Legislative Activity

The Colorectal Cancer Payment Fairness Act eliminates the Medicare coinsurance requirement for certain colorectal cancer screening tests. This legislation removes the existing deadline related to cost-sharing for these screenings. Crucially, starting in 2026, Medicare will cover 100 percent of the cost for these preventative tests.

The Access to Contraception Expansion for Veterans Act (ACE Veterans Act) allows enrolled veterans to receive a full year's supply of FDA-approved contraceptive products at one time. This change applies to birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, and similar items prescribed by a VA doctor. The VA provider must inform the veteran of this option when writing the prescription.

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the national understanding and prevention of stillbirths. It authorizes federal grants to help states enhance stillbirth surveillance, data collection, and analysis, ensuring all collected data remains de-identified. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of clear federal guidelines for standardized data collection and the development of public educational materials regarding stillbirth risk factors.

This resolution supports the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Stillbirth Prevention and Awareness Day" to recognize the tens of thousands of families affected by stillbirth. It celebrates the passage of the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act of 2024, which aims to increase federal funding for stillbirth prevention research. Furthermore, the resolution urges the President to issue a proclamation encouraging national observance and action to reduce stillbirth rates.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.

The HIV Medication Access Act officially recognizes the provision of HIV prevention tools, including PrEP medication, as core life-saving humanitarian assistance. This legislation updates how the U.S. approaches HIV/AIDS prevention aid under existing foreign assistance laws. Furthermore, it mandates that the identification of at-risk populations for aid must align with scientific guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Billionaires Income Tax Act fundamentally changes how the wealthiest Americans are taxed by requiring them to pay taxes annually on the unrealized gains of their investment assets, eliminating indefinite tax deferral. It also removes several existing tax deferral mechanisms and imposes stricter tax consequences on these "applicable taxpayers" regarding investment income, expatriation, and deferred compensation. In essence, the bill aims to ensure that the ultra-wealthy pay taxes yearly on their growing wealth rather than waiting until assets are sold.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act nullifies two specific Executive Orders related to federal labor-management programs and prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce them. Furthermore, the Act ensures that all existing collective bargaining agreements between the federal government and labor organizations remain fully in effect until their original expiration dates. This legislation solidifies current federal union contracts while removing the authority of the voided orders.

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Literacy Month to raise awareness about the critical importance of reading skills. It highlights the significant national challenges in literacy rates and the economic costs associated with low literacy. The measure calls upon all sectors of society to observe the month by promoting evidence-based reading programs and activities.

The FAMILY Act establishes the Family and Medical Insurance Leave program, creating a new office within the Social Security Administration to manage paid benefits for qualified caregiving and serious health conditions. This law outlines eligibility requirements, a tiered formula for calculating monthly benefit payments, and protections against employer retaliation for taking leave. The Act also provides funding mechanisms for states that already have similar paid leave programs in place.

The Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act invalidates pre-dispute agreements that force individuals into private arbitration for employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights claims. This legislation protects the right of individuals and groups to pursue legal action in court rather than being compelled into private arbitration before a dispute arises. It ensures that courts, not arbitrators, decide if this new law applies to a specific agreement. The Act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 14 through September 20, 2025, as "Community School Coordinators Appreciation Week." It recognizes the vital role community school coordinators play in linking school and community resources to improve student outcomes and neighborhood success. The designation aims to celebrate these essential professionals and raise public awareness of their critical contributions.

The Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard Act (SUN Act) requires the President to report to Congress within 15 days following most domestic deployments of the National Guard. This report must detail the legal justification, goals, impact on civilians, local law enforcement feedback, and cost estimates for the deployment. This oversight requirement is waived only when the National Guard is deployed domestically due to a declared natural disaster.

The Small Business RELIEF Act exempts qualifying small businesses from import duties imposed under Executive Order 14257 due to a national emergency declaration. This legislation also mandates refunds for any such duties already paid by these small businesses. The goal is to provide immediate financial relief to small businesses impacted by these specific emergency tariffs.

This Act officially establishes the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025 to honor the life and groundbreaking civil rights achievements of the late legal pioneer. The bill authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to her family in recognition of her service, including her role in *Brown v. Board of Education*. Furthermore, it permits the Treasury to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act of 2025 mandates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish and maintain a public database and webpage detailing all U.S. "billion-dollar disasters." This hub must include estimated costs, location, and type of event, updated at least every six months. The system will also feature historical maps and graphs, ensuring continuity with previous disaster tracking methods.

The Keep Billionaires Out of Social Security Act aims to protect Social Security from external government interference, specifically exempting it from the jurisdiction of the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The bill also tightens restrictions on political appointees accessing beneficiary data, mandates that only verified deceased individuals are added to the Death Master File, and locks in current SSA office levels. Finally, it allocates significant new funding for improving customer service, modernizing technology, and establishing state and community grants to assist disability applicants.

The Enhancing First Response Act mandates the FCC to hold annual hearings and issue reports following major disaster communications outages to identify areas for improvement. It also requires the Office of Management and Budget to officially classify 911 dispatchers as a protective service occupation. Furthermore, the bill directs the FCC to report on the enforcement and effectiveness of existing laws regarding multi-line phone system compliance for emergency calls.

This Senate resolution expresses a profound lack of confidence in Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing numerous actions that allegedly undermine public health, scientific integrity, and the legal duties of his office. The resolution details accusations of illegal funding cuts, mass firings of career staff, and the dismantling of key advisory committees. Therefore, the Senate declares that the Secretary should be removed from his position.