Legislative Activity

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.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to improve falls prevention among veterans by establishing an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration. This office will monitor and improve falls prevention healthcare services, develop standards of care, and promote education and research in falls prevention. The Act also mandates training for healthcare providers, requires falls risk assessments for veterans in nursing homes and those receiving extended care services, and explores the feasibility of a home improvement pilot program to prevent falls. Finally, the Act expands the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities to include the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The Servicemember to Veteran Health Care Connection Act of 2025 streamlines healthcare access for transitioning service members by creating a pre-transition registration system within the VA, facilitating enrollment in VA healthcare, and proactively conducting outreach to connect veterans with available services. This act aims to simplify the enrollment process, improve access to care, and support the health and well-being of veterans during their transition to civilian life. The Act also requires annual reports and feasibility studies to ensure the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.

The "Responsibility in Drug Advertising Act of 2025" amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to regulate direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs. It prohibits advertising of newly approved drugs for the first three years and allows the Secretary to extend the prohibition if significant adverse health effects are identified. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is required to revise drug advertisement regulations within one year to implement these changes.

The "Improving Veterans Experience Act of 2025" establishes a Veterans Experience Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs, led by a Chief Veterans Experience Officer, to improve customer service and veteran satisfaction. The office will collect data, coordinate efforts, and provide guidance to enhance the veteran experience with VA benefits and services. It also requires annual reports to Congress on customer service feedback and veteran satisfaction. The Government Accountability Office will also be required to analyze the VA's methods for using veteran feedback.