Legislative Activity

The Kidney Care Access Protection Act aims to improve patient access to innovative kidney care treatments by reforming Medicare payment systems for new drugs and devices. It also addresses payment stability by adjusting for forecast errors in dialysis service updates and enhances prevention efforts. Finally, the Act expands Medicare coverage for chronic kidney disease screening and education services starting in 2026.

The Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025 amends existing law to recognize economic harm caused by foreign activities as a trigger for fishery disaster declarations. This allows the Secretary of Commerce to declare a disaster if foreign actions, such as predatory pricing or market distortion, negatively impact the viability of American fisheries. Governors and tribal leaders must now document these foreign activities when requesting federal assistance.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the Medevac Marines and Navy Corpsmen who served in helicopter support roles during the Vietnam War. The legislation recognizes their heroic service, which included critical troop transport, supply delivery, and life-saving medical evacuations under dangerous conditions. The gold medal will be struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and ultimately displayed at the National Museum of the United States Navy. The Secretary is also authorized to sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public.

The Legacy Act of 2025 mandates a study, conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, to explore establishing a secure, confidential, and free national system for storing and retrieving an individual's last wish documents. This system would allow authorized agents to access vital documents like advance directives or powers of attorney. The study's final results are due to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Congress within four years of the Act's enactment.

This bill authorizes the striking and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Donald J. Trump in recognition of his alleged extraordinary peacemaking efforts globally. Congress specifically cites several purported international peace deals and ceasefires secured by the former President as justification for this high honor. The Act also outlines the process for creating and selling bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The Penicillin Allergy Verification and Evaluation (PAVE) Act addresses the widespread issue of inaccurate penicillin allergy labels, which often lead to poorer patient outcomes. This bill mandates that Medicare cover and require physicians to perform a formal penicillin allergy verification and evaluation for seniors during their initial and annual wellness visits. The goal is to correctly identify patients who can safely take penicillin, improving care and promoting responsible antibiotic stewardship.

The No Funding for Lawless Jurisdictions Act restricts federal crime-fighting grants to state and local governments that limit cash bail for serious offenses or release convicted felons on personal recognizance. Furthermore, jurisdictions that cut their police budgets in the preceding year are ineligible for these funds, unless the cut was part of a fair, government-wide budget reduction. This legislation aims to ensure federal support only goes to jurisdictions maintaining traditional public safety and law enforcement funding standards.

This bill amends the Veterans Community Care Program to officially include eyeglass lens fittings as a covered medical service provided by non-VA providers. It mandates that the VA quickly establish procedures to ensure veterans eligible for community care can easily access local providers for these fittings. The VA Secretary must report to Congress within 180 days on the implementation and impact of this new coverage.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory, transparent exception processes for health plans that use "step therapy" protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients or their doctors can quickly request coverage for a prescribed medication when specific clinical criteria are met, such as previous treatment failure or risk of harm. Plans must decide on standard requests within 72 hours and urgent requests within 24 hours, and approved exceptions must last for at least one year. Furthermore, insurers must report detailed data annually on exception requests, approvals, and denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Fair Housing for Disabled Veterans Act ensures that veterans' disability compensation or pension payments are excluded when determining income eligibility for low-income housing tax credits and related rental project bonds. This change prevents veterans from being penalized for their service-related benefits when applying for affordable housing assistance. The Act takes effect immediately upon passage.

The Chloe Cole Act prohibits healthcare professionals from engaging in chemical or surgical mutilation of minors, defined as specific medical interventions intended to alter appearance or biological function related to sex. This prohibition is enforced through federal jurisdiction when interstate commerce is involved in the procedure. The bill also establishes a private right of action, allowing individuals subjected to these procedures as minors to sue participating providers, and sets strict liability standards for future violations.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

This Act, the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act, aims to speed up Medicare coverage for innovative, FDA-approved "breakthrough devices." It establishes a process for manufacturers to gain a four-year transitional coverage period for these devices, ensuring patients have timely access while long-term coverage decisions are finalized. The bill also allocates funding to CMS to manage these expedited reviews and allows for oversight of provider billing practices related to these new technologies.

The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 ensures that active duty military personnel and essential civilian support staff continue to receive their pay if Congress has not yet passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026. This act provides automatic continuing appropriations from the Treasury to prevent a lapse in military salaries due to budget delays. The funding automatically terminates once a new budget or continuing resolution is passed, or on January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

The Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act establishes new requirements for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when processing applications for the VR&E program, mandating the submission of work history and transcripts before initial review. The bill also sets a standard maximum duration of 365 days for employment assistance, with a possible 180-day extension for actively job-seeking veterans. Furthermore, it mandates increased data collection on veteran employment outcomes and requires the VA to publicly report on counselor wait times.

This resolution formally honors the victims of Hurricane Helene one year after the storm devastated western North Carolina. It expresses deep condolences to the affected communities and recognizes the heroic efforts of first responders and volunteers. Furthermore, the resolution affirms Congress's commitment to supporting ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 15 through September 19, 2025, as "National Clean Energy Week." It recognizes the vital role of the growing clean energy sector in creating American jobs and advancing national environmental and economic goals. The bill encourages public and private entities to promote affordable, low-emission energy solutions across the country.

This resolution condemns the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and extends condolences to his family. It honors his life and legacy, recognizing his founding of Turning Point USA and his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses.

This resolution formally condemns the horrific political assassination of conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. It expresses deep condolences to his family and recognizes the bravery of the first responders at the scene. Ultimately, the measure reaffirms the fundamental American right to peaceful assembly and stands firmly against political violence.