Legislative Activity

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

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.

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."

The "Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025" expands Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to National Guard members performing specific full-time duties. This includes active duty under title 10 or title 14, section 3713, as well as full-time National Guard duty or active duty within the National Guard. These changes are retroactive to service performed on or after September 11, 2001, and will take effect one year after enactment.

The Veterans STAND Act requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide annual preventative health evaluations for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. These comprehensive assessments focus on chronic pain management, dietary health, and the integration of advanced assistive technologies to improve mobility and independence. The bill also mandates regular reporting on outcomes and ensures that veterans are informed about these specialized care services.

The NSF AI Education Act of 2026 directs the National Science Foundation to establish a comprehensive national program for artificial intelligence and emerging technology education. The bill authorizes $500 million annually through 2030 to fund scholarships, professional development fellowships, research grants, and the creation of Centers of AI Excellence at community colleges. Additionally, it mandates the development of national workforce frameworks to support AI and cybersecurity training across all levels of education and industry.

The Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2026 establishes a program to develop and distribute AI and emerging technology training resources specifically for small businesses. This initiative, led by the Secretary of Commerce in consultation with the SBA, aims to reach rural, Tribal, and underserved communities. The resources will cover AI adoption, cybersecurity, marketing, and other key business applications. The program includes reporting requirements and is set to sunset three years after enactment.

The Securing America's Fuels Act (SAF Act) extends the clean fuel production tax credit through 2033. This legislation specifically reinstates and increases the tax credit rate for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced at facilities that capture or sequester carbon. The bill also establishes a clear definition for what qualifies as sustainable aviation fuel for the purpose of this credit.

The National Veterans Strategy Act of 2026 mandates the establishment of clear metrics to define and measure veteran success across physical, mental, and economic well-being. It requires the President to formulate and submit a comprehensive, recurring National Veterans Strategy to Congress, aligning government and private sector resources to meet these goals. This strategy must consider diverse veteran needs and can be disapproved by Congress through a joint resolution.

The Disabled Veterans Dignity Act of 2026 establishes a new Department of Veterans Affairs program to provide essential bowel and bladder care for eligible veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders living at home. This act ensures veterans receive necessary support through family members, individual caregivers, or contracted agencies based on clinical need. Furthermore, it clarifies that family and individual caregivers should not be treated as self-employed contractors for tax purposes. The legislation aims to improve the quality of life and health outcomes for these veterans by ensuring continuous, individualized care.

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.