Legislative Activity

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders, collectively, in recognition of their contributions to the Civil Rights movement. The medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and other appropriate locations, with bronze duplicates available for sale to the public. Funds from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund will cover the costs.

The "Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act" reauthorizes and expands programs aimed at supporting the mental health of healthcare providers. It requires annual reports on education and awareness initiatives, broadens eligibility for entities receiving funds, and extends funding for mental health support programs through 2030. The Act prioritizes reducing administrative burdens on healthcare workers to improve access to mental health services.

This bill designates January 2025 as "National Stalking Awareness Month" to raise public awareness about the prevalence and impact of stalking. It encourages increased support for victims and improved responses from policymakers, the criminal justice system, and community organizations. The aim is to educate the public, reduce underreporting, and promote prevention of stalking nationwide.

The "Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, honoring his courageous actions during World War II when he saved approximately 200 Jewish-American soldiers from Nazi persecution by defying direct orders to segregate them. This medal recognizes Edmonds' extraordinary heroism and will be presented to his son or next of kin. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to commemorate his bravery.

This bill expresses support for the nation's public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, highlighting the Department's role in providing critical funding and resources to students, schools, and families. It condemns any actions that would defund public education or weaken the Department of Education. The bill affirms that public education investment should not be diverted to private K-12 schools through vouchers. It also rejects any claim that the executive branch has the authority to dismantle or relocate major offices within the Department of Education, dismantle or relocate the Department of Education, reduce federal funding for public education, block major federal grant programs for education, or transfer education funding burdens to state and local governments.

The "American CANS Act" amends the Tariff Act of 1930, mandating that country-of-origin labels for canned agricultural products be clearly displayed on the front label or top of the can. This aims to increase consumer awareness of the source of their canned goods. The updated labeling requirements will apply to imported agricultural products 18 months after the law is enacted.

The EITC Modernization Act expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to include all taxpayers with dependents and qualifying students, setting a minimum credit of \$1,200 for these groups. It allows taxpayers eligible for refunds exceeding \$240 to receive the EITC in monthly payments and lowers the minimum age for eligible individuals without dependents to 18. The act also establishes a grant program to support volunteer tax assistance programs for low-income taxpayers, prioritizing programs that reach underserved populations and educate people about income supports like the EITC.

The "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025" extends increased Medicare payment support for physicians and practitioners through 2025. It increases payment rates by 6.62% for services provided from April 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. The bill also updates a section of the Social Security Act to include the years 2021 through 2025 for conforming changes.

The Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu, recognizing his advocacy for civil rights and justice. This act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and other locations. The legislation also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. This act commemorates Korematsu's legacy and dedication to equality.

The "Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research Act of 2025" or "STAR Act of 2025" incentivizes domestic semiconductor design by adding qualified semiconductor design expenditures to the advanced manufacturing investment credit. This includes a 25% tax credit for these expenditures, covering in-house and contract design expenses for semiconductor design conducted in the United States. This credit aims to boost innovation and development in semiconductor technology. The credit will terminate for construction beginning or expenditures made after December 31, 2036.

The RELIEVE Act waives the prior care requirement for veterans seeking reimbursement for emergency treatment at non-VA facilities if that treatment was furnished within 60 days of enrolling in the VA health care system. This change applies to emergency treatment received one year after the Act's enactment, removing a barrier to care for newly enrolled veterans facing emergencies. Formally, the bill amends section 1725(b)(2)(B) of title 38, United States Code.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to maintain the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government. It emphasizes the USPS's role as a self-sustaining service vital to the economy and national connectivity. The resolution discourages privatization, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and damage to critical infrastructure.

This bill recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States through charitable activities, volunteer work, and financial support for members. It expresses the sense of Congress that these societies are a valuable support system that addresses unmet needs and generates substantial returns to the U.S. through their tax-exempt status. The bill also advocates for the continued promotion of fraternal benefit societies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act increases the reimbursement amount for continuing professional education expenses for certain full-time health care professionals of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill requires the Secretary to reimburse certain health care professionals up to $2,000 per year and allows the Secretary to adjust the dollar amounts, provided that the reimbursement is not less than $2,000 per year for each individual.

The LICENSE Act of 2025 modifies commercial driver's license (CDL) regulations, directing the Secretary of Transportation to update title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, within 90 days. These revisions include requirements for CDL knowledge test examiners and allow states to administer driving skills tests to any CDL applicant, regardless of their residence or training location.

The "Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025" aims to protect first responders from secondary exposure to fentanyl and other dangerous substances. It amends existing legislation to provide first responders with the necessary training, resources, and containment devices. This will help to ensure their safety while on duty.

The SANE Act of 2025 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to employ at least one sexual assault nurse examiner at each of its hospitals and urgent care facilities or contract with other qualified health care providers to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations. Following an examination, the health care provider must verbally refer the individual to mental health care services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary must ensure these new responsibilities do not negatively impact the existing patient care duties of Department employees. It also defines "sexual assault nurse examiner" and "sexual assault forensic examination" as defined in section 304(a) of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004.

The Pet Food Uniform Regulatory Reform Act of 2025 aims to modernize and streamline the regulation of pet food at the federal level. It establishes a uniform federal framework for pet food labeling, ingredient review, and marketing claims, while preserving states' authority over food safety. The Act defines key terms, simplifies the approval process for pet food ingredients, and sets guidelines for labeling claims such as "natural" and "human grade". Ultimately, the goal is to promote innovation, ensure pet food safety and nutritional adequacy, and provide clarity for both manufacturers and consumers.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the railroad track maintenance credit from $3,500 to $6,100, adjusting for inflation after 2025. It applies to qualified expenditures starting January 1, 2024, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" seeks to modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. It expands coverage to include all services provided by licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, not just manual spinal manipulation. Doctors of Chiropractic are required to attend an educational webinar to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. This aims to align Medicare with other healthcare systems and private insurance in recognizing the full scope of chiropractic care.