Legislative Activity

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 Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act mandates that every Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center must establish a dedicated, private, and accessible space for breastfeeding or pumping. This space must be clean, shielded from view, and equipped with a chair and a flat surface. The VA is required to implement these new lactation facilities within two years of the Act's enactment.

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 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 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.

The STEM RESTART Act establishes a new grant program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to help unemployed or underemployed mid-career workers re-enter high-demand, above-entry-level Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) jobs. These competitive "RESTART grants" will fund businesses to create "returnship" programs that offer on-the-job training, mentorship, and a clear path to full-time employment. The bill prioritizes programs that serve rural workers and ensures these opportunities lead to well-paying roles that supplement, rather than replace, existing staff.

This Senate resolution expresses the view that the Trump Administration's drastic staff reductions, funding freezes, and agency dismantlements have harmed communities and increased costs for American families. It argues these actions disrupt essential services like healthcare, benefits, and research without targeting actual waste. The resolution calls for a shift in focus toward protecting families, lowering costs, and supporting veterans, research, and small businesses.

The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act of 2025 mandates comprehensive tracking of all service members' toxic exposures in an expanded Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (ILER). It establishes a presumption of toxic exposure for military personnel and DoD civilians working at specified Department of Energy facilities. Furthermore, the bill officially classifies the Nevada Test and Training Range as a contamination site, requiring the VA to presume toxic exposure and service connection for related conditions for veterans who served there since 1951.

The Combat Action Recognition and Evaluation (CARE) for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Crews Act of 2025 mandates the military departments to establish an official status identifier for RPA crews. This new designation will grant drone operators conducting combat operations recognition equivalent to that currently given to pilots flying manned aircraft in combat zones. The goal is to formally acknowledge the dangerous nature of remotely piloted combat missions.

This resolution formally condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them access to necessary medical care. The document further affirms that taking hostages is a clear violation of international law.

The Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act of 2025 directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMI) to test a new payment model for blood transfusions for hospice patients. This model would allow blood transfusions to be paid for separately from the standard Medicare hospice per diem payment. The CMI must evaluate whether this change impacts patient utilization of hospital services and the overall quality of care.

The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act establishes a new five-year pilot program for community-based palliative care managed by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. This model aims to improve quality of life and coordinate care for seriously ill Medicare beneficiaries outside of traditional hospital settings. The program will offer comprehensive support, including pain and symptom management, while coordinating with existing providers. Success will be measured by comparing participant outcomes, such as emergency room use and hospital admissions, against non-participants.

This resolution officially recognizes May as Jewish American Heritage Month to celebrate the significant contributions of Jewish Americans throughout U.S. history. It calls on leaders to use this month to educate the public about Jewish heritage and actively counter the current rise in antisemitism. The measure emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and dignity of the Jewish American community.

The Healthcare Cybersecurity Act of 2025 aims to bolster cybersecurity across the nation's healthcare sector by enhancing coordination between CISA and HHS. This legislation mandates the creation of a sector-specific risk management plan, the identification of high-risk assets, and the provision of specialized training for healthcare owners and operators. Ultimately, the bill seeks to reduce the growing threat of cyberattacks targeting critical patient data and health services.