Legislative Activity

The "Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act" extends and expands programs aimed at supporting the mental health of healthcare providers. It reauthorizes initiatives that encourage the use of mental health and substance use disorder services by healthcare professionals, and broadens the eligibility for entities receiving funds to include those focused on reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers. The act also extends the program's authorization through 2029.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act seeks to ensure that foreign non-governmental organizations are eligible for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, regardless of the health or medical services they provide, as long as those services adhere to specific guidelines. It ensures that these organizations are not subject to more restrictive requirements for using non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying compared to U.S. non-governmental organizations.

This resolution supports the observation of National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month in January 2025 to raise awareness and opposition to these crimes. It recognizes the global scale of human trafficking, the vulnerability of specific populations, and the need for a coordinated effort to prevent trafficking, support victims, and prosecute offenders. The resolution encourages collaborative initiatives and a victim-centered approach to combat human trafficking and modern slavery.

The "Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act" clarifies the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to ensure that Alaska Native handicrafts containing nonedible migratory bird parts can be possessed, sold, traded, or shipped without violating the Act, provided the bird parts were not obtained wastefully or illegally. It defines "Alaska Native" and "authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft" and directs the Secretaries of State and Interior to establish bilateral procedures with relevant countries to clarify the treatment of these handicrafts. The Act also mandates updates to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act's regulations to align with these amendments.

The "ARTIST Act" amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of Alaska Natives who create authentic handicrafts and clothing from marine mammal parts. It defines "authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing" and "marine mammal ivory", and it exempts Alaska Natives residing on the Alaskan coast from certain restrictions when harvesting marine mammals for subsistence or crafting purposes. The Act allows for the interstate sale of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing and restricts states from banning the import, sale, or trade of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen used in these items.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and the United States Olympic Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.