Legislative Activity

The "Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act" mandates a study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in Vietnam War veterans, comparing cancer rates and demographics to the general U.S. population. The study, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the CDC, will inform Congress on potential actions needed to address any identified issues. Additionally, the bill extends the limitation of certain pension payments to December 31, 2031.

The Plain Language in Contracting Act requires federal agencies to ensure that notices to small businesses are clear, concise, and easily understandable, using plain language best practices. It directs the Small Business Administration to issue rules for implementation within 90 days. The act specifies that no additional funds will be allocated for these changes.

The DOE and SBA Research Act aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) on research and development, ensuring small business involvement. It mandates a formal agreement between the DOE and SBA to coordinate research efforts and requires a report to Congress on the progress and future plans of this collaboration. No additional funds will be allocated to implement this act. All activities must adhere to research security guidelines.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act authorizes a one-time grant between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum for operations, security, and maintenance. To receive the grant, the museum must offer free admission to certain groups, provide free admission hours to the general public, and allow annual federal audits of its financial records. The museum must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing how the grant funds were used. No additional funds are authorized beyond the initial appropriation for this grant.

The Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act requires the Small Business Administration to train federal employees on increasing contract awards to small businesses owned by service-disabled veterans, particularly at agencies that have not met their contracting goals. It directs the SBA Administrator to issue guidance on best practices for increasing contract awards to these businesses. The Act also mandates an annual report to Congress, including a list of agencies failing to meet contracting goals, the number of training sessions provided, and an overview of the training content.

The "Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act" permanently authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services to very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, ensuring continued support for this vulnerable population. This act amends existing legislation to include a permanent appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, solidifying the commitment to assisting veterans in need.

The "Troops Before Politicians Act" ensures that members of the Armed Forces are paid on time, even during government shutdowns, by withholding the pay of Members of Congress if the military isn't paid. The Congressional members' pay will be held in an escrow account until military members are paid. Any remaining funds in the account at the end of the 119th Congress will be released to the Members of Congress.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. Grants, up to $250,000, will be awarded to eligible entities like nonprofits and veteran service organizations to operate programs that meet specific standards, hire veteran peer specialists, and provide 24/7 mental health support. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will establish an advisory committee to set program standards and best practices. The bill allocates $25,000,000 over three years to carry out the program.

The "Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025" ensures veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities can receive hospital care and medical services outside of the United States. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide care that meets U.S. standards, including FDA-approved medications, and mandates direct deposit for reimbursements. The Act also directs the VA to modernize its digital services by allowing digital submission and tracking of required forms, and requires a report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these changes.

The "Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes key programs dedicated to the Long Island Sound's health. It extends the Long Island Sound grants program and the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006, continuing these initiatives from 2025 through 2029. The bill also makes a technical correction by redesignating a paragraph within the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

This bill expresses opposition to New York City's Central Business District Tolling Program, which would charge drivers up to $23 daily to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. It cites concerns about the program's economic impact on commuters, small businesses, and low-income families. The bill urges New York State to release an economic impact report and recommends that federal agencies and New York State halt the program's implementation.

The Mobile Post Office Relief Act mandates the Postal Service to deploy mobile retail units to areas where a postal facility is temporarily closed and located far from other postal services. These mobile units must be deployed within three business days of a closure, or within 30 days if the facility is already closed when the law is enacted. The mobile units will offer essential services such as selling packaging, providing access to P.O. boxes, and processing change-of-address forms until the original facility reopens.

The "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to withhold certain federal funds from state and local governments deemed "sanctuary jurisdictions" that obstruct the sharing of immigration status information or compliance with detainment requests from Homeland Security. These jurisdictions would be ineligible for federal funds intended to benefit individuals in the U.S. without legal immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security is required to report annually to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on non-compliant states and local governments.