Legislative Activity

This bill, the Prior Authorization Reform for Autoimmune and Blood Disorders Act, mandates that health plans cover prescribed drugs for autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders. It also significantly limits insurers from requiring prior authorization for these specific treatments more than once every 12 months. These new coverage and authorization requirements take effect starting in 2027.

The FORTIFY Act streamlines defense cooperation among Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania by removing the requirement for Presidential consent for the transfer of U.S.-provided defense articles and services between these Baltic states. This legislation aims to enhance regional security and deter aggression by allowing the Baltic nations to more flexibly share military assets. It also mandates the creation of a shared ammunition system among the three allies.

The VOTE Act establishes minimum notification requirements for voters when their assigned polling place changes for a federal election. It mandates that states notify affected voters through mail, phone, text, and email at least seven days before the election. The bill also sets specific notification rules for jurisdictions using vote centers and for locations that are no longer serving as polling places.

The FED UP with Bleeding Disorders Act of 2026 aims to address the significant underdiagnosis and lack of specialized care for women and girls with bleeding disorders. The bill mandates an interagency review of federal programs concerning these disorders, followed by the establishment of a national public education and awareness campaign. This legislation seeks to improve timely diagnosis, enhance provider training, and increase access to appropriate treatment for affected populations.

The U.S. in Expos Act ends the previous restriction that required U.S. participation in international expositions to be funded solely through private donations. This legislation authorizes federal funding for U.S. pavilions at world's fairs to ensure continued American leadership and cultural representation on the global stage. The Department of State must now notify Congress before spending funds and submit a final report after the pavilion opens.

The EMPOWER Act formalizes the U.S. policy of promoting women's economic security and advancement in South and Central Asia through public-private partnerships. It mandates the expansion of existing Women's Councils to foster private sector commitments supporting women's employment and entrepreneurship. The bill also establishes a dedicated Unit within the State Department, led by a Special Advisor, to oversee these efforts and requires regular reporting to Congress on their impact.

The USA 6G Global Leadership Act establishes the national interest in the U.S. leading the global development of 6G technology to counter unfair practices by competitors like China. The bill directs the State Department to coordinate diplomatic efforts, prioritize projects using trusted vendors in developing nations, and develop a comprehensive strategy for U.S. dominance in 6G. This legislation aims to ensure American companies compete effectively and shape international telecommunications standards.

This bill ensures the Department of Homeland Security remains fully operational during any lapse in fiscal year 2026 appropriations by providing necessary administrative funding. It specifically mandates that the Department maintain consistent communication and responsiveness to congressional offices throughout such periods.

The Community Health Workforce Development Act establishes an Advisory Committee on Training in Community Health Centers to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This committee will focus on developing policy, performance measures, and evaluation guidelines for training activities within community health centers. The Act mandates regular meetings and public reporting on findings and funding recommendations for these critical workforce programs.

The Qualified Immunity Accountability Act aims to increase accountability for government officials who violate civil rights. This bill amends federal law to lower the intent standard required for criminal prosecution of rights violations and eliminates qualified immunity as a defense in civil lawsuits against law enforcement officers. By removing the "clearly established law" defense, the Act makes it easier for individuals to hold officers accountable for depriving them of their constitutional rights.

This Act strengthens financial literacy requirements for service members by shifting responsibility for the financial literacy survey to the Secretary of Defense and expanding the data collected. It mandates improvements to tracking and addressing non-completion of mandatory training. Furthermore, the legislation requires the development of a strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of the Department of Defense's financial education programs.

The Fast Track Healthcare Apprenticeships Act aims to streamline the creation of healthcare apprenticeship programs by establishing a national registration system with strict 45-day processing deadlines. This legislation mandates the digitization of all apprenticeship agreement forms to modernize the administrative process. The goal is to accelerate the development of the healthcare workforce.

The Whistleblowers Aiding National Security Act of 2025 establishes a new incentive program within the State Department to reward individuals who report violations of arms export controls. This program mandates financial awards ranging from 10% to 30% of collected civil penalties for credible, original information. Furthermore, the Act provides robust protections against employer retaliation for whistleblowers participating in the program.

The Reliable Social Security Service for Seniors Act mandates that the Social Security Administration (SSA) ensure all offices have sufficient staff to answer phone calls between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday (excluding Federal holidays). This requirement aims to improve accessibility for seniors seeking assistance. These new staffing standards will officially take effect on January 1, 2027.

The Patient Access to Autoimmune Treatments (PAAT) Act mandates that Medicare Part D prescription drug plans must cover all specified drugs for autoimmune diseases, hemophilia, and Von Willebrand disease starting in 2027. Furthermore, the bill limits the requirement for prior authorization for these specific treatments to no more than once every 12 months. This aims to improve patient access and reduce administrative hurdles for individuals managing these chronic conditions.

The Protect Elections from Deceptive AI Act prohibits the knowing distribution of materially deceptive, AI-generated audio or visual media of federal candidates close to an election with the intent to influence the outcome. This ban includes exceptions for legitimate news reporting, satire, and parody, provided proper disclosures are made. Candidates whose likeness is used deceptively can sue for immediate removal of the content and damages.

This Act prohibits the use of any United States embassy, consulate, or diplomatic residence for the purpose of fundraising for any foreign political party or candidate. The legislation clarifies that while diplomatic engagement with foreign political entities is a core function, using U.S. government property to provide a financial or electoral boost to a foreign political campaign is strictly forbidden. The Secretary of State is required to update regulations within 90 days to enforce this prohibition.

The Pipeline Security Act assigns the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) responsibility for securing pipeline transportation and facilities against cybersecurity, terrorism, and other threats. This legislation mandates the TSA Administrator to develop and enforce security guidelines, directives, and regulations in consultation with CISA and industry stakeholders. The Act also requires regular oversight reporting to Congress and a review by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the implementation of these new security measures.

The Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act of 2025 establishes that reproductive rights are fundamental human rights based on international commitments. This bill mandates that the State Department must include a detailed, required section on the status of reproductive rights in every country within its annual human rights reports. These reports must cover access to contraception, abortion services, and instances of reproductive coercion or discrimination against marginalized groups. The Act aims to ensure robust U.S. monitoring and accountability regarding global reproductive health and autonomy.

The Easy Returns Act mandates that large retailers (with 500+ employees) selling physical goods online must include a pre-paid return shipping label with the original shipment. This requirement aims to simplify the return process for consumers, unless the seller offers an equally convenient alternative return method. The FTC is tasked with establishing enforcement regulations for this new requirement, which takes effect one year after enactment.