Legislative Activity

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.

This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating June 28, 2025, as "Community is Stronger than Cancer Day." The day aims to officially recognize and celebrate cancer patients, survivors, and the vital role of unpaid caregivers. It encourages communities nationwide to offer support, build connections, and work to remove barriers to cancer care. Ultimately, the day celebrates the inspiration and hope found within communities united against cancer.

The Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2025 updates federal law to broaden protections against intimate partner violence by expanding the definition of an "intimate partner" to explicitly include dating relationships. This bill also introduces a new federal prohibition on firearm possession for individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking. These changes aim to close loopholes and ensure comprehensive safety measures for survivors of abuse and harassment.

The Tech Safety for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Act addresses the growing problem of technological abuse against survivors. This bill establishes a temporary pilot program to fund partnerships between tech experts and victim service providers to combat digital abuse. Additionally, it creates a separate grant program to develop and provide educational resources and training on technological abuse for support organizations.

The Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act aims to simplify and update continuous enrollment rules for children in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This legislation standardizes terminology and clarifies existing provisions to ensure consistent coverage. The changes will take effect one year after the Act is signed into law.

This bill provides an emergency increase in federal Medicaid funding for states that commit to improving their Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). States will receive a 10 percentage point boost in their Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) for HCBS expenditures during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This additional funding must be used to expand workforce capacity, raise worker compensation, and increase access to services for eligible individuals. States must submit a plan detailing how they will use the funds to ensure the money supplements, rather than replaces, existing state spending.

This resolution expresses support for recognizing the first week of June as Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) Awareness Week. The goal is to increase public understanding of this chronic, painful skin disease affecting millions of Americans. By promoting awareness, the resolution aims to encourage earlier diagnosis, improved access to treatment, and increased research for this debilitating condition.

The Forage Fish Conservation Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the management of small, schooling fish that form the base of the marine food web. This bill mandates the official definition of "forage fish" and requires fishery councils to prioritize their conservation in management plans. Furthermore, it establishes new rules for setting catch limits based on the dietary needs of dependent predators and enhances monitoring for certain Atlantic fisheries. Ultimately, the Act seeks to ensure the sustainability of the entire ocean ecosystem by protecting these critical prey species.

This resolution officially supports the designation of May 16, 2025, as "Endangered Species Day." It recognizes the inherent value of America's plants and wildlife and acknowledges the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Furthermore, the bill celebrates the success of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in preventing extinctions and highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May 17, 2025, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to highlight the urgent need for action against diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). It calls for increased federal funding and focused research into this devastating pediatric brain cancer, which has seen no significant treatment advances in over 40 years. Furthermore, the bill encourages research grant organizations to prioritize funding based on cancer lethality and potential life-years lost.

The End Price Gouging for Medications Act requires the Secretary of HHS to establish annual reference prices for prescription drugs based primarily on the lowest retail prices found in 12 developed nations. Drug manufacturers must offer these drugs at or below the established reference price for all federal health programs and to all consumers, including those with private insurance. Manufacturers who violate this pricing structure will face significant civil penalties, with collected funds directed toward NIH drug research and development.

The Local Communities Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2025 establishes the voluntary Urban Bird Treaty Program to protect and improve bird habitats in city areas. This program directs the Secretary of the Interior to partner with local entities to restore habitats, reduce urban dangers to birds, and engage communities in conservation efforts. It also creates a competitive grant system, administered through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, to fund these local stewardship projects.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. It highlights the significant national impact of asthma and food allergies, noting the high rates of illness, missed school/work days, and associated healthcare costs. The bill encourages public awareness and appropriate activities throughout May to address these widespread health challenges.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2025 ensures that group health plans and insurers must cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. This means no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance will apply to these necessary exams. These provisions take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This resolution officially recognizes the recent observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and commends the spiritual renewal and fasting undertaken by Muslims. It extends best wishes to Muslims in the United States and globally for a joyous observance of Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of the fast. The bill further acknowledges the significant contributions of the Muslim community to American society.

The Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act mandates that providers of connected vehicle services must quickly terminate an abuser's remote access to a survivor's vehicle upon request, without imposing fees or requiring co-owner consent. This legislation requires providers to secure the survivor's information, offer clear instructions for regaining sole control, and establish specific notification procedures for all actions taken. The FCC is tasked with creating detailed regulations to ensure survivor safety and data confidentiality within two years of the bill's enactment.