Legislative Activity

This bill designates May 2025 as "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" to raise awareness of these conditions affecting millions of Americans, particularly children and minority populations. It acknowledges the significant economic and social costs associated with asthma and allergies. The bill encourages the public to observe the month with appropriate programs and activities.

The "PFAS Alternatives Act" aims to promote firefighter safety by funding research and development of next-generation, PFAS-free turnout gear. It establishes a grant program for eligible entities to develop and test safer alternatives, and mandates training programs for firefighters on the proper use and maintenance of the new gear. The Act allocates \$25 million annually for research and \$2 million annually for training, and requires a report to Congress on the progress of these initiatives.

Recognizes the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as a period of fasting and spiritual renewal that began on February 28, 2025. It acknowledges the global Muslim community, including those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces and contributing to American society. The resolution expresses support and best wishes to Muslims in the United States and worldwide, while also acknowledging the conclusion of Ramadan with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

The "Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act" protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by requiring vehicle manufacturers to terminate an abuser's access to connected vehicle services upon request from the survivor. This ensures that abusers cannot use vehicle technology to track, control, or otherwise harm survivors. The Act mandates confidentiality and quick action by providers, while also providing them with liability protection. The Federal Communications Commission is tasked with creating rules to implement the Act, ensuring survivor safety and privacy.

The "Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act" ensures that federal employees and servicemembers required to work without pay during a government shutdown on or after March 14, 2025, are eligible for unemployment compensation. These essential workers will be considered temporarily separated from federal service, allowing them to access unemployment benefits during the shutdown period.

The "Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025" establishes a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mass mark hatchery fish in the Great Lakes. This program aims to evaluate the success of fish hatchery operations and fisheries management, supporting the recovery of native species, recreational fishing, and the Great Lakes regional economy. The Act authorizes $5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for program implementation, including equipment, tagging, personnel, and data sharing among stakeholders. This collaborative effort will involve federal, state, and tribal agencies to improve fisheries management and ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes.

The "Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025" allocates $150 million from 2025 to 2029 to improve public access to private lands for recreational purposes. It sets aside $3 million of this funding to specifically enhance access to lands covered by wetland reserve easements, through partnerships with state and tribal governments.

The "Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act" reauthorizes and expands programs aimed at supporting the mental health of healthcare providers. It requires annual reports on education and awareness initiatives, broadens eligibility for entities receiving funds, and extends funding for mental health support programs through 2030. The Act prioritizes reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers to improve access to mental health services.

This bill recognizes February 4, 2025, as National Cancer Prevention Day to raise awareness about cancer prevention and risk reduction. It supports the Cancer Moonshot's goal to reduce the cancer death rate and emphasizes the importance of early detection, knowledge expansion, and collaboration with experts to combat cancer.

The "Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025" aims to remove the existing Medicare exclusion for hearing aids and related examinations starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report on existing hearing aid programs, assessing their effectiveness and providing recommendations for improvement.