Legislative Activity

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 aims to combat the growing obesity epidemic, particularly among older adults, by expanding access to intensive behavioral therapy under Medicare. This bill mandates that Medicare Part D plans begin covering FDA-approved medications for obesity and weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, it requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of these new obesity treatment strategies.

The Military PFAS Transparency Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Defense (DoD) provide annual, detailed reports to Congress on the funding and status of all interim cleanup actions for toxic PFAS chemicals at military sites. This legislation also requires the DoD to submit a strategy for accelerating these cleanups based on health risks and environmental harm. Furthermore, the DoD must establish a public-facing online dashboard to ensure transparency regarding spending and cleanup progress.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 significantly expands and permanently secures access to Medicare telehealth services by eliminating outdated geographic restrictions and allowing more practitioners to offer remote care. The bill also strengthens program integrity by dedicating funds for telehealth oversight while clarifying rules around providing necessary technology to patients. Finally, it mandates the creation of tailored educational resources and public reporting to improve quality measurement and transparency in remote care delivery.

This Act amends the Federal Employees Compensation Act to expand the list of authorized healthcare providers for federal employees' work-related injury claims. Specifically, it includes physician assistants and nurse practitioners as eligible providers under the law. This change aims to improve access to care for injured federal workers by broadening their choice of medical professionals.

The Financial Empowerment and Protection Act establishes new rules for joint accounts between consenting cohabitating adults, requiring service providers to offer shared account options with full information access for both parties. Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from charging early lease termination fees to tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and are leaving a covered housing program lease. This legislation aims to increase financial transparency for shared living situations and enhance protections for victims of abuse.

This resolution formally supports designating July 21, 2025, as "Guam Liberation Day" to honor the island's history. It recognizes the suffering of the CHamoru people under Japanese occupation and commemorates the sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers during the 1944 liberation campaign. The bill encourages the President to issue a proclamation observing this important anniversary across the nation.

The Service Member Housing Relief Act temporarily adjusts the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) calculation by lowering the temporary cap on rate increases from 20 percent to 15 percent. Additionally, the bill permanently removes an outdated provision related to the BAH calculation structure. This legislation aims to modify housing allowances for members of the uniformed services.

The Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Fund Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of Defense to carry out activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This bill amends existing law to change the commemoration from an optional activity to a required duty. These changes will officially take effect on November 11, 2025.

Gio's Law establishes a grant program allowing law enforcement agencies to purchase emergency epinephrine products and receive necessary training. The bill mandates the development of standardized training for officers on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis. Furthermore, it requires annual reporting on epinephrine administration by officers and launches a public awareness campaign about severe allergic reactions.

The UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help public schools implement strict policies banning personal electronic devices during school hours. To qualify for funding, states must already have a comprehensive policy in place that allows for necessary medical and disability-related exceptions. Grant funds are specifically designated for schools to purchase secure storage solutions, such as lockable lockers or pouches, to safely store student devices.

The Mission UNPLUGGED Act mandates the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to establish a policy banning student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. This policy must allow for necessary exceptions, such as medical needs or emergencies, while providing schools with resources for implementation. The Director must report annually for five years on the policy's impact, including costs, student performance, and mental health outcomes.

This bill prohibits the Secretary of Defense from awarding or renewing software source code contracts with entities that have specific ties to a "covered country," such as operating AI research facilities or allowing source code access to that nation. The restriction aims to safeguard sensitive technology by limiting defense contracts with certain foreign-linked companies. The Secretary may waive this prohibition if deemed necessary for U.S. national security interests.

The Fluent Forces Act emphasizes the critical role of foreign language proficiency and cultural understanding for U.S. national security and military readiness. This legislation mandates that the Department of Defense annually report on its efforts to increase recruitment and attendance at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLI). The goal is to assess current recruiting practices, identify barriers to enrollment, and propose new strategies to ensure a steady pipeline of qualified linguists.

The FIGHT Act of 2025 significantly strengthens federal prohibitions against animal fighting ventures, specifically targeting the sponsorship, exhibition, and gambling associated with these events. This legislation clarifies the definition of a rooster for legal purposes and bans the interstate transport of roosters for fighting. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, allowing for civil penalties and the potential seizure of property used to facilitate illegal animal fighting.

This bill grants a Federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, officially recognizing it as a nonprofit veterans service organization. The organization is tasked with promoting sustainable homeownership, financial literacy, and economic opportunity for veterans and service members. It must adhere to strict operational rules, including prohibitions on political activity and the distribution of profits to members. The charter remains contingent upon the organization maintaining its tax-exempt status and compliance with California corporate law.

The Valor Has No Expiration Act removes the time limits for recommending military decorations for service members whose records were classified or restricted. This allows the Secretaries of the military branches to review and award decorations earned by veterans dating back to January 1, 1940. The bill establishes a formal review process and reporting requirements for these delayed award considerations.

The Veterans PTSD Screening Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a study on using RNA sequencing as a diagnostic tool for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in veterans. This research will investigate if genetic testing can accurately identify biological markers related to PTSD. The VA must complete the study by September 2027 and report its findings to Congress by September 2028.

The CLOUD Aircraft Act mandates the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and cost of equipping all military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground collision detection systems. This study, conducted in coordination with the FAA, must specifically address aircraft operating frequently in busy domestic airspace. The Secretary of Defense is required to report the findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act aims to improve mental health care access for seniors under Medicare. This bill separates clinical social worker services from standard skilled nursing facility payments, ensuring they are billed distinctly. Furthermore, it expands Medicare coverage for clinical social workers to include health and behavior assessment and intervention services, effective January 1, 2026.

This resolution formally recognizes and honors the 250th birthday of the United States Army, celebrating its 250 years of service, valor, and dedication to defending American freedom. Congress expresses deep appreciation for the Army's history, its commitment to core values, and its current readiness to meet any future global challenge. The resolution encourages the American public to observe this significant anniversary with appropriate ceremonies.