Legislative Activity

The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act mandates that colleges and universities must prominently display essential mental health and suicide prevention contact information on student ID cards or official websites. This includes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and the campus mental health center. These requirements take effect one year after the Act is signed into law.

The Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters Act (FIRE Act) ensures incarcerated firefighters receive workplace safety protections under OSHA and fair wage standards under the FLSA. The bill also establishes grant programs to help states implement these safety measures and support reentry services for former incarcerated firefighters. Finally, it creates a process for eligible individuals to petition the court to expunge certain past criminal convictions.

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.

This bill mandates that funeral honors details recite a specific statement detailing the symbolism of the 13 Folds of Honor during the presentation of the U.S. flag for a deceased service member or veteran. This ceremony is dedicated to the 13 service members killed in Kabul in 2021. However, the next of kin retains the right to opt out of this specific recitation.

The Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program managed by the FAA for law enforcement to test drones equipped only with non-lethal tools during active shooter events. This initiative aims to assess the safety, training, and effectiveness of using these specialized drones to keep officers at a safer distance. Following the testing phase, the FAA must create a formal rulemaking process to allow agencies nationwide to seek approval for using these domestically manufactured, non-lethal drones.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators seeking a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This ensures drivers can effectively communicate, understand traffic signs, and complete necessary documentation in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in an immediate out-of-service order for the driver.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves key federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation shifts the authorization window for several demonstration projects to run from 2026 through 2030. It also specifically broadens the scope of reentry demonstration projects to explicitly fund substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery services and reentry housing. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal support for vital reentry, education, and substance abuse collaboration initiatives through the end of the decade.

The Veteran Wildland Firefighter Employment Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program to hire veterans for federal wildland firefighting positions through a joint effort led by the VA, Agriculture, and Interior Departments. This program aims to utilize veteran skills in fire management and support roles while providing clear transition guidelines for service members. The pilot will run for two years, with required reports submitted to Congress detailing its implementation and success in reducing veteran unemployment.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

This bill mandates comprehensive federal reporting to better understand and address violence, aggression, and wellness challenges facing law enforcement officers. It requires the Attorney General to produce detailed reports analyzing attacks on officers, potential new data collection methods for non-criminal aggressive incidents, and the state of officer mental health resources. The goal is to use this improved data to recommend better federal, state, and local responses and support systems for officers.

The LEOSA Reform Act updates federal laws to better align concealed carry rights for qualified active and retired law enforcement officers with existing school zone restrictions. This legislation modernizes the Law Enforcement Officer Safety Act (LEOSA) by expanding qualification standards for retired officers and clarifying where they may carry firearms, including in certain lower-security federal facilities. The bill ensures that LEOSA-authorized carriers are not inadvertently violating federal school zone prohibitions.

This resolution formally congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the 267th pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the significance of him being the first American-born Pope in the Church's history. The measure also commends his lifelong service, missionary spirit, and dedication to truth and mercy. Finally, it offers prayers for his leadership as he begins his papacy.

The Conscience Protection Act of 2025 aims to strengthen federal protections for healthcare providers and entities that refuse to participate in abortion, sterilization, or assisted suicide based on moral or religious objections. It prohibits discrimination against these entities by any recipient of federal funding, including state and local governments. Furthermore, the bill establishes stronger enforcement mechanisms within HHS and grants individuals and entities a private right of action to sue for violations of these conscience laws in federal court.

This Concurrent Resolution formally expresses the appreciation of Congress for the dedication and service of local law enforcement officers across the nation. It recognizes the sacrifices made by officers and their families in keeping communities safe. The resolution also encourages strong partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve.

This resolution expresses strong Congressional support for America's law enforcement professionals, recognizing the increasing dangers and mental health tolls they face daily. It highlights significant challenges, including rising officer assaults and critical staffing shortages across the nation. The bill urges all levels of government to increase support through better funding, training, equipment, and mental health resources. Ultimately, it calls for enhanced penalties for those who harm officers and reaffirms appreciation for their service.

The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to help law enforcement officers secure childcare during non-traditional hours. Administered by HHS, these competitive grants will fund local agencies to offer subsidies, start new facilities, or cover operational costs for officers. The program requires state agencies to apply and secure matching funds, with a sunset date of September 30, 2030.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for federal retirement purposes under both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This change adds specific IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and VA police roles to those eligible for enhanced retirement benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for current officers to elect to have their prior service counted under these new definitions, which may require a payment from the employee and their employing agency.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically sharing a veteran's information with the DOJ for national background checks solely based on the appointment of a fiduciary. This bill prohibits the VA from classifying a veteran as a "mental defective" based only on an administrative finding of incompetence or the need for a fiduciary. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General if previously shared information based on fiduciary status is no longer valid.

The Save Healthcare Workers Act aims to protect hospital personnel by making assault against them a federal crime with severe penalties. It also establishes a new federal grant program to help hospitals implement crucial safety measures, such as violence prevention training and physical security upgrades. This legislation seeks to reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings across the nation.