Legislative Activity

The TAP Promotion Act mandates the inclusion of a standardized, one-hour presentation on veterans' benefits within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) preseparation counseling. This legislation ensures service members receive expert guidance on navigating VA benefits with the support of recognized veterans service organizations. Additionally, it establishes annual reporting requirements to track participation and ensure the program's ongoing effectiveness.

This act, the Ensuring Benefits for Disabled Veterans Act, removes a restriction that previously prevented disabled veterans from receiving both Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) benefits and other VA educational assistance benefits at the same time. By repealing this limitation, the bill aims to ensure veterans can access both crucial support programs concurrently.

The Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act requires employers to prominently display a state-specific notice detailing veterans' benefits. This notice, developed by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, must include critical resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. The law aims to ensure that employees who are veterans are easily informed about the resources available to them in the workplace.

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 Preventive Health Savings Act requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to analyze certain legislation for potential long-term savings resulting from preventive healthcare measures. Upon request, the CBO Director must estimate and report on these future budget outlay reductions if the legislation is projected to lower federal spending through preventive care. These estimates are supplementary and do not affect compliance with existing budgetary enforcement rules.

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.

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 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.

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.

This bill adjusts the boundary of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument to allow the Secretary of the Interior to acquire additional land from willing sellers. The acquired land will become part of the Monument and must be managed according to the original 2016 Proclamation. The Act also ensures that existing activities like hunting and fishing continue on newly acquired lands and mandates public access for gathering fiddlehead ferns.

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.

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."

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.