Legislative Activity

The Presidential Fitness Test Act of 2025 establishes the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to advise the President on national fitness goals. This Council is tasked with reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test as the primary means for earning a Presidential Fitness Award. It will also develop strategies to expand sports participation and address national security threats posed by declining youth fitness. The Council will operate for two years unless extended by the President.

The Pathways to Prosperity Act establishes a new grant program to strengthen workforce development at community colleges. This program aims to help institutions create or expand high-quality training for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries. Grants will prioritize partnerships with employers to ensure participants earn recognized, portable credentials leading to career advancement. The Secretary of Labor will oversee the competitive awards, performance measurement, and evaluation of the funded programs.

The Lowering Health Care Costs for Americans Act modifies the Affordable Care Act by extending premium tax credits and introducing new Healthcare Affordability Accounts for enrollees. It also establishes strict new requirements for hospitals, labs, and insurers to publicly disclose negotiated prices and detailed billing information. Furthermore, the bill places new restrictions on using subsidies for coverage related to abortion and gender transition procedures. Overall, the legislation aims to increase price transparency while restructuring financial assistance for Marketplace plans.

The PBM Disclosure Act clarifies existing requirements under ERISA for brokers and consultants to employer-sponsored health plans to disclose all direct and indirect compensation related to pharmacy benefit management services. This ensures transparency regarding payments received for PBM services provided to these health plans. The Department of Labor is tasked with issuing clarifying regulations within 180 days of enactment.

The ACA Marketplace Integrity Act aims to enhance the integrity and affordability of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. This legislation limits the amount of premium tax credits available to enrollees and introduces new documentation requirements, such as government-issued photo ID, for enrolling in Qualified Health Plans. Additionally, it formally enacts a specific rule regarding marketplace integrity and affordability.

This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." The day honors first-generation college students, defined as those whose parents lack a bachelor's degree, recognizing the unique challenges they face. This date commemorates the anniversary of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965, which aimed to increase access to postsecondary education. The resolution urges nationwide recognition of these students' vital contributions to the future workforce.

The Better FDA Act of 2025 overhauls the regulation of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by requiring mandatory FDA listing and review for all such food ingredients. This legislation establishes strict deadlines for submitting GRAS notices and subjects substances not listed or under review to adulteration penalties. Furthermore, the Act grants the FDA authority to reevaluate the safety of existing food additives and GRAS substances based on new concerns, ensuring all final safety determinations involve review by career FDA scientific experts.

The DIRECT Act of 2025 amends federal inspection laws to allow retail stores and restaurants to sell State-inspected meat and poultry products online. These products can be shipped directly to household consumers in normal retail quantities. The bill also includes technical corrections to update outdated language and cross-references within the existing Acts.

The Beef Labeling Clarity Act mandates the creation of new federal regulations for beef labeling within 180 days. This legislation will eliminate the current "Product of USA" label for covered products. Instead, it establishes three new voluntary labeling options: "Processed in USA," "Raised and Processed in USA," and "Born, Raised, and Processed in USA," to provide consumers with clearer origin information.

The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 aims to expand high-speed broadband access in underserved rural areas through grants and loans. It establishes minimum service standards of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload capacity for funded projects. The bill prioritizes assistance for the most unserved communities and sets funding authorizations through fiscal year 2030.

The Retire through Ownership Act clarifies the definition of "adequate consideration" for employee retirement plans, specifically ESOPs. This change allows plan fiduciaries to rely in good faith on valuations performed by independent experts using established IRS methods. This provision aims to provide fiduciaries with a clearer standard for determining fair asset prices without altering existing fiduciary duties or the Secretary of Labor's regulatory authority.

The Passport Sanity Act mandates that the Department of State limit gender designation options on official travel documents to only "male" or "female." This law specifically prohibits the issuance of passports, passport cards, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad that include an "X" gender marker.

The Mobile Cancer Screening Act establishes a federal grant program to fund the creation and operation of mobile screening units, such as vans equipped for imaging. This initiative aims to increase early cancer detection, particularly for lung cancer, by bringing essential screening services directly to rural and underserved communities. Funding priority will be given to organizations that demonstrate the greatest potential to close screening gaps and ensure comprehensive follow-up care for patients.

This resolution formally honors the life and dedicated service of Undersheriff Brandon Gaede, who tragically died in the line of duty. It expresses the deepest condolences of the Senate to his family and recognizes his ultimate sacrifice for public safety. The measure also calls for support for his surviving family from all levels of government.

This resolution formally honors the life and dedicated service of fallen Kansas Deputy Elijah Ming. It expresses the deepest condolences of the Senate to his family and loved ones. The measure further calls upon all levels of government to support the family following his tragic sacrifice in the line of duty.

The No Surprises Act Enforcement Act significantly increases financial penalties for group health plans and insurers that violate surprise billing protections. It establishes much harsher penalties, including triple the owed amount plus interest, for late payments following independent dispute resolution determinations. Furthermore, the bill mandates more frequent and detailed transparency reports to Congress regarding enforcement activities and violations found.

The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act mandates that electronic communication and remote computing service providers must report confirmed or reasonably suspected illegal activity involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, or counterfeit prescription drugs to the Attorney General. Providers must submit identifying account information, though they are not required to actively monitor content or break encryption. The law establishes penalties for non-compliance and requires the Attorney General to issue an annual public report on the enforcement of these provisions.

The Patients Deserve Price Tags Act aims to drastically increase healthcare price transparency across the board. It mandates that hospitals, diagnostic labs, and ambulatory surgical centers publicly disclose detailed negotiated rates, cash prices, and gross charges in standardized formats. Furthermore, the bill strengthens requirements for health plans to provide consumers with real-time cost estimates and mandates itemized billing for patients after receiving care. These measures are backed by new compliance checks and significant daily penalties for non-compliance.

This Senate resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that the Parliamentarian should serve a maximum term of six years. The proposal aims to limit the tenure of the official who advises on Senate rules and procedures to ensure accountability and fresh perspectives. This action acknowledges the current appointment structure while advocating for a fixed term limit.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act mandates that all commercial motor vehicle operators must demonstrate proficiency in basic English to obtain or maintain their commercial driver's license (CDL). This ensures drivers can read traffic signs and effectively communicate with law enforcement and safety officials. Furthermore, the CDL knowledge test will only be administered in English two years after the law's enactment.