Legislative Activity

The Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program administered by HRSA to support specially trained paramedics providing mobile healthcare services outside of emergency calls, primarily in rural areas. Eligible non-profit entities can apply for up to $\$1.5$ million over five years to fund staffing, equipment, training, and medical oversight for these patient-centered services. The bill specifically reserves a portion of funding for Tribal community programs and requires rigorous reporting on program outcomes.

The Small Business Liberation Act exempts qualifying small businesses from special duties or fees imposed by the President following a national emergency declaration. This provision ensures that small businesses are not burdened by extra import costs triggered during times of national crisis.

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.

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 LIHEAP Staffing Support Act establishes minimum staffing requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure effective program administration. It mandates a baseline of at least 20 dedicated employees, with limits on contractor usage during normal operations. Furthermore, the bill requires an emergency staffing boost to at least 30 employees within 45 days of declaring an energy crisis.

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.

The Defense Shipyard Workforce Housing Act of 2025 mandates a Department of Defense study to assess the feasibility, costs, and benefits of providing housing for civilian workers at four key naval shipyards. This comprehensive review will examine options for building or leasing housing and its potential impact on recruitment and retention. The findings, including recommendations, must be reported to Congress within 18 months of enactment.

The EMS Counts Act addresses the critical undercounting of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This bill mandates that the Secretary of Labor update occupational classifications to explicitly recognize dual-role firefighter-EMTs and firefighter-paramedics. By accurately counting all EMS practitioners, this legislation aims to improve federal planning for emergency response and disaster preparedness.

This resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' grave concern over the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza, alongside the plight of hostages. It urgently calls on the Administration to use all diplomatic tools to secure the release of all hostages. Furthermore, the bill demands the immediate delivery and secure distribution of essential humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the pipeline between skilled CTE graduates and small businesses. This legislation mandates that Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women's Business Centers actively educate businesses on hiring CTE graduates and connect these programs with entrepreneurial resources. The bill officially defines CTE by referencing existing federal law to ensure consistent standards.

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025 requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the specific challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities. This report must analyze current SBA resources, outreach efforts, and identify gaps in support for this community. Ultimately, the Act aims to uncover necessary improvements and suggest legislative actions to better support disabled business owners.

The ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act establishes a partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the National Council on Disability to significantly increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, particularly within small businesses. This collaboration focuses on supporting entrepreneurship, assisting small businesses with hiring and accessibility, and coordinating efforts through formal agreements. The SBA is required to report on the progress and future plans for expanding these opportunities two years after enactment, utilizing existing budgets for implementation.

The Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act aims to provide small businesses with greater clarity when the government cancels a federal contract solicitation they bid on. The bill mandates that federal agencies must publicly disclose the reasons for cancellation and any plans to reissue the opportunity. Furthermore, it establishes a process where small businesses whose bids are cancelled without reissue will be referred to an agency director to help them find alternative contracting opportunities.

The Plain Language in Contracting Act requires federal agencies to write contract opportunity notices for small businesses in a clear, concise, and easily understandable manner. This ensures small businesses can quickly find and comprehend relevant government contract postings on the main federal website. The Small Business Administration is tasked with establishing the rules to implement these clarity standards.

The WOSB Accountability Act mandates that federal agencies only count formally certified Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) toward their contracting goals, excluding those that are only self-certified. This change ensures greater accuracy in tracking government support for legitimate WOSBs. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is required to establish new rules for this process and provide regular progress reports to Congress.

The VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2025 (VALID Act) aims to increase awareness of VA loan options among homebuyers. It requires lenders to include comparative information about potential VA loan terms on standard FHA disclosure forms. Furthermore, the Act mandates that the Uniform Residential Loan Application include a prominent question regarding the applicant's military service.

The VET PFAS Act expands healthcare and disability benefits for veterans and their families exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals, like PFOA, at contaminated military installations. It establishes a presumption of service connection for specific related illnesses, making it easier for veterans to receive disability compensation. Furthermore, the bill grants eligible family members access to VA medical care, contingent upon future appropriations. The VA is also required to report annually on the implementation and utilization of these new provisions for three years.

The Servicemember Healthcare Freedom Act of 2025 aims to ensure continuous healthcare coverage for National Guard and Reserve members who are also federal employees. This bill removes the current restriction preventing these service members from enrolling in TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) if they are eligible for the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program. By allowing earlier enrollment in TRS starting January 1, 2026, the Act seeks to eliminate potential healthcare gaps during mobilization.

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 ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans are officially covered under Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services. This ensures essential vehicle modifications for safe driving and mobility are recognized as part of veteran medical benefits. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.