Legislative Activity

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 Stand Strong for Medicare Act expands Medicare coverage to include essential fall prevention items such as grab bars and shower chairs. This legislation removes the requirement for a physician's order for these specific safety devices to be covered. Furthermore, payments for these newly covered items are protected from budget sequestration cuts.

The Stand Strong Falls Prevention Act establishes an Advisory Committee on Falls Prevention within the Administration on Aging to coordinate federal efforts and develop a national plan to reduce falls among older adults. This committee will evaluate existing programs and recommend priority actions, including pilot programs for Medicare coverage of home modifications to prevent falls. The Assistant Secretary will also submit regular reports to Congress on national progress and recommendations for reducing the financial burden of falls.

The WELL Seniors Act of 2025 aims to significantly enhance Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) by expanding covered screenings to include fall risk assessment and broader social determinants of health. This legislation also incentivizes providers with bonus payments for thorough visits and allows physical therapists, occupational therapists, and pharmacists to deliver these services. Furthermore, the bill mandates national outreach to educate beneficiaries and requires comprehensive research on AWV utilization and barriers to access.

The CIVICS Act of 2025 updates federal funding criteria for national history and civics education programs. It mandates that any approved activity must demonstrate measurable improvements in student achievement across history, civics, and geography. Furthermore, funded programs must incorporate innovative, scalable methods, accountability measures, and practical, hands-on civic engagement focused on the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The Preventive Home Visit Act establishes new Medicare coverage for comprehensive, in-home preventive assessments conducted by qualified health professionals. These visits aim to identify home-based health risks and provide necessary referrals for modifications or training to prevent falls and maintain wellness. Coverage is limited to once every two years, with payments set at 100% of the actual cost or the established rate.

This resolution officially designates September 25, 2025, as "National Lobster Day." It recognizes the lobster's significant historical, economic, and cultural importance to the United States, highlighting the industry's long-standing commitment to sustainability. The measure encourages Americans to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities celebrating this iconic seafood.

The Safeguarding Department of Veterans Affairs Dependent Education Benefits Act of 2025 aims to protect education benefits for victims of abuse. This bill allows spouses or children to petition for the reinstatement of Post-9/11 Educational Assistance benefits that were previously transferred but terminated due to the service member's conviction or administrative separation for dependent abuse. The process requires victims to apply with evidence, and denials can be appealed to the Secretary of Defense or Homeland Security.

The Working Waterfront Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act establishes a new federal tax credit for investments made to protect waterfront businesses from natural disasters. This credit equals 30% of qualified investments in eligible mitigation projects, subject to an annual cap of $300,000 per taxpayer. Qualifying projects must utilize specific hazard reduction techniques to protect property used for water-dependent commercial activities.

This resolution recognizes and affirms the vital, evidence-based work of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in determining effective preventive health services. It emphasizes the importance of the Task Force's recommendations, which directly influence mandatory coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act. The resolution calls for the Department of Health and Human Services to immediately ensure the Task Force can continue its operations and that current members complete their mandated terms without interruption.

The PRIME Act, or Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, creates an exemption from federal inspection for small-scale slaughter and meat preparation conducted at custom facilities. This exemption applies only if all processing adheres to state laws and the resulting meat is distributed exclusively within that state to households or local businesses serving in-state customers. Furthermore, the bill explicitly ensures that it does not override or preempt any existing state laws regarding meat processing or sales.

The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Access Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire additional land for the Monument through voluntary purchase, donation, or exchange, explicitly prohibiting eminent domain. Once acquired, new lands are incorporated into the Monument, which must be managed according to the original Presidential Proclamation and existing park laws. The Act also mandates the continuation of existing recreational activities like hunting and fishing on newly added lands, while requiring public education efforts that acknowledge local history and tribal influence. Finally, it allows for the acquisition of up to 10 acres outside the Monument for administrative and visitor facilities.

The America's First Fuels Act aims to incentivize the adoption of biomass heating technology through significant tax credits. It increases the existing energy-efficient home improvement credit limit up to \$10,000 for qualifying biomass stoves and boilers installed after 2025. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new 30% investment tax credit for businesses installing qualifying "open-loop biomass heating property."

The Jobs in the Woods Act establishes a new competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to fund forestry workforce development. These grants aim to support training programs for forestry jobs specifically within eligible, low-income rural communities that meet certain broadband standards. Eligible entities can apply for grants between $\$500,000$ and $\$2$ million over four years, with priority given to programs addressing workforce shortages and ensuring job placement.

This bill establishes a refundable tax credit to help individuals cover the costs of making their homes more accessible, particularly for those with disabilities or who are over age 60. Eligible taxpayers can claim 35% of qualified improvement expenses, up to an annual limit of \$10,000 and a lifetime limit of \$30,000. The credit is subject to income phase-outs based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.

This bill officially renames the Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia National Park in Maine to the George J. Mitchell Visitor Center. The designation will also apply to any future primary visitor center built to replace the current location. This change ensures all official government records reflect the new name.

The Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 expands access to credit from Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations. This legislation specifically allows these institutions to provide loans and financial services to businesses that furnish essential operating services to aquatic product producers and harvesters. The goal is to strengthen the financial support network for the commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.

The Saving Our Veterans Lives Act of 2025 establishes a new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program to provide eligible veterans with free, U.S.-made, secure firearm storage items or vouchers. This initiative aims to promote safe storage practices as a suicide prevention measure without infringing on veterans' rights to own firearms. The VA must educate veterans about the program and submit annual reports to Congress detailing its implementation and reach.

The DELIVER Act of 2025 aims to support meal delivery to vulnerable populations by increasing the tax deduction for volunteers using their personal vehicles. This legislation allows volunteers delivering meals to elderly, disabled, frail, and at-risk individuals to claim the standard IRS business mileage rate for those specific trips. This change ensures greater reimbursement for those providing essential meal services.

The Farmhouse-to-Workforce Housing Act of 2025 amends the Housing Act of 1949 to provide grants and loans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the preservation of single-family housing that is at least 25 years old. It sets specific requirements for the use of funds, including owner-occupancy, lease terms, and income limits for ADUs, and it caps the amount of assistance available for both single-family housing and ADUs. The act also allows recipients to use up to 20% of the funds for administrative costs and authorizes an appropriation of $200,000,000 for these purposes.