Legislative Activity

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 expands access to mental health evaluations, refines the criteria for healthcare provider credentialing, and clarifies enrollment calculations for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. It also adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026-2090, ensuring adequate resources for the program by considering enrollment numbers and increasing funding by 7% annually, with a possible 25% increase in 2026. Finally, the Act mandates a report to Congress on the program's long-term budget needs and potential funding adjustments.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

The "Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025" aims to bolster the air traffic control workforce by enhancing training programs, providing financial support to educational institutions, and improving mental health resources for controllers. It establishes an Enhanced-CTI grant program, promotes the use of Terminal Simulation Systems, and mandates the creation of a mental health training course for aviation professionals. The act also requires reports on airport surveillance technology and radar systems.

This resolution congratulates the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. It recognizes key players like Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and Cooper DeJean, and celebrates the pride the team brings to Philadelphia. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to team leaders.

The "Caring for Survivors Act of 2025" increases dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses of veterans. It also modifies the requirements for survivors of veterans who were totally disabled at the time of death, reducing the required period of continuous disability rating before death from 10 to 5 years, and introduces proportional compensation for ratings less than 10 years.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This bill increases the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under CHAMPVA to the child's 26th birthday, regardless of marital status. It does not limit eligibility for children who are incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" aims to lower prescription drug costs by setting annual cost-sharing limits. Starting in 2026, individual out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs will be capped at $2,000, and family expenses at $4,000 under qualified health plans. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. The act also ensures that group health plans adhere to cost-sharing limits set by the Affordable Care Act.

The United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War in recognition of their service and bravery. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds going back to the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

This resolution expresses the Senate's opposition to deploying U.S. military assets or personnel to "take over" Gaza. It emphasizes the importance of Palestinian self-determination, warns against the negative consequences of U.S. control over Gaza, and highlights public and congressional concerns about unauthorized military action and financial expenditure. The resolution underscores that the U.S. should not use its military or resources to control Gaza.

This resolution declares racism a public health crisis, citing significant racial inequities in health outcomes and the impact of historical and contemporary racism. It commits to establishing a nationwide strategy to address health disparities, dismantle systemic practices that perpetuate racism, and promote efforts to improve social determinants of health for racial and ethnic minorities. The resolution supports similar declarations at the local level and calls for reforms to address policies leading to poor health outcomes. It also charges the people of the United States to ensure the country honors its moral purpose of advancing the truths that all people are created equal with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The "Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025" aims to protect postal workers by allocating funds for high-security collection boxes and electronic mailbox keys. It mandates the appointment of dedicated attorneys to prosecute crimes against postal employees and directs the Sentencing Commission to update guidelines to ensure that assaulting or robbing a postal worker is treated as severely as assaulting a law enforcement officer.

The "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations like schools and places of worship, requiring supervisor consultation and discreet conduct. Exceptions are allowed only in cases of national security or public safety threats or medical emergencies. The Act mandates annual training, detailed reporting of enforcement actions, and evidence suppression for violations, enhancing oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of "Career and Technical Education Month" by recognizing the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for the workforce. It acknowledges the significant number of students enrolled in CTE programs and the positive impact of CTE on academic achievement and employability. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating February 2025 as Career and Technical Education Month.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access and for health care providers to offer contraception, free from governmental restrictions or bans. It overrides any conflicting federal or state laws, ensuring access to contraception and related services, and allows legal recourse for violations of these rights. The Act aims to protect individual autonomy in making decisions about contraception and reproductive health.

The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act, or NO BAN Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination based on religion and national origin in nonimmigrant visas and immigration benefits. It limits the President's authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens, requiring specific justification, narrow tailoring, and congressional consultation. The Act also mandates reports on visa applicants and the impact of any suspensions or restrictions. Finally, it allows affected parties to sue the government if these regulations are not followed.