Legislative Activity

The "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act" updates terminology in the D.C. Official Code, replacing outdated terms like "substantially retarded persons" and "at least moderately mentally retarded" with the more respectful and accurate phrase "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" when referring to court jurisdictions. This change applies to the U.S. District Court, the Superior Court, and the Family Court within the District of Columbia.

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 "Stop GREED Act of 2025" limits the Department of Veteran Affairs' ability to provide critical skill incentives to Senior Executive Service employees, especially those at the VA Central Office. It mandates individual approvals for incentives to senior executives not based at the Central Office and requires an annual report to Congress on these incentives. The goal of the act is to limit incentives for senior level employees.

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 "Fiscal Year 2025 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act" authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out specific major medical facility projects in fiscal year 2025. These projects include constructing a new critical care center and expanding clinical space for mental health in West Los Angeles, California, and Dallas, Texas, respectively. The Act also authorizes appropriations of $1,567,000,000 for these projects.

The "Farm to Fly Act of 2025" aims to promote the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by integrating them into Department of Agriculture bioenergy programs. It amends existing definitions to include SAF, sets specific standards for SAF qualification, and directs the Secretary of Agriculture to advance SAF development through inter-agency collaboration, public-private partnerships, and support for American farmers. The act seeks to increase domestic energy security, support the agricultural sector, and foster rural economic growth by accelerating a commercially viable SAF industry in the U.S.

The Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025 aims to improve accountability within the VA by streamlining the process for removing or disciplining employees, including supervisors and senior executives, for misconduct or poor performance. It sets specific timelines and standards for disciplinary actions, emphasizing the use of substantial evidence and limiting external review of penalties. The bill also protects whistleblowers and ensures that disciplinary actions are based on a thorough consideration of the employee's record and the nature of the offense. These changes will apply retroactively to misconduct or performance issues that occurred after the enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017.

The "Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act" amends the Social Security Act to allow individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to be eligible for SSI benefits, regardless of their spouse's income. This bill ensures that the income and resources of the spouse of an individual with disabilities are not considered when determining SSI eligibility and benefit amount. These changes would be effective for benefits paid out 180 days after the bill is enacted.