Legislative Activity

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its directives within 18 months for managing acute sexual assault cases at VA facilities. The new rules mandate that VA medical centers must ensure access to certified sexual assault examiners, provide immediate medical care and mental health support, and establish clear protocols for police documentation. Furthermore, the legislation requires annual, trauma-informed training for relevant VA health staff and police on these updated procedures.

The BABIES Act aims to improve access to and quality of care provided by freestanding birth centers. It establishes a new grant program to help birth centers start up or expand, prioritizing underserved areas. Additionally, the bill creates a Medicaid demonstration program to test new payment models that better support birth center services for low-risk pregnancies. Overall, the legislation seeks to increase the availability of quality maternity care options outside of traditional hospital settings.

The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen and improve national newborn screening programs across the country. This legislation enhances parent education, mandates better follow-up care for identified disorders, and updates the advisory committee responsible for recommending screening guidelines. Furthermore, it increases funding authorizations and clarifies research protocols related to anonymous newborn blood spot samples.

The SBIR/STTR Application Assistance Act extends the vital FAST Program until 2030 to help small businesses secure federal research funding. This legislation mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to increase application assistance specifically targeting states historically underrepresented in SBIR/STTR awards. Furthermore, it requires enhanced outreach efforts to boost participation from researchers at minority and Hispanic-serving institutions in both programs.

This resolution strongly condemns the horrific attacks on Minnesota lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, which resulted in the deaths of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. It honors the victims, praises the bravery of first responders, and calls for unity across the nation to reject political violence. The bill emphasizes the critical need for civil debate over violence to protect American democracy.

The Small Business Liberation Act exempts qualifying small businesses from special duties or fees imposed by the President following a national emergency declaration. This provision ensures that small businesses are not burdened by extra import costs triggered during times of national crisis.

The ADINA Act mandates that prescription and over-the-counter drugs must clearly label if they contain ingredients derived from major food allergens or gluten-containing grains. This new requirement aims to protect consumers by ensuring transparency regarding potential allergens in medications. Drugs failing to include this specific warning will be considered misbranded under federal law.

The Pathways to Policing Act establishes the Law Enforcement Hiring Support Grant program to help agencies recruit new officers. This grant money can be used for recruitment campaigns and developing programs that support candidates facing barriers to entering law enforcement. The Act prioritizes funding for agencies seeking to increase diversity and hire candidates connected to the communities they will serve. Additionally, it mandates a national marketing effort to encourage diverse individuals to pursue careers in policing.

The Rural Small Business Resilience Act ensures individuals in rural areas have full access to disaster assistance provided by the Small Business Administration. It requires the SBA to provide targeted outreach and marketing to individuals in rural areas to increase awareness of available disaster assistance. The SBA must complete these actions within one year. The bill also makes a technical correction to the Small Business Act.