Legislative Activity

The **REAADI for Disasters Act** aims to significantly improve disaster preparedness, response, and recovery for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It establishes dedicated funding, creates new grant programs, and mandates accessible standards across all phases of emergency management. The bill seeks to ensure these vulnerable populations are included in planning, protected from discrimination, and receive necessary human services during and after a disaster.

This bill, the DRIVE to HALT Drunk Driving Act, mandates that large vehicle manufacturers begin installing specific drunk and impaired driving prevention technology in a minimum number of new passenger vehicles annually. These requirements are tied to established performance specifications, including those from the Euro NCAP safety program. The mandate will remain in effect until a related final rule under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act takes effect.

The Clarity in Professional Degree Act seeks to reverse a Department of Education policy change that threatens the Federal student aid eligibility for many essential health, education, and graduate programs. This bill expands the definition of a "professional degree" to explicitly include critical fields like Nursing, Social Work, and various Education specialties. By securing aid eligibility, the Act aims to protect students and prevent worsening workforce shortages in vital sectors of the U.S. economy.

This Act officially names the memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery as the "World War II Women's Memorial." It also designates this memorial as a "commemorative work" under existing federal law. Furthermore, the bill allows a specific World War II home front women's commemorative work to be placed in designated areas within Washington, D.C., overriding standard location restrictions.

The Veterans Affairs Peer Review Neutrality Act of 2025 establishes strict new rules to eliminate conflicts of interest in quality review processes within the Veterans Health Administration. This legislation mandates that individuals reviewing the care of a colleague must be impartial and recuse themselves if they were directly involved in the case. Furthermore, it ensures that reviews of VA health care providers, including those serving on peer review committees, are conducted by neutral parties at different facilities when necessary.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the critical role of victim service providers. It recognizes these organizations for offering comprehensive physical, mental, emotional, financial, and legal support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The bill acknowledges that these essential providers are often under-resourced and calls for meaningful investment in their lifesaving work.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' strong support for lowering prescription drug prices for American patients to match the lowest prices found in other developed nations. It affirms the commitment to ensuring U.S. citizens do not pay more for the same medications than those abroad. The bill supports policies that align U.S. drug costs with international benchmarks, alongside other measures like expanding Medicare negotiation.

The Advancing Access to Telehealth Act aims to permanently extend key Medicare telehealth flexibilities that were established during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This legislation makes permanent expanded access for beneficiaries to receive care from home, broadens the scope of eligible practitioners, and ensures continued coverage for audio-only telehealth services. Furthermore, it eliminates several temporary in-person visit requirements for mental health, substance use disorder, and ESRD treatments provided via telehealth.

The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act aims to reduce the significant burden of asthma across the United States, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance asthma surveillance, education, and the development of State strategic control plans. It authorizes funding to improve the quality and reach of asthma management, focusing on reducing attacks, hospitalizations, and health disparities.

The Save Great Lakes Fish Act of 2025 authorizes the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to develop comprehensive strategies to combat invasive mussel species. This effort requires coordination with federal agencies, state, tribal, and local governments. The bill authorizes $500 million in funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 to support these critical conservation measures.

This bill establishes new research requirements focused on the health conditions affecting descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during military service. It mandates the creation of interagency task forces to conduct collaborative research on diagnosis and treatment for these descendants. Additionally, the legislation requires the VA to conduct a specific study on the biological descendants of Operation Ranch Hand veterans to assess birth defects and developmental delays.

The Keep Air Travel Safe Act ensures the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can continue all essential operations during a Congressional funding lapse. It allows the TSA Administrator to use unobligated prior-year funds to maintain activities at the previous year's spending rate. This temporary funding remains active until a new budget is passed or for a maximum of 180 days.

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as Gynecologic Cancers Awareness Month to highlight the serious impact of cancers like ovarian and endometrial cancer. By promoting awareness, the bill aims to encourage earlier diagnosis, support vital research efforts, and ultimately improve health outcomes for women affected by these diseases. This designation encourages the public to learn more about risk factors and prevention.

This resolution expresses the official support of Congress for designating the week of October 4–10, 2025, as World Space Week. It recognizes the importance of space science and technology for improving life on Earth and driving innovation across various sectors. The bill specifically encourages public and student participation in events celebrating the 2025 theme, "Living in Space."

The Expanding Seniors’ Access to PFAS Testing Act ensures Medicare beneficiaries will have no out-of-pocket costs for physician-ordered blood tests detecting PFAS "forever chemicals." This section amends the Social Security Act to waive all cost-sharing requirements for this specific screening. Beginning January 1, 2028, Medicare will cover 100% of the cost for PFAS testing.

The Veterans Emergency Care Reimbursement Act of 2025 modifies how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for emergency care received outside VA facilities when they have private insurance. This bill clarifies the definition of "copayment" for reimbursement purposes, explicitly excluding deductibles and coinsurance. It also broadens what counts as a reimbursement claim to include various out-of-pocket costs, applying these changes retroactively to claims filed since February 1, 2012.

The HCBS Worker Protection Act of 2025 removes a federal payment limitation for certain home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers under Medicaid. This change grants states greater flexibility in receiving federal matching funds for these essential community services.

The Keep USGS Strong Act ensures the continued vital scientific work of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) by exempting it from federal hiring freezes and workforce reduction mandates. This legislation recognizes the USGS's critical role in monitoring natural hazards, managing water resources, and providing essential scientific data for public safety and resource management. The bill protects current staffing levels and property leases, safeguarding the agency's ability to serve the nation.

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated, science-based program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to systematically mark hatchery-stocked fish in the Great Lakes. This effort aims to accurately assess the effectiveness of stocking practices and fishery management plans in the region. The Act authorizes $2.7 million annually through 2030 to support this crucial collaborative effort with state and tribal partners.

The Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025 extends the timeline for current Sport Fish Restoration funding allocation rules until 2031 and removes the spending cap for Interstate Fisheries Commission activities. The bill also updates boating infrastructure priorities to specifically include funding for alternative marine fuel facilities for larger vessels. Finally, it significantly reduces the federal excise tax rate on portable, electronically-aerated bait containers from 10 percent to 3 percent.