Legislative Activity

This bill focuses on reauthorizing and setting new funding levels for various essential health professions education programs under the Public Health Service Act. It establishes specific annual appropriations for key initiatives, such as scholarships for disadvantaged students and primary care training, spanning fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The legislation ensures continued federal support for critical areas like geriatric training, dental education, and workforce analysis centers.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that Congress should enact the Older Americans Bill of Rights to affirm the right of older Americans to live with dignity and independence. It highlights severe challenges facing seniors, including poverty, food insecurity, social isolation, and gaps in healthcare access. The proposed Bill of Rights calls for strengthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs, and ensuring access to affordable housing and essential services. Ultimately, this measure urges Congress to establish comprehensive protections for the financial security, health, and community participation of older adults.

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 establishes mandatory minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios across various hospital units to enhance patient safety and care quality. This legislation requires hospitals to implement detailed staffing plans, ensures enforcement through federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and supports the nursing workforce through expanded financial aid and retention initiatives. Furthermore, the bill protects nurses who refuse unsafe assignments and establishes clear mechanisms for reporting violations.

The Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act of 2025 aims to lower prescription drug costs for Americans by establishing a regulated system for importing safe, FDA-equivalent medications. This legislation authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to certify foreign sellers in countries like Canada, the U.K., and the EU, allowing wholesale distributors and individuals to legally import qualifying drugs. The bill mandates rigorous safety oversight, including testing and tracing requirements, while also penalizing manufacturers who unfairly restrict supply to certified foreign sellers.

Anna's Law of 2025 establishes a new grant program to fund trauma-informed training for law enforcement and EMTs responding to sexual assault cases. This training aims to educate first responders on the effects of trauma to improve victim interactions and reduce re-traumatization. Agencies accepting the grants must ensure new recruits receive eight hours of training, while current staff receives four hours annually. The bill also mandates reporting on the program's effectiveness and maintaining a public directory of qualified trainers.

The Online Consumer Protection Act mandates that social media platforms and online marketplaces create clear, understandable terms of service detailing user rights and platform rules. It requires these entities to establish comprehensive consumer protection programs, overseen by a dedicated officer who reports to the CEO. Companies meeting certain revenue or user thresholds must file annual compliance reports with the FTC, which will be made public. Finally, the Act provides robust enforcement mechanisms, allowing the FTC, State Attorneys General, and private individuals to sue for damages, invalidating pre-dispute arbitration clauses for violations.

The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act establishes a new EPA program to enhance the security of community water systems and treatment works. This program will actively support participation in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center by helping cover membership costs and improving threat analysis resources. Ultimately, the goal is to better equip water utilities to defend against and recover from cyber threats and natural hazards.

The Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act clarifies that materials like those found in tar sands are explicitly included in the definition of "crude oil" for federal excise tax purposes. This ensures these substances are subject to the same taxes as traditional crude oil. The bill also grants the Treasury Secretary authority to classify other fuel products as crude oil if they pose a significant environmental hazard when transported commercially.

The "Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025" authorizes competitive grants for youth mentoring programs, supporting initiatives that help young people succeed in education and the workforce. These programs will focus on developing cognitive and social-emotional skills, providing workforce readiness training, and fostering positive relationships through structured mentoring and career exploration. The Act prioritizes serving high-need youth in underserved communities and requires program evaluation and reporting to ensure effectiveness. Additionally, the Secretary of Labor is required to conduct a study on mentoring programs to identify successful strategies and assess their impact on academic performance and job readiness.

This bill recognizes the significant contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to the U.S. healthcare system, particularly in providing anesthesia and pain management for over 150 years. It acknowledges their crucial role in rural healthcare and the military, and supports the recognition of CRNAs during National CRNA Week. The bill encourages the full utilization of CRNAs in healthcare settings.