Legislative Activity

The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 expands Medicare benefits to include coverage for hearing aids and related examinations starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate current hearing loss programs and provide recommendations for improving access and care for beneficiaries.

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 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.

This bill authorizes the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan to independently transfer, lease, or encumber real property that is not held in trust by the United States. By granting this authority, the legislation allows the Tribe to manage its non-trust lands without requiring further federal approval. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the United States assumes no liability for these private transactions.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

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.

This bill designates January as "Tamil Language and Heritage Month" to celebrate the history, language, and culture of Tamil people in the United States. It recognizes the contributions of Tamil Americans to the country's diversity and acknowledges the significance of Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival. The bill encourages all Americans to learn more about Tamil American heritage.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 annual tax credit for eligible healthcare professionals who provide at least 200 hours of clinical supervision to nursing students or newly hired nurses in designated health professional shortage areas. This initiative, effective from 2026 through 2032, aims to address nursing shortages by incentivizing hands-on training and mentorship. The bill also mandates periodic reporting to Congress to evaluate the program's effectiveness in expanding the nursing workforce.

The TRUST in Congress Act requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children to place covered financial investments into qualified blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill establishes strict deadlines for asset transfers and mandates public certification of compliance. These measures ensure that lawmakers cannot influence or benefit from their personal investments while serving in office.

The LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Energy approve natural gas exports only after a rigorous public interest review. This process requires comprehensive climate, economic, and environmental justice assessments to ensure that exports do not negatively impact U.S. consumer prices, global climate goals, or vulnerable communities. Additionally, the bill eliminates previous regulatory exemptions, ensuring all export authorizations undergo full environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

This bill designates January 13th of each year as Korean American Day. It recognizes the important influence, contributions, and sacrifices of Korean Americans in the United States, and celebrates the 122nd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the U.S. The bill encourages all Americans to acknowledge and celebrate the integral role of Korean Americans in strengthening the ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 reauthorizes critical funding for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem. This legislation secures $500 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support ongoing environmental recovery efforts.

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 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.

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 Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of menopause-related care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Following this assessment, the VA is required to develop a strategic plan to implement improvements and address gaps in care. This legislation aims to ensure veterans receive high-quality, informed support throughout all stages of menopause.

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.

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.