Legislative Activity

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the national understanding and prevention of stillbirths. It authorizes federal grants to help states enhance stillbirth surveillance, data collection, and analysis, ensuring all collected data remains de-identified. Furthermore, the Act mandates the creation of clear federal guidelines for standardized data collection and the development of public educational materials regarding stillbirth risk factors.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

The Native American Entrepreneurial and Opportunity Act of 2025 establishes a new Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA). This office will focus on strengthening relationships with Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations to better direct SBA resources toward their economic growth. It aims to improve access to capital, contracting, and entrepreneurial development programs specifically for Native communities. The Act ensures leadership with relevant cultural expertise will oversee these efforts and coordinate assistance across federal agencies.

This resolution expresses support for designating November 16, 2025, as "National Warrior Call Day" to combat isolation and suicide among service members and veterans. It encourages all Americans to reach out and connect with those who have served to strengthen vital support structures. The day aims to foster peer-to-peer connection as a critical step in addressing the mental health challenges faced by our military community.

This resolution formally condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and honors his life and legacy as a devoted husband, father, and founder of Turning Point USA. It recognizes his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses across the nation. The Senate also extends its deepest sympathies to his surviving family.

The Enhancing First Response Act mandates the FCC to hold annual hearings and issue reports following major disaster communications outages to identify areas for improvement. It also requires the Office of Management and Budget to officially classify 911 dispatchers as a protective service occupation. Furthermore, the bill directs the FCC to report on the enforcement and effectiveness of existing laws regarding multi-line phone system compliance for emergency calls.

The Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive national program within NOAA to enhance fire weather forecasting, data management, and emergency response capabilities. This legislation creates new services, including a dedicated Incident Meteorologist Service, and mandates the development of advanced fire weather models and observation tools. Furthermore, the Act focuses on modernizing data infrastructure, improving interagency coordination, and ensuring equitable access to critical fire information for all communities.

The Telehealth Modernization Act primarily extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities, such as geographic and audio-only options, until September 30, 2027. The bill also extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver through 2030 and mandates a comprehensive study comparing home-based and traditional hospital care. Additionally, it introduces new program integrity measures for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and requires guidance to ensure language access for Limited English Proficiency patients utilizing telehealth.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 establishes an automatic, 14-day continuing funding mechanism to keep federal programs operational if Congress fails to pass a full budget by the start of the fiscal year. This automatic funding continues in two-week increments until a final budget is enacted, while simultaneously imposing strict travel and procedural limitations on Congress and federal employees during these lapses. The Act is designed to prevent government shutdowns by ensuring continuity of essential services while incentivizing timely budget passage.

This bill mandates the Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. The strategy must detail plans for enhancing allied cooperation across access, command structure, information sharing, and joint exercises with key partners. It requires a report to Congress within 180 days outlining the five-year plan and any necessary resource adjustments.

This resolution solemnly marks the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump. It condemns the multiple attempts against his life and other political officials, while honoring the victims and first responders involved in the July 2024 shooting. The measure further calls for an end to the incitement of political violence that threatens the democratic process.

This resolution officially designates July 2025 as "American Grown Flower and Foliage Month." It encourages consumers to support domestic agriculture by purchasing flowers and foliage grown in the United States. The designation aims to highlight the economic and community benefits provided by American flower growers.

The Protecting Small Business Competitions Act of 2025 establishes the "Rule of Two" within the Small Business Act. This rule mandates that federal contracts exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold must be reserved for small businesses if the contracting officer reasonably expects at least two responsible small business offers. This ensures greater competition among small businesses for significant government procurements, provided a fair market price can still be achieved.

The Merchant Banking Modernization Act updates regulations for bank holding companies regarding their merchant banking investments. This legislation extends the minimum holding period for these investments to 15 years. This new minimum duration applies retroactively to investments already held by banks.

This bill reauthorizes the National Sea Grant College Program by extending its funding authorization through fiscal year 2031. It ensures continued federal support for the program's vital research, education, and outreach activities related to the nation's coastal and marine resources.

This resolution designates August 16, 2025, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history and bravery of U.S. airborne forces. It specifically recognizes the service of combat parachutists, air assault forces, and special operations warriors across all conflicts. The day serves as an expression of national gratitude for the thousands who have served in these elite units.

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act aims to significantly upgrade the reliability and reach of the NOAA Weather Radio network through infrastructure modernization, expanded coverage in underserved areas, and improved alert specificity. It also establishes national standards for flash flood warning systems in high-risk zones, ensuring alerts function even without reliable internet or cell service. Furthermore, the bill protects critical NOAA warning-related positions from hiring freezes and mandates a 10-year staffing plan for the National Weather Service.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 aims to prevent discrimination against businesses within the firearms industry when applying for financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from denying loans or guarantees solely based on an applicant's status as a firearm entity, affiliate, or trade association. The Act first establishes clear definitions for these industry participants to ensure fair and equal consideration for all qualified applicants.

The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act extends and modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs' transportation grant program through fiscal year 2029. This legislation expands eligibility for grants to include Tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations. It also allows certain remote counties to receive increased funding beyond the standard maximum grant amount.

The Alaska Native Landless Equity Act aims to correct an omission in the original Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) by granting eligibility to Native residents in five southeastern Alaska communities: Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. This legislation authorizes these residents to form Urban Corporations and receive specific settlement lands and stock shares previously denied to them. The Act also mandates the transfer of approximately 23,040 acres of federal land to each new corporation, ensuring they receive their final ANCSA entitlement while protecting existing land rights and distribution rules for other Native Corporations.