Legislative Activity

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs women's health clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The clinic will now be known as the Anna Mae Robertson VA Well Woman Clinic. This change ensures all official records reflect the new designation.

The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act aims to increase financial support for veterans pursuing education entirely online. This bill eliminates the current 50% cap on the monthly housing stipend for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients enrolled more than half-time in distance learning programs. If enacted, this change would allow these students to receive the full monthly housing allowance rate, effective for terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025.

The Border Operations Service Medal Act establishes a new military decoration, the Border Operations Service Medal, to recognize service members and federal employees involved in designated national security operations along the U.S.-Mexico border starting January 2025. This medal will be awarded to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members who participated in these specific border security efforts. The Secretary of Defense is tasked with designing and implementing the medal within 60 days of the Act's enactment.

The Heroes Owning and Materializing Equity (HOME) Act of 2025 aims to improve VA home loan processes for veterans. It mandates clearer guidance for lenders on veteran residual income and establishes voluntary financial counseling options. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to create a database of pre-adapted homes for sale and mandates proactive outreach to veterans residing in U.S. Territories regarding their benefits.

This bill establishes a Select Committee tasked with investigating allegations of a cover-up regarding President Biden's cognitive and physical health decline. The committee will examine the President's health status, past cancer diagnosis, the role of key individuals in any alleged concealment, and media influence. This investigative body has no legislative authority and must submit its final report, findings, and recommendations by December 31, 2025.

The Patriots Over Politics Act creates a special, limited window for certain service members separated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine between August 2021 and January 2023 to transfer their unused VA education benefits to an eligible dependent. This transfer option is available for 90 days following the bill's enactment. If transferred to a child, the benefit use is contingent upon the service member having completed at least six years of service.

The Deescalation Drone Pilot Program Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program managed by the FAA for law enforcement to test drones equipped only with non-lethal tools during active shooter events. This initiative aims to assess the safety, training, and effectiveness of using these specialized drones to keep officers at a safer distance. Following the testing phase, the FAA must create a formal rulemaking process to allow agencies nationwide to seek approval for using these domestically manufactured, non-lethal drones.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators seeking a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This ensures drivers can effectively communicate, understand traffic signs, and complete necessary documentation in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in an immediate out-of-service order for the driver.

The Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the nursing workforce by expanding federal grant support for advanced nursing education programs, including nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives. The bill updates funding rules to cover more training costs and allows nursing schools to invest in modern educational tools like simulation and telehealth technology. Furthermore, it authorizes increased appropriations through fiscal year 2030 to support these critical educational and practice expansion efforts.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The COUNTER Act enhances the Department of Defense's authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems targeting U.S. assets. This legislation delegates specific response powers and updates mitigation rules for drone threats. Crucially, it exempts sensitive information regarding these counter-drone technologies and procedures from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also adjusts several deadlines and clarifies the applicability of certain federal laws when operating overseas to counter these threats.

The FARMER Act adjusts federal premium support for certain whole-farm and enterprise-unit crop insurance plans, setting specific subsidy percentages for those options. It also increases the government's premium subsidy rate for the supplemental coverage option from 65% to 80%. Finally, the bill mandates a study on expanding the geographic scope of this supplemental coverage option.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act establishes stricter penalties for certain non-citizens who commit murder in the United States. If an inadmissible or deportable alien is convicted of first-degree murder, they will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Similar enhanced sentencing, including life imprisonment, applies to those convicted of second-degree murder under these specific immigration grounds.

The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for federal retirement purposes under both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This change adds specific IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and VA police roles to those eligible for enhanced retirement benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for current officers to elect to have their prior service counted under these new definitions, which may require a payment from the employee and their employing agency.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

The Save Healthcare Workers Act aims to protect hospital personnel by making assault against them a federal crime with severe penalties. It also establishes a new federal grant program to help hospitals implement crucial safety measures, such as violence prevention training and physical security upgrades. This legislation seeks to reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings across the nation.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

This bill establishes a point of order in the House of Representatives to prevent reconciliation measures from reducing benefits or eligibility for Medicaid or SNAP for protected groups, including children, seniors, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. This rule applies for the duration of the 119th Congress. However, provisions aimed at reducing fraud or improper payments are exempt from this restriction.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.