Legislative Activity

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.

The Capitol Remembrance Act mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit within the Capitol Building to memorialize the January 6, 2021, attack. This exhibit will feature damaged property, photographs, and a plaque honoring law enforcement, fallen heroes, injured officers, and Capitol staff. The goal is to ensure future generations understand the events of that day and the sacrifices made to protect the Capitol. Appropriations are authorized to complete the exhibit within two years.

The Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act ensures veterans do not pay more for contraception than the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for the medication. Additionally, it eliminates copayments for contraceptive items if health insurance coverage is required without cost-sharing under the Public Health Service Act.

The Prevent Family Fire Act of 2025 establishes a federal tax credit for businesses to incentivize the retail sale of qualified safe firearm storage devices. By providing a credit of up to $400 per device, the bill aims to increase the accessibility and affordability of secure storage options to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. This credit remains available for qualifying sales through the end of 2032.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the history of slavery and discrimination in the United States from 1619 to the present. The commission will study the lingering negative effects of these injustices on living African Americans and U.S. society, and recommend appropriate remedies, including how to educate the American public on its findings to promote racial healing and understanding. The commission will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months of its first official meeting, and the act authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to implement the provisions of this act.

The "Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2025" expands the use of tax-advantaged health accounts, including HSAs, FSAs, HRAs and Archer MSAs, to cover medical expenses of parents. This allows individuals to use these funds for their parents' or their spouse's parents' medical care. These changes aim to provide financial relief to caregivers by allowing pre-tax dollars to be used for elder care. The provisions apply to expenses and contributions made after December 31, 2024.