Legislative Activity

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) travel reimbursement rate for veterans' medical appointments will never fall below the standard federal employee mileage rate. This legislation mandates that the VA must process and pay these mileage allowances within 90 days of a veteran submitting a complete request. Essentially, the bill aims to increase equity and speed in compensating veterans for necessary travel to VA healthcare.

The "Ending DOGE Conflicts Act" mandates that special government employees with financial ties to companies contracting with the federal government must adhere to strict financial disclosure requirements. It requires the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to certify these employees' financial reports and prohibits them from performing official duties until compliance is confirmed.

The "I CAN Act" is comprehensive legislation designed to remove existing practice and billing barriers for various Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)—including Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs, and CNMs—within Medicare and Medicaid. It aims to expand patient access to care by allowing these qualified professionals to supervise, order, and bill for services to the full extent of their state-defined scope of practice. Furthermore, the bill enhances transparency and accountability for Medicare's local coverage decisions affecting APRN services. Overall, this act seeks to integrate APRNs more fully into federal healthcare programs, improving efficiency and service delivery.

The Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.

The Black History Matters Act directs the Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study Black history education in public schools. The study will identify which states require Black history education, assess the quality of education, instructional materials, and analyze how schools assess students' knowledge. A report will then be submitted to Congress detailing the findings of the study.

The HEARTS Act of 2025 aims to reduce animal use in research and testing by promoting and funding alternative methods. It mandates the evaluation and utilization of non-animal methods before animal research is approved and establishes a National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the NIH to develop, promote, and fund these alternatives. The Act also requires federally funded research entities to report on animal use and develop plans to reduce animal numbers in research.

The "More Homes on the Market Act" increases the tax exclusion for profit from the sale of a primary residence, raising it to $500,000 for single filers and $1,000,000 for married couples filing jointly. These amounts will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2025. This change encourages homeowners to sell their properties, thereby increasing the availability of homes on the market.

The "Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director appointed by the Attorney General, to coordinate gun violence prevention efforts, evaluate related laws and programs, and recommend evidence-based policies to Congress and the President. The Director will also convene an advisory council comprising various officials and at least 12 additional individuals representing gun violence survivors, community violence intervention service providers, and other relevant groups. The Office will also assist communities affected by gun violence with crisis response activities, such as providing access to mental health services and suicide prevention resources. Finally, the act authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of the bill.

This proposed constitutional amendment clarifies that constitutional rights are exclusively for natural persons, not corporations or other artificial entities, which can be regulated by the people. It aims to ensure equal access to the political process by allowing regulation of campaign finance, stating that spending money to influence elections is not protected speech. The amendment also explicitly protects the freedom of the press.

This bill recognizes the significant contributions of immigrants to the United States and condemns discriminatory immigration policies. It urges the protection of immigrants' rights, the implementation of humane immigration policies, and supports comprehensive immigration reform. The bill aims to honor the legacy of immigrants and promote a welcoming immigration system that benefits the nation.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" amends Medicare Part D to improve access to non-opioid pain management drugs by waiving deductibles and ensuring they are placed on the lowest cost-sharing tier starting in 2026. The Act also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, further easing access for patients. These changes aim to provide more accessible alternatives for pain management, reducing reliance on opioids.

This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to expand scholarship opportunities at 1890 institutions to both bachelor's and graduate students. It provides mandatory funding of $15 million per fiscal year, starting in 2025, through the Commodity Credit Corporation, and makes discretionary funding available from fiscal year 2020 onward. The scholarships will be available each academic year that funding is available.

The "All Access Act of 2025" ensures Members of Congress can access any public building during regular hours by showing their official ID. Access outside of normal business hours requires a 12-hour advance notice to the building head. This act defines "Member of Congress" as a Representative or Senator.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 expands public safety officer benefits to include deaths and disabilities caused by exposure-related cancers, presuming that certain cancers diagnosed within 15 years of service are line-of-duty injuries if the officer served for at least 5 years. It defines "exposure-related cancer" and allows for updates to the list based on medical evidence, while also permitting individuals to petition for additions. The Act also clarifies "line of duty action" and applies retroactively to claims dating back to January 1, 2020, with a three-year window for filing claims based on these amendments.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster the defense relationship between the United States and Israel through joint initiatives and increased cooperation. It establishes programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. The act also mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "National Plan for Epilepsy Act" aims to address the significant impact of epilepsy by establishing a comprehensive national plan for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. This act mandates the creation of an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services, composed of federal and non-federal experts, to evaluate and improve federally funded epilepsy efforts. The council will provide recommendations to enhance coordination, diagnosis, treatment, research, and public awareness, and reduce the financial burden of epilepsy on families. Ultimately, the act seeks to improve the lives of individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers through coordinated research, improved access to care, and enhanced public awareness.

The "Doctors in our Borders Act" aims to increase the availability of medical care in underserved areas by raising the number of Conrad 30 waivers from 30 to 100 per state. These waivers allow international medical graduates to remain in the United States after completing their residency, provided they work in underserved communities. This expansion seeks to bring more doctors to areas with limited access to healthcare.

The Fair Play for Women Act aims to bolster Title IX enforcement in athletics by increasing transparency, enhancing training, and establishing clear accountability measures for educational institutions. It mandates detailed reporting on athletic opportunities, participation, and funding, broken down by sex and race, for both colleges and K-12 schools. The Act also requires annual Title IX training for athletic staff and athletes, and establishes a public database of Title IX coordinators. Finally, the Department of Education is empowered to impose civil penalties on institutions found to be non-compliant with Title IX.

The Blind Americans Return to Work Act of 2025 initiates a 20-year demonstration project aimed at helping blind Americans receiving Social Security disability benefits return to work. For the first 10 years, eligibility for benefits will be determined without considering substantial gainful activity, and benefits will be reduced based on earnings above a set amount, incentivizing employment without immediate loss of support. The project waives certain benefit requirements to facilitate successful employment, with participants having the option to opt out after the initial 10-year period. This act aims to support blind individuals in their transition back to the workforce while maintaining a safety net.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 savings accounts to include expenses related to postsecondary credentialing programs. This allows 529 funds to cover costs like tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing fees for recognized programs and credentials, as defined by the bill. These changes would apply to distributions made after the bill is enacted.