Legislative Activity

The Myakka Wild and Scenic River Act of 2025 designates approximately 34 miles of the Myakka River in Sarasota County, Florida, as a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This legislation ensures long-term protection through cooperative management between the Secretary of the Interior and local Florida agencies, while explicitly prohibiting the use of eminent domain for land acquisition. The bill maintains existing land management practices and leverages the established Myakka River Management Coordinating Council to oversee the river's preservation.

The COVER Now Act establishes a federal demonstration project allowing counties and cities in non-expansion states to provide Medicaid coverage directly to their low-income residents. This initiative provides significant federal matching funds to local governments to expand healthcare access while protecting them from punitive state interference. The program ensures a seamless transition for participants if their state eventually adopts full Medicaid expansion.

The SHARKED Act of 2025 establishes a Shark Task Force to address conflicts between sharks and fishing operations, known as shark depredation. This group will coordinate research and develop strategies, including non-lethal deterrents, to minimize harmful interactions. The bill also authorizes dedicated funding for new research projects focused on understanding and mitigating shark depredation issues.

The Food Deserts Act establishes a federal grant program to help states create revolving loan funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. These funds provide affordable financing to support the opening and operation of stores that prioritize healthy, affordable food. By incentivizing local hiring and community-focused business practices, the Act aims to increase access to nutritious food in areas that need it most.

The Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act mandates that military service eligibility and personnel policies be based solely on an individual's ability to meet occupational standards. It prohibits discrimination within the Armed Forces based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex, explicitly including gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics. This legislation ensures equal treatment and opportunity for all service members.

The Young Americans Financial Literacy Act addresses the widespread need for improved financial education among young people aged 8 to 24. This bill authorizes funding for competitive grants to establish Centers of Excellence focused on developing and implementing research-backed financial literacy programs. These centers will create educational materials, train educators, and specifically target issues like student debt management for young adults. The goal is to improve financial well-being and stability through targeted, measurable educational interventions.

The Red Snapper Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from closing South Atlantic fishing areas until the "Great Red Snapper Count" study is completed and its data is integrated into official stock assessments. This legislation aims to protect the regional economy and recreational fishing industry by ensuring management decisions are based on the most current and accurate scientific data.

The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include all services legally authorized under a chiropractor’s state license, moving beyond the current restriction limited to manual spinal manipulation. This legislation aligns Medicare benefits with private insurance and other federal health programs to better reflect modern chiropractic practice. To provide these expanded services, chiropractors will be required to complete a one-time training program verified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Saving the Civil Service Act protects the merit-based federal workforce by restricting the ability of agencies to reclassify competitive service positions into the excepted service. The bill establishes strict oversight, limits the number of positions that can be transferred, and mandates employee consent for such reclassifications. These measures ensure that federal staffing remains professional and protected from arbitrary political interference.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the railroad track maintenance credit by increasing the per-mile tax credit to $6,100 and implementing annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026. It also extends the eligibility window for qualifying maintenance expenditures to include costs incurred through 2023. These updates aim to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure improvements.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans made to veterans within the definition of "member business loans." This change aims to expand access to capital for veteran-owned businesses by facilitating easier lending through credit unions.

The Department of Education Protection Act prohibits the Department of Education from using federal funds to reorganize, decentralize, or reduce its staffing and operations. This legislation mandates that the Department must maintain the structure, authority, and functions that were in place as of January 1, 2025.

The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated grant program and emergency fund to support the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles. By amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act, this legislation provides critical resources and standardized support for organizations dedicated to sea turtle conservation. The act ensures that both marine mammals and sea turtles have the necessary financial backing to respond effectively to stranding events.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to health insurance by removing the 400% federal poverty level income cap for premium tax credits. It also introduces a new sliding-scale contribution formula to ensure that insurance costs remain affordable for households across all income levels. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act of 2025 aims to reduce avoidable amputations caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) through increased public awareness and improved access to care. The bill establishes a national PAD education program and mandates that Medicare and Medicaid cover essential screening tests for at-risk beneficiaries with no out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, it directs the development of clinical quality measures and launches a pilot program to improve early detection and treatment, ultimately prioritizing limb preservation over amputation.

This bill honors the life, achievements, and legacy of Jimmy Carter, recognizing his service as a naval officer, farmer, state senator, Governor, and President. It also acknowledges his post-presidency work promoting peace, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Center, as well as his dedication to Habitat for Humanity. The bill expresses condolences to his family upon his passing and celebrates his lasting impact as a leader and statesman.

The STOP MADURO Act of 2025 authorizes a reward of up to $100 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nicolás Maduro Moros. This reward is to be funded exclusively through the liquidation of assets seized from Maduro and his regime officials under U.S. sanctions.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 mandates that the VA provide comprehensive infertility treatments and fertility preservation services to enrolled veterans and their chosen partners. This legislation expands access to assisted reproductive technology, including IVF and gamete storage, regardless of marital status. It also provides coverage for partner travel expenses and establishes clear guidelines for consent and implementation.

The Capitol Remembrance Act mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit within the Capitol Building to memorialize the January 6, 2021, attack. This exhibit will feature damaged property, photographs, and a plaque honoring law enforcement, fallen heroes, injured officers, and Capitol staff. The goal is to ensure future generations understand the events of that day and the sacrifices made to protect the Capitol. Appropriations are authorized to complete the exhibit within two years.