Legislative Activity

The No Surprises Act Enforcement Act significantly increases financial penalties for group health plans and insurance issuers that violate balance billing protections. It establishes steep fines, including up to $\$10,000$ per affected individual for serious non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill imposes severe penalties, including triple the disputed amount plus interest, for failing to make required payments promptly after an Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) determination. Finally, it mandates more frequent and detailed transparency reporting on enforcement actions and violations.

The District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act prohibits the District from establishing new Sister City relationships with any city or region located in a country designated as a foreign adversary. Existing partnerships with such nations must be terminated within 180 days or upon the agreement's expiration. Furthermore, the District cannot use federal funds for international liaison services without certifying compliance with this Act to the President.

The DIGNIDAD Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill that significantly overhauls U.S. immigration policy across five major divisions. Division A focuses on aggressive border security enhancements, infrastructure modernization, and increased criminal penalties for immigration offenses, while Division B establishes pathways to legal status for long-term residents who entered as children and creates a temporary protection program for others. Finally, Division C aims to improve legal immigration by reducing green card backlogs, streamlining employment and student visas, and providing new discretionary relief for family separation cases.

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act of 2025 aims to increase transparency and accountability across the prescription drug supply chain. It mandates fairer pharmacy network access for Medicare beneficiaries and imposes strict new financial reporting and service fee requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) working with Medicare and private health plans. Furthermore, the bill establishes new federal mechanisms to accurately track drug acquisition costs in Medicaid and explicitly bans the practice of "spread pricing" in state Medicaid contracts.

This bill, the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act, establishes a new mandatory rebate system for manufacturers of certain drugs selected for Maximum Fair Price (MFP) negotiation under Medicare. Manufacturers must pay quarterly rebates based on the difference between the standard Medicare payment and the lower negotiated MFP for units sold under Part B. These changes also adjust beneficiary coinsurance calculations to reflect the lower MFP, ensuring patient out-of-pocket costs are based on the negotiated price.

The Association Health Plans Act amends federal law to allow certain groups or associations of employers to sponsor a single group health plan, treating them as a single employer for coverage purposes. This aims to expand access to health coverage by enabling broader risk pooling across different industries. The bill establishes specific criteria these associations must meet to qualify, including minimum size and operational standards. Finally, it outlines rules for setting premium rates and prohibits discrimination based on health status for plans established under this Act.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians Parity Act officially confirms the tribe's status under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, treating them as if they were under federal jurisdiction since that date. This legislation also validates and confirms all land previously taken into trust by the Secretary of the Interior for the benefit of the tribe. Essentially, the bill ensures parity and legal certainty regarding the tribe's historical relationship with the federal government concerning land and recognition.

This resolution supports the designation of June 2025 as "National Men's Health Month" to raise awareness about significant health disparities affecting American men. It highlights lower life expectancy, higher rates of certain chronic diseases, and barriers to seeking preventive care. The goal is to encourage early detection and treatment for male-specific health issues through public education.

The LEDGER Act mandates the creation of a comprehensive, centralized system managed by the Secretary of the Treasury to track every expenditure made by all branches of the U.S. Government. This new system must detail exactly where federal funds are spent and how long those funds were available for obligation. The goal is to significantly enhance the traceability and transparency of government spending.

This joint resolution expresses Congressional disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rule regarding California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" vehicle pollution standards. By rejecting this rule, Congress is effectively canceling the EPA's decision to grant California a waiver allowing it to set stricter emission standards than federal law typically permits. Consequently, the approved California standards will not take effect.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding California's stringent motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation." By exercising disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, this measure prevents the EPA's decision on waiving federal preemption for these California standards from taking legal effect. If passed, the EPA's rule will be entirely canceled.

The Patient Access to Higher Quality Health Care Act of 2025 aims to repeal specific provisions within the Affordable Care Act and related legislation that limited exceptions to the prohibition on certain physician referrals to hospitals under Medicare. This action effectively restores pre-ACA rules regarding physician referrals for hospital services. The bill focuses on modifying existing Medicare regulations concerning physician-hospital relationships.

The FIGHT Act of 2025 significantly strengthens federal prohibitions against animal fighting ventures, specifically targeting the sponsorship, exhibition, and gambling associated with these events. This legislation clarifies the definition of a rooster for legal purposes and bans the interstate transport of roosters for fighting. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, allowing for civil penalties and the potential seizure of property used to facilitate illegal animal fighting.

This resolution supports the designation of the week of June 9 through June 15, 2025, as "National Men's Health Week." It aims to raise national awareness about preventable health issues affecting men and boys, who often delay seeking medical care. The goal is to encourage increased participation in preventive screenings and early detection for serious conditions. Congress formally asks the President to issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide observance of this week.

This resolution formally condemns the Chinese Communist Party for the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and its ongoing crackdown on human rights and freedoms in mainland China and Hong Kong. It demands that the PRC cease censorship regarding the massacre and uphold its commitments to Hong Kong's autonomy. Furthermore, the resolution expresses solidarity with victims and calls for accountability regarding abuses in Xinjiang and the suppression of democracy.

The COUNTER Act enhances the Department of Defense's authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems targeting U.S. assets. This legislation delegates specific response powers and updates mitigation rules for drone threats. Crucially, it exempts sensitive information regarding these counter-drone technologies and procedures from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also adjusts several deadlines and clarifies the applicability of certain federal laws when operating overseas to counter these threats.

The Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act establishes a Center of Expertise for Indo-Pacific Maritime Governance to enhance regional training and cooperation. It mandates the Coast Guard to produce an annual operational plan and budget specifically for Pacific activities, aligning with State and Defense goals. Furthermore, the bill requires several key reports assessing the feasibility of a standing maritime group, the need for forward operating bases, and the expansion of Coast Guard diplomatic attaché presence in the region.

This bill disapproves of and nullifies the Department of Energy's rule on energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

The Streamlining Critical Mineral Permitting Act aims to expedite the permitting process for facilities handling critical energy resources. It introduces a new definition for "critical energy resource," determined by the Secretary of Energy based on national necessity and supply chain vulnerability. This change specifically modifies how interim hazardous waste permits are handled for facilities processing these vital resources under the Solid Waste Disposal Act.