Legislative Activity

The "Primary Care Enhancement Act of 2025" modifies the treatment of direct primary care (DPC) arrangements for health savings account (HSA) purposes. It excludes DPC arrangements from being considered a health plan under certain conditions, such as DPC arrangements solely covering primary care services from primary care practitioners for a fixed periodic fee, with limits on monthly fees, and it treats DPC fees as medical expenses. This act also mandates the reporting of DPC fees on W-2 forms and adjusts fee limits for inflation.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access contraception and for health care providers to provide contraception and related information free from government interference. It prohibits federal and state laws that restrict the sale, provision, or use of contraceptives, and allows the Attorney General, individuals, and entities to bring civil suits against those violating the Act. The Act clarifies that it overrides other federal and state laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, but does not override federal laws related to coverage under group health plans, health insurance, or federal healthcare programs. This bill aims to protect an individual's ability to make decisions about their body, medical care, and family.

The "Stop the Wait Act of 2025" eliminates the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, phasing it out completely by 2030. It also waives the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for certain SSDI recipients who lack minimum essential health coverage, allowing them to access Medicare retroactively to the start of their SSDI entitlement. The Act establishes special enrollment periods for Medicare Part B for these newly eligible individuals.

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 "United States Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act" aims to bolster U.S. trade competitiveness and economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. It directs the International Trade Commission to investigate the impact of Indo-Pacific trade agreements on U.S. competitiveness and establishes an independent commission to develop a comprehensive trade strategy for the region. The goal is to counter China's growing influence, promote American values, strengthen the U.S. economy, and enhance supply chain resilience. The commission will develop a comprehensive trade strategy for the region to ensure continued U.S. economic and geopolitical leadership.

The NO BAN Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit the President's power to suspend or restrict the entry of foreign nationals based on nationality. It requires the President to provide Congress with specific evidence justifying any such restrictions, ensuring they are narrowly tailored and time-limited. The bill also expands nondiscrimination provisions in immigration law and allows those harmed by violations to sue the government. Additionally, the Act mandates detailed reports to Congress on visa applicants affected by any restrictions.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 ensures that monetary penalties from False Claims Act cases are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. This excludes payments to whistleblowers and reimbursements to the government. This will increase the amount of money available to help victims of crimes.

The "Health Out-of-Pocket Expense Act of 2025" or the "HOPE Act of 2025" establishes tax-exempt "Hope Accounts" for eligible individuals to pay for qualified medical expenses. Contributions to these accounts are capped at \$4,000 annually for self-only or married individuals with family coverage, and \$8,000 for heads of household with family coverage, with employer and Medicaid contributions limited to 50% of the individual's limit. Distributions used for qualified medical expenses are tax-free, while non-qualified distributions are subject to income tax and a 30% penalty, with exceptions for distributions after death or due to disability. These provisions will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

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.

This bill designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the crucial role of school counselors in student development. It acknowledges the challenges counselors face, such as underfunding and high student-to-counselor ratios. The bill encourages activities and ceremonies to raise awareness of school counselors' importance in preparing students for success.

The Aviation Noise and Emissions Mitigation Act aims to establish pilot grant programs through the EPA to study and address the impact of aircraft and airport noise and emissions on nearby communities. These programs will fund research and data collection on noise and emissions, as well as the development and implementation of mitigation strategies. The goal is to identify and support communities disproportionately affected by aviation pollution, with a focus on environmental justice and public health. Ultimately, the act seeks to reduce the negative impacts of aviation on communities through targeted interventions and community engagement.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

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.

The "Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act" directs the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to conduct a study on Holocaust education efforts in schools across the country. The study will assess curriculum requirements, teaching methods, materials used, and how students' knowledge and recognition of antisemitism are evaluated. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress.

This resolution expresses gratitude and acknowledges the sacrifices made by Gold Shield Families, the families of fallen first responders. It honors these families of fallen police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the President and made public, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and recognized nationwide.

The "Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act" aims to ensure that foreign nongovernmental organizations are eligible for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, part I, regardless of the health or medical services they provide with non-U.S. government funds if such services are legal in their country. It also prevents these organizations from facing stricter requirements than U.S. organizations regarding the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying.

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 "Charitable Act" modifies the tax deduction for charitable contributions for individuals who do not itemize deductions. For the 2026 and 2027 tax years, the deduction will be capped at one-third of the standard deduction amount for the individual. The Act also eliminates and redesignates certain penalty clauses in the Internal Revenue Code related to these deductions, updating references accordingly.

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 "Performing Artist Tax Parity Act of 2025" modifies tax deductions for performing artists by adjusting the income threshold for deduction phaseouts, clarifying deductible expenses to include commissions, and increasing the threshold for nominal employers. The adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold is $100,000, and the nominal employer threshold is $500. Both amounts will be adjusted for inflation after 2025. This ensures fair tax treatment and helps offset professional expenses.