Legislative Activity

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 aims to combat the growing obesity epidemic, particularly among older adults, by expanding access to intensive behavioral therapy under Medicare. This bill mandates that Medicare Part D plans begin covering FDA-approved medications for obesity and weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, it requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of these new obesity treatment strategies.

This resolution commemorates the 65th anniversary of the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and recognizes its vital role in American space exploration history, from the Saturn V to the current Artemis missions. It specifically commends MSFC for its leadership in developing the Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket central to returning humans to the Moon and exploring deep space. The bill honors the workforce for their continued innovation and commitment to advancing NASA's goals.

The Ensuring Fee-Free Benefit Transactions Act of 2025 prohibits states and their contractors from charging SNAP-authorized retailers any fees for processing basic Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT transactions. This ban does not apply to fees specifically charged for the rental of necessary transaction equipment, such as card readers. These new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, overriding previous related regulations.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 significantly expands and permanently secures access to Medicare telehealth services by eliminating outdated geographic restrictions and allowing more practitioners to offer remote care. The bill also strengthens program integrity by dedicating funds for telehealth oversight while clarifying rules around providing necessary technology to patients. Finally, it mandates the creation of tailored educational resources and public reporting to improve quality measurement and transparency in remote care delivery.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the history, culture, and significant contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States. It highlights the deep roots and ongoing influence of the Caribbean diaspora across all sectors of American life. The bill encourages the nation to observe National Caribbean American Heritage Month and affirms that this diversity enriches the country.

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.

The EQIP Improvement Act of 2025 revises the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by adjusting payment limits for various conservation practices, including setting a 40% cost-share cap for certain infrastructure projects. The bill also lowers a separate payment limitation from $\$450,000$ to $\$150,000$. Furthermore, it establishes a new annual reporting requirement for the Secretary of Agriculture to detail EQIP spending by practice category and producer size.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall "Major" Taylor, recognizing the pioneering Black cyclist for his historic achievements and his fight against racial prejudice. The medal will be struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and presented to Taylor's great-granddaughter. The Act also authorizes the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

This resolution expresses strong support for recognizing the vital role fathers play in the well-being of children and communities across the United States. It highlights the positive impact of involved fathers and urges Congress to support policies like paid family leave and affordable childcare. Finally, the resolution officially designates Sunday, June 15, 2025, as Father's Day.

The PHARA Act of 2025 mandates the immediate release of all existing National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant funding and prohibits the cancellation of active research agreements. Moving forward, all new NIH grant agreements must include specific termination clauses requiring a 90-day notice and good-faith negotiation before ending the funding. Furthermore, this Act explicitly prevents the NIH from terminating agreements solely because the research no longer aligns with current agency goals or priorities.

The Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act removes a long-standing federal prohibition that prevented students from receiving certain housing assistance. This legislation allows the Secretary to waive specific requirements for Section 8 housing assistance for college students who live in campus housing and have a history in foster care or are emancipated minors. Crucially, any assistance received through this waiver will not negatively impact a student's eligibility for federal financial aid or other support programs.

The Medical Research for Our Troops Act increases the budget for the Defense Health Agency's research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). This legislation specifically restores and increases funding for these critical defense health programs. The restored funds must be used to support all previously directed medical research programs and initiatives as outlined in prior appropriations acts.

The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025 reforms federal firearm background check procedures, establishing a formal petition process for buyers when the system delays a decision beyond 10 business days. This bill removes the previous 10-day time limit on background checks under the Brady Act while mandating extensive reporting from the GAO and FBI on the effectiveness and outcomes of these delayed transfers. Furthermore, the Attorney General must report on the law's impact on domestic violence victims within 150 days of enactment.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

This resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all its forms. It calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such incidents and urges all sectors of society to speak out against hate.

The Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act establishes a new competitive grant program to fund activities that enhance and ensure inclusive arts education for children with disabilities. These grants will support organizations in developing new teaching methods, providing professional training, and adapting materials to increase access. Priority will be given to entities serving schools already receiving Title I funding, with an authorization of $15 million across five fiscal years.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The End Diaper Need Act of 2025 aims to combat diaper insecurity by significantly increasing federal funding through the Social Services Block Grant program to help states distribute diapers and adult incontinence supplies to low-income families and individuals. Additionally, the bill expands tax-advantaged savings accounts, such as HSAs and FSAs, to explicitly cover the cost of medically necessary diapers and related supplies. This dual approach seeks to ensure access to essential hygiene products for vulnerable populations.

This bill, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks to recognize her foundational contributions to science and medicine through her immortal HeLa cells. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal, which will ultimately be housed at the Smithsonian Institution. Furthermore, the Act authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.