Legislative Activity

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.