Legislative Activity

The Save our Safety-Net Hospitals Act of 2025 modifies how states calculate Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments under Medicaid to ensure hospitals receive appropriate supplemental funding. This bill updates eligibility criteria by changing which patient costs are included in the DSH calculation formula. Furthermore, it allows states to use previously unspent federal DSH funds to increase payments for certain past rate years, provided they adhere to existing allotment caps.

The Protecting Young Minds Online Act mandates the Center for Mental Health Services to develop and implement a national strategy. This strategy will specifically address the impact of new technologies, such as social media, on the mental health of children. The goal is to equip local communities with the resources needed to manage these effects.

The Middle Mile for Rural America Act updates the timeline for expanding essential middle mile internet infrastructure into rural areas. This legislation shifts the designated period for these expansion projects under the Rural Electrification Act from 2018–2023 to the new timeframe of 2026 through 2031. This change ensures continued focus and potential funding for critical rural broadband development in the coming years.

The Train More Nurses Act mandates a comprehensive review of federal grant programs supporting the nursing workforce. The resulting report must provide Congress with specific recommendations to improve these programs. Key goals include increasing nursing faculty, facilitating experienced nurses' transition to teaching, and creating clearer pathways for LPNs to become RNs.

The Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion and Development Program Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to boost the domestic market for U.S.-grown specialty crops. The Secretary of Agriculture will award funds to eligible organizations to execute approved marketing and development projects. Recipients must provide non-Federal matching funds and adhere to strict spending guidelines monitored through annual reviews and audits.

This Act establishes a mandatory supply fee for Medicare drug plans to pay long-term care pharmacies for specific prescriptions dispensed in 2026 and 2027. The bill mandates a $30 fee per prescription in 2026, increasing in 2027, with penalties for non-payment. Additionally, the GAO is required to study the financial sustainability of the current payment structure for these essential pharmacies. This legislation aims to ensure continued access to medications for patients in long-term care settings.

The FORWARD Act expands eligibility for retired or disabled military personnel to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) using their military retirement or disability pay. This provision allows eligible former service members to make contributions, though these deposits will not receive any government matching funds. The relevant agencies have 180 days to establish the necessary regulations for this new option.

The Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act reforms federal hiring by limiting agencies' ability to mandate college degrees for competitive service cybersecurity positions. Agencies can only require specific education if mandated by local law or if the education directly proves necessary job skills. This legislation also requires the Office of Personnel Management to track and report on education standards and hiring outcomes for these critical roles.

The Next Generation of Farmers Act of 2025 significantly lowers the minimum experience requirement for farmers and ranchers seeking direct farm real estate loans from the government. This legislation reduces the required substantial management experience from previous multi-year standards down to a minimum of one year. The Secretary of Agriculture retains discretion to accept alternative education or experience in place of direct farm management.

The Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act officially recognizes and integrates "cottage family homes" into federal foster care regulations. This allows these specialized homes to receive federal maintenance payments if they meet strict standards focused on family connection, trauma-informed care, and prohibiting harmful restraints. The bill ensures states maintain flexibility in utilizing these placements while upholding high standards for child well-being.

The Streamlining Rural Housing Act of 2025 mandates that the Departments of HUD and Agriculture create a joint agreement to speed up environmental reviews for federally funded rural housing projects. This partnership aims to designate a lead agency and streamline the acceptance of environmental documentation between the two departments. The Act also establishes an advisory group composed of diverse stakeholders to guide implementation and requires a final report to Congress suggesting further efficiency improvements without compromising resident safety or environmental standards.

The High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act extends the federal regulations governing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities. Specifically, this bill pushes back the expiration date for these existing HOV facility rules from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2031. This ensures the current federal guidelines remain in effect for an additional six years.

The Counseling for Career Choice Act updates federal education funding to strengthen career guidance and counseling programs in schools. This legislation mandates that these programs align student options with current local workforce needs and requires counselors to provide personalized planning, financial literacy awareness, and exposure to real-world experiences like apprenticeships. Furthermore, the Act encourages strong partnerships between schools and local workforce development boards to ensure students have access to up-to-date career information and support.

The Data BRIDGE Act mandates that the FCC update its national broadband map to specifically include the locations of agricultural areas. This update must be completed within 180 days of the bill's enactment. To ensure accuracy, the FCC is required to consult with the Secretary of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders during this process. This action aims to better identify broadband coverage gaps affecting farms.

The Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2025 aims to modernize and stabilize rural housing programs across the nation. It streamlines administrative processes, establishes permanent protections for existing affordable rental housing, and improves access to repair loans for low-income homeowners. Furthermore, the bill creates new grant opportunities for local development and mandates greater transparency and efficiency in the application review process.

The CLEAN Pacific Act of 2025 establishes the Pacific Counternarcotics Initiative to help partner nations in the Pacific combat illegal drug production chemicals. This program focuses on improving the seizure, destruction, and safe disposal of seized chemicals while boosting international law enforcement cooperation. The Secretary of State must submit a detailed five-year implementation plan to Congress outlining strategy, benchmarks, and funding, followed by annual progress reports. Funding for the initiative will be redirected from existing authorizations under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

The Growing Opportunities in Agriculture Act (GO Ag Act) establishes a new competitive grant program to fund the creation of innovative, high-quality agricultural education programs in high schools. These grants, limited to $100,000 per entity, are intended to develop new curricula, support work-based learning, and fund leadership training. Recipients must report annually on program performance, with a total authorization of $5 million through FY 2028.

The AIRFARE Act establishes a system to expedite gate passes and security access for caregivers accompanying minors or passengers needing assistance to their departing flights. This requires the TSA to create procedures allowing up to two designated helpers to walk these individuals directly to the gate. The system aims to streamline the process for family members and guardians needing to provide essential support at the airport.

The Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act increases the flexibility for states to manage their federal highway funds. This legislation raises the maximum percentage of designated federal-aid highway funds that a state can transfer to other approved uses from 50 percent to 75 percent. This change allows states greater autonomy in directing federal transportation dollars to meet their specific infrastructure needs.

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program Act of 2025 significantly enhances support for small rural businesses. This bill increases the maximum loan size from $\$50,000$ to $\$75,000$ and extends the program's authorization period through 2030. It also modifies rules regarding how loan funds can be used for construction and real estate improvements.