Legislative Activity

The No Surprises Act Enforcement Act significantly increases financial penalties for group health plans and insurance issuers that violate balance billing protections. It establishes steep fines, including up to $\$10,000$ per affected individual for serious non-compliance. Furthermore, the bill imposes severe penalties, including triple the disputed amount plus interest, for failing to make required payments promptly after an Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) determination. Finally, it mandates more frequent and detailed transparency reporting on enforcement actions and violations.

The Medicaid Bump Act increases the federal matching rate to 90% for state spending increases on Medicaid behavioral health services above a 2019 baseline. States must use these federal funds to supplement, not supplant, existing state spending and invest in service improvements. The bill also mandates an annual report from HHS detailing state payment rates and utilization data for these services.

The College Athlete Right to Organize Act amends the National Labor Relations Act to formally recognize college athletes receiving compensation as employees. This grants them the right to organize and collectively bargain with their universities and athletic conferences over wages and working conditions. The bill ensures that this new employee status does not negatively impact their current tax status or eligibility for federal financial aid. The National Labor Relations Board is given jurisdiction to oversee these new labor relations.

The Transparency, Readability, Understandability, Truth, and Helpfulness in Labeling Act mandates clear front-of-package labeling for foods high in added sugars, sodium, or saturated fat. These labels must use a prominent "High in" warning icon to help consumers make healthier choices quickly. Furthermore, the law requires a specific warning on labels if a product contains non-nutritive (artificial) sweeteners, especially for products marketed to children. These requirements aim to align food labeling with current dietary guidelines and public health concerns.

This bill mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a comprehensive system for tracking and reporting all instances where U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are detained or removed during immigration enforcement actions. The system requires quarterly reports to Congress detailing these incidents, including those involving individuals transferred from other law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the bill requires DHS to create a formal process allowing detained or removed individuals to submit proof of their citizenship or permanent resident status.

This bill amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to reclassify certain activities combating HIV/AIDS. Specifically, it mandates that providing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and related prevention services be formally recognized as "core life-saving humanitarian assistance." This change ensures these critical risk-reduction efforts are categorized as essential aid within U.S. foreign assistance programs.

This resolution reaffirms the fundamental principles of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It stresses Congress's exclusive authority over federal spending and condemns any efforts by public officials to undermine the rule of law or the independence of the other branches. Ultimately, the bill serves as a strong statement against the consolidation of power and for upholding constitutional checks and balances.

The Restoring Artistic Protection Act of 2025 (RAP Act) seeks to limit the admissibility of a defendant's creative or artistic expression in court proceedings. This bill adds a new rule to the Federal Rules of Evidence, generally banning the use of a defendant's art as evidence against them. The government can only introduce such evidence if it meets strict exceptions requiring clear and convincing proof that the art directly relates to the facts of the case and possesses unique evidentiary value. If admitted, the court must provide specific instructions to the jury regarding its consideration.

The Investing in Children Before Missiles (ICBM) Act pauses the troubled Sentinel missile replacement program due to significant cost overruns and delays. The bill mandates redirecting unspent research and development funds from the Sentinel and W87-1 warhead programs directly to the Department of Education for elementary and secondary school funding. Furthermore, it requires an independent study to analyze extending the life of the existing Minuteman III missiles until at least 2050 as an alternative to the new ICBM system.

The BIKE Act of 2025 aims to enhance bicycle safety education for students across the country. It allows states to use federal highway safety funds to provide on-bicycle safety training in elementary and secondary schools. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Secretary to update federal safety guidelines to emphasize comprehensive on-bicycle training, traffic rules, and helmet use for young riders. The Secretary must also consult with educators and report back to Congress on the implementation of these new safety standards.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly reform the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens by establishing a presumption against their detention. This bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and mandates comprehensive reproductive healthcare access. Furthermore, it requires detailed quarterly and annual reporting on the treatment and outcomes of pregnant individuals in custody.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States must commit to actively restoring the climate, not just slowing emissions. It establishes the goal of reducing atmospheric $\text{CO}_2$ to safe, pre-industrial levels below 300 $\text{ppm}$ by supporting research and deployment of carbon removal technologies. Ultimately, the bill frames climate restoration as an urgent priority and an obligation to future generations to mitigate severe climate impacts.

The Choosing Our Own Lives Over Fast Firearms Act, or COOL OFF Act, establishes a mandatory 3-business-day waiting period before an individual can receive a handgun, whether through a private sale or from a licensed dealer. This waiting period is waived for specific exceptions, such as transfers involving law enforcement, temporary family loans, or emergency situations to prevent serious harm. The law includes penalties for violations and will take effect 90 days after enactment.

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act of 2025 establishes a new, refundable tax credit for eligible first-time homebuyers, equal to 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $15,000. This credit is subject to income and home price phase-outs based on local median figures. Homebuyers may elect to transfer this credit directly to their mortgage lender at closing in exchange for immediate cash. The bill also includes recapture provisions requiring repayment if the home is sold within four years.

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act prioritizes federal funding for research and extension programs specifically aimed at controlling the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This legislation ensures that developing effective tools and treatments against this pest becomes a high-priority initiative. Additionally, the Act extends the authorization for several existing high-priority agricultural research programs until 2030.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's recently submitted rule on the "Barred Owl Management Strategy." By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this action nullifies the proposed management strategy, preventing it from taking legal effect. Essentially, Congress is rejecting the USFWS's plan for managing Barred Owls.

This proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate immunity from criminal prosecution for federal officials, including the President, based on their official duties. It also explicitly prohibits the President from issuing a self-pardon for any federal crimes. If ratified, these changes would take effect immediately.

This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly clarify that time taken off for an employee's own organ donation surgery qualifies as a serious health condition. This ensures both private and federal sector workers receive FMLA protection for recovery from organ donation. The legislation also specifies how federal employees must substitute existing paid leave when taking FMLA time for this purpose.

The 340B PATIENTS Act of 2025 clarifies and strengthens the existing 340B drug discount program for covered entities like hospitals and clinics. It explicitly prohibits drug manufacturers from placing restrictions on how or where these entities purchase or dispense discounted outpatient drugs, including through contract pharmacies. The bill also establishes significant civil monetary penalties for manufacturers who intentionally violate these non-restriction rules. Ultimately, this legislation aims to ensure that covered entities can fully utilize 340B savings to expand patient care.

The Medicare Mental Health Inpatient Equity Act of 2025 eliminates the outdated 190-day lifetime limit for inpatient psychiatric hospital services covered by Medicare. This crucial change ensures that beneficiaries will no longer face a cap on the total number of days Medicare will cover for necessary inpatient psychiatric care. The provision takes effect for services received on or after January 1, 2027.