Legislative Activity

The Rural Hospital Support Act strengthens the financial stability of rural healthcare providers by permanently extending key Medicare payment programs, including the Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) and low-volume hospital programs. The bill also updates payment calculation formulas for sole community and Medicare-dependent hospitals to reflect more recent cost data, ensuring these facilities receive fair and sustainable reimbursement.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests starting in 2028. This legislation establishes a formal coverage and payment framework for these innovative blood-based tests while ensuring they complement, rather than replace, existing cancer screening protocols.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (Global HER) Act ensures that foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) remain eligible for U.S. foreign assistance regardless of the legal health services or advocacy they provide using their own non-U.S. funds. By overriding restrictive policies, the bill protects the autonomy of these organizations to deliver comprehensive care and engage in advocacy, provided their activities comply with local laws and would be legal if performed in the United States.

The FAIR Act of 2025 reforms federal civil forfeiture laws to protect property owners by raising the government's burden of proof, mandating judicial oversight, and expanding access to legal counsel. The bill also eliminates nonjudicial forfeiture and ends programs that share seized assets with state and local law enforcement, redirecting proceeds to the General Fund of the Treasury. Additionally, it provides new protections for individuals accused of structuring transactions and increases transparency in forfeiture reporting.

This resolution expresses the Senate's view that the U.S. should remain committed to the Paris Agreement, support policies at all levels of government to reduce global warming pollution, and encourage actions by businesses, investors, and individuals to combat climate change. It recognizes the economic benefits of clean energy investments and the need for collective efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.

This resolution emphasizes the importance of the Department of Health and Human Services' role in providing timely and accurate health information to the public. It recognizes the value of resources like the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and the Health Alert Network in protecting public health. The resolution expresses the Senate's belief that Americans should have continuous access to this vital information.

The Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2025 mandates that direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs and biological products include the wholesale acquisition cost for a 30-day supply. By requiring this disclosure for products costing $35 or more, the bill aims to empower patients to make more informed purchasing decisions and foster greater price competition. Manufacturers that fail to comply with these transparency requirements face civil monetary penalties.

This resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to raise awareness about maternal mortality, illness, and disparities in the United States. It supports initiatives to eliminate disparities in maternal health and ensure equitable maternity care for all women. The resolution also honors those who have died from pregnancy-related causes and promotes investments in improving maternal health outcomes.

The Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025 aims to curb anti-competitive behavior by prohibiting the use of pricing algorithms that rely on nonpublic competitor data. The bill mandates transparency by requiring businesses to disclose the use of such algorithms to customers and workers, while granting the FTC and the Attorney General authority to audit and penalize non-compliant entities. Additionally, it establishes a legal presumption of price-fixing when multiple parties use the same algorithm to set prices in the same market.

This resolution supports the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to honor the heritage, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States. It acknowledges their diverse backgrounds, contributions to various sectors, and the discrimination many have faced. The resolution encourages public celebration of Muslim-American achievements and contributions to the country.

The Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025 prohibits the use of federal funds for a first-strike nuclear attack unless Congress has explicitly authorized it through a declaration of war. This legislation aims to establish constitutional checks and balances by ensuring that a nuclear strike cannot be initiated without congressional approval, except in response to an existing nuclear attack against the United States or its allies.

The Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions (CURD) Act establishes a formal federal definition for "natural cheese" to ensure consumer transparency and consistency in labeling. By distinguishing natural cheese from processed varieties, the bill sets clear standards for production and prohibits states from imposing conflicting labeling requirements.

The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act of 2025 restricts the President’s authority to impose or increase tariffs and tariff-rate quotas under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). While it preserves the President's power to block specific imports or countries, the bill prevents the use of IEEPA as a tool for unilateral tariff adjustments.

The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 aims to strengthen U.S. antitrust enforcement by making it easier for regulators to challenge anticompetitive mergers and exclusionary conduct. The bill enhances the legal tools and financial resources available to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission, while establishing new protections for whistleblowers and increasing penalties for antitrust violations. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to curb excessive market power, promote innovation, and protect consumers, workers, and small businesses from anticompetitive practices.

The United States-Cuba Trade Act of 2025 seeks to normalize relations between the two nations by repealing the long-standing trade embargo and associated economic sanctions. The bill lifts restrictions on trade, travel, and remittances, while authorizing expanded telecommunications cooperation. Additionally, it encourages diplomatic negotiations to address outstanding property claims and human rights concerns.

The VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025 mandates that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac include a disclaimer on residential loan applications to inform veterans that they may be eligible for a VA home loan. Additionally, the bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study to ensure lenders are effectively implementing this disclosure.

The Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their historic victory. This legislation honors the team’s extraordinary achievement, which served as a defining moment in American sports and a source of national inspiration during the Cold War. The medals will be permanently displayed at three prominent institutions dedicated to Olympic and hockey history.

The **Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act** protects generic drug and biosimilar manufacturers from patent infringement lawsuits when they "carve out" specific patented uses from their product labeling. By establishing a legal safe harbor for these "skinny labels," the bill aims to accelerate the market entry of lower-cost alternatives without infringing on method-of-use patents.

The Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act establishes a 13-member commission tasked with investigating the legacy of slavery and systemic discrimination in the United States. The commission is charged with documenting these historical injustices and their ongoing impact on living African Americans to develop formal proposals for reparatory justice. Ultimately, the body will submit its findings and recommendations for remedies, including potential compensation and educational initiatives, to Congress.