Legislative Activity

The CTE Student Mental Health and Wellness Act updates federal law to expand mental health and substance use disorder services to include area career and technical education (CTE) schools alongside traditional institutions of higher education. This is achieved by replacing the term "institution of higher education" with the broader term "covered institution" throughout relevant sections of the Public Health Service Act. Essentially, the bill broadens the scope of federal support for student mental health programs to cover CTE students.

This resolution supports the designation of a National Hazing Awareness Week to highlight the serious and often tragic issue of hazing on college campuses. It builds upon existing federal law by emphasizing the need for comprehensive, ongoing prevention education for students, staff, and faculty. Ultimately, the bill encourages nationwide action to promote awareness and prevent hazing incidents.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. It strongly condemns his assassination as an act of political violence. The bill calls for a renewed national commitment to civil discourse and the founding principles of the United States.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory, transparent exception processes for health plans that use "step therapy" protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients or their doctors can quickly request coverage for a prescribed medication when specific clinical criteria are met, such as previous treatment failure or risk of harm. Plans must decide on standard requests within 72 hours and urgent requests within 24 hours, and approved exceptions must last for at least one year. Furthermore, insurers must report detailed data annually on exception requests, approvals, and denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

This bill, the Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther for his extraordinary heroism and sacrifice during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The medal will be presented to his mother, Alison Crowther, on behalf of Congress. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

This resolution supports designating the week of September 21 through September 27, 2025, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week." The measure aims to officially recognize and honor the profound sacrifices made by families who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It encourages communities nationwide to observe this week through acts of service and by celebrating the lives of these fallen service members.

The Protect Adoptees and American Families Act (PAAF Act) aims to ensure that certain internationally adopted individuals automatically become U.S. citizens. This bill clarifies the requirements for automatic citizenship, particularly for adoptees who were physically present in the U.S. before turning 18. It also provides a pathway to citizenship for eligible adoptees residing abroad upon their legal entry into the United States.

This resolution officially recognizes the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, celebrating its long history since the Continental Navy was established in 1775. Congress expresses deep gratitude for the bravery and dedication of all past and present Sailors who have defended the nation. The bill reaffirms the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian efforts, and maintaining American strength worldwide.

The Medicare Advantage Prompt Pay Act establishes stricter deadlines for Medicare Advantage organizations to pay clean claims submitted by doctors and suppliers. This legislation mandates that MA plans must pay at least 95% of electronic claims within 14 days and other clean claims within 30 days, starting January 1, 2027. Failure to meet these new prompt payment requirements will result in mandatory interest payments to providers and potential civil monetary penalties of up to $25,000 per violation for the MA organization. The Act also requires MA plans to begin reporting detailed data on their payment timeliness to the Secretary.

This resolution expresses strong support for and officially designates **September 17, 2025, as "Constitution Day."** It recognizes the profound historical importance of the U.S. Constitution as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The measure encourages all Americans to observe the day with suitable ceremonies reflecting on the freedoms and responsibilities the document grants.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare Part B coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting January 1, 2028. This legislation establishes clear criteria for qualifying tests and outlines payment structures to ensure beneficiaries have access to these advanced diagnostic tools. Importantly, this coverage is designed to complement, rather than replace, existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

The Nitazene Control Act of 2025 permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes (2-Benzylbenzimidazole opioids) as Schedule I controlled substances. This action is taken due to their extreme danger, high potential for abuse, and role in fatal overdoses across the country. By scheduling the entire chemical class at once, the bill aims to proactively stop the emergence of new, dangerous analogs. This permanent scheduling subjects nitazenes to the strictest federal controls, mirroring those applied to fentanyl.

The Unclaimed Retirement Rescue Plan establishes a process for pension plan administrators to transfer forgotten retirement funds to state unclaimed property programs via a national clearinghouse. Before transferring distributions of $50 or more, plans must attempt to locate the owner using databases and send a warning notice if new contact information is found. This act protects plan fiduciaries from liability for following these new transfer rules and mandates confidential reporting of all transfers to the Department of Labor.

This resolution condemns the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and extends condolences to his family. It honors his life and legacy, recognizing his founding of Turning Point USA and his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses.

The Building US Infrastructure by Leveraging Demands for Skills (BUILDS) Act authorizes competitive grants to industry partnerships focused on key infrastructure sectors like energy, construction, and technology. These grants fund collaborations to develop training programs, align education with industry needs, and support worker recruitment and retention. The overall goal is to strengthen these critical industries by ensuring a skilled and competitive workforce through strategic planning and investment in work-based learning.

The ACCESS Act aims to significantly improve career counseling and public awareness regarding opportunities in the skilled trades. This legislation requires states to launch public awareness campaigns highlighting high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career and technical education programs. Furthermore, it mandates that local workforce areas provide detailed labor market information focused on these growing professions to better guide students and job seekers.

This resolution strongly condemns the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, during his national speaking tour. It honors his life, his founding of Turning Point USA, and his dedication to conservative principles. Ultimately, the document calls for national unity and reaffirms the commitment to protecting the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.

This resolution formally condemns the horrific political assassination of conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. It expresses deep condolences to his family and recognizes the bravery of the first responders at the scene. Ultimately, the measure reaffirms the fundamental American right to peaceful assembly and stands firmly against political violence.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating September 2025 as "National Workforce Development Month." It signals Congress's intent to strengthen federal job training programs, like WIOA, to better meet current economic needs and address skill gaps. The goal is to improve access to critical training, apprenticeships, and career pathways for millions of Americans seeking economic security.