Legislative Activity

This Act authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to proceed with a major medical facility project in St. Louis, Missouri, scheduled for Fiscal Year 2026. The project includes the construction of a new bed tower, clinical expansion, and supporting infrastructure. Congress authorizes up to \$1.76 billion in funding for this significant upgrade to veteran healthcare facilities.

This Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand essential services, including telehealth and mail-order pharmacy benefits, to eligible veterans residing in the Freely Associated States. It also requires the VA to provide beneficiary travel payments to these veterans and submit regular progress reports to Congress. Additionally, the bill extends a current limitation on pension payments by two months.

The Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025 (ARCA Act) fundamentally reorganizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) acquisition structure to improve oversight and efficiency for major programs. It establishes a new Chief Acquisition Officer and an Office of Acquisition to centralize control over procurement and logistics. The bill also mandates independent verification, validation, and rigorous cost assessment for all major VA acquisition programs exceeding specified financial thresholds. Finally, it improves hiring for the acquisition workforce and standardizes the requirements development process to ensure better program outcomes.

The SAFE Crypto Act establishes the **Task Force on Cryptocurrency Scams** to combat digital asset fraud. This cross-sector group, chaired by the Treasury Secretary, will examine scam trends, develop prevention methods, and issue recommendations. The Task Force is charged with creating a public education strategy and coordinating efforts between federal agencies, industry stakeholders, and law enforcement to disrupt illicit fund movements. It will terminate three years after submitting its initial report detailing its findings and legislative suggestions.

The SERVE Act mandates that the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) create and implement joint action plans to improve the sharing of medical resources and enhance veterans' access to care at military and VA facilities. These plans must focus on strengthening resource sharing, improving communication, and increasing cross-credentialing of providers. The law requires regular reporting to Congress on the implementation status and effectiveness of these integrated care efforts until September 30, 2028.

The Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act realigns the use of the Technology Modernization Fund to focus on modernizing legacy IT, enhancing cybersecurity, and improving agency efficiency. It establishes stricter repayment terms for agencies receiving funds and introduces new requirements for identifying and reporting high-risk federal IT systems. The bill also modifies the Technology Modernization Board's review criteria and sets a fixed sunset date for the Fund after December 31, 2032.

This bill, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025, mandates an increase in disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation rates for veterans. Effective December 1, 2025, these rates will be raised by the same percentage as the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for that year. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to implement these increases and publish the adjusted rates.

This Act establishes the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Program, managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission. The program aims to identify Jewish servicemembers mistakenly buried under non-Jewish markers in overseas cemeteries. It authorizes funding for contracts with nonprofit organizations over ten years to help correct these historical errors and properly honor these fallen service members.

This resolution recognizes the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and honors the service and sacrifice of all United States veterans who served during the conflict. It expresses deep gratitude to those who served, remembers those lost or missing in action, and acknowledges the hardships many veterans faced upon returning home. The resolution also reaffirms the nation's commitment to supporting these veterans and ensuring their legacy is preserved for future generations.

This resolution temporarily authorizes the collection of nonmonetary donations, such as clothing, toys, food, and housewares, within Senate buildings during the holiday season for charitable purposes. These collections must benefit those in need or members of the Armed Forces and their families. The authority granted by this resolution will expire after the first session of the 119th Congress concludes.

The Fisher House Availability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for temporary lodging at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Fisher Houses and similar facilities. This expansion specifically includes family members and support persons accompanying veterans or eligible individuals who must travel significant distances for care. The bill also clarifies definitions for "Eligible Individual" and "Fisher House."

This resolution officially designates October 2025 as National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month to highlight the historical importance of toxic exposures in military service. It aims to raise public awareness about these issues and commend the efforts of veterans and advocates supporting affected service members. The resolution also calls on the Department of Defense to prevent future toxic exposure incidents.

The Affordable Housing Expansion Act aims to modernize prevailing wage determinations for federally funded housing projects. It updates wage rate calculation methodologies, standardizes the determination of a project's "residential character," and establishes a working group to recommend further updates to Davis-Bacon requirements. These changes seek to ensure fairer and more accurate prevailing wage rates for affordable housing construction.

The Veterans' Infrastructure and Transformation Act of 2025 (VITAL Act) comprehensively reforms how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages its physical assets and construction. This bill streamlines facility management by consolidating construction, leasing, and acquisition functions under centralized leadership and modernizes building standards. It also establishes pilot programs to test non-cash property leases and requires a long-term strategic plan for VA infrastructure modernization. Crucially, all new obligations under this Act remain strictly contingent upon available Congressional appropriations.

The PHMSA Voluntary Information Sharing Act establishes a confidential, nonpunitive system for pipeline companies to voluntarily share sensitive safety data to improve industry-wide safety practices. This system will be overseen by a balanced Governing Board composed of government, industry, and public safety representatives. Data submitted to this system is protected from public disclosure and use in litigation, though de-identified safety findings may be released publicly.

The Innovative and Safe Hydrogen Transportation Act mandates a comprehensive study on the safety and viability of using advanced composite materials for hydrogen and hydrogen-blend pipelines. The Secretary of Transportation must complete this review, including public consultation, within 18 months. Following the study and public feedback, the Secretary is required to initiate the rulemaking process for new regulations allowing the use of these composite materials.

The Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a comprehensive, evidence-based Formulary for all prosthetic and rehabilitative items and services. This new system requires public input during development and ensures all listed items are available at every VA facility. Furthermore, the Act establishes clear processes for veterans to be informed of their benefits and to appeal denials, while also creating a pathway for clinicians to prescribe medically necessary items not currently on the official list.

This resolution officially designates September 9, 2025, as "National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day." It honors the immense sacrifices made by American and Allied soldiers who fought in the long and costly campaign to liberate Italy from German occupation. The measure encourages the American public to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and educational activities.

This resolution expresses support for student parents balancing postsecondary education with raising children, recognizing their significant contributions despite facing numerous challenges like food and housing insecurity. It officially designates September 2025 as "National Student Parent Month" to highlight their achievements. The bill underscores the importance of supporting these motivated students, who are crucial to improving outcomes for their families.

This resolution formally honors the life and dedicated service of Hays, Kansas Police Sergeant Scott Heimann, who tragically died in the line of duty. It recognizes his commitment to the Hays community since 2016 and acknowledges his positive impact as a role model. The resolution offers condolences to his surviving family and calls for support for the family of the fallen officer.