Legislative Activity

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act) mandates a report to Congress assessing the feasibility of using emerging technologies, such as direct-to-cell wireless, to expand internet access in Iran. This report must analyze technical, regulatory, and security considerations, including the impact of countermeasures like drone-based platforms and signal jamming. It will also survey the ownership and control of existing telecommunications providers operating within Iran.

The Critical Mineral Mining Education Act of 2026 establishes programs within the Department of State to address the U.S. shortage of skilled mining professionals. It creates educational opportunities through scholarships, internships, and international exchanges focused on critical minerals. The Act also establishes fellowship programs to send U.S. students abroad and bring foreign experts to the U.S. to build domestic mining education capacity. These initiatives are authorized through fiscal year 2030 (for one program) and funded through 2035 (for the fellowship programs).

The Carson City Public Land Correction Act facilitates the transfer of approximately 1,288 acres of federal land to Carson City, Nevada, for public use. The bill also mandates the sale of certain federal and city-owned lands, with all proceeds deposited into the Carson City Special Account for specified conservation and management purposes. Finally, it amends existing law to clarify how Carson City can sell or lease certain lands for economic development or recreation.

This resolution designates November 2025 as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month to recognize the critical role these services play in improving the quality of life for individuals with serious illnesses and their families. It highlights the comprehensive, interdisciplinary care provided, which focuses on symptom management, emotional support, and caregiver assistance. The resolution encourages increased public awareness of hospice and palliative care options and honors the dedication of the professionals and volunteers who provide this essential support.

The Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act mandates sanctions against senior Houthi leaders and officials operating in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen. The bill also requires several reports from the Executive Branch detailing Houthi indoctrination efforts, obstacles to humanitarian aid delivery, and specific human rights abuses. Congress affirms its opposition to Houthi extremism and support for a Yemeni-led peace process. This Act will terminate five years after its enactment.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove the interim final rule from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that removes the automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). If enacted, this disapproval would nullify the rule, preventing the removal of the automatic extension.

This bill establishes a new tax-exempt status for organizations focused on making essential drugs and medical devices affordable. To qualify, these "public interest" organizations must meet strict criteria regarding their purpose and leadership ties to for-profit companies. The legislation also defines which drugs or devices qualify for this status based on factors like shortage risk or cost reduction potential. Finally, it sets rules to prevent excess benefit transactions involving these newly designated entities.

The No Tariffs on Groceries Act of 2025 restricts the President's authority to impose new tariffs or tariff-rate quotas on articles of food. Under this Act, any new food-related tariff requires both a formal request from the President to Congress and subsequent approval via a specific joint resolution enacted by Congress. This limitation does not apply to existing trade enforcement duties like antidumping or countervailing duties.

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act mandates that all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers establish dedicated, private, and accessible lactation spaces for women veterans and the public. These spaces must meet specific criteria, such as being clean, shielded from view, and equipped with a chair and working surface. The VA Secretary is required to ensure full compliance within three years of the Act becoming law and must submit annual progress reports until all centers are compliant.

This Act establishes the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project, a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs designed to significantly lower veteran suicide rates. The program will implement the Zero Suicide Institute's curriculum and training across five selected VA medical centers over five years. The VA Secretary is required to consult with various experts and submit annual progress reports comparing outcomes at pilot sites to other VA centers.

This resolution condemns any potential financial compensation from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to a former President, specifically addressing calls for a \$230 million payment. It affirms that using public funds for personal gain is an abuse of public trust. Furthermore, the bill requires the Attorney General to report to Congress on any such demands made by the President or their agents.

The HIV Medication Access Act officially recognizes the provision of HIV prevention tools, including PrEP medication, as core life-saving humanitarian assistance. This legislation updates how the U.S. approaches HIV/AIDS prevention aid under existing foreign assistance laws. Furthermore, it mandates that the identification of at-risk populations for aid must align with scientific guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO).

This resolution condemns the anti-vaccine policies of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and opposes Florida's efforts to roll back immunization requirements. It strongly asserts that vaccines are critical for public health, preventing illness and death, and must be widely available based on scientific consensus. The Senate expresses its support for science-based health decisions and criticizes political interference in vaccine advisory bodies.

The Supporting Our Seniors Act establishes a temporary Commission on Long-Term Care composed of 12 appointed members. This Commission is tasked with studying the long-term care system and providing annual policy recommendations to Congress and the President. Its focus areas include affordability, caregiver support, aging in place, and workforce development. The Act authorizes necessary funding for the Commission's operations over its ten-year lifespan.

The HOME Act of 2025 establishes federal prohibitions against unconscionably excessive rental and sale prices during declared affordable housing crises. It mandates investigations into housing price manipulation and excessive purchases by large investors, while also creating a new HUD unit to monitor market fairness. Furthermore, the Act directs federal agencies to review anti-competitive behaviors and implement renter protections through new rules for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investments.

The Reducing Drug Prices for Seniors Act mandates that Medicare Part D coinsurance payments for seniors be calculated based on the drug's negotiated **net price** rather than its higher list price. This change aims to lower out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries during the cost-sharing phase of their coverage. This new calculation method will take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Hire Student Veterans Act expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to incentivize employers for hiring veterans actively using federal educational assistance benefits. This legislation modifies eligibility requirements, allowing employers to claim the tax credit for hiring veterans utilizing benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Furthermore, it removes the standard minimum employment period requirement for these specific veteran hires, potentially allowing employers to claim the credit sooner.

The Provider Training in Palliative Care Act allows healthcare professionals who received federal scholarships or loan repayment funds to defer their required service obligations for up to one year. This deferral is specifically granted to permit them to pursue specialized training in palliative care. The bill amends the Public Health Service Act to facilitate this temporary pause in service commitments.

The Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act establishes the new **Veteran Small Business Start-up Credit** to incentivize entrepreneurship among veterans and their spouses. This credit allows eligible veteran-owned small businesses operating in underserved communities to claim a tax credit of up to $7,500 annually based on qualified start-up expenditures. The provision aims to support veteran business creation by offering a direct financial benefit during the initial years of operation.

The Extreme Heat Emergency Act of 2025 amends federal law to officially recognize extreme temperature events, such as severe heat waves and deep freezes, as qualifying conditions for a "major disaster" declaration. This change aims to make areas affected by extreme weather eligible for federal disaster relief funding. The Act specifies that no new appropriations or additional funds are authorized to carry out its provisions.