Legislative Activity

The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 expands Medicare benefits to include coverage for hearing aids and related examinations starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate current hearing loss programs and provide recommendations for improving access and care for beneficiaries.

The INCREASE Housing Affordability Act establishes a new tax credit to incentivize the conversion of underutilized office buildings into residential or mixed-use rental properties. To further support this effort, the bill creates an advisory board to provide technical assistance and guidance to state and local agencies on navigating the regulatory and logistical challenges of these conversions. By offering financial incentives and expert support, the legislation aims to accelerate housing supply and expand affordability across the country.

The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his extraordinary athletic achievements and lifelong humanitarian contributions. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the medal for presentation to his wife, Lonnie Ali, and authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicates.

The Equal COLA Act amends the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to ensure that retirees receive the full annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This legislation eliminates current discrepancies in calculation methods, providing federal annuitants with a COLA that matches the full percentage change in the price index.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a $25 million grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. This initiative provides grants to eligible organizations to hire veteran peer specialists, offer 24/7 nonclinical support, and ensure veteran privacy by prohibiting the collection of personally identifying information.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 annual tax credit for eligible healthcare professionals who provide at least 200 hours of clinical supervision to nursing students or newly hired nurses in designated health professional shortage areas. This initiative, effective from 2026 through 2032, aims to address nursing shortages by incentivizing hands-on training and mentorship. The bill also mandates periodic reporting to Congress to evaluate the program's effectiveness in expanding the nursing workforce.

The TRUST in Congress Act requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children to place covered financial investments into qualified blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill establishes strict deadlines for asset transfers and mandates public certification of compliance. These measures ensure that lawmakers cannot influence or benefit from their personal investments while serving in office.

This bill authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to $3 million annually from 2026 through 2031 to support groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects. By providing targeted technical and financial assistance, this initiative aims to enhance long-term water security and sustainability.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

The Every Drop Counts Act expands federal grant eligibility for water storage projects, specifically including smaller surface water initiatives and groundwater recharge efforts. By doubling the program's authorization period to ten years, the bill aims to increase long-term water security. These updates are designed to support local water management while ensuring full respect for existing state and federal water rights.

The Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act increases transparency in the dairy industry by requiring manufacturers to report detailed production costs and product yield data to the Secretary of Agriculture. This legislation mandates that these metrics be disclosed for all products processed within a facility, ensuring a more comprehensive view of dairy operations. The Secretary will publish these findings biennially to provide greater market insight for farmers and stakeholders.

The Retired Pay Restoration Act eliminates the current offset that reduces military retirement pay for veterans who also receive disability compensation. This legislation ensures that all eligible disabled retirees can receive both their full retirement pay and disability benefits concurrently, regardless of their disability rating. By removing these restrictions and phase-in periods, the bill ensures veterans receive the full compensation they have earned through their service.

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.