Legislative Activity

The "Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act" amends the Social Security Act to allow for cost-of-living adjustments to the non-labor portion of Medicare payments for hospital outpatient services in Alaska and Hawaii. Beginning in 2026, the Secretary will adjust payments to mirror adjustments made under section 1886(d)(5)(H). These adjustments aim to address the unique circumstances faced by hospitals in these states and will not be budget neutral.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The Save Our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act amends the Social Security Act to increase payments to sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii for outpatient services. This ensures that these hospitals receive adequate compensation, covering at least 94% of their reasonable costs. The adjustment aims to support essential healthcare services in remote areas without increasing patient copayments and the Secretary will issue regulations to implement this change within 6 months.

The "Stop the ICC Act" prohibits U.S. officials from cooperating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on any matter and withholds economic support to the Palestinian Authority due to ICC investigations against Israeli officials. It also blocks funds to support the Palestinian Authority and forbids federal funds from being used for the ICC or to support any ICC activities.

This bill restructures the Department of Defense by creating an Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Industrial Base Development and Engagement to strengthen the defense industrial base through international partnerships. It also renames and expands the role of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities to include homeland defense responsibilities. The bill eliminates the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Hemispheric Affairs, shifting Western Hemisphere affairs to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs.

The "Increasing Response Options and Deterrence of Missile Engagements Act of 2025" or the "IRONDOME Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. missile defense capabilities by accelerating the development, production, and deployment of advanced missile defense systems and technologies. It mandates the transfer of missile defense operations to military departments, promotes rapid acquisition of missile detection and defense systems, and expands interceptor production and infrastructure. The act also directs the Secretary of Defense to enhance technology exchange with allies and secure critical supply chains, authorizing significant appropriations for these efforts.

The INFORM Act aims to increase access to independent information for Chinese citizens by developing and distributing Mandarin Chinese content, improving censorship circumvention tools, and fostering collaboration among federal agencies and allies. It establishes a Global News Service to curate and distribute content related to China and directs the State Department and USAGM to enhance their efforts in content creation, distribution, and technology development. The Act also seeks to address the imbalance in the information space between the U.S. and China through diplomatic engagement and other available tools.

The "Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act" clarifies the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to ensure that Alaska Native handicrafts containing nonedible migratory bird parts can be possessed, sold, traded, or shipped without violating the Act, provided the bird parts were not obtained wastefully or illegally. It defines "Alaska Native" and "authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft" and directs the Secretaries of State and Interior to establish bilateral procedures with relevant countries to clarify the treatment of these handicrafts. The Act also mandates updates to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act's regulations to align with these amendments.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans to veterans as member business loans. The term "veteran" is defined by section 101 of title 38, United States Code. This change aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by expanding access to credit union business loans. The changes will take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.