Legislative Activity

The Pray Safe Act of 2025 establishes a Federal Clearinghouse within the Department of Homeland Security to share evidence-based best practices for the safety and security of nonprofit organizations and houses of worship. This Clearinghouse will also serve as a central resource for identifying and accessing relevant federal security grant opportunities. The Act mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congress on existing federal security funding for these organizations. This entire Act is set to expire four years after its enactment.

This resolution supports the designation of September 19, 2025, as "National Concussion Awareness Day" to highlight the seriousness of concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It emphasizes the need for better public awareness, improved diagnostic protocols, and stronger "return-to-play/learn" guidelines, especially for young people. Ultimately, the goal is to encourage federal, state, and local leaders to collaborate on prevention and proper management strategies.

The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act clarifies and promotes awareness of how Medicare covers occupational therapy services for mental health and substance use disorders. It mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services educate stakeholders on the existing Medicare coverage guidelines and proper billing codes for these essential treatments.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on designating the Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire as a National Heritage Area. The study will assess the suitability and feasibility of this designation, considering the site's unique historical significance to the Shaker movement. The Secretary must consult with relevant state, local, and historical organizations during this process.

The Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act aims to increase transparency by requiring drug and biological product sponsors to certify that the patent information submitted to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) aligns with the data provided to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures consistency regarding patentability information shared between the two agencies. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new defense in patent infringement lawsuits if the patent holder negligently or intentionally failed to disclose this required information. These measures are designed to promote patent integrity alongside drug approval processes.

The Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act updates the schedule for the Northern Border threat analysis, requiring new submissions by September 2, 2025, and every three years thereafter. It mandates that the Department of Homeland Security update its Northern Border strategy every five years, incorporating the latest threat analysis findings. The bill also requires classified briefings on the analysis and directs the development of performance measures for Air and Marine Operations along the northern border, all without authorizing new appropriations.

The REPORT Act mandates that key federal officials, including the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, submit unclassified reports to Congress and the public following an act of terrorism in the United States. These reports must detail the facts of the incident, identify security gaps, and offer recommendations for prevention. While specific sensitive information may be withheld if it jeopardizes an ongoing investigation, the overall goal is to ensure transparency and improve national security measures. This reporting requirement is set to terminate five years after the Act's enactment.

The "Improving Veteran Access to Care Act" establishes an integrated project team within the VA to improve healthcare appointment scheduling. This team will develop a scheduling system for VA personnel and patients to view and book appointments across all VA facilities, create a self-service scheduling platform for patients, and establish a phone-based scheduling process. The team must be fully established within 180 days and complete its objectives within one year, with regular reports to Congress on progress and challenges.

The Fair Billing Act mandates that off-campus hospital outpatient departments must obtain a unique identification number to receive Medicare payment starting in 2026. Providers must also attest to the Secretary that these off-campus departments comply with all relevant regulations. This ensures proper identification and compliance verification for services provided away from the main hospital campus.

The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act modernizes how the FDA reviews the safety and effectiveness of topical drug ingredients, including those in sunscreen, by allowing the use of real-world evidence and promoting non-animal testing alternatives. The bill mandates that the FDA's final administrative order on sunscreen ingredients must consider historical data and the role of broad-spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreens in preventing skin cancer. Furthermore, it establishes annual reporting requirements to Congress detailing progress on these new evidence standards and the adoption of alternative testing methods.

The Advocate for Employee Ownership Act establishes a new Advocate position within the Department of Labor to promote and support employee ownership structures like ESOPs. This Advocate will serve as a central resource to connect stakeholders, educate the public, and resolve disputes related to employee ownership. Furthermore, the role includes recommending legislative and regulatory changes to facilitate the growth of employee-owned businesses. The Advocate must also submit an annual report to Congress detailing their activities and identifying barriers to employee ownership expansion.

The ALERT Communities Act aims to enhance overdose prevention by allowing states and tribes to use grant funds to distribute fentanyl and xylazine test strips where legally permitted. The bill also mandates training for first responders on the use and distribution of these test strips. Furthermore, it directs the HHS to establish clear research and marketing frameworks for new test strip technology and to study the impact of these interventions on overdose rates and treatment access.

The GPS Resiliency Report Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within one year detailing the risks to the Global Positioning System (GPS) and associated navigation services. This report must assess adversary capabilities, review current Department of Defense redundancy efforts, and evaluate the Space Force's plan to harden GPS satellites. Furthermore, the Act requires the development of a framework for a fully operational, ground-based backup system within 15 years.

The DETERRENCE Act significantly increases federal penalties for several serious crimes, including kidnapping, murder-for-hire, stalking, and assaults against federal officials and their families. These enhanced sentences are specifically triggered when the criminal activity is knowingly directed by, or coordinated with, a foreign government or its agents. The bill aims to provide stronger legal tools to counter threats orchestrated by external state actors.

The Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2025 aims to combat the growing threat of illicit online marketplaces operating on the dark web, particularly those distributing illegal drugs. The bill establishes a new interagency task force within the FBI to investigate and dismantle these criminal operations. Furthermore, it increases penalties for dark web drug trafficking offenses and mandates reports on the use of virtual currencies in these illegal transactions.

The Nutrition CARE Act of 2025 aims to address the critical gaps in eating disorder treatment within the Medicare program. This bill specifically expands Medicare coverage to include essential medical nutrition therapy services for beneficiaries diagnosed with an eating disorder, effective January 1, 2026. Coverage will be provided by registered dietitians following a referral from a physician or psychologist, with established limits on covered hours.

The Retirement Investment in Small Employers Act significantly enhances tax incentives for very small businesses to establish new employee retirement plans. It boosts the startup tax credit for "qualified microemployers" (those with 10 or fewer employees) from covering 50% to 100% of administrative costs. Furthermore, the maximum deductible administrative cost cap for these employers is raised from $500 to $2,500.

The Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act aims to modernize K-12 math and science education to meet the demands of modern data-driven careers. It authorizes the NSF to fund research and development for improving instruction in mathematical and statistical modeling, focusing on real-world data and career transitions. The bill also mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies on effective modeling education pathways from pre-K through 12th grade. This authority to award new grants will sunset on September 30, 2029.

The Quantum National Security Coordination and Competition Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated office within the Department of Defense to lead and coordinate all quantum technology efforts related to national security. This office is tasked with advancing research, building expertise, and ensuring U.S. global competitiveness in quantum sensing, computing, and communications. Furthermore, the Act mandates regular, classified reports to Congress detailing U.S. capabilities versus those of adversarial nations like China, Russia, and Iran.

The Increasing Transparency in Generic Drug Applications Act requires the FDA to confirm whether a generic drug's inactive ingredients match the brand-name version upon request. If differences exist, the FDA must specify which ingredients and amounts deviate from the original drug. This measure aims to streamline the generic drug approval process by providing clarity on formulation equivalence.