Legislative Activity

The "PROTECT 911 Act" aims to improve the mental health and well-being of public safety telecommunicators by directing the Secretary to create and share best practices for addressing PTSD and related issues. It also establishes a grant program for emergency communication centers and eligible entities to develop or enhance behavioral health and wellness programs, including peer support initiatives and training. This will provide resources and support to address job-related mental health challenges faced by 911 operators.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to strengthen regulations and oversight of licensed firearm dealers to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and enhance public safety. It mandates enhanced security measures, regular inventory checks, and electronic record-keeping for dealers, while also increasing inspection frequency and penalties for violations. The act also broadens background check requirements for both dealers and their employees and seeks to modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) operations through increased staffing and data accessibility. Finally, the act repeals limitations on sharing firearm trace data and centralizing records, and it requires reports to Congress on the act's implementation and dealer inspections.

The AID Youth Employment Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to establish subsidized summer and year-round employment opportunities for eligible youth aged 14-24. It allocates significant funding through competitive grants to states, local governments, Indian tribes, and community organizations for program implementation. The act prioritizes coordination with local employers, emphasizes performance measurement, and mandates annual reviews for continuous program improvement, with the goal of enhancing education, training, and employment outcomes for young participants. It authorizes appropriations for both the summer and year-round programs from 2026 through 2030.

The "Helping to Encourage Real Opportunities (HERO) for Youth Act of 2025" modifies and extends the Work Opportunity Credit to encourage the employment of young individuals. It expands the credit for summer youth to include year-round employment and increases the credit amount. The bill also creates a new credit for "disconnected youth" who face significant barriers to employment due to lack of education, skills, or foster care history. These changes aim to provide businesses with incentives to hire and train young people, helping them gain valuable work experience and skills.

This bill amends the Public Health Service Act, reauthorizing and increasing funding for a grant program aimed at addressing dental workforce shortages. The funding is increased from $13,903,000 per year (2019-2023) to $15,000,000 per year (2026-2030), and the funds will remain available until spent.

The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes in rural areas by establishing programs to train healthcare providers in obstetric emergency care, provide funding for necessary equipment and workforce development, implement teleconsultation programs, and study the challenges facing rural obstetric units. The Act authorizes grants for training, equipment, and telehealth programs, and requires a study on rural maternity ward closures and patient transport patterns.

The "PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends funding for research on preterm births and infant care through 2029. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group to address premature birth issues and mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on preterm births, including cost analysis, risk factor identification, and best practices for prevention and treatment. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 24 months.