Legislative Activity

The National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates and reauthorizes the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, emphasizing improvements to earthquake early warning systems, incorporating local and Tribal entities in program activities, and enhancing coordination among federal agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission. It also directs the USGS to issue earthquake forecasts for aftershocks and requires the inclusion of natural hazard maps associated with earthquakes. The act allocates specific funding for fiscal years 2026-2030, with a significant portion dedicated to the Advanced National Seismic System.

The SOAR Act of 2025 aims to improve access to supplemental oxygen therapy for Medicare beneficiaries by removing oxygen equipment from competitive bidding programs, establishing fair payment rates, and ensuring access to respiratory therapists. It mandates specific service standards for oxygen suppliers, requires electronic templates for documenting medical necessity to prevent fraud, and restores clinical inference in claim reviews. The act also establishes a series of beneficiary rights, including the right to choose suppliers, receive clear communication, and have faulty equipment repaired or replaced promptly. Finally, the Act requires annual and monthly notices to beneficiaries regarding their benefits and cost-sharing responsibilities.

The Romance Scam Prevention Act requires online dating services to send "fraud ban notifications" to users who have communicated with accounts suspended for suspected fraudulent activity, warning them about potential scams and providing resources to avoid fraud. These notifications must be sent within a specific timeframe, with exceptions for investigations, and the FTC will enforce the Act. The Act also shields dating services from liability for actions taken to comply with the notification requirements.

The "Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act" amends the Social Security Act to revise eligibility rules for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It ensures these individuals are eligible for SSI regardless of their spouse's income and resources. This change allows eligible individuals to receive the standard individual SSI rate, reduced only by their own income.

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in underserved areas of the U.S. in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It modifies requirements for foreign physicians seeking waivers, including employment protections, state waiver limits, and contract requirements. The bill also increases the number of waivers available to states and modifies immigration procedures for physicians, including allowing "dual intent" for medical graduates and clarifying national interest waivers. Finally, it requires an annual report on the Conrad State 30 J1 Visa Waiver Program.

This bill amends Public Law 99-338, modifying the Kaweah Project permits. The amendment increases the number of allowable renewals for the Kaweah Project permits from 3 to 7. Additionally, the amendment removes a reference to the Southern California Edison Company from the original law.

The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 establishes a committee to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities to VA services, information, and facilities. The committee will consist of veterans with disabilities, accessibility experts, VA employees, and representatives from veterans service organizations. The committee will submit reports to the Secretary and Congress with recommendations for access improvements. Additionally, the bill modifies a date related to housing loan fees.

The "Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2025" mandates the evaluation of container aerial firefighting systems (CAFFS) by the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior for wildfire management. A report detailing the evaluation results must be submitted to relevant House and Senate committees within 120 days, following consultations with relevant agencies.

The "Ensuring Accountability and Dignity in Government Contracting Act of 2025" aims to strengthen the fight against human trafficking in government contracting by enhancing compliance, reporting, and accountability measures. It mandates detailed compliance plans, requires prompt reporting of trafficking activities, and directs investigations by the Inspector General. The Act also authorizes payment suspensions for non-compliance and requires a report on the feasibility of further strengthening anti-trafficking measures across federal agencies.