Legislative Activity

This bill reauthorizes key programs under the Kay Hagan Tick Act to combat vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease through 2030. It extends funding for the national strategy and regional centers focused on these illnesses. Additionally, the legislation continues enhanced support for local health departments to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities.

The Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act establishes federal programs managed by the EPA to coordinate and fund comprehensive cleanup efforts for the severely polluted Tijuana and New Rivers. The bill mandates the creation of prioritized action plans, authorizes significant funding for infrastructure projects, and directs resources toward improving public health and environmental quality along the U.S.-Mexico border. It also provides financial assistance for essential drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater system improvements near the border.

The Building Civic Bridges Act establishes a new Office of Civic Bridgebuilding within the National and Community Service Corporation to promote activities that unite divided communities. This Office will manage a competitive, research-backed grant program to fund local projects focused on reducing conflict and improving social cohesion. The Act mandates that the program be implemented using only donated funds, with no new federal appropriations authorized.

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, to honor Corporal Patrick D. Tillman. The renaming recognizes Tillman's heroic service and ultimate sacrifice after leaving his NFL career to join the U.S. Army following the September 11th attacks. This legislation ensures the San Jose VA Clinic will forever bear the name of the San Jose native and national hero.

The Appropriations Compliance and Training Act mandates annual training on federal appropriations law for certain high-level government employees in covered positions. This ensures employees handling federal funds understand key spending rules, such as the bona fide needs rule and relevant statutes. Agencies must track completion, and non-compliant employees face escalating penalties, including loss of spending authority and IT access.

Canyon's Law prohibits the use of M44 cyanide predator control devices on all public lands across the United States. This action is taken due to documented incidents where these highly toxic devices have harmed people, pets, and non-target wildlife. Any M44 devices currently deployed on public land must be removed within 30 days of this Act's enactment.

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 resolution formally recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful protest while strongly condemning violence and illegal acts committed during demonstrations. It criticizes the federal government's deployment of military forces during recent events, arguing the actions were an overreach that bypassed proper legal and state authority. Ultimately, the bill asserts the importance of transparency in law enforcement and denounces rhetoric that escalates community tensions.

The Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act prohibits states from interfering with or retaliating against individuals who provide or receive abortion services that are legal in the state where the service occurs. This protection extends to interstate travel for legal abortion care and the movement of FDA-approved abortion-related drugs across state lines. Individuals harmed by violations can sue in federal court for damages and legal fees.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

The Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the long-standing Medicaid exclusion for services provided in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). To qualify for this coverage, states must submit a comprehensive plan detailing how they will increase access to community-based outpatient care and improve crisis response services for these patients. This legislation aims to ensure better coordination of physical and behavioral health care while requiring states to demonstrate policies that support the least restrictive, most clinically appropriate level of treatment.

The Preserving Great Americans’ Legacies Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of the Navy from changing the names of naval vessels currently honoring eight specific individuals. This legislation ensures that ships named after figures like Cesar Chavez, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Harriet Tubman retain their designations. The act immediately prevents any renaming of these protected vessels.

This bill proposes the complete repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. By repealing this previous legislation, the bill removes all existing rules and requirements established under that Act.

The Medical Research for Our Troops Act increases the budget for the Defense Health Agency's research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). This legislation specifically restores and increases funding for these critical defense health programs. The restored funds must be used to support all previously directed medical research programs and initiatives as outlined in prior appropriations acts.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. This legislation codifies existing federal regulations, known as the "Roadless Rule," which generally prohibits the construction of new roads or the cutting of timber in these sensitive zones. The purpose is to safeguard critical ecological benefits, clean water sources, and wildlife habitats while maintaining the Forest Service's multiple-use management mission.

The My Body, My Data Act of 2025 establishes strict federal protections for personal reproductive and sexual health information held by regulated entities. This law limits data collection and sharing to only what is strictly necessary for providing requested services. It grants individuals the rights to access, correct, and delete this sensitive data, and requires clear public privacy policies detailing data handling practices. Finally, the Act prohibits retaliation against individuals who exercise these new privacy rights and grants enforcement authority to the FTC while allowing individuals to sue violators.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

This bill authorizes the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) to accept external funds from various sources for projects related to wastewater treatment, water conservation, and flood control. These funds will be deposited into a dedicated, non-expiring Treasury account for authorized use. The legislation also establishes specific reporting requirements to Congress regarding the use of these accepted funds.

The Safe Stay Act mandates the installation of compliant carbon monoxide alarms in sleeping or living units within all places of public accommodation that operate across state lines. This legislation updates fire prevention guidelines by adopting the latest safety standards for alarm installation and requires these establishments to provide guests with written notice confirming compliance. The Federal Trade Commission is tasked with enforcing this new notification requirement, treating violations as unfair or deceptive business practices.