Legislative Activity

The Veterans’ Transition to Trucking Act of 2025 streamlines the process for veterans to use their education benefits for commercial truck driving training. This bill authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to directly approve multi-State apprenticeship programs offered by truck driving schools. This change allows for quicker approval of essential training programs for transitioning service members.

The LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2025 bans the use of "panic defenses" in federal court, which attempt to excuse or lessen a defendant's culpability for a crime based on the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation recognizes that these outdated defenses rely on prejudice and undermine justice for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Act also requires the Attorney General to report annually on violent federal crimes motivated by bias against LGBTQ+ people.

The Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must ensure at least one full-service VA hospital is located within the borders of each of the 48 contiguous states. This guarantees a baseline level of in-state hospital access for eligible veterans. The VA must report to Congress one year after enactment detailing compliance and the impact on care quality.

The National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act establishes a new federal grant program to help communities address the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Administered by the Attorney General and HHS, these grants will fund local teams to improve trauma response systems, coordinate services, and train professionals. The legislation authorizes $10 million annually for these efforts from fiscal years 2026 through 2029.

The EAGLE Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to help small, local law enforcement agencies cover the costs associated with achieving or renewing official professional accreditation. This funding is specifically designated to pay for accreditation fees, on-site assessments, and related expenses from recognized organizations like CALEA. The program is funded with $10 million for Fiscal Year 2025 to support agencies with fewer than 350 employees.

The BUILD Act of 2025 establishes two new federal grant programs to fund facility upgrades and construction for local public safety agencies. These grants are specifically targeted toward police and fire departments serving communities with fewer than 50,000 residents. Funds must be used for projects directly related to improving emergency services, training, recruitment, or community safety. The legislation also mandates studies to assess the long-term infrastructure needs of these smaller departments.

The Advancing Enrollment and Reducing Drug Costs Act aims to lower prescription drug expenses for certain low-income individuals. This bill automatically qualifies younger Medicaid beneficiaries, whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty line, for premium and cost-sharing subsidies under Medicare Part D. This ensures continued financial assistance for prescription drug coverage as they transition.

The GUARD VA Benefits Act establishes criminal penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assisting with claims for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation amends existing law to prohibit soliciting, contracting for, or receiving compensation for preparing or prosecuting VA benefit claims, except where explicitly authorized by other statutes.

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.