Defence

Support Military Families Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide timely equitable relief to an individual who suffers a loss based on an administrative error by the Secretary, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Flight 293 Remembrance Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Flight 293 Remembrance Act This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to identify and publish information related to non-combat military plane crashes and provide support to families of members of the Armed Forces who die in such crashes. Specifically, DOD must identify and document all non-combat military plane crashes categorized as Operational Loss/Non-War Loss. Further, DOD must develop and maintain a public database of the names, ranks, and service details of all members of the Armed Forces who died in such crashes. DOD must also provide assistance to the families of members of the Armed Forces who have died in non-combat crashes by (1) ensuring the families are aware of and have access to DOD benefits, resources, and support services; (2) offering personalized guidance on navigating and applying for such benefits, resources, and support services; and (3) connecting those families with community and peer support networks. Additionally, DOD must establish a designated point of contact for such families to guide them through the benefits process, provide certain updates, and liaise with relevant agencies or organizations to ensure coordinated assistance. The bill prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, sex, race, color, or national origin in the provision of assistance and services under this bill.

Specialist Joey Lenz Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

Specialist Joey Lenz Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that periodic health assessments of members of the Armed Forces include specified elements. DOD must ensure that annual assessments include a sports physical, an electrocardiogram, and specified blood work. Other periodic assessments must include certain testing related to burn pit exposure, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, and other tests or evaluations determined to be appropriate by DOD.

Warriors to Workforce Act

United States · United States Congress · 5 February 2025

A resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima during World War II and the raisings of the flag of the United States on Mount Suribachi.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

This resolution recognizes the 80th anniversary of the amphibious landing of U.S. troops on the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in 1945 and commemorates the historic raising of the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945. Additionally, the resolution recognizes the 250th year since the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy.

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Specifically, the VA must review such coverage amount every five years, taking into account the average percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased in the five fiscal years preceding the review.

Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Streamlining Aviation for Eligible Veterans Act of 2025 or the SAFE Veterans Act of 2025 This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to approve nondegree flight training courses for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities as part of the VA’s vocational rehabilitation programs under the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. Generally, the VR&E program provides job training and other employment-related services to veterans with service-connected disabilities, including long-term employment training courses.

Stop GREED Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Stop Government Rewards Enriching Executives in the District Act of 2025 or the Stop GREED Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from providing certain senior level employees with a critical skill incentive, which is generally a payment bonus for employees possessing a high-demand skill or skill that is at a shortage. Specifically, the VA may not provide such an incentive to an employee in a Senior Executive Service position or other comparable position at the central office of the VA (e.g., the Veterans Health Administration), regardless of the actual location where the employee performs the functions of the position. The bill also provides that an incentive may be provided to senior-level employees on an individual basis and upon approval by specified officers (e.g., the Under Secretary for Health). Additionally, senior-level employees whose positions are primarily at the central office of the VA but perform some portion of the job function at other VA facilities are exempt from the prohibition. The VA must report to Congress annually regarding senior-level employees who were provided a critical skill incentive.

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to periodically review and report on the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs. Specifically, the VA must review such coverage amount every five years, taking into account the average percentage by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased in the five fiscal years preceding the review.

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes the Department of Defense to sell its excess aircraft and aircraft parts that are acceptable for commercial sale for wildfire suppression purposes. Such authority begins October 1, 2025, and ends October 1, 2035. The bill also provides that such aircraft may be used to deliver water by air in order to suppress wildfire (the previous authority only provided for the delivery of fire retardant). The bill removes the previous limitation on providing international wildfire suppression assistance with such purchased aircraft.

Protecting VA Employees Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Protecting VA Employees Act This bill modifies procedures related to removals, demotions, suspensions, and disciplinary and grievance procedures for certain employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill provides that employees of the VA must be treated the same as other federal employees in procedures for removals, demotions, or suspensions based on performance or misconduct. Specifically, the bill repeals certain provisions that implemented separate procedures for the removal, demotion, or suspension of VA employees based on performance or misconduct. The provisions repealed by the bill do not apply to senior executives, appointees in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), political appointees, or individuals who have not completed a probationary or trial period. The bill also restores certain disciplinary and grievance procedures for certain appointed VHA personnel, specifically physicians, dentists, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, registered nurses, physician assistants, and expanded-function dental auxiliaries. Specifically, the bill (1) reauthorizes individuals who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement to elect whether to proceed with a case via collective bargaining procedures or through the VA grievance procedures; and (2) restores the timing of the administration of cases regarding major adverse actions and other cases brought against specified VHA appointed positions, including to require the deciding official to render a decision within 21 days of receipt of the employee’s answer to a major adverse action charge.

Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act This bill requires the Department of Defense to consult with the President and report on the effects on national security of surveillance conducted by China via the high-altitude surveillance balloon shot down in the United States in February 2023. The report must be submitted in an unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from denying a veteran any VA benefit due to participation in a state-approved marijuana program. For veterans participating in these approved programs, the VA must ensure its health care providers (1) discuss marijuana use with such veterans and adjust treatment plans accordingly, and (2) record such use in the veterans' medical records. Under the bill, the VA shall authorize physicians and other VA health care providers to provide recommendations to veterans who are residents of states with approved programs.

Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a five-year pilot program to provide veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system with the option to receive primary care services from a non-VA health care provider under a direct primary care service arrangement and pay using a veteran health savings account.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo against the military of Burma.

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

This resolution states that the United Nations Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo against the military of Burma (Myanmar) and hold it accountable for its ongoing violations of human rights.

Defending Veterans’ Second Amendment Rights Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Defending Veterans' Second Amendment Rights Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from transmitting personally identifiable information of veterans or their beneficiaries to the national instant criminal background check system utilized by licensed importers or dealers of firearms solely on the basis that a veteran has a service-connected disability.

Modern GI Bill Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Modern GI Bill Act This bill authorizes individuals who are entitled to educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill to apply amounts of such assistance to repay federal student loans for up to 36 months. The bill sets a cap and annual cost-of-living increases for the amount of educational assistance that may be paid to an individual under this bill during FY2026 and the following years.

Time of Service Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Time of Service Act This bill adjusts the time limitation on the use of a veteran's educational assistance entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Specifically, veterans' entitlements shall not expire for those who were discharged or released from active duty on or after January 1, 2001.

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 4 February 2025

Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Roddie Edmonds in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during World War II.

A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared with respect to energy.

United States · United States Congress · 3 February 2025

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency relating to energy declared by the President on January 20, 2025, in Executive Order 14156. The executive order states that the supply of and infrastructure for energy in the United States is insufficient to meet the country's needs. It defines  energy as crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals.  The executive order directs the heads of executive departments and agencies to use available emergency and other authorities to take certain actions to address this topic, including approving development of domestic energy resources, expediting the completion of authorized energy infrastructure (particularly in the Northeast, West Coast, and Alaska), and pursuing the use of emergency permitting provisions under certain environmental regulations. The executive order also directs the Department of Defense to conduct an assessment of its ability to acquire and transport energy resources (particularly in the Northeast and West Coast), and invokes emergency military construction authority to address any vulnerabilities identified in the assessment.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

9/11 Memorial and Museum Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

9/11 Memorial and Museum Act This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to award to the nonprofit organization that operates the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, New York, a one-time grant to be used solely for the purposes of the operation, security, and maintenance of the memorial and museum. As a condition of receiving the grant, the organization must provide for free admission to all facilities and museums associated with the memorial and museum for active and retired members of the Armed Forces, individuals who were registered first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and family members of victims of such attacks; provide for dedicated free admission hours for the general public at least once a week; and allow for annual federal audits of its financial statements.

To amend the Defense Base Act to exclude Guam.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

To amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the TRICARE program based on the location at which such care or services were provided.

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act This bill restricts funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a Confucius Institute, Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entity of concern. The bill defines (1)  Confucius Institute as a cultural institute funded by the Chinese government; (2) Thousand Talents Program as any technological or educational program funded or administered by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology; and (3)  Chinese entity of concern as generally any university or college in China that is involved in China's military, police, or intelligence activities. Specifically, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must ensure that an IHE that has awarded a contract to, entered into an agreement with, or received an in-kind donation or gift from a Confucius Institute, Thousand Talents Program, or Chinese entity of concern is ineligible to receive any funds from DHS, unless the IHE terminates the relationship. The IHE may regain eligibility for these funds upon termination of the relationship.

Deliver for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

Deliver for Veterans Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include delivery costs when paying the full purchase price of an automobile or other conveyance for certain disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces. Currently, the VA must pay the lesser of (1) $26,417.20 (adjusted annually for inflation), or (2) the full purchase price associated with providing an automobile or other conveyance to such individuals (not including delivery costs).

Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 31 January 2025

Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025 This bill requires revisions to acquisition regulations related to information systems vulnerabilities for certain federal contractors. The revisions apply to contractors whose contract is at or above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 in most cases) or that use, operate, manage, or maintain a federal information system on behalf of an agency.  Under the bill, the Office of Management and Budget must review the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and recommend updated contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs. (Such programs establish processes for identifying, reporting, and mitigating information system vulnerabilities discovered by security researchers, software developers, and others.) The recommendations must include requirements to ensure that such contractors implement vulnerability disclosure policies consistent with guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council must review these recommendations and update the FAR as necessary to incorporate requirements for such contractors to receive information about potential security vulnerabilities in contractor information systems used in performance of contract. The Department of Defense (DOD) must conduct a similar review and update of regulations with respect to the DOD Supplement to the FAR.

Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2025

Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 This bill authorizes certain Purple Heart recipients to elect to transfer to one or more eligible dependents (e.g., a spouse or child) unused portions of such recipients’ entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance. This authority specifically applies to veterans who are awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged or released from active service. Under the bill, the total number of months of entitlement transferred by a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed 36 months. Additionally, the Purple Heart recipient may modify or revoke any unused portion of the transferred entitlement by submitting written notice. A transferred entitlement may not be treated as marital property or marital assets in divorce or other civil proceedings. The death of the Purple Heart recipient must not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual who receives the transferred entitlement. In the event of an overpayment of educational assistance, the Purple Heart recipient and the transferee of the entitlement must be held jointly and severally liable for the amount. The bill requires the VA and DOD to coordinate to facilitate the transfer of entitlements under the bill.

Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 30 January 2025

Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025 This bill permits an individual to transport a knife between two places (e.g., states) where knife possession, carry, or transport is legal. The knife must be transported in compliance with the bill's accessibility and secure storage requirements, unless it is an emergency knife or tool designed to cut seat belts. An individual who is transporting a knife in compliance with this bill may not be arrested or detained for a knife violation unless there is probable cause to believe the individual failed to comply with the accessibility or secure storage requirements. An individual may assert compliance with this bill as a claim or defense in any civil or criminal proceeding.

Border Security is National Security Act

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2025

Border Security is National Security Act This bill authorizes appropriations through FY2028 for the Department of Defense to provide border security support to the Department of Homeland Security.

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 29 January 2025

Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 This bill limits birthright citizenship by redefining what it means to be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Currently, a person born in the United States and subject to U.S. jurisdiction is entitled to citizenship. Under the bill, a person is subject to U.S. jurisdiction if he or she is born to a parent who is (1) a U.S. citizen or national, (2) a lawful permanent resident residing in the United States, or (3) a non-U.S. national ( alien under federal law) in lawful status who is performing active service in the Armed Forces. The bill does not affect the citizenship or nationality status of any person born before the bill's enactment date.

Michael Duffey, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, vice William A. LaPlante, Jr., resigned.

United States · United States Senate · 28 January 2025

DEFENSE INNOVATION AND ACQUISITION REFORM

United States · United States Senate · 28 January 2025

Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025 This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters. Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP, requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers. The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders, tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner. Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.

Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Next of Kin Collections Protection Act of 2025 This bill modifies the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of a Department of Veterans Affairs pension under an existing rating or decision in cases where the payee has died. Specifically, the bill provides that the effective date of a reduction or discontinuance of a pension that is under an existing rating or decision must be the last day of the month in which the death of the payee occurs.

Personalized Care Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Personalized Care Act of 2025 This bill expands health saving account (HSA) eligibility, increases HSA contribution limits, and makes other HSA-related changes. The bill also expands the definition of medical care for purposes of the itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses. The bill eliminates the requirement that an individual must be covered by a high-deductible health plan to establish and contribute to an HSA. Under the bill, an eligible individual is defined as (1) a health care sharing ministry participant, or (2) individual covered under a group or individual health plan; health insurance (including a short-term limited duration and medical indemnity plan); or a government plan (including Medicare Part A and B, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, certain military and government employee health benefit programs, and the Indian Health Service and tribal organization programs). The bill increases annual HSA contribution limits to $10,800 (from $4,300 in 2025) for self-only coverage and $29,500 (from $8,550 in 2025) for family coverage, adjusted annually for inflation. The bill expands the qualified medical expenses that may be paid for with HSA distributions to include health insurance payments (e.g., premiums), direct care fees, and certain amounts paid by health care sharing ministry participants. The bill decreases the penalty to 10% (from 20%) for nonqualified HSA distributions.  Finally, under the bill, direct care fees and fees paid for membership in a health care sharing ministry qualify as medical care for purposes of the itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses.

Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Improving Veterans’ Experience Act of 2025 This bill establishes the Veterans Experience Office within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out the key customer experience initiatives of the VA relating to veterans’ and beneficiaries’ satisfaction with and usage of VA benefits and services. Additionally, the office must require the heads of other organizations and offices within the VA to report regularly on customer experience metrics, action plans, and other customer experience improvement efforts; collect veteran-derived data to determine satisfaction and for use in policymaking; provide strategic guidance and strategies to VA entities for engaging with veterans and beneficiaries; assess and advise the VA on the accuracy and helpfulness of websites and customer-facing information of the VA; and assess and advise the VA on the status and opportunities for improvement of the customer service efforts of the VA. The requirements of this bill terminate on September 30, 2028. The Government Accountability Office must analyze and report on the methodology, effectiveness, and implementation of the VA’s approach to improving veteran and beneficiary customer experience and satisfaction.

RELIEVE Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency Act or the RELIEVE Act This bill expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement of emergency treatment for veterans who are treated in a non-VA facility. Specifically, the bill waives the requirement that a veteran must have received VA care within the 24-month period preceding the furnishing of emergency treatment if the veteran receives such emergency treatment within the 60-day period following their enrollment in the VA health care system.

James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of James J. Andrews and William H. Campbell to recognize their bravery and devotion during the Civil War as the only civilian members of Andrews’ Raiders, who launched a daring military raid that became known as the Great Locomotive Chase.

Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his achievements and contributions to heroism, leadership, and humanitarianism.

SWAG Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act or the SWAG Act This bill prohibits any federal agency or entity from using federal funds to purchase, acquire, or distribute swag (i.e., products distributed at no cost with the sole purpose of advertising or promoting an agency, organization, or program) or to manufacture or use a mascot for promotional purposes. Exceptions to these prohibitions include (1) express authorization in law, (2) recruitment related to armed forces enlistment, and (3) military academy athletic team mascots.

Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Veterans' Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers Act of 2025 or the Veterans' ACCESS Act of 2025 This bill addresses the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and other Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care matters. Among other provisions regarding the VCCP, the bill establishes in statute access standards that determine when a veteran is eligible to receive non-VA care through the VCCP, requires the VA to notify veterans regarding their eligibility for care within two business days after the VA is aware the veteran is seeking care, and extends the deadline for the submittal of claims under the VCCP by health care entities and providers. The VA must address its mental health treatment programs by establishing a standardized screening process to determine whether a veteran satisfies criteria for priority or routine admission to a mental health residential rehabilitation treatment program or a program for residential care for mental health and substance abuse disorders, tracking the performance of medical facilities and Veterans Integrated Service Networks in meeting the requirements for mental health treatment screenings and timely admission to treatment programs under such screenings, and establishing an appeal process for when a veteran is denied admission to a covered treatment program or is accepted into a program but not offered bed placement in a timely manner. Additionally, the VA must establish an online self-service module for veterans to request and manage appointments, track referrals, and appeal and track decisions related to requests for care.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

This bill authorizes certain Purple Heart recipients to elect to transfer to one or more eligible dependents (e.g., a spouse or child) unused portions of such recipients’ entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance. This authority specifically applies to veterans who are awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged or released from active service. Under the bill, the total number of months of entitlement transferred by a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed 36 months. Additionally, the Purple Heart recipient may modify or revoke any unused portion of the transferred entitlement by submitting written notice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD). A transferred entitlement may not be treated as marital property or marital assets in divorce or other civil proceedings. The death of the Purple Heart recipient must not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual who receives the transferred entitlement. In the event of an overpayment of educational assistance, the Purple Heart recipient and the transferee of the entitlement must be held jointly and severally liable for the amount. The bill requires the VA and DOD to coordinate to facilitate the transfer of entitlements under the bill.

Homeowners’ Defense Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Homeowners' Defense Act of 2025 This bill allows the Department of the Treasury to guarantee the debt issued by an eligible state catastrophe insurance program, with limitations on the total amount of debt guaranteed. To qualify, a state program must (1) be established and authorized by state law as an insurance program or a reinsurance program designed to support the private insurance market, and (2) offer residential property insurance coverage for losses arising from any personal residential line of insurance. Treasury must pay the portion of the principal and interest on guaranteed debt due for payment if the state program has insufficient funds. Treasury must also make reinsurance coverage available to eligible state programs. (Reinsurance protects insurers from large losses.) The bill also establishes the Federal Natural Catastrophe Reinsurance Fund, funded in part by the sale of reinsurance contracts, to pay out eligible losses. The bill also establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium which must maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by providers of natural catastrophe insurance, among other functions. The Department of Housing and Urban Development must provide grants to entities (such as states) for the purpose of preventing and mitigating losses from natural catastrophes. The Government Accountability Office must report on risk-based rate pricing and state insurance program rates.

Personalized Care Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Personalized Care Act of 2025 This bill expands health saving account (HSA) eligibility, increases HSA contribution limits, and makes other HSA-related changes. The bill also expands the definition of medical care for purposes of the itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses. The bill eliminates the requirement that an individual must be covered by a high-deductible health plan to establish and contribute to an HSA. Under the bill, an eligible individual is defined as (1) a health care sharing ministry participant, or (2) individual covered under a group or individual health plan; health insurance (including a short-term limited duration and medical indemnity plan); or a government plan (including Medicare Part A and B, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, certain military and government employee health benefit programs, and the Indian Health Service and tribal organization programs). The bill increases annual HSA contribution limits to $10,800 (from $4,300 in 2025) for self-only coverage and $29,500 (from $8,550 in 2025) for family coverage, adjusted annually for inflation. The bill expands the qualified medical expenses that may be paid for with HSA distributions to include health insurance payments (e.g., premiums), direct care fees, and certain amounts paid by health care sharing ministry participants. The bill decreases the penalty to 10% (from 20%) for nonqualified HSA distributions.  Finally, under the bill, direct care fees and fees paid for membership in a health care sharing ministry qualify as medical care for purposes of the itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses.

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2026

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Representing our Seniors at VA Act of 2025 This bill expands the membership of the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee within the Veterans Health Administration by requiring the addition of one representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes who holds a professional license in nursing home administration. Additionally, the committee must consult with the National Association of Veterans State Homes with respect to matters concerning the association.

Heroes’ Tax Exemption Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Heroes’ Tax Exemption Act of 2025 This bill excludes amounts earned by an active duty member of the Armed Forces from gross income for federal tax purposes.

Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act This bill allows a surviving spouse of a Medal of Honor recipient to receive a special pension concurrently with dependency and indemnity compensation.

Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 28 January 2025

Legislative Proxy and Absence Accommodation Resolution This concurrent resolution authorizes proxy voting and remote appearances by Members of Congress who are absent due to an illness, military service, jury duty, or other circumstances.  The concurrent resolution establishes grounds and procedures by which an absent Member of the House of Representatives or the Senate may (1) designate another Member to cast a vote or record the presence of the absent Member; and (2) remotely appear at a committee proceeding. The concurrent resolution authorizes proxy voting and remote appearances for absences due to jury duty; the death of a family member; a family member who has a serious health condition; the Member's own illness or serious health condition; the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a son or daughter; the Member serving in the armed services; a family member being called to active duty; or a condition preventing the Member from safely traveling to or performing work at the proceeding. Certain purposes are time-limited; for example, an absence due to a Member's own illness is limited to seven days in a calendar year. Further, a Member must provide to the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, respectively (1) a written proxy designation or notice of remote appearance, (2) the grounds for the absence, and (3) such documentation as they may require. The Clerk and Secretary must maintain and make publicly available a list of the grounds, time frames, and other details about Members using these provisions.