting employees from retaliation for exercising these rights. It also ensures that existing state laws or agreements that provide more generous leave benefits remain in effect. Enforcement mechanisms are established, largely mirroring those under the Fair Labor Standards Act, allowing both government investigation and direct employee lawsuits.

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act prioritizes federal funding for research and extension programs specifically aimed at controlling the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This legislation ensures that developing effective tools and treatments against this pest becomes a high-priority initiative. Additionally, the Act extends the authorization for several existing high-priority agricultural research programs until 2030.

This Concurrent Resolution affirms the importance of equal physical access to federally funded facilities for all Americans, especially people with disabilities. It recognizes that current infrastructure often fails to meet the needs of the growing population of people with disabilities. The resolution reaffirms support for existing accessibility laws like the ADA and pledges to use universal design principles in future federal projects. Ultimately, it calls for the removal of existing barriers to ensure full societal participation.

This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 through fiscal year 2030, authorizing $56 million annually for FY 2026-2030. It makes administrative updates by replacing "Council" with "Committee" throughout the Act and clarifies the system's scope to include operational oceanography measurements. Furthermore, it mandates that federal agencies develop rules to ensure data sharing between regional offices and federally funded projects with local coastal observing systems.

This bill, the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments, updates the fee structure and authority for the FDA to collect and use user fees to fund activities related to Over-the-Counter (OTC) monograph drugs through fiscal year 2030. It modifies definitions, adjusts the assessment and payment timelines for facility fees, and extends the program's authorization. The legislation also includes minor technical updates regarding drug development advice and sets sunset dates for certain provisions.

The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 establishes a structured process for distributing up to 2,000 additional, federally funded residency positions annually between fiscal years 2026 and 2032. This distribution prioritizes hospitals serving in underserved areas, those already training above their limit, and those committed to primary care and general surgery training. The bill also mandates a study and report by the Comptroller General on effective strategies to increase diversity within the health professional workforce.

The Stop AI Price Gouging and Wage Fixing Act of 2025 prohibits businesses from using automated systems that analyze personal data to set individualized prices or determine employee wages. This legislation establishes strict transparency requirements for any permitted pricing exceptions and grants enforcement power to the FTC, EEOC, State Attorneys General, and private citizens. Furthermore, the Act ensures that existing state laws providing greater protections and collective bargaining rights remain fully in effect.

This resolution recognizes the foundational importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) while asserting that further action is necessary to achieve true equality. It highlights persistent barriers in employment, technology, and community integration that prevent many individuals with disabilities from achieving economic self-sufficiency. Congress pledges to work across party lines to strengthen opportunities for independent living and full participation in society.

The Keep Kids Covered Act aims to ensure children maintain continuous health coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for longer periods. This legislation extends continuous eligibility for children under age 19, significantly increasing the duration they remain covered without needing to re-enroll. Furthermore, it grants former foster youth continuous Medicaid eligibility until they turn 26.

The Reducing Hereditary Cancer Act expands Medicare coverage for individuals with a family or personal history suggestive of hereditary cancer. This legislation mandates Medicare coverage for appropriate genetic testing and risk-reducing preventive surgeries. Furthermore, it allows for expanded, evidence-based cancer screenings for individuals already diagnosed with a hereditary cancer gene mutation.

This proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate immunity from criminal prosecution for federal officials, including the President, based on their official duties. It also explicitly prohibits the President from issuing a self-pardon for any federal crimes. If ratified, these changes would take effect immediately.

The Ally's Act mandates that certain private health insurance plans must cover auditory implant devices, related supplies, and necessary services for qualifying individuals. This coverage must be comparable to other medical and surgical benefits regarding cost-sharing and treatment limitations. Furthermore, plans cannot deny coverage if a physician or qualified audiologist determines the required hearing items or services are medically necessary. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 establishes two grant programs totaling \$10 million annually to boost construction and manufacturing apprenticeships. The first program funds community outreach to recruit students and connect programs with local employers, particularly in rural areas. The second program provides funds for expanded academic advising and student support services to improve program retention and completion rates. The Act also formally defines specialized apprenticeship colleges and sets reporting requirements for grant recipients.

Dillon's Law amends federal guidelines to grant preference points to states that allow trained, non-school personnel to administer epinephrine in schools. This change broadens the definition of who can provide life-saving medication beyond just school employees. The law also updates terminology to cover a wider range of epinephrine delivery systems.

The Accelerating the Development of Advanced Psychology Trainees (ADAPT) Act aims to expand Medicare coverage for mental health services provided by qualified doctoral interns and postdoctoral residents under general supervision. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish necessary billing codes for Medicare reimbursement one year after enactment. Furthermore, the Act requires the Secretary to issue guidance to states on removing barriers to covering these trainee services under Medicaid and CHIP programs.

The EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025 extends the vital Young Women's Breast Health Education and Awareness Requires Learning Young Act of 2009. This legislation ensures the continuation of crucial breast health education and awareness programs. Specifically, it reauthorizes the program, pushing its expiration date from 2026 through the year 2031.

The Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act mandates that suppliers performing medically necessary mastectomies must inform patients about their Medicare coverage for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. This information must be provided and documented in the patient's medical file before the surgery takes place. Failure to comply will result in Medicare withholding payment for the mastectomy procedure.

The Stop NOAA Closures Act places a temporary moratorium on the closure or restriction of access to any National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities. This freeze remains in effect until 180 days after key officials submit a required report to Congress detailing the criteria and process for any future facility changes. After the moratorium lifts, any major facility action will still require a 30-day advance notice and justification report to Congress, except in cases of immediate emergency threatening staff safety.