Legislative Activity

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

The Small Communities Transit Improvement Act increases the dedicated federal transit funding share for small cities with high transit usage from 3% to 5%. This change adjusts the formula for distributing public transportation grants to better support these transit-dependent communities.

The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act aims to streamline the process for agricultural workers to obtain and maintain restricted commercial driver's licenses (CDLs). This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Transportation update federal regulations to allow states to offer online renewal systems for these seasonal licenses. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that implements of husbandry are not classified as commercial motor vehicles under CDL requirements.

The Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act modifies the Investment Company Act of 1940 to ease regulatory burdens on certain investment companies. This bill increases the maximum number of investors allowed before registration is required, raising the limit from 250 to 500 persons. Additionally, it significantly raises the asset threshold for a specific regulatory exemption from \$10 million to \$50 million.

The VA Extenders Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill focused on extending numerous existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and authorities for one additional year, primarily through September 30, 2026. These extensions cover critical areas including healthcare services, mental health support, educational benefits protections, and housing assistance for homeless and disabled veterans. Additionally, the bill modifies the VA's Partial Claim Program to increase borrower accountability while mandating greater transparency through required GAO reporting.

This resolution officially designates September 9, 2025, as "National World War II Italian Campaign Remembrance Day." It serves to honor the immense sacrifices made by American and Allied soldiers who fought to liberate Italy from German occupation. The day encourages national commemoration and educational efforts to preserve the memory of this long and costly campaign.

This bill aims to improve veterans' healthcare by updating community care program eligibility and notification processes, enhancing mental health treatment program standards and access, and modernizing the VA's healthcare system through online tools and streamlined processes. It focuses on ensuring timely access to care, accommodating veterans' preferences, and improving the overall quality and efficiency of VA services. The bill also mandates increased transparency and accountability through regular reports to Congress.

The HOPE for Heroes Act of 2025 modifies and reauthorizes the VA's suicide prevention grant program, increasing maximum funding amounts and setting stricter spending limits for grantees. It enhances coordination requirements between grant recipients and local VA facilities, mandates specific training on suicide risk assessment tools, and ensures veterans receive emergent care if the VA delays services past 72 hours. The program is officially extended through September 30, 2030.

The "Precision Brain Health Research Act of 2025" amends the Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative to include research on brain and mental health conditions, such as those caused by repetitive low-level blast exposure and dementia. It mandates data sharing between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense, directs specific research activities, and requires reports to Congress on the initiative's progress and recommendations. The act authorizes $5 million annually from 2025 to 2034 to fund these efforts.