Legislative Activity

This resolution urges the Director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately reevaluate the safety of all chemical abortion drugs based on recent independent studies. It highlights concerns that expanded access, including mail distribution, may increase risks of abuse and serious complications. The measure specifically calls for the FDA to publicly release a comprehensive safety review incorporating real-world complication data.

The Bridge the Gap for Rural Communities Act temporarily suspends federal payment limitations for the 2025 crop year. It also establishes an option for eligible producers to receive an advance partial payment of up to 50% of their projected 2025 covered commodity payments by the end of that year. This measure aims to provide immediate financial support to rural agricultural producers.

The Restoring Safeguards for Dangerous Abortion Drugs Act mandates that the FDA immediately revert the safety requirements for mifepristone to the 2011 Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). This legislation also establishes a new federal cause of action allowing individuals harmed by illegally imported abortion drugs to sue the responsible entities. Finally, the Act explicitly bans the importation of mifepristone into the United States.

The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act of 2025 establishes several new grant programs managed by the Attorney General to address the fentanyl crisis. These grants will fund local law enforcement efforts to stop social media drug sales, support non-profit organizations in running public awareness campaigns, and equip officers to safely handle fentanyl exposure. The Act specifically allocates funds for enforcement, education, and officer protection related to the dangers of fentanyl.

The FARMS Act temporarily pauses the calculation of the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) for H-2A agricultural visa workers for up to two years. This allows the Secretary of Labor to continue using the existing AEWR if a reliable new calculation method cannot be determined. The goal is to maintain wage stability for temporary foreign agricultural workers during this period.

The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (DRIVE-SAFE Act) establishes a structured apprenticeship program allowing drivers under 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. This program requires apprentices to complete 400 hours of supervised training, divided into two probationary phases focusing on foundational and advanced driving skills. Participation mandates specific vehicle technology, such as automatic transmissions and collision mitigation systems, and continuous supervision by an experienced driver.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. It condemns political violence and calls upon all Americans to reject extremism in favor of civil debate. The bill expresses deep sympathy to his family and urges a renewal of commitment to the values of faith, family, and freedom he championed.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory, transparent exception processes for health plans that use "step therapy" protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients or their doctors can quickly request coverage for a prescribed medication when specific clinical criteria are met, such as previous treatment failure or risk of harm. Plans must decide on standard requests within 72 hours and urgent requests within 24 hours, and approved exceptions must last for at least one year. Furthermore, insurers must report detailed data annually on exception requests, approvals, and denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Second Chance at Life Act of 2025 establishes new federal requirements for abortion providers offering chemical abortions involving two drugs. These rules mandate that doctors inform women about the possibility of reversing the effects of the first pill, mifepristone, at least 24 hours in advance. The law also requires specific signage in clinics and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create an accessible, privacy-focused website detailing reversal information. Finally, it creates a pathway for civil lawsuits against providers who knowingly violate these new informed consent and disclosure mandates.

The Chloe Cole Act prohibits healthcare professionals from engaging in chemical or surgical mutilation of minors, defined as specific medical interventions intended to alter appearance or biological function related to sex. This prohibition is enforced through federal jurisdiction when interstate commerce is involved in the procedure. The bill also establishes a private right of action, allowing individuals subjected to these procedures as minors to sue participating providers, and sets strict liability standards for future violations.

The Medical Student Education Authorization Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to bolster primary healthcare in medically underserved communities. This funding, administered by HRSA, will support public medical colleges that train students committed to practicing in high-need areas like rural or Tribal regions. Grants will focus on developing community-based training, increasing faculty capacity, and providing direct student support to improve the primary care workforce pipeline.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

This resolution expresses strong support for and officially designates **September 17, 2025, as "Constitution Day."** It recognizes the profound historical importance of the U.S. Constitution as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The measure encourages all Americans to observe the day with suitable ceremonies reflecting on the freedoms and responsibilities the document grants.

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 ensures that essential Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, including law enforcement and critical support staff, continue to receive pay and allowances during a government shutdown. This automatic funding remains active until a new budget is passed or until January 1, 2027. The goal is to maintain critical national security operations even without full appropriations.

The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 ensures that active duty military personnel and essential civilian support staff continue to receive their pay if Congress has not yet passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026. This act provides automatic continuing appropriations from the Treasury to prevent a lapse in military salaries due to budget delays. The funding automatically terminates once a new budget or continuing resolution is passed, or on January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

The Protect LNG Act of 2025 aims to streamline and stabilize the permitting process for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities. It ensures that existing facility approvals remain valid even if challenged in court over environmental reviews, requiring courts to remand violations to agencies for correction rather than invalidating permits. Furthermore, the Act centralizes legal challenges to these covered applications exclusively in the U.S. Court of Appeals with geographic jurisdiction over the facility, subject to a strict 90-day filing deadline.

The FIREARM Act aims to protect licensed firearm dealers from overly harsh penalties for minor or self-reported mistakes. It establishes new standards requiring the government to provide notice and an opportunity for dealers to correct violations before license revocation. Furthermore, the bill retroactively applies these protections to licenses previously revoked under a specific 2021 enforcement policy, allowing affected individuals a path to reapply.

The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025 extends crucial federal funding for programs supporting law enforcement officers in crisis. This bill specifically reauthorizes existing support and treatment initiatives for an additional five years, running from 2025 through 2029. It ensures continued resources are available for officers needing mental health and wellness assistance.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act limits how consumer reporting agencies can share a consumer's report when it is requested in connection with a residential mortgage loan. Reports can only be shared with entities directly involved in the consumer's current mortgage or those providing a firm offer of credit or insurance. The Act also mandates a study by the GAO regarding the use and impact of "trigger leads" derived from credit checks.

The BOP Release Card ID Act of 2025 mandates that the Bureau of Prisons issue a REAL ID-compliant photo identification card to all departing federal prisoners, valid for at least 18 months. This federal release card must be accepted for identity verification when accessing major federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, and SNAP. Furthermore, the BOP must establish agreements with states to help former inmates use this card to obtain standard state identification. The Attorney General will also issue guidance to states on creating similar release ID programs for state prisoners.