Legislative Activity

The Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) submit an annual report detailing the causes of death among veterans. This report must specifically identify veterans with totally disabling service-connected disabilities and note any deaths by suicide linked to those conditions. The goal is to provide Congress with comprehensive data on veteran mortality trends.

This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating May 2025 as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Awareness Month. The designation aims to bring national attention to the serious, progressive brain disease that currently has no cure. By raising awareness, the bill seeks to support patients, improve diagnosis, and boost research efforts for better treatments.

The VET PFAS Act expands healthcare and disability benefits for veterans and their families exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals, like PFOA, at contaminated military installations. It establishes a presumption of service connection for specific related illnesses, making it easier for veterans to receive disability compensation. Furthermore, the bill grants eligible family members access to VA medical care, contingent upon future appropriations. The VA is also required to report annually on the implementation and utilization of these new provisions for three years.

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.

The Protecting Circuit Boards and Substrates Act establishes a 25% tax credit for purchasing U.S.-made printed circuit boards and integrated circuit substrates starting in 2026. It also creates a federal incentive program, managed by the Commerce Department, to provide up to $3 billion in funding to boost domestic manufacturing and research and development in these critical electronic components. The program prioritizes national security needs, workforce development, and supports for small and diverse-owned businesses.

The Nuclear First-Strike Security Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of federal funds to initiate a nuclear attack. Under this Act, a first-use nuclear strike requires a presidential determination that it is in the U.S. best interest, followed by a mandatory seven-day notification to top Congressional leaders. This notification requirement is waived only in cases of a formal declaration of war, a prior nuclear attack on the U.S. or an ally, or during a confirmed launch-on-warning scenario.

The Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program designed to increase the number of mental health professionals working in schools. This program creates matching grants where the government helps cover graduate students' educational costs if their institutions agree to match the funding dollar-for-dollar. The goal is to incentivize graduate schools to support students who commit to careers in school-based mental health services, with specific outreach targeting low-income students.

This bill amends the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program to create a new funding set-aside for specific counties with high agricultural output. It defines "covered counties" based on significant annual agricultural production value and density. Ten percent of the program's funds must then be reserved for projects located on "farm-to-market roads" within these designated counties.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves key federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation shifts the authorization window for several demonstration projects to run from 2026 through 2030. It also specifically broadens the scope of reentry demonstration projects to explicitly fund substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery services and reentry housing. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal support for vital reentry, education, and substance abuse collaboration initiatives through the end of the decade.

The Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025 modifies federal securities laws to update exemptions for 403(b) retirement plans. This legislation clarifies requirements under the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, and the Securities Exchange Act. The changes generally condition these exemptions on the employer taking on specific fiduciary responsibilities regarding the selection and approval of investment options offered to participants.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory, public code of conduct and a formal complaint process for Supreme Court Justices, modeled after procedures for lower federal judges. The bill also institutes stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and financial ties, and mandates judicial disqualification in cases involving recent lobbying contact or significant financial relationships with involved parties. Furthermore, it creates new review panels for disqualification motions and requires parties and *amici* to disclose financial supporters connected to the case.

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025 directs the SEC to establish new rules for allowing companies to deliver required investment documents to investors electronically rather than by mail. These rules must ensure investor choice, maintain readability, and protect personal information during the transition. The legislation only changes the method of delivery, not the content or timing requirements of the regulatory documents themselves.

The Uplifting First-Time Homebuyers Act of 2025 significantly increases the penalty-free withdrawal limit from retirement accounts for first-time homebuyers. This legislation raises the maximum allowable distribution from $\$10,000$ to $\$50,000$. This change is designed to provide greater financial flexibility for individuals purchasing their first home, taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program through the Department of Transportation to fund the installation of suicide deterrents like nets and barriers at high-risk locations such as bridges and rail stations. The bill also amends existing law to explicitly allow National Highway System funds to be used for these safety barriers on bridges. Finally, it mandates a study on the effectiveness of suicide prevention measures for structures other than bridges.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans are officially covered under Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services. This ensures essential vehicle modifications for safe driving and mobility are recognized as part of veteran medical benefits. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act mandates annual, experience-based sensitivity training for all VA staff handling Military Sexual Trauma (MST) claims. This legislation also strengthens the VA's duty to assist claimants by requiring them to actively help gather service personnel and medical records. Furthermore, the bill directs the VA Secretary to report on training requirements for contracted health professionals to prevent re-traumatization during examinations.

The CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2025 expands and extends a pilot program allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept donated facilities and related improvements. This expansion broadens acceptable donations to include minor construction or nonrecurring maintenance projects. Furthermore, the bill extends the operational deadline for this valuable pilot program from 2026 to 2031.

The Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits life insurance companies from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling policies solely because an individual is a living kidney donor. This federal law ensures that living donors are not penalized financially for their altruistic act, unless unrelated health risks are present. Individuals harmed by discrimination under this Act have the right to sue in federal court.

The Bipartisan American Homeownership Opportunity Act of 2025 establishes two new federal tax incentives aimed at boosting housing accessibility. It creates a refundable First-Time Homebuyer Credit of up to $50,000 for down payments, subject to income phase-outs and a five-year recapture rule. Additionally, the bill introduces a Starter Home Construction Credit for builders, offering up to a 30% credit on construction costs for small, affordable homes. Both provisions require a reduction in the property's tax basis by the amount of the credit claimed.

The Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program to protect and restore private and Tribal forest lands through conservation easements. This program offers two types of easements—Forest Land and Forest Reserve—with federal cost-share assistance available to eligible entities and landowners, prioritizing working forests and species recovery. The Act also allocates $100 million annually for this new program from 2026 through 2030 while simultaneously repealing the existing Healthy Forests Reserve Program, ensuring existing contracts remain honored. Finally, Congress stipulates that the costs associated with implementing this Act must be offset by savings or new revenue.