Legislative Activity

The Peace Through Strength Against Russia Act of 2025 imposes comprehensive sanctions on Russia's financial, military, and energy sectors in response to its war against Ukraine. This legislation cuts off major Russian banks from the U.S. financial system and bans new American investment in Russia. Additionally, the bill makes the existing sanctions authority against Iran permanent by removing its expiration date.

The Blue Envelope Awareness Act amends federal law to allow states and local governments to use Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds for "blue envelope programs." These programs assist individuals with speech, hearing, or developmental disabilities by providing them with a blue envelope to present disability documentation during traffic stops. The funding also supports necessary training for law enforcement officers on interacting effectively with these individuals.

The VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act aims to improve veteran care access and accountability by requiring VA facilities to schedule appointments during the initial phone call whenever possible. It mandates the annual and quarterly public release of detailed facility performance and satisfaction data. Furthermore, the bill limits the temporary reassignment of VA medical center directors to ensure consistent leadership. All provisions of this Act will terminate three years after enactment.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities to designate an essential caregiver who can provide support and companionship. This legislation ensures that these caregivers maintain in-person access to residents even during public health emergencies when general visitation is restricted. By establishing clear protocols and an appeals process, the bill aims to prevent the harmful effects of isolation and ensure residents continue to receive vital care and advocacy.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Protect America's Workforce Act nullifies a specific Executive Order issued in March 2025 concerning exclusions from federal labor-management relations programs. This legislation ensures that any existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and employee unions remain fully in effect until their stated expiration dates. The Act also prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the overturned Executive Order.

This bill mandates the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create a single, uniform system for credentialing and privileging medical providers. The departments must first report on their existing systems and then jointly select one system to be implemented by January 1, 2028. This integration aims to streamline the process for medical providers serving both agencies.

The CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act extends enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace health insurance through 2026, while also establishing strict new penalties and verification processes to combat fraud by agents and brokers in health insurance exchanges. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant new transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D plans. Finally, it extends the 2026 open enrollment period and creates a fast-track legislative process for future premium tax credit reform bills.

This Act officially names the memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery as the "World War II Women's Memorial." It also designates this memorial as a "commemorative work" under existing federal law. Furthermore, the bill allows a specific World War II home front women's commemorative work to be placed in designated areas within Washington, D.C., overriding standard location restrictions.

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act) mandates the Secretary of State to report on internet freedom in Iran. This report must assess the feasibility of using emerging technologies, like direct-to-cell wireless, to expand internet access. It will also analyze the impact of current drone and jamming technologies on these efforts.

The Rx ACCESS Act aims to improve prescription access, fairness, and transparency within the TRICARE pharmacy benefits program. It extends beneficiary choice for receiving non-generic maintenance medications and establishes minimum reimbursement standards for TRICARE retail pharmacies. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual independent audits by the Comptroller General to review reimbursement rates and network adequacy.

The Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2025 significantly amends the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to broaden the definition of homelessness, particularly for children and youth. It mandates increased public reporting of homelessness data through required HMIS disclosures by HUD. Furthermore, the bill modifies grant scoring criteria and planning requirements to better ensure services reach vulnerable populations and align with local needs.

The College Athletics Reform Act establishes comprehensive federal standards for college athletics, primarily by securing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes and prohibiting restrictions on their ability to earn compensation or obtain professional representation. The bill also introduces new regulations for sports agents, mandates significant expansion of financial and participation data disclosure by institutions, and establishes a new Commission to study and recommend future governance structures for college sports. Finally, it amends broadcasting law to exempt certain large athletic association media agreements from antitrust scrutiny.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

The "No Fentanyl on Social Media Act" mandates the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and report on how minors access fentanyl through social media platforms. This report, developed with key agencies, will detail the prevalence, risks, and methods used by sellers to distribute fentanyl to minors online. Ultimately, the legislation seeks recommendations for Congress on effective measures to curb this dangerous access.

The China AI Power Report Act mandates the Secretary of Commerce to deliver an annual, detailed report to Congress for three years assessing China's advanced artificial intelligence capabilities and supply chains. This legislation emphasizes the need for dynamic U.S. export controls to counter China's evolving technological advancements and protect national security. The comprehensive report must cover everything from advanced AI chips and fabrication facilities to AI models, funding, and the effectiveness of current U.S. restrictions.

The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 updates federal water pollution control grants to prioritize and fund "intelligent water infrastructure technology." This technology utilizes real-time monitoring, AI, and advanced sensors to improve the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of water and wastewater systems. The bill modifies grant uses to specifically cover the implementation of these smart technologies and increases the authorization of appropriations.

The Fairness to Kids with Cancer Act of 2025 mandates that a specific, population-based percentage of total Federal cancer research funds must be dedicated to pediatric cancer research each fiscal year starting in 2026. This required percentage will be calculated annually based on the ratio of the U.S. population under age 18 to the total U.S. population. This ensures federal research funding reflects the proportion of children affected by cancer.

The Restoring Access for Detainees Act aims to reinstate and expand free communication services for individuals in civil immigration detention. It mandates the provision of free phone calls, including 200 free outgoing minutes monthly, specifically for contacting family and legal counsel. Furthermore, the bill ensures private, unmonitored communication opportunities with attorneys and certain government officials upon arrival in custody.

The No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act prohibits the United States from conducting any explosive nuclear testing unless a foreign state tests first or a technical need is certified. If testing is proposed, the President must submit a detailed notification to Congress at least 180 days in advance. Ultimately, Congress must enact a joint resolution of approval into law, which requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the Senate.