Legislative Activity

This bill ensures that veterans have the option to receive and submit a physical, paper copy of the VA travel reimbursement form (Form 10-3452) by mail or at any VA medical facility. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs must provide these physical copies upon request to accommodate veterans who cannot or prefer not to use digital submission methods. This guarantees accessible avenues for veterans seeking reimbursement for travel expenses related to their VA care.

The "Invest to Protect Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to support local law enforcement by providing resources for training, mental health services, recruitment, and retention. These grants prioritize de-escalation training, victim-centered approaches, and officer well-being. The program emphasizes accountability through audits, reporting requirements, and transparency in officer recruitment and retention incentives. It allocates \$50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to facilitate these improvements in law enforcement practices and community safety.

The "No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act" amends immigration laws to prevent individuals involved in the Hamas attacks against Israel from entering or receiving immigration benefits in the United States. It applies to those who participated in, planned, financed, supported, or otherwise facilitated the attacks. The Act also mandates an annual report to Congress detailing the number of individuals found inadmissible or removable due to their connection to the attacks.

The Keep Americans Safe Act generally bans the sale, transfer, and possession of ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement, government use, and existing lawful possession. The bill mandates serial numbers and manufacturing dates on newly produced devices. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs targeting these large-capacity magazines.

The Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs' transportation grant program by including county and tribal organizations as eligible grant recipients. The bill sets the maximum grant amount to $60,000, but allows it to increase to $80,000 if a vehicle purchase is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It defines "rural" and "highly rural" using the Department of Agriculture's Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) coding system and authorizes such sums as may be necessary.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of 529 education savings accounts for expenses related to postsecondary credential programs. These programs include workforce training, professional certifications, and licenses. This change expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and testing fees associated with recognized postsecondary credentials. The bill aims to make workforce training and professional certifications more accessible and affordable.

The Improper Payments Transparency Act requires the President's budget submission to include details on improper payment amounts and rates for programs at each executive agency that submits improper payment reports. The submission must describe why improper payment amounts and rates occurred, trends of programs, and any incomplete corrective actions. It also requires the executive agency to detail the steps it will take to fix improper payment issues.

This resolution condemns the U.S. delegation's vote against a UN resolution supporting Ukraine, which aligned the U.S. with Russia and other autocratic regimes. It criticizes the failure to identify Russia as the aggressor and demands collaboration with Ukraine and European allies in future UN efforts. The resolution reaffirms support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The "Helping Heroes Act" establishes a Veteran Family Resource Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide personalized support to veterans and their families by connecting them with VA benefits and community resources. It mandates the appointment of family coordinators in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to assist veterans and their families in accessing needed resources. The Act also requires regular surveys of disabled veterans and their families to identify their needs and ensures that all programs and activities funded by the Act adhere to federal nondiscrimination laws.

Ethan's Law aims to reduce gun violence by promoting responsible firearm storage. It establishes a federal requirement for gun owners to securely store firearms, especially in homes with minors or individuals prohibited from owning firearms, with penalties for improper storage. The law also creates a grant program to assist states and Indian Tribes in implementing similar safe storage laws. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress that failing to securely store a firearm constitutes negligence and can establish legal causation for harm resulting from its discharge.

This resolution affirms the Senate's position that the NIH's operations and funding should not be disrupted, as they are crucial for medical advancements and addressing public health challenges. It emphasizes that the NIH workforce is essential for sustaining medical progress and protecting national health, security, and the economy. Any interference with NIH operations or its workforce undermines biomedical research and the nation's ability to respond to public health issues.

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends and modifies the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in the U.S. in underserved areas in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It increases the number of available waivers, provides employment protections for participating physicians, and modifies the requirements for physicians seeking waivers, including allowing them to pursue permanent residency and extending their visas in certain circumstances. The Act also requires annual reporting on the program's usage.

The "Protecting Our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act" establishes a "Ukrainian guest status" for individuals paroled into the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine program, allowing them to work in the U.S. This status begins from their initial parole date and expires 120 days after the Secretary of State determines it is safe for civilians to return to Ukraine, but can be revoked by Homeland Security if the individual poses a security risk.

This resolution marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty and its people's resistance. It rejects Russia's territorial claims, encourages continued support for Ukraine's defense and democratic efforts, and emphasizes Ukraine's role in determining its future. The resolution also commends efforts to support Ukraine's defense, human rights, and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The "Protect the West Act of 2025" establishes an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund to provide grants and support restoration projects on federal and non-federal lands, with the goal of improving forest health, watershed function, and wildlife habitat. It creates a Restoration Fund Advisory Council to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on fund distribution and project prioritization. The act also establishes a Restoration and Resilience Partnership Program to implement restoration projects in designated areas, and it allocates significant funding for these initiatives, emphasizing job creation, community involvement, and ecological integrity.

The "DEFENSE Act" allows the Department of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to authorize state and local law enforcement to use drone countermeasures to protect sites with flight restrictions or large public gatherings. Deputized officers must complete training and will be subject to oversight. The equipment authorized for drone detection and tracking will be limited to a list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, recognizing the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. service members involved. It acknowledges the battle's significance in securing victory in the Pacific during World War II and honors the reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The resolution also encourages Americans to remember and honor the veterans of Iwo Jima.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This bill increases the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under CHAMPVA to the child's 26th birthday, regardless of marital status. It does not limit eligibility for children who are incapable of self-support because of a mental or physical disability.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

The "Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act" amends existing legislation to allow research and extension grants for land-grant institutions to study and promote ungulate grazing land management techniques for wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery on both public and private lands. This includes researching the economic benefits and increasing social support for these activities while ensuring compatibility with practices that protect against adverse environmental effects and improve soil health. The act also focuses on sharing this information through educational materials and outreach programs for landowners, land managers, and livestock owners.