Legislative Activity

This bill officially renames Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, to the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station." It mandates that all future federal references to the station must use this new designation.

The Farmers to Families Act establishes a grant program to increase the purchase of local agricultural products by recipients of federal nutrition assistance programs like WIC. It expands where WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits can be used to include local food sources and requires the USDA to facilitate EBT access for these purchases. The Act also creates a Technical Assistance Center to help farmers and markets comply with new regulations and accept federal nutrition benefits.

The Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services conduct widespread outreach to educate Medicare beneficiaries on how to authorize family caregivers to access their personal health information via 1-800-MEDICARE. The bill requires the integration of this authorization process into official Medicare resources and mandates the development of new fraud protection best practices to ensure beneficiary security. By streamlining access and providing clear guidance, this legislation aims to better support caregivers while safeguarding sensitive health data.

The ESTUARIES Act amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to officially add the Mississippi Sound to the National Estuary Program and extends the program's funding authorization through fiscal year 2031. However, the bill places specific restrictions on the EPA Administrator regarding the use of funds to implement this addition during fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This ensures that the expansion of the program is contingent upon specific funding levels in the near term.

The Professional Student Degree Act seeks to amend the Higher Education Act by formally defining what constitutes a "professional degree" for student loan purposes. This definition specifies degrees that prepare students to immediately begin practicing in a profession and require a skill level beyond a standard bachelor's degree. The bill explicitly lists numerous professional degrees, such as Law, Medicine, and specialized health fields, under this new classification.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The EAT Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act establishes a new federal grant program to help states purchase nutritious, culturally relevant foods directly from eligible small businesses. These foods will then be distributed to people in need through local food banks and pantries. The legislation aims to improve food access, strengthen local supply chains, and create economic opportunities for underserved farmers and producers. It also mandates the USDA to create an internal working group to align all departmental procurement with these goals.

The Bus Operator Safety and Security Act mandates that new fixed-route buses purchased with federal funds, meeting specific size and lifespan criteria, must be equipped with a protective barrier around the operator's workstation. This barrier must fully enclose the area without obstructing the driver's line of sight. This requirement can be waived if the relevant labor union agrees to the waiver for the specific bus purchase.

The CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act extends enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace health insurance through 2026, while also establishing strict new penalties and verification processes to combat fraud by agents and brokers in health insurance exchanges. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant new transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D plans. Finally, it extends the 2026 open enrollment period and creates a fast-track legislative process for future premium tax credit reform bills.

This act restricts executive bonuses at certain electric utilities starting in 2025. Bonuses are only permitted if the utility's rate increases do not exceed the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). If allowed, the bonus amount is capped at 25% of the median compensation of non-executive employees. Bonuses paid in violation of these rules will be forfeited and distributed directly back to the utility's customers.

The Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act aims to lower healthcare costs by extending and enhancing premium tax credits for Marketplace insurance through 2027. It also institutes strict new anti-fraud measures and verification processes for agents and brokers enrolling consumers in Exchange plans. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Medicare Part D and mandates a full pass-through of rebates in certain private health plans. Finally, it expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for certain Exchange enrollees.

The Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025 mandates the continuation and enhancement of federal anti-trafficking programs specifically for children. This law requires key Justice Department and Health and Human Services offices to implement recommendations from a 2023 Government Accountability Office report. Furthermore, the responsible office must establish measurable performance goals for these programs and report on their progress to Congress.

The STOP Scams Against Seniors Act amends existing law to allow federal Byrne JAG grant funds to be used by states and local governments to establish and operate elder justice task forces. These task forces will focus on combating financial exploitation, scams, and fraud targeting individuals aged 60 and older. The legislation also mandates detailed reporting on the task forces' activities, case outcomes, and victim support provided.

This act requires federally funded health centers to install baby changing tables in their public restrooms as a condition of receiving a grant. These tables must be safe and sanitary, with exceptions for restrooms not open to the public or where clear signage directs patrons to an accessible alternative on the same floor. The law authorizes specific funding to help centers cover installation costs, with a five-year phase-in period for existing facilities.

The Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act establishes a high-level Task Force, chaired by the Secretary of State, to develop and execute a comprehensive U.S. strategy against transnational criminal organizations running massive online scams, often utilizing victims of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. This strategy must focus on disrupting these operations, sanctioning responsible parties, and providing support for rescued victims. The bill authorizes $30 million over two years to fund these efforts and requires annual reporting to Congress on progress and impact.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

This resolution strongly condemns the Iranian government for its ongoing, state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i religious minority, which violates international human rights laws. It documents systematic abuses, including economic restrictions, denial of education, and arbitrary arrests, noting that these actions may constitute a crime against humanity. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned Bahais and urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to condemn these violations and impose sanctions on responsible officials.

The Kidd's Stuttering Act aims to address childhood stuttering by expanding screening and coverage under Medicaid and CHIP. This legislation mandates the inclusion of stuttering screening in child health quality measures and requires its inclusion in Medicaid well-child visits starting in 2027. Furthermore, the Act ensures that treatment for stuttering is a mandatory Medicaid and CHIP benefit, requiring parity in treatment limitations compared to other speech disorders.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

This bill, the Medal of Honor Act, recognizes the exceptional service of Medal of Honor recipients by significantly increasing their special monthly pension. It adjusts the pension rate to align with compensation for veterans without dependents, ensuring a more fitting recognition of their gallantry. Additionally, the Act extends the date related to certain limitations on pension payments.