Legislative Activity

The Veterans Transition to Trucking Act of 2025 allows the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to approve interstate trucking apprenticeship programs for veterans using their educational assistance benefits. This expands access to training opportunities for veterans interested in the trucking industry by enabling the VA to directly approve programs that operate across multiple states. This ensures veterans can use their benefits for high-quality, multi-state trucking apprenticeships, even if no single state approves the program.

The "Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act" automatically qualifies specific low-income Medicaid beneficiaries for Medicare Part D premium and cost-sharing subsidies once they turn 65, ensuring continuous access to affordable medication. This change applies to individuals enrolled in Medicaid under sections 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII) or 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XX) of Title XIX with incomes below 200% of the poverty line. These provisions will take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

The "GUARD VA Benefits Act" reinstates penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assistance with their VA benefits claims. This bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that those who exploit veterans by charging unlawful fees face appropriate fines. The aim is to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their benefits claims.

The "SAFE Act" amends the Controlled Substances Act to classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, increases penalties for offenses involving fentanyl-related substances, and allows for the review of sentences for past convictions involving substances that have been removed or rescheduled. It streamlines the research registration process for Schedule I substances and requires a report on the impact of these changes. The bill aims to combat the fentanyl crisis by providing law enforcement with tools to prosecute offenders and prevent the distribution of these dangerous substances while ensuring continued research and potential rescheduling based on scientific evaluation.

The "Fighting Budget Waste Act" requires the President and the Office of Management and Budget to consider the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) annual report on government efficiency when preparing the annual budget submission. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget must then submit a report to Congress detailing their findings related to the GAO's recommendations. This aims to reduce government waste by incorporating GAO's insights into the budget process.