Legislative Activity

The Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2025 ensures that time spent receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital counts toward the required 3-day inpatient stay needed to qualify for Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility (SNF) services. This change effectively removes a significant barrier to accessing post-hospital care for many Medicare beneficiaries. The Secretary of HHS is authorized to implement this rule immediately.

This resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards. Specifically, it rejects the EPA's proposed regulations covering heavy-duty vehicle emissions, warranties, maintenance, and zero-emission vehicle provisions. By disapproving the rule under the Congressional Review Act, Congress effectively nullifies the EPA's action.

This joint resolution expresses Congressional disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rule regarding California's "Advanced Clean Cars II" vehicle pollution standards. By rejecting this rule, Congress is effectively canceling the EPA's decision to grant California a waiver allowing it to set stricter emission standards than federal law typically permits. Consequently, the approved California standards will not take effect.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding California's stringent motor vehicle and engine pollution control standards, known as the "Omnibus Low NOX Regulation." By exercising disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, this measure prevents the EPA's decision on waiving federal preemption for these California standards from taking legal effect. If passed, the EPA's rule will be entirely canceled.

The CREATE JOBS Act aims to boost the economy by making permanent 100% immediate expensing for qualified business property. It also introduces an inflation-adjusted depreciation calculation for commercial and residential real estate. Furthermore, the bill eliminates the option to amortize research and experimental expenditures, allowing for immediate deduction of these costs. These changes are designed to accelerate cost recovery and encourage business investment.

The Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship (FUELS) Act revises the storage capacity thresholds that trigger the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule for preventing oil spills into navigable waters. This legislation significantly increases the general aggregate aboveground storage capacity threshold from 20,000 to 42,000 gallons. The Act also modifies specific secondary containment capacity requirements.

The Kelsey Smith Act mandates that providers of certain phone and internet services must immediately disclose a device's location information to law enforcement or emergency dispatchers under specific emergency circumstances. This disclosure is required if there is a reasonable belief the device was recently used for a 911 call or if there is a risk of death or serious physical harm to the user. The Act provides legal protection for providers who comply with these emergency requests while preserving the authority of stricter state laws.

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.

The Interactive Federal Review Act aims to modernize and accelerate environmental reviews for major federally funded highway projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It mandates the Department of Transportation to encourage the use of interactive digital platforms and 3D models, or "digital twins," in the review and public engagement process. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes funding applications that commit to using these advanced digital tools to improve efficiency and transparency.

This resolution strongly condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. It specifically honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were tragically murdered while promoting peace. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and ensuring the vigorous enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom.

The AG RESEARCH Act establishes a new competitive grant program to address the significant deferred maintenance backlog in U.S. agricultural research facilities. This program provides substantial mandatory and authorized funding to modernize, renovate, and equip these critical sites. The goal is to ensure that American agricultural research remains globally competitive and cutting-edge.

The Teenagers Earning Everyday Necessary Skills (TEENS) Act modifies existing child labor laws to provide clearer guidelines for student employment during the school year. This bill sets a specific limit, stating that a teenager's work will not be deemed "oppressive child labor" based on hours if they work 24 hours or less per week. Furthermore, work hours must fall strictly between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on any day school is in session.

The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act of 2025 significantly increases the penalty-free withdrawal limit from retirement accounts for first-time homebuyers. This legislation raises the maximum allowable distribution from $\$10,000$ to $\$50,000$. This change is designed to provide greater financial flexibility for individuals purchasing their first home, taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits life insurance companies from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling policies solely because an individual is a living kidney donor. This federal law ensures that living donors are not penalized financially for their altruistic act, unless unrelated health risks are present. Individuals harmed by discrimination under this Act have the right to sue in federal court.

The Words Matter Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive update across all federal laws, replacing the outdated terms "mentally retarded" and "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" or "individuals with intellectual disabilities." This change is strictly a linguistic update intended to align federal statutes with current, respectful terminology. The Act explicitly states that this language revision does not alter eligibility for benefits, rights, or responsibilities under any existing federal program. Agencies are required to update their regulations to reflect this new terminology while maintaining a record of the previous language used.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the families of first responders who died in the line of duty, known as Gold Shield Families. It recognizes the profound sacrifice made by these families and calls upon local communities to support the nonprofit organizations that provide them with essential resources and aid during their time of need. The bill emphasizes the nation's ongoing commitment to honoring both the fallen heroes and their surviving loved ones.

The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the air traffic control pipeline by improving the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and establishing new grants for participating colleges. The bill also funds new training equipment and creates financial incentives to both encourage trainees to complete their certification and retain experienced controllers. Finally, it mandates improvements to mental health support for controllers and requires a report on the future of airport radar safety systems.

The Protecting America's Property Rights Act aims to enhance the security of mortgages purchased by Federal Housing Enterprises by requiring the use of state-regulated title protection products. If these regulated products are not used, the Enterprises must hold additional capital reserves against those mortgages. This legislation mandates the Director to quickly establish rules ensuring compliance with these new title risk management standards.

The Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives (LOCOMOTIVES) Act clarifies and strengthens federal authority over emission standards for existing locomotives and engines. This legislation limits the ability of states to set their own pollution control standards for certain railroad equipment. Specifically, it expands federal preemption to cover more nonroad engines and locomotives engaged in commerce.