Legislative Activity

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act) mandates the Secretary of State to report on internet freedom in Iran. This report must assess the feasibility of using emerging technologies, like direct-to-cell wireless, to expand internet access. It will also analyze the impact of current drone and jamming technologies on these efforts.

The Houthi Human Rights Accountability Act aims to counter the Houthis' extremist indoctrination and regional destabilization efforts by requiring comprehensive reports on their abuses and interference with humanitarian aid. The bill mandates annual reviews to determine if Houthi members are eligible for sanctions under existing U.S. laws for human rights violations or hostage-taking. This legislation will remain in effect for five years unless extended by Congress.

This resolution strongly condemns the Iranian government for its ongoing, state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i religious minority, which violates international human rights laws. It documents systematic abuses, including economic restrictions, denial of education, and arbitrary arrests, noting that these actions may constitute a crime against humanity. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned Bahais and urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to condemn these violations and impose sanctions on responsible officials.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

This bill, the Retirement Simplification and Clarity Act, amends tax code to allow participants aged 50 and older to roll over employer contributions from their 401(k) plan directly into an individual retirement annuity before retirement. It also updates the required written explanation provided to taxpayers regarding rollover rules to ensure it is concise and clearly outlines key tax implications and options. These provisions are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help Act mandates that the IRS provide taxpayers with significantly more detailed and comprehensive notices when mathematical or clerical errors are found on their tax returns. These new notices must clearly explain the error, cite the relevant tax code, and include an itemized calculation of all resulting adjustments. The bill also requires the establishment of procedures for taxpayers to request abatement of these assessments and initiates a pilot program using certified mail for error notices.

This act establishes the rules for foreign colleges and universities offering distance education programs to be eligible for federal student aid. Eligibility is limited to programs where distance education makes up no more than 12.5% of the coursework. Furthermore, these programs must be overseen by an external entity and require students receiving federal aid to be physically present in the foreign institution's home country during instruction.

This resolution officially recognizes November 30th as "Yom Haplitim" or "Jewish Refugee Day." It commemorates the approximately 900,000 Jewish people exiled from Arab nations following the establishment of Israel. The bill calls for education regarding this forced displacement and affirms support for the security of the Jewish people globally.

The Find It Early Act mandates that certain individuals at increased risk for breast cancer receive additional, recommended screenings with no out-of-pocket costs. This coverage requirement applies across private health plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These provisions are set to take effect starting January 1, 2026.

The Health Tech Investment Act aims to establish clear payment guidelines for algorithm-based healthcare services under Medicare. This bill mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services ensure appropriate payment for these new technologies using manufacturer-submitted cost data when assigned to a new technology Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC). Furthermore, it clarifies payment policies for software as a service under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system.

The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act prohibits discrimination based on religion, sex, or marital status in federally funded child welfare services. This aims to increase the number of stable, family-like placements for children, especially for LGBTQ youth who are overrepresented in foster care. The bill mandates federal guidance, training, and data collection to improve safety and well-being outcomes for all children involved in the system.

This resolution supports the goals of Transgender Day of Remembrance by recognizing the ongoing epidemic of violence targeting transgender people, particularly transgender women of color. It memorializes the lives lost this year and highlights the systemic barriers, including discrimination and lack of healthcare access, faced by the transgender community. The bill calls for urgent action from the government to protect these lives through inclusive legislation and policies that ensure dignity and respect for all individuals.

The Global Respect Act aims to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI individuals worldwide. It mandates the President to identify and report foreign persons responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI people, leading to their inadmissibility to the United States. Furthermore, the Act requires enhanced tracking and reporting of violence and discrimination targeting individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics in the annual human rights reports.

The Health ACCESS Act amends federal law to create an exception to prohibitions against offering remuneration to influence healthcare decisions. This change specifically allows providers to pay information service platforms for participation, provided the platform adheres to strict guidelines ensuring unbiased consumer choice. These guidelines prohibit steering patients, targeted marketing, and sharing consumer contact information outside of a confirmed selection. Ultimately, this bill aims to facilitate easier consumer access to healthcare providers through regulated self-scheduling platforms.

The Restoring Food Security for American Families and Farmers Act of 2025 aims to strengthen domestic food security by repealing specific sections of a prior reconciliation act. This action effectively revives the original laws that were previously amended by the repealed provisions. The bill seeks to revert existing agricultural and food-related statutes to their pre-amendment status.

This bill, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025, establishes a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Peoples within the Department of State. It codifies U.S. policy to actively combat international criminalization, violence, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide. The legislation also mandates enhanced reporting on these abuses in annual human rights reports and authorizes assistance to support related protection efforts abroad.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress recognizing the strategic value of the long-standing partnership between the United States and India, founded on shared democratic values and mutual interests. It highlights the deep cooperation across defense, technology, counterterrorism, and economic ties. The bill encourages the expansion of this relationship to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a single Congressional Gold Medal to honor the Medevac Marines and Navy Corpsmen who served in helicopter support roles during the Vietnam War. The legislation recognizes their heroic service, which included critical troop transport, supply delivery, and life-saving medical evacuations under dangerous conditions. The gold medal will be struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and ultimately displayed at the National Museum of the United States Navy. The Secretary is also authorized to sell bronze duplicates of the medal to the public.

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model under Medicare. This legislation specifically blocks the implementation of the prior authorization requirements associated with the WISeR Model. The goal is to prevent the adoption of this particular payment and service delivery model.

The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 ensures that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) continue to operate without interruption in fiscal year 2026 if standard appropriations are delayed. If funding lapses, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to use funds from the Treasury to provide benefits and reimburse state agencies. This special funding remains in effect until full appropriations are enacted or until September 30, 2026.