Legislative Activity

The Protecting Community Television Act revises the definition of a "franchise fee" under the Communications Act of 1934. This change modifies the language from "includes" to "means" and adds "other monetary assessment" to clarify what payments local governments can charge cable operators. Ultimately, this bill refines how franchise fees are calculated and assessed.

The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include audiology treatment services provided directly by qualified audiologists, effective January 1, 2027. This legislation allows audiologists to furnish these services independently of physician supervision. Furthermore, it ensures audiologists can provide care at Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

The Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025 declares the sense of Congress that Taiwan, as a major global economy, should have greater participation in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The bill directs the U.S. Governor of the IMF to actively support Taiwan's bid for full membership and related engagement opportunities. This legislation reaffirms long-standing U.S. policy against hindering Taiwan's involvement in international financial bodies. The requirements for U.S. support will terminate upon Taiwan's admission or ten years after the Act's enactment.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

This resolution formally condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them access to necessary medical care. The document further affirms that taking hostages is a clear violation of international law.

The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act aims to remove annual numerical caps on employment-based visas specifically for special immigrant juveniles. This change ensures that these vulnerable youths are no longer subject to the same yearly visa limitations as other categories. By updating relevant sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill prioritizes their access to available visas.

The OCTOPUS Act of 2025 aims to prohibit the establishment of commercial octopus farming operations within U.S. jurisdiction. It bans the importation and reexport of any octopus raised through commercial aquaculture, requiring importers to certify that their products were not farmed. Exceptions are made for accredited zoos, aquariums, and permitted scientific research.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act repeals key liability protections for gun manufacturers found in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation also mandates that records from the federal Firearms Trace System database must be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil proceedings. The bill aims to allow victims of gun violence greater access to information for civil lawsuits.

The Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act establishes a new grazing management program in Malheur County, Oregon, designed to give ranchers greater operational flexibility while prioritizing long-term ecological health. The bill also designates over one million acres of Bureau of Land Management land as new wilderness areas and transfers specific lands into trust for the Burns Paiute Tribe. Furthermore, it creates the Malheur C.E.O. Group, a diverse body tasked with proposing and managing local resource projects through consensus.

The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2025 establishes competitive grant programs to fund comprehensive, evidence-based sex education in schools, colleges, and youth organizations. The bill aims to address historical inequities by ensuring education and sexual health services are medically accurate, culturally responsive, and accessible to all young people, especially underserved populations. It also creates grants specifically for training educators and improving the delivery of youth-friendly sexual health services. Funding is authorized through 2031, with resources redirected from previous abstinence-only programs.

The Vote at Home Act of 2025 aims to modernize federal elections by establishing nationwide standards for voting by mail. It mandates that states mail ballots to all registered voters at least two weeks before federal elections and requires free postage for return ballots. Additionally, the bill overhauls voter registration by streamlining processes at the DMV and implementing automatic registration for eligible citizens who provide proof of citizenship when obtaining a driver's license.

The Remove the Stain Act officially rescinds the 20 Medals of Honor awarded for actions during the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890. This action is taken because Congress finds that these awards dishonor the integrity of the nation's highest military decoration. Recipients of these specific medals are not required to return the physical award.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund by expanding the sources of deposits. This includes allowing the Fund to receive money from certain legal settlements that do not result in a criminal conviction. Additionally, the bill temporarily allows certain recoveries from False Claims Act settlements to fund victim services through 2030, while protecting payments to whistleblowers and the government's direct recovery.

The Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act of 2025 establishes new federal penalties for officials who negligently fail to provide immediate medical attention to individuals in federal custody experiencing medical distress, resulting in unnecessary harm or death. This Act mandates training for all covered officials and requires investigations by the Inspector General for any such failures. Furthermore, it grants State Attorneys General the authority to file civil suits on behalf of harmed residents.

This resolution affirms that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental American values necessary to address persistent discrimination. It highlights widespread disparities across housing, employment, education, and healthcare affecting marginalized groups. The bill encourages all sectors of society to adopt policies that promote DEIA to ensure equal opportunity and strengthen the nation.

The College for All Act of 2025 establishes a federal-state partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees at public colleges for eligible students, while also creating grants to cover costs at private HBCUs and MSIs. The bill significantly increases funding for Federal Pell Grants, expands eligibility to include "Dreamer students," and introduces new grants to improve student success at underfunded institutions. Overall, this comprehensive legislation aims to make public higher education tuition-free and increase support for students at minority-serving institutions.

The SMART Prices Act aims to strengthen Medicare by significantly accelerating and expanding the number of drugs eligible for price negotiation. This bill lowers the time requirements for certain single-source drugs to qualify for negotiation and adjusts the maximum fair price ceilings for negotiated drugs starting in 2028. Overall, the legislation seeks to increase price competition and lower costs within the Medicare drug program.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a formal, publicly accessible code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices and creates a judicial investigation panel to handle related ethics complaints. The bill also mandates stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and income received by Justices, and significantly expands the circumstances under which a federal judge must recuse themselves due to financial ties or lobbying influence. Finally, it institutes new disclosure rules for parties and *amici curiae* in cases before the Court, alongside studies to monitor judicial compliance.

The Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2025 establishes a system for the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review brand-name drugs priced excessively high compared to international benchmarks or other factors. If a price is deemed excessive, the bill immediately cancels the manufacturer's government-granted monopolies, allowing generic and biosimilar competition to begin quickly. The Act also mandates comprehensive annual reporting from manufacturers on pricing, R&D, and marketing costs, which will be made public via a new database.