Legislative Activity

The Military and Federal Employee Protection Act ensures that federal employees, military members, and covered contractors receive their full standard compensation for work performed or time furloughed during a lapse in government appropriations occurring after September 30, 2025. This bill appropriates necessary funds for agencies to make these retroactive payments. Payments must be made promptly, generally within seven days of enactment for furloughed individuals. This legislation guarantees that no covered individual loses pay due to a government shutdown during the specified period.

This bill mandates a feasibility study to determine if the Benton MacKaye Trail should be designated as a National Scenic Trail. The study will assess the 287-mile scenic, nonmotorized route spanning Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. The Secretary of Agriculture must complete and submit this report to Congress within one year of enactment.

The Pray Safe Act of 2025 establishes a Federal Clearinghouse within the Department of Homeland Security to share evidence-based best practices for the safety and security of nonprofit organizations and houses of worship. This Clearinghouse will also serve as a central resource for identifying and accessing relevant federal security grant opportunities. The Act mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report to Congress on existing federal security funding for these organizations. This entire Act is set to expire four years after its enactment.

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month to raise national awareness about the issue. It supports increased efforts to educate the public and reduce infant mortality rates, low birth weights, and preterm births. The bill recognizes the importance of integrating these reduction strategies into broader public health and wellness initiatives.

This resolution officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It celebrates the immense and vital contributions of Latinos to the United States across culture, the economy, and civic life. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities honoring this heritage.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services concerning the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Market Integrity and Affordability." If enacted, this measure would prevent the CMS rule from having any legal force or effect.

The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act updates federal laws to enhance protections against crimes involving minors. This bill clarifies definitions in kidnapping and sexual abuse statutes, broadens the scope of sex trafficking offenses, and establishes a new federal crime for certain intentional touching of minors under 16. Furthermore, it standardizes penalties, ensuring attempts to commit these offenses carry the same weight as completed acts.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

The Hidden Foster Care Transparency Act mandates that states report detailed data on child separations occurring outside of formal court oversight, termed "hidden foster care arrangements." This legislation requires states receiving federal child welfare funding to track the circumstances, duration, services provided, and outcomes for children in these informal placements. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will then compile this information into an annual public report for Congress to shed light on these often-untracked situations.

The Emergency Pine Beetle Response Act of 2025 establishes emergency financial assistance for private forest owners and timber service businesses impacted by pine beetle outbreaks. This aid includes cost-share payments to cover restoration efforts and new emergency loan options specifically for nonindustrial private forest landowners. The bill also provides supplemental grants to state, Tribal, and local governments to aid in their response and recovery from these infestations.

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the national understanding and prevention of stillbirths. It authorizes federal grants to help states enhance stillbirth surveillance, data collection, and analysis, ensuring all collected data remains de-identified. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of clear federal guidelines for standardized data collection and the development of public educational materials regarding stillbirth risk factors.

The Protect America’s Workforce Act nullifies two specific Executive Orders related to federal labor-management programs and prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce them. Furthermore, the Act ensures that all existing collective bargaining agreements between the federal government and labor organizations remain fully in effect until their original expiration dates. This legislation solidifies current federal union contracts while removing the authority of the voided orders.

This resolution expresses support for designating November 16, 2025, as "National Warrior Call Day" to combat isolation and suicide among service members and veterans. It encourages all Americans to reach out and connect with those who have served to strengthen vital support structures. The day aims to foster peer-to-peer connection as a critical step in addressing the mental health challenges faced by our military community.

The Telehealth Modernization Act primarily extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities, such as geographic and audio-only options, until September 30, 2027. The bill also extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver through 2030 and mandates a comprehensive study comparing home-based and traditional hospital care. Additionally, it introduces new program integrity measures for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and requires guidance to ensure language access for Limited English Proficiency patients utilizing telehealth.

This Senate resolution expresses a profound lack of confidence in Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., citing numerous actions that allegedly undermine public health, scientific integrity, and the legal duties of his office. The resolution details accusations of illegal funding cuts, mass firings of career staff, and the dismantling of key advisory committees. Therefore, the Senate declares that the Secretary should be removed from his position.

The Fair Access In Residency (FAIR) Act of 2025 aims to ensure equitable treatment of osteopathic (DO) and allopathic (MD) medical school graduates during residency applications. Hospitals must report detailed data on DO and MD applicant numbers and acceptances to avoid a 2% cut in Medicare payments. Furthermore, programs must affirm fair consideration and accept either COMLEX or USMLE exam scores if an exam is required. This collected data will be made publicly available by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Lowering Electric Bills Act extends crucial tax credits for residential clean energy installations until 2034. It also modifies the phase-out schedule for the Clean Electricity Production and Investment Credits, tying their continuation to achieving specific emissions reduction targets or the year 2032. These changes aim to provide long-term stability for clean energy investments.

The West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025 mandates the President to impose targeted sanctions, including asset freezes and visa bans, on foreign individuals or groups whose actions threaten the peace and stability of the West Bank. These penalties specifically target those involved in violence against civilians, property destruction, or terrorism. The law requires regular reporting to Congress detailing those sanctioned and the steps being taken to mitigate violence in the region.

This resolution designates August 16, 2025, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history and bravery of U.S. airborne forces. It specifically recognizes the service of combat parachutists, air assault forces, and special operations warriors across all conflicts. The day serves as an expression of national gratitude for the thousands who have served in these elite units.

The Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act primarily repeals previous health subtitle changes and permanently extends enhanced premium tax credits for marketplace health insurance. This extension removes the income cap for receiving enhanced credits and updates the calculation method for determining an individual's required premium contribution. The bill aims to simplify the tax code related to health insurance affordability.