Legislative Activity

The Providing Veterans Essential Medications Act allows State homes caring for veterans to choose how they receive reimbursement for very high-cost medications. State homes can opt to be reimbursed directly for the medication's cost or have the Secretary of the VA furnish the drug directly. This provision applies only when the cost of a specific medication exceeds a defined threshold relative to the standard monthly payment for that veteran's care.

The Feed Our Families Act of 2025 ensures the continuity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the initial phase of a government shutdown. This bill automatically reserves necessary funding to operate SNAP for the first 90 days following a lapse in appropriations at the start of a fiscal year. These funds are held in reserve and released only as needed to maintain essential program services.

This Act authorizes the creation and sale of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The coins will feature designs honoring the victims and first responders, with the phrase "Never Forget" required on at least one design. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins will be donated to support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The Treasury must ensure the entire coin program results in no net cost to the Federal Government.

The Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act establishes a federal civil right of action allowing victims to sue those who share non-consensual, intimate digital depictions (deepfakes) of them, providing for significant monetary damages and court orders. Additionally, the bill creates a new federal crime for sharing or threatening to share such images with intent to harass or cause harm, carrying penalties up to ten years in prison for serious offenses. The law strictly defines consent and intimate depictions, while offering limited liability protections to online service providers who cooperate in removing the content.

The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, loose fill packaging, and coolers starting January 1, 2028. The bill clearly defines these targeted foam products and the roles of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers involved in their supply chain. Enforcement begins with a written warning for first-time violations, followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The Administrator of the EPA is granted the authority to issue necessary regulations to implement the Act.

The "Do No Harm Act" amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to ensure religious freedom is not used to justify discrimination or harm. It clarifies that the Act does not override federal laws protecting against discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity, or safeguarding access to healthcare and other essential services. This amendment confirms that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies only when the government is a party in a judicial proceeding.

The Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act increases the annual stipend for books, supplies, and equipment for veterans under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program from $1,000 to $1,400. Beginning in 2026, this stipend will be subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index.

The HERO Act establishes a national system to track suicides among public safety officers to better understand prevention needs. It also creates grant programs to fund peer-support and wellness programs for fire, EMS, and healthcare workers. Finally, the bill mandates the development of educational resources to improve mental health treatment for first responders dealing with trauma and PTSD.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates a standardized, one-hour presentation on available VA benefits during mandatory preseparation counseling for service members. This presentation must be developed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in consultation with recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). The goal is to ensure separating service members are fully informed of their entitlements and how VSOs can assist with filing claims.

This bill, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, seeks to amend the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. It aims to modernize labor regulations by clarifying definitions, addressing unfair labor practices, enhancing enforcement, and increasing transparency in labor-management relations. The bill introduces measures such as electronic voting in union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections, and mandates studies on collective bargaining practices. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fair treatment of workers and promote equitable labor practices.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, and to update which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight based on a history of voting rights violations. It broadens the types of violations that allow a court to retain jurisdiction over a case, clarifies the Attorney General's authority to assign observers, and ensures transparency in voting-related changes. The Act also authorizes the Attorney General to demand documents and information to enforce voting rights and provides grants to small jurisdictions to assist with notification requirements.

The "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act" seeks to promote diplomatic engagement to formally end the Korean War by replacing the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement. It requires the Secretary of State to review travel restrictions to North Korea for humanitarian reasons and to develop a plan for achieving a permanent peace agreement, including the potential establishment of liaison offices between the U.S. and North Korea. The act emphasizes that it does not affect the status of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea or elsewhere.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to reduce bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states to establish policies prohibiting such conduct based on various characteristics, including race, sex, religion, and disability. It mandates annual notifications, data collection on incidents, biennial evaluations of programs, and regular reports to Congress to ensure accountability and effectiveness. This act does not infringe on existing nondiscrimination laws or freedom of speech but seeks to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The "Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" establishes a task force and grant program to support the preservation and improvement of working waterfronts. It enables covered entities to submit working waterfront plans for approval and receive financial assistance for implementation. The act also authorizes capitalization grants to coastal states for establishing working waterfront preservation loan funds. It allocates $50 million annually from 2025-2029 for both the grant and loan programs.

The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2027 to commemorate the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The coins' designs will represent Clemente's life, including his baseball achievements and humanitarian work. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation, supporting their educational programs, youth sports initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and historic preservation projects. The Act ensures that the coin program will not incur any net cost to the United States government.

The Care Across Generations Act aims to improve care for both children and older adults by establishing a competitive grant program. These grants will be awarded to long-term care facilities to operate or contract with qualified child care facilities and coordinate activities between the two. Grant recipients must evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and report their findings, which will then be used to inform policy recommendations to Congress. This act seeks to foster multigenerational connections and provide comprehensive care solutions.

The Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 bans cosmetic animal testing in the U.S. and restricts the use of animal testing data for cosmetic safety, with certain exceptions. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties for non-compliance and preempts states from enacting conflicting regulations. The Act defines key terms related to cosmetic animal testing and cosmetics.

The GUARD VA Benefits Act establishes criminal penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assisting with claims for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation amends existing law to prohibit soliciting, contracting for, or receiving compensation for preparing or prosecuting VA benefit claims, except where explicitly authorized by other statutes.

The Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching (BEST) Act aims to establish a grant program that supports states in creating, improving, and running Seal of Biliteracy programs. These programs recognize students proficient in both English and another language, including Native American languages and American Sign Language. The Act allocates funds for administrative costs, public outreach, professional development, and testing subsidies, ensuring equal access for English learners and students with disabilities. Ultimately, the BEST Act seeks to promote and acknowledge the value of biliteracy among students nationwide.

The "Project Safe Neighborhoods Reauthorization Act of 2025" reauthorizes and modifies the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program, allowing funds to be used for hiring crime analysts, covering overtime costs, and acquiring technology to reduce violent crime. It extends the program's authorization through fiscal year 2030 and supports multi-jurisdictional task forces. Additionally, it mandates the Attorney General to submit annual reports to the Judiciary Committees detailing fund expenditures, community outreach, and violent crime statistics in areas using program funds.