Legislative Activity

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 modifies the Department of Defense's authority to sell surplus aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression. This update explicitly allows the sale of equipment capable of dropping water, in addition to fire retardant. This authority for sales strictly limited to firefighting purposes is extended through October 1, 2035.

The Advancing Student Services In Schools Today (ASSIST) Act aims to boost federal funding for mental health and substance use disorder services provided in schools by increasing the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to 90 percent for these specific expenditures. Additionally, the bill establishes a new grant program to increase the number of qualified behavioral health providers working in schools and school-based health centers. Eligible entities can apply for funding to hire culturally sensitive providers to address student needs, with strict reporting requirements on provider numbers and service effectiveness.

The Insurrection Act of 2025 completely rewrites the rules governing the President's authority to deploy the U.S. Armed Forces domestically, establishing military intervention as a strict last resort. It mandates specific, severe conditions—such as overwhelming insurrection or widespread denial of constitutional rights—and requires the President to issue a detailed proclamation and consult with Congress before deployment. Any initial deployment automatically expires after seven days unless Congress passes a resolution of approval.

This concurrent resolution urges the establishment of a United States Commission on Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation. It formally acknowledges the historical and ongoing harm caused by centuries of systemic racism and discriminatory government policies against various groups. The proposed Commission would be tasked with recognizing this history, promoting racial healing, and working to eliminate persistent racial inequalities in the nation.

The Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act extends 12-month continuous enrollment protections under Medicaid and CHIP to all eligible individuals, removing previous age restrictions. This ensures greater stability in health coverage by preventing premature disenrollment. These changes are scheduled to take effect starting in the first fiscal quarter after December 31, 2026.

The Protect IVF Act establishes a federal right to access fertility treatments, such as IVF, based on widely accepted medical standards. It prohibits states from enacting or enforcing rules that create unnecessary roadblocks or conflict with these established medical practices. The law empowers individuals, providers, and insurers to sue to strike down restrictive state laws that interfere with evidence-based fertility care. Ultimately, this Act ensures that decisions regarding fertility treatment remain between patients and their doctors, overriding conflicting state regulations.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within our National Forests. This legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture must adhere to the existing "Roadless Rule," prohibiting the construction of new roads, the reconstruction of old roads, and timber harvesting within these designated areas. The Act seeks to preserve critical watersheds, support wildlife, and maintain areas for traditional recreation without imposing new restrictions outside of these roadless zones.

The Bicycle Commuter Act of 2025 reinstates and expands tax-free fringe benefits for employers who support employees using bicycles or scooters for commuting. This legislation broadens the definition of qualified commuting property to include e-bikes and scooters, allowing for employer reimbursements or direct provision of these benefits. However, the monthly exclusion amount for these bicycle benefits is capped at 30 percent of the standard transit benefit limit.

The Protecting Community Television Act revises the definition of a "franchise fee" under the Communications Act of 1934. This change modifies the language from "includes" to "means" and adds "other monetary assessment" to clarify what payments local governments can charge cable operators. Ultimately, this bill refines how franchise fees are calculated and assessed.

The PEAKS Act aims to preserve the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) status for certain hospitals by grandfathering their compliance with specific distance requirements. It also modifies the Medicare payment rules for ambulance services furnished by CAHs, updating the distance limitations for reimbursement. This legislation ensures continued access to essential emergency and healthcare services in key, often remote, locations.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

This resolution formally supports the naming of the John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oilers after notable civil rights leaders. It celebrates the Navy's decision to honor figures like John Lewis, Harvey Milk, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg through these vital vessels. Furthermore, the resolution strongly encourages the Department of Defense to maintain these established names across the entire class of ships.

The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act aims to remove annual numerical caps on employment-based visas specifically for special immigrant juveniles. This change ensures that these vulnerable youths are no longer subject to the same yearly visa limitations as other categories. By updating relevant sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the bill prioritizes their access to available visas.

This bill, the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, prohibits employers from terminating or altering group health plan coverage for employees during a lawful strike or a lockout intended to gain leverage in collective bargaining. The Act establishes significant civil penalties, up to $\$150,000$ per violation, for employers who illegally cut off this coverage. Furthermore, it allows for individual directors and officers to be held personally liable for these violations.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act repeals key liability protections for gun manufacturers found in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation also mandates that records from the federal Firearms Trace System database must be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil proceedings. The bill aims to allow victims of gun violence greater access to information for civil lawsuits.

The No Place for LGBTQ Hate Act immediately repeals specific Executive Orders that targeted LGBTQI individuals, preventing any federal funds from being used to enforce them. This legislation specifically cancels orders known for mandating discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The bill also includes a provision to ensure it does not infringe upon the President's existing constitutional authority.

The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act mandates the National Park Service (NPS) to establish a program to significantly reduce or eliminate the sale of disposable plastic products, including single-use water bottles, across all park units. Regional directors must implement these changes after assessing operational costs, infrastructure needs, and vendor contracts, while prioritizing visitor safety regarding water access. The NPS must also develop visitor education strategies and conduct biennial reviews to evaluate the program's effectiveness and impact on public health.

The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2025 establishes competitive grant programs to fund comprehensive, evidence-based sex education in schools, colleges, and youth organizations. The bill aims to address historical inequities by ensuring education and sexual health services are medically accurate, culturally responsive, and accessible to all young people, especially underserved populations. It also creates grants specifically for training educators and improving the delivery of youth-friendly sexual health services. Funding is authorized through 2031, with resources redirected from previous abstinence-only programs.

The Plant Biostimulant Act of 2025 updates federal law to specifically define "plant biostimulant," separating it from other regulated agricultural products. This legislation requires the EPA to update its regulations to reflect these new definitions within 120 days of enactment. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on how various biostimulants can improve soil health and sustainability outcomes.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.