Legislative Activity

The "Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025" ensures veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities can receive hospital care and medical services outside of the United States. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide care that meets U.S. standards, including FDA-approved medications, and mandates direct deposit for reimbursements. The Act also directs the VA to modernize its digital services by allowing digital submission and tracking of required forms, and requires a report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these changes.

The SALT Deductibility Act repeals the limitation on individual taxpayer's ability to deduct state and local taxes. This change removes the deduction cap that was put in place and will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. Grants, up to $250,000, will be awarded to eligible entities like nonprofits and veteran service organizations to operate programs that meet specific standards, hire veteran peer specialists, and provide 24/7 mental health support. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will establish an advisory committee to set program standards and best practices. The bill allocates $25,000,000 over three years to carry out the program.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 tax credit for eligible nurse preceptors working in Health Professional Shortage Areas. To qualify, preceptors must be licensed registered nurses or healthcare providers who supervise and train nursing students or new nurses for at least 200 hours annually and obtain certification verifying their hours. This credit is available from 2026 through 2032, with annual reports to Congress and a final evaluation on its effectiveness due by June 30, 2033.

The "HEADWAY Act" amends the Head Start Act to improve teacher qualifications in Early Head Start programs. It mandates that at least one teacher per classroom has a minimum credential, and other teachers are working towards a Child Development Associate credential. The act also requires Early Head Start agencies to provide mentorship and training opportunities for teachers. This aims to enhance the quality of care and education for infants and toddlers in these programs.

The Goldie's Act seeks to strengthen the USDA's enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by mandating annual inspections, requiring humane treatment of suffering animals, and imposing significant penalties for violations. It ensures transparency through mandated sharing of violation records and sets firm guidelines for determining penalties based on the severity and frequency of violations. The Act also enables legal action to recover unpaid penalties and penalizes the disobedience of "cease and desist" orders.

The "Health Care Affordability Act of 2025" expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals and families to qualify for financial assistance. The bill adjusts the premium tax credit calculation, providing a sliding scale based on income to ensure affordability. These changes will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The "Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes key programs dedicated to the Long Island Sound's health. It extends the Long Island Sound grants program and the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006, continuing these initiatives from 2025 through 2029. The bill also makes a technical correction by redesignating a paragraph within the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

The "National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act" aims to support the National Law Enforcement Museum's programs for community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The act authorizes \$6,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for each of the first 7 fiscal years after the law is enacted. It requires annual progress reports to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds. The Act allows the Secretary to use funds to continue activities the National Law Enforcement Museum was already doing when this law was enacted.

The "Retired Pay Restoration Act" expands eligibility for military retirees to receive both retired pay and veteran's disability compensation, regardless of disability rating. It removes the previous requirement that retirees have a service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher to receive both payments. This change ensures that qualified retirees, excluding certain Chapter 61 retirees, can receive both benefits without reduction. The act takes effect on January 1, 2021, applying to payments for months beginning on or after that date.

The "Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025" amends federal law to criminalize the act of "swatting," where false information is reported to trigger an emergency response. Those who commit swatting would face increased penalties, including fines and imprisonment, especially if serious bodily injury or death results. Additionally, individuals who engage in swatting would be liable for the costs incurred by emergency responders due to the false report.

The "Advanced Border Coordination Act of 2025" mandates the creation of Joint Operations Centers along the southern U.S. border to improve coordination between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. These centers will serve as hubs for communication, ground, air, and sea operation coordination, and information sharing to combat criminal activities and enhance border security. The Department of Homeland Security is required to report annually to Congress on the progress, resources, and effectiveness of these centers.