Legislative Activity

The Student Loan Contract Act of 2025 renames the Master Promissory Note for certain federal student loans to a "student loan contract." This new contract can only be used for additional loans taken out within the same award year as the initial signing. The bill also updates disclosure requirements to ensure students receive a copy of this new contract.

The Strong Farms, Strong Future Act updates conservation programs by broadening definitions to explicitly include climate change mitigation and "enhancements." It revises how stewardship contract offers are evaluated to prioritize soil health and carbon sequestration goals. Furthermore, the bill mandates the creation of climate change mitigation bundles for producers and requires the Secretary to adjust conservation payments for inflation.

The Prioritizing Rural Hospitals Act aims to improve healthcare access in rural communities by directing the USDA to prioritize loans and grants for building or improving essential healthcare and mental health facilities. This legislation allows recipients to use funds for medical supplies, telehealth upgrades, and facility renovations. Furthermore, it prevents the Secretary of Agriculture from altering national priorities for these community facility programs through fiscal year 2031.

The Baby Changing on Board Act mandates that Amtrak install baby changing tables in at least one restroom on every car of newly acquired covered passenger rail trains. These tables must be placed in ADA-compliant restrooms when available and clearly marked with signage. This ensures essential amenities are available for passengers with infants on applicable Amtrak services.

The Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families Act of 2025 mandates that fertility treatment and care, including IVF, must be covered as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. This legislation ensures insurance plans treat fertility benefits no less favorably than standard medical benefits and prohibits denying coverage based on the lack of an infertility diagnosis. The law also establishes reporting requirements for insurers to monitor compliance with these new fairness standards.

The Health Savings and Affordability for Fertility Act expands the definition of tax-free medical expenses eligible for payment using Health Savings Account (HSA) funds. This legislation specifically allows individuals to use HSA dollars for a wide range of fertility treatments, including IVF, artificial insemination, and the storage of reproductive materials. This change aims to increase affordability by allowing pre-tax savings to cover necessary family-building expenses incurred after the law's enactment.

The Convenient Contraception Act amends current law to require group health plans and individual health insurance coverage to allow individuals to obtain a full 365-day supply of covered contraceptives at one time. This upfront, year-long supply must be provided without any cost-sharing requirements like copays or deductibles. This provision takes effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025 aims to align the practice standards for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with those of the Defense Health Agency, recognizing them as licensed independent practitioners. The bill also establishes new certification and minimum direct patient care requirements for all anesthesia providers in the VA system. Finally, it mandates an annual public report from the GAO comparing the cost-effectiveness of different anesthesia delivery models within the VHA.

The Women's Retirement Protection Act aims to address the significant retirement savings gap disproportionately affecting women by strengthening spousal protections in defined contribution plans like 401(k)s. The bill mandates spousal consent for certain distributions and beneficiary changes to safeguard retirement assets during divorce or death. Furthermore, it establishes grant programs to boost financial literacy for women and provide direct assistance for low-income women and survivors of domestic violence to secure court-ordered retirement benefits.

The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act eliminates copayments for veterans for medications, hospital care, and medical services related to preventive health services. "Preventive health services" include items or services with an A or B rating from the United States Preventive Services Task Force, immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and preventive care, screenings, and contraceptives for women. It also includes any contraceptive approved by the Food and Drug Administration, along with related care and services.

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act requires all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to provide hygienic and private lactation spaces for women veterans and members of the public to express breast milk. These spaces must be accessible to individuals with disabilities and include a chair, a working surface, and clear signage. Implementation must occur within two years of the Act's enactment.

The Climate and Health Protection Act ensures the continuation of the Climate and Health program, managed by the CDC, to help communities prepare for the public health impacts of climate change. It authorizes \$110 million annually, starting in 2026, to support the program's efforts in providing guidance, developing tools, and offering leadership in climate change and health planning. These funds are specifically dedicated to the Climate and Health program and cannot be used for other purposes.

The "Tribal Climate Health Assurance Act of 2025" establishes the Climate Ready Tribes Initiative, led by the CDC Director in coordination with the National Indian Health Board, to help tribal communities prepare for and address the public health impacts of climate change. This initiative will use climate science to inform tribal governments, develop decision-support tools, and provide resources to lessen climate-related health risks. The act authorizes $110 million in appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and each year after to support these efforts.

The Job Protection Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act to expand eligibility for family and medical leave to employees employed for at least 90 days. This act also expands the FMLA to include employers with 1 or more employees.

The "SALT Fairness for Working Families Act" increases the limit on the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) that individuals can claim on their federal income tax returns. The bill raises the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $15,000. This change would apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Health Care Affordability Act of 2025" expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals and families to qualify for financial assistance. The bill adjusts the premium tax credit calculation, providing a sliding scale based on income to ensure affordability. These changes will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.