Legislative Activity

The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include audiology treatment services provided directly by qualified audiologists, effective January 1, 2027. This legislation allows audiologists to furnish these services independently of physician supervision. Furthermore, it ensures audiologists can provide care at Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

The Protecting Community Television Act revises the definition of a "franchise fee" under the Communications Act of 1934. This change modifies the language from "includes" to "means" and adds "other monetary assessment" to clarify what payments local governments can charge cable operators. Ultimately, this bill refines how franchise fees are calculated and assessed.

This bill establishes the Senate NATO Observer Group, a dedicated body of Senators focused on issues concerning the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The group will serve as a central forum for discussing complex NATO matters, advising the full Senate, and maintaining close contact with the executive branch regarding NATO negotiations and expansion. Members will be appointed by the Majority and Minority Leaders, and the group must report annually on its activities.

This bill officially authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to recognize the exceptional service and sacrifice of the members of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam – Studies and Observation Group (MACVSOG). Congress acknowledges MACVSOG's critical, highly secret missions during the Vietnam War, which set the standard for modern special operations forces. After presentation, the original medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

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 Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 aims to enhance aviation safety through comprehensive reforms. It mandates an expert review of the FAA's Safety Management System and tightens regulations regarding aircraft tracking technology like ADSB Out, while requiring the installation of ADSB In on certain commercial aircraft. Furthermore, the bill establishes new safety review processes for military and specialized aircraft operating near major airports and improves air traffic controller training and hiring timelines.

The ABC-ED Act of 2025 aims to improve emergency department efficiency by allowing public health grants to fund real-time hospital bed capacity tracking systems. It also mandates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to pilot programs focused on enhancing emergency care for older adults and those in acute psychiatric crises. Finally, the bill directs a study on best practices for these capacity tracking systems and their impact on emergency wait times.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

This resolution condemns Russia's devastating use of advanced ballistic missiles against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. It expresses strong support for immediately increasing U.S. military aid to Ukraine, specifically demanding the rapid transfer of sophisticated air defense systems like PATRIOTs. The bill urges the President to expedite these transfers to protect Ukrainian lives and sovereignty.

This bill aims to increase federal grant funding for states that guarantee specific rights to sexual assault survivors through laws or established policies. It establishes a tiered funding system based on the extent of a state's protections. Additionally, the legislation mandates that states must retain sexual assault evidence kits for a minimum of 20 years and simplifies the process for survivors to request notification before disposal.

The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act mandates that colleges and universities prominently display critical mental health and suicide prevention resources on student ID cards or main websites. This includes contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and the campus mental health center. Schools will have one year after the Act's enactment to comply with these new requirements.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025 mandates the SEC to establish new rules modernizing how financial firms deliver required regulatory documents to investors, primarily by facilitating electronic delivery. This legislation sets deadlines for the SEC to finalize rules that allow digital distribution of documents like prospectuses and annual reports, while ensuring investor protections remain in place. The bill focuses solely on the method of delivery, not the substance or timing of the required disclosures themselves. If the SEC delays, covered entities can proceed with electronic delivery based on the standards outlined in the Act.

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 Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund by expanding the sources of deposits. This includes allowing the Fund to receive money from certain legal settlements that do not result in a criminal conviction. Additionally, the bill temporarily allows certain recoveries from False Claims Act settlements to fund victim services through 2030, while protecting payments to whistleblowers and the government's direct recovery.

The Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit to help offset the cost of essential access technology for blind individuals. This credit covers expenses for hardware or software that converts visual information into usable formats for the taxpayer, their spouse, or a dependent. The credit is capped at \$2,000 over any three-year period and is set to expire for tax years beginning after December 31, 2030.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates federal grant programs to strengthen the nursing pipeline. It expands eligibility for advanced nursing education grants to cover more specialized roles and updates funding for modernizing nursing school resources like simulation labs. The bill also increases the authorized funding levels for these critical nursing workforce programs through Fiscal Year 2030.

The Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act establishes a new federal program to increase the number of school-based mental health providers. This program will provide matching federal funds to eligible graduate institutions to help cover the costs for students training in school counseling, social work, and psychology. Participating schools must contribute financially and report annually on student outcomes to ensure accountability.

This bill, the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act, requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place most stock and commodity investments into qualified blind trusts or sell them within 120 days of the law taking effect or taking office. The legislation strictly prohibits acquiring new covered investments while serving in office, with exceptions for inheritance. Failure to comply results in escalating civil penalties equal to a member's monthly salary until the requirements are met.

This resolution affirms that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental American values necessary to address persistent discrimination. It highlights widespread disparities across housing, employment, education, and healthcare affecting marginalized groups. The bill encourages all sectors of society to adopt policies that promote DEIA to ensure equal opportunity and strengthen the nation.