Skip to main content
GWGovwatch
CongressBillsCommitteesPresidentMoneyPulseMisconductElectionsMap
Donate

Weekly accountability digest

One email a week with new votes, moving bills, and misconduct updates. No spam.

GW

Govwatch. Public data about Congress, in one place, in plain English.

Built with public data. Not affiliated with the U.S. government.

Explore

  • Officials
  • Legislation
  • Committees
  • Congress Pulse
  • Trending Topics
  • Bipartisan Leaderboard
  • Weekly Digest
  • Misconduct
  • Predictions

Learn

  • How Congress Works
  • How a Bill Becomes Law
  • Campaign Finance 101
  • Glossary

Tools

  • My Representatives
  • Compare Members
  • Bill Watchlist
  • Search
  • District Map
  • Follow the Money
  • Watch Live

Site

  • About
  • Contact
  • Corrections
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

Data Sources

Congress.gov API v3
Bills, members, votes
GovInfo API
Floor speeches, reports, bill text
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Campaign finance
VoteView (UCLA)
Ideology scores (DW-NOMINATE)
GovTrack.us
Misconduct data (CC0)
U.S. Census Bureau
District demographics
Support This Project

This site is free. Donations help cover hosting, API fees, and keeping the data fresh.

All data is sourced from official government APIs and public records. This site is for informational purposes only.

© 2026 Govwatch

Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

DDemocratCT · Senator
62
/ 100
Average
Attendance99
Avg: 98
Independence36
Avg: 55
Bipartisan Tone24
Avg: 15
Ethics Record100
Avg: 100
Transparency35
Avg: 47

Accountability Score — composite of attendance, independence, bipartisan tone, ethics record & transparency.

Methodology
OverviewStatementsBillsFinanceVotesElections
55
Bills Sponsored
0
Enacted into Law
0
Passed a Chamber
54
In Committee

All Sponsored Bills

S4646In Committee

A bill to reinstate criminal penalties for persons charging veterans unauthorized fees relating to claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

The bill would make it a crime for people to charge veterans illegal fees when helping them apply for Veterans Affairs benefits, with penalties including fines and potential jail time. This protects veterans from scammers and unscrupulous representatives who might try to profit by charging them money to file benefit claims they're entitled to. The measure targets fraud and exploitation targeting military veterans seeking healthcare, disability payments, and other VA benefits they've earned.

2026-06-01
SRES753In Committee

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reduce traffic fatalities to zero by 2050.

The Senate is expressing its goal to eliminate all traffic deaths by 2050 through improved safety measures and technology. This resolution calls for coordinated efforts across government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and transportation systems to reduce the roughly 40,000 annual traffic fatalities that currently occur in the United States. The measure affects drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and transportation companies as it outlines a long-term vision for safer roads and vehicles.

2026-05-21
S4636In Committee

A bill to amend the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to provide for interest on escrow balances.

The proposal would require mortgage lenders and servicers to pay interest on money that homeowners place in escrow accounts—accounts where funds are held to cover future property taxes and insurance payments. Currently, lenders typically hold these escrow balances without paying any interest, meaning homeowners lose out on potential earnings from their own money. The change would benefit homeowners by allowing them to earn modest returns on funds that are held in their accounts.

2026-05-21
SRES752In Committee

A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of May 2026 as "Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month".

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize May 2026 as a month dedicated to raising awareness about progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal degeneration, two rare neurological diseases that affect how the brain controls movement and thinking. The designation would help patients, families, and medical professionals draw attention to these conditions and encourage research and support for people living with them. This is a symbolic measure that doesn't create new laws or funding, but shows congressional support for these disease awareness efforts.

2026-05-21
S4572In Committee

Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act

The bill would prevent Amtrak from forcing passengers to sign agreements that require them to settle disputes through private arbitration instead of going to court. This change would give train passengers the right to sue Amtrak in court if they have complaints about their service or experience injuries, rather than being locked into a private dispute-resolution process. The measure affects anyone who buys an Amtrak ticket and wants to protect their legal rights.

2026-05-19
S4543In Committee

Extinction Prevention Act of 2026

The bill would set aside dedicated federal funding to protect and restore populations of butterflies across North America, native plants in the Pacific Islands, freshwater mussels throughout the United States, and desert fish species in the Southwest. These conservation efforts would help prevent species extinction and maintain healthy ecosystems that support wildlife and benefit communities that depend on these natural resources. The funding would support activities like habitat restoration, research, and monitoring programs run by government agencies and conservation organizations.

2026-05-14
SJRES150In Committee

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Limited Applicability of Consumer Financial Protection Act's 'Time or Space' Exception With Respect to Digital Marketing Providers".

Congress is considering blocking a recent rule change by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would have limited how much certain digital marketing companies can avoid consumer protection laws. If approved, this resolution would undo the agency's decision to withdraw protections for consumers dealing with online advertisers and data brokers. The vote would affect how strictly financial consumer protections apply to companies that market financial products and services online.

2026-03-26
S3000In Committee

FRAUD in VA Disability Exams Act of 2025

The legislation would establish stronger oversight and accountability measures for disability exams conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, aiming to prevent fraud and ensure veterans receive accurate evaluations for their benefits. It would likely include requirements for better training of examiners, improved documentation standards, and penalties for those who falsify exam results or provide fraudulent assessments. Veterans and VA officials would be the primary groups affected by these changes to the disability claims process.

2025-10-09
S4140In Committee

Carlton H. Ingram Veterans’ Benefits Protection Act

This bill would protect veterans' benefits by preventing certain debts or legal judgments from being used to reduce or take away the disability payments and other benefits that veterans receive from the government. The measure aims to ensure that veterans can keep their earned benefits even if they owe money to creditors or face other financial obligations, safeguarding the income that many disabled veterans depend on to support themselves and their families.

2026-03-19
S3395In Committee

Mammography Access for Veterans Act of 2025

The legislation would ensure that veterans have access to mammography screenings and breast cancer services through the Department of Veterans Affairs health system. This would help female veterans and veterans with breast cancer risk factors receive preventive care and early detection services without having to seek treatment outside the VA system. The bill aims to improve health outcomes for veterans by making these important cancer screening services more readily available.

2025-12-09
S3098In Committee

Presumptive CLARITY Act of 2025

The legislation would establish that certain health conditions are presumed to be service-connected for veterans exposed to burn pits and other environmental hazards during military service, meaning veterans wouldn't have to prove the connection between their illness and their service to receive VA benefits. This would streamline the benefits process for veterans suffering from respiratory diseases, cancers, and other conditions linked to burn pit exposure in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations. The change would affect hundreds of thousands of veterans and potentially expand their access to healthcare and disability compensation.

2025-11-04
S4269In Committee

Restoring College Access and Affordability Act

This bill would likely make college more affordable and accessible by reducing costs for students and expanding financial aid programs. The exact changes would depend on the specific provisions, but similar bills typically address student loan debt, grant funding, or tuition assistance for low- and middle-income students. It would primarily affect current and prospective college students and their families.

2026-03-26
S4237In Committee

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the eligibility requirements for transfer of unused entitlement to Post-9/11 Educational Assistance, and for other purposes.

The bill would change the rules for how military members and veterans can pass along unused GI Bill education benefits to their family members. Currently, service members must meet certain time-in-service requirements before they can transfer their education benefits to spouses or children, and this bill would modify those eligibility rules. The changes would affect active-duty service members, veterans, and their families who rely on these education benefits to pay for college or training programs.

2026-03-26
SJRES103In Committee

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to "Reproductive Health Services".

This resolution would block a Department of Veterans Affairs rule that expands reproductive health services available to veterans, including services like contraception and fertility treatments. The Senate rejected the measure, meaning the VA rule will remain in effect. The vote split largely along party lines, with supporters arguing the rule overreaches federal authority and opponents saying it improves healthcare access for veterans.

2026-01-27
S4149In Committee

Social Determinants for Moms Act

This bill would likely expand health programs and support services for pregnant women and mothers, focusing on factors like housing, nutrition, transportation, and mental health that affect their wellbeing and their children's health. The legislation would probably direct federal funding toward addressing these underlying social and economic challenges that impact maternal and child health outcomes, particularly for low-income families. It aims to improve pregnancy outcomes and early childhood development by treating health as more than just medical care.

2026-03-19
S2264In Committee

Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2025

This bill would strengthen the Department of Veterans Affairs' ability to respond quickly to emergencies and crises affecting veterans, likely by giving the VA more flexibility to deploy resources, hire staff, and make decisions without lengthy bureaucratic delays during urgent situations. The changes would help the VA better handle sudden surges in demand for services, natural disasters, or other emergencies that impact veterans' access to healthcare and benefits. Veterans and VA employees would be the primary groups affected by these emergency response improvements.

2025-07-14
S2061In Committee

Molly R. Loomis Research for Descendants of Toxic Exposed Veterans Act of 2025

The bill would establish a research program to study the health effects of toxic exposure on veterans and their descendants, ensuring that families affected by environmental hazards like Agent Orange or burn pits receive better medical understanding and support. This would help the Department of Veterans Affairs and medical researchers gather data on how toxic exposure during military service impacts not just the veterans themselves, but also their children and grandchildren. The research findings could lead to improved healthcare, benefits, and compensation for affected veterans and their families.

2025-06-12
S1665In Committee

OATH Act of 2025

The bill would establish new requirements or procedures related to oaths taken by members of the armed forces and national security personnel, likely addressing how military members and security officials swear in or commit to their duties. The measure has been approved by the Veterans' Affairs Committee with modifications and is moving forward in the legislative process. The specific changes would affect active duty service members, veterans, and potentially other federal security personnel who take official oaths.

2025-05-07
S4060In Committee

Prediction Markets Security and Integrity Act of 2026

This bill would establish rules and oversight for prediction markets—platforms where people bet money on the outcomes of future events like elections or disease outbreaks—to protect against fraud, manipulation, and illegal activity. The legislation aims to ensure these markets operate transparently and securely while preventing bad actors from using them to spread misinformation or profit from manipulating public opinion, particularly on health-related predictions.

2026-03-11
S3874In Committee

Prohibiting Political Prosecutions Act of 2026

This bill would restrict the federal government's ability to prosecute political candidates and officeholders, likely by requiring special approval or establishing new legal standards before bringing criminal charges against them. The measure appears designed to prevent what supporters view as politically motivated prosecutions, though it could limit the government's power to hold elected officials accountable for crimes. The bill would primarily affect federal prosecutors, political candidates, and sitting government officials.

2026-02-12
S3873In Committee

Jaime’s Law

Without access to the specific text of Jaime's Law, I cannot provide an accurate summary of what this bill would do. To write a factual summary, I would need to know the bill's actual provisions—for example, whether it addresses sentencing, victim protections, law enforcement procedures, or another aspect of the criminal justice system. If you can provide the bill number or its specific provisions, I'd be happy to write a clear summary.

2026-02-12
S3872In Committee

A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

This bill includes medically necessary cranial prostheses (e.g., wigs) as covered durable medical equipment under the Medicare program.

2026-02-12
S3875In Committee

Responsible Firearms Marketing Act

This bill would regulate how firearms and ammunition are marketed and advertised, likely requiring companies to follow certain standards when promoting these products to the public. The rules would apply to gun manufacturers, ammunition makers, and retailers to ensure their marketing practices meet specific responsible conduct guidelines. The measure aims to address concerns about how firearms are promoted while the Commerce Committee reviews whether such regulations are appropriate.

2026-02-12
S3871In Committee

Preventing Roadside and Work Zone Deaths Act of 2026

This bill aims to reduce deaths and injuries that occur in work zones on highways and roadways by establishing new safety standards and requirements for construction sites, emergency responders, and drivers. It would likely require better warning systems, traffic control measures, and safety protocols to protect construction workers, road crews, and motorists who travel through these dangerous areas. The legislation affects transportation departments, construction companies, emergency services, and the general public who use roadways.

2026-02-12
S3691In Committee

Commission on Equity and Reconciliation in the Uniformed Services Act

This bill would create a new commission to study and address historical inequities and injustices experienced by members of the military and veterans, likely examining issues like discrimination, unequal treatment, and barriers faced by certain groups in the armed forces. The commission would investigate these problems and recommend ways the military and government can make things fairer and more equitable for all service members and veterans going forward.

2026-01-27
S3658In Committee

SHIFT Act

The SHIFT Act addresses management and use of public lands and natural resources, though the specific details of what changes it would make are not clear from the title alone. Based on its referral to the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the bill likely aims to adjust how the federal government handles activities like energy development, conservation, or resource extraction on publicly owned land. The legislation would affect federal land managers, energy companies, environmental groups, and communities that depend on public lands for recreation or economic activity.

2026-01-15
S3654In Committee

MOLD Act

The MOLD Act addresses mold contamination issues in military facilities and housing to protect the health and safety of service members and their families. The bill likely establishes standards for identifying, reporting, and remediating mold problems in barracks, military bases, and military-connected housing, while potentially requiring the Department of Defense to improve inspection and maintenance procedures to prevent future mold-related health hazards.

2026-01-15
S3533In Committee

Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025

The Supreme Court would be required to publicly disclose more information about emergency decisions it makes outside of regular oral arguments and written opinions, often called "shadow docket" rulings. These decisions currently receive minimal public explanation, so the bill aims to increase transparency by requiring the Court to publish detailed reasoning and voting records for these emergency orders. This would affect anyone interested in understanding how the Court operates, including legal professionals, journalists, and citizens who want to follow major judicial decisions.

2025-12-17
S3516In Committee

Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2025

The legislation would ban automated software programs (bots) that quickly buy up limited inventory of high-demand items like concert tickets and holiday gifts, allowing resellers to mark up prices significantly. By requiring ticket sellers and retailers to implement technology that prevents these automated purchases, the bill aims to help regular consumers get fair access to popular products at reasonable prices. The measure would apply to online retailers and ticketing platforms across the country.

2025-12-17
S3492In Committee

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025

Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 This bill prohibits certain health care facilities from limiting the access of essential caregivers to residents of those facilities, including during designated emergency periods. Specifically, the bill generally prohibits Medicare skilled nursing facilities, Medicaid nursing facilities, Medicaid intermediate care facilities, and associated inpatient rehabilitation facilities from restricting the access of essential caregivers to residents of the facilities, including during emergency periods in which visitation rights are otherwise restricted. During emergency periods, facilities may restrict access for an initial period of up to seven days and for one additional maximum seven-day period (if the additional period is approved by the state health department). Facilities may restrict access for a total of 7 days (or 14 days with the approval of the state health department) during an emergency period. Essential caregivers must agree to comply with any safety protocols set by the facility, which may be no more stringent for caregivers compared to those for staff. Caregivers who fail to comply with these requirements may be denied access, subject to an appeals process.

2025-12-16
S3458In Committee

Background Check Completion Act of 2025

Background Check Completion Act of 2025 This bill prohibits a licensed gun dealer from transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person prior to the completion of a background check. Current law permits a licensed gun dealer to transfer a firearm to an unlicensed person if a submitted background check remains incomplete after three business days.

2025-12-11
S3466In Committee

Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act of 2025

Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act of 2025 This bill addresses the provision of care at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including regarding scheduling, non-VA provider requirements, staffing, and infrastructure. Regarding scheduling, the VA must (1) ensure appointments for urgent and nonurgent care for veterans are scheduled within certain time frames, and (2) provide information about driving and wait times for care at VA facilities, Veteran Community Care Program (VCCP) facilities, and via telehealth. The bill also addresses requirements for non-VA providers under the VCCP, including by (1) extending the time limit for providers to submit claims to the VA for payment, (2) requiring certain training relevant to veterans, and (3) authorizing the Office of Inspector General of the VA to audit entities providing care under the VA’s authority. The bill provides compensation for veterans who are disabled or die due to VCCP hospital care, medical services, or extended care services. The bill addresses VA staffing matters, including by (1) removing the cap on pay limitation waivers for critical health care personnel, (2) offering certain retirement benefits to VA police officers, (3) requiring the VA to establish a telework policy, and (4) establishing scholarship programs for certain individuals in medical or infrastructure programs who commit to a period of obligated service at the VA. The VA must also address infrastructure matters, including by (1) authorizing funding for certain land acquisitions for medical facilities, and (2) requiring the VA to develop performance metrics for capital asset management programs.

2025-12-11
S3390In Committee

Tracking and Restricting Adversarial Circumvention of Embargoes Act of 2025

This bill would create new tools and requirements to track and prevent foreign companies and individuals from finding ways around U.S. trade embargoes and sanctions against countries like Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It likely aims to close loopholes that allow sanctioned countries to obtain restricted goods and technology through intermediaries or shell companies. The measure would affect international businesses, shipping companies, and intelligence agencies involved in enforcing trade restrictions.

2025-12-09
SRES527Introduced

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day.

This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day. It also urges national, state, and regional incident management organizations to spread awareness and promote the existence of, and adherence to, state move over laws. Move over laws generally require motorists to move at least one lane over when an emergency or rescue activity is taking place, including on the shoulder or side of the roadway, or, if the motorist is unable to do so safely, to slow down and pass the scene with caution.

2025-12-03
SRES124In Committee

A resolution recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.

This resolution honors the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, which was established in 1775. The resolution recognizes the historical significance of the Marines and celebrates their contributions to national defense and military service over the past two and a half centuries.

2025-03-12
S3059In Committee

Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act

The proposal would increase Social Security benefits for current and future retirees and adjust those benefits more frequently to keep up with inflation. This would put more money in the pockets of seniors and disabled individuals who rely on Social Security, though it would require changes to how the program is funded.

2025-10-27
S2842In Committee

Stop CMV Act of 2025

This bill aims to address cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can cause serious health problems in newborns and people with weakened immune systems, likely through funding research, improving screening, or expanding treatment options. The legislation would affect pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised patients, and healthcare providers working to prevent or manage CMV infections. The bill is currently under review by the Senate health committee.

2025-09-17
S2799In Committee

Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act

Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of an employment, consumer, antitrust, or civil rights dispute.

2025-09-15
S2784In Committee

Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025

This bill honors Constance Baker Motley, a pioneering civil rights lawyer and federal judge who fought against racial discrimination and helped advance equal rights for African Americans and other minorities. The tribute recognizes her groundbreaking legal work and judicial career as a significant contribution to American civil rights history. The bill has been referred to the Senate Banking Committee for consideration.

2025-09-11
S2541In Committee

Food Date Labeling Act of 2025

Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 This bill establishes uniform requirements for quality and discard date phrases (e.g., best by and use by ) placed voluntarily on food labels. Specifically, if a food is labeled with a quality date (i.e., the date after which the quality of the item may deteriorate), the label must include the phrase BEST If Used By or the abbreviation BB . Similarly, if a food is labeled with a discard date (i.e., the date after which the item should not be consumed), the label must include the phrase USE By or the abbreviation UB . Abbreviations may be used only if an item’s packaging is too small to fit the full phrase. Quality and discard dates must be written in a single, easy-to-read font and placed in a prominent location on an item’s label or package. The phrase or freeze by may be added after a quality or discard date phrase where appropriate. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must promulgate regulations to carry out these provisions and ensure that the uniform phrases are standardized across all food products. HHS and USDA may specify alternative quality and discard date phrases through regulations. The bill specifies that no state or local government may enforce a requirement related to quality and discard date phrases that differs from the requirements of the bill. The bill does not apply to infant formula, which is subject to separate labeling requirements under current law.

2025-07-30
SRES336In Committee

A resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of Pratt & Whitney.

This resolution celebrates the achievements and legacy of the Connecticut company Pratt & Whitney on its 100 th anniversary and recognizes the company for its excellence in engineering, innovation, and public service. It also commends and thanks the past and present skilled employees of Pratt & Whitney, including machinists, engineers, technicians, and veterans.

2025-07-24
S1955In Committee

Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act

Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act This bill removes limitations on the civil liability of gun manufacturers and the disclosure of gun trace data in civil actions. Specifically, the bill repeals the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which prohibits civil actions against a firearm or ammunition manufacturer, seller, importer, dealer, or trade association for damages resulting from the criminal or unlawful misuse of a firearm. Additionally, the bill states that firearms trace data maintained by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is not immune from legal process. Such data is subject to discovery; is admissible as evidence; and may be used, relied on, or disclosed in a civil action or administrative proceeding.

2025-06-04
S1855In Committee

Care for Military Kids Act

Care for Military Kids Act This bill requires a state Medicaid program to consider active-duty members of the Armed Forces and their dependents who are receiving home- and community-based services to be residents of that state even if they are relocated to another state because of their military service, unless the member chooses not to be considered as such. The requirement applies beginning in 2028. The bill provides funds through FY2030 for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to implement the bill.

2025-05-22
SRES244In Committee

A resolution affirming that the underlying purpose of the Foreign Emoluments Clause renders the acceptance and transfer of a plane from the government of Qatar, without the explicit consent of Congress, an illegal emolument, withholding the consent of the Senate to the acceptance and transfer of plane from the government of Qatar, and demanding the transfer of any plane received by President Donald J. Trump or entities under his control from the government of Qatar to the permanent control of the United States Government.

This resolution argues that accepting a plane from Qatar's government would violate the Constitution's Foreign Emoluments Clause, which bars the president from receiving gifts from foreign governments without Congress's permission, and demands that any such plane be transferred to permanent U.S. government control instead. The resolution asserts that President Trump cannot legally accept or keep such a gift and calls on the Senate to formally withhold approval for the transfer. The measure has been referred to the Senate committee that handles homeland security and governmental affairs.

2025-05-21
S605In Committee

CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025

CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 This bill provides that a child shall be eligible for medical care under the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) until the child's 26th birthday, regardless of the child's marital status.

2025-02-18
S1609In Committee

Ellie’s Law

I don't have enough information to write an accurate summary. "Ellie's Law" is a vague title, and the subjects listed only indicate it relates to health without specifying what problem it addresses or what changes it would make. To provide a meaningful summary, I would need details about the bill's actual provisions—such as whether it addresses a specific disease, healthcare access, insurance coverage, or another health-related issue.

2025-05-06
S1594In Committee

Captive Primate Safety Act

This bill would restrict or ban the private ownership of primates like monkeys and apes by individuals and require existing private owners to comply with new safety and care standards. The law aims to protect both public safety—since primates can carry diseases and become dangerous—and the animals themselves by ensuring they receive proper care. It would likely affect zoos, sanctuaries, and private collectors who currently keep primates.

2025-05-05
S1601In Committee

Journalist Protection Act

Journalist Protection Act This bill establishes new criminal offenses for intentional acts (or attempts to commit acts) that cause bodily injury to a journalist.

2025-05-05
S1420In Committee

Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act of 2025

Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act of 2025 This bill increases and modifies reimbursements for meals and snacks served under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). CACFP is a Food and Nutrition Service program that provides federal reimbursements for meals and snacks provided to eligible children and adults who are enrolled at participating child care centers, day care homes (i.e., private homes that provide nonresidential child care services), and adult day care centers. Specifically, the bill eliminates the two-tiered system for CACFP reimbursement rates for day care homes and generally makes all day care homes eligible for the same reimbursement rates. Under current law, day care homes located in a low-income area or with a low-income provider receive higher reimbursement rates (i.e., Tier I rates). Day care homes that do not qualify for Tier I rates receive Tier II rates, which are lower. Further, the bill provides an additional 10-cent reimbursement for each eligible meal and snack served in the CACFP. The bill also allows the provider of a family or group day care home to serve reimbursable meals and snacks to their own children when serving meals and snacks to children in their care. Specifically, the bill eliminates the current requirement that the child of a day care home provider meet the program's income eligibility requirement in order for the day care provider to receive reimbursement for the meals and snacks served to their child.

2025-04-10
S1330In Committee

BRAIN Act

I don't have access to the specific details of this BRAIN Act bill to provide an accurate summary of what it would do. To write a factual summary, I would need information about the bill's actual provisions, such as whether it funds brain research, addresses neurological diseases, establishes new programs, or makes other specific changes. Could you provide the bill number or additional details about its content?

2025-04-08
S1032In Committee

Major Richard Star Act

The bill is named after Major Richard Star and addresses matters related to the armed forces and national security, though the specific policy changes are not yet detailed in publicly available information. Based on its referral to the Armed Services Committee, it likely proposes changes affecting military personnel, operations, or defense policies. Once the committee reviews the proposal, the specific impacts on service members, military families, or defense programs will become clearer.

2025-03-13
S889In Committee

Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025

Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 This bill establishes grants to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws at the state and local levels, extends federal firearms restrictions to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders, and expands related data collection. Extreme risk protection order laws, or red flag laws, generally allow certain individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers or family members) to petition a court for a temporary order that prohibits an at-risk individual from purchasing and possessing firearms. Among its provisions, the bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to help states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other entities implement extreme risk protection order laws; extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders; and requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to compile records from federal, tribal, and state courts and other agencies that identify individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders.

2025-03-06
S609In Committee

BRAVE Act of 2025

Building Resources and Access for Veterans' Mental Health Engagement Act of 2025 or the BRAVE Act of 2025 This bill addresses mental health services and care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including matters related to personnel, Vet Center administration, care for women veterans, and access to care. The bill authorizes the VA to waive the licensure or certification requirement for individual licensed professional mental health counselor appointees for a reasonable period of time. The bill also extends the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program and increases the maximum annual grant amount. The VA must provide Vet Centers with guidance for assessing outreach activities and implement processes to periodically assess the extent to which (1) veterans and eligible members of the Armed Forces experience barriers to obtaining services at Vet Centers, and (2) Vet Center staff may encounter barriers to providing services. Among other requirements, the VA must also survey and host listening sessions with women veterans to gauge the effectiveness of the VA’s suicide prevention, lethal-means safety, and mental health resources and messaging campaigns; initiate efforts to modify the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Veterans Enhanced Treatment (REACH VET) program to incorporate risk factors weighted for women; annually offer a mental health consultation to veterans who are receiving compensation for a service-connected disability relating to a mental health diagnosis; and implement a pilot program to provide access to mental health residential treatment programs for veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder.

2025-02-18
S455In Committee

Protecting Sensitive Locations Act

This bill would restrict immigration enforcement activities like arrests and deportations at sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship. The goal is to protect vulnerable people—including children, patients, and those seeking legal help—from having their access to essential services disrupted by immigration enforcement. The measure would limit when and where immigration officials can conduct enforcement operations.

2025-02-06
S413In Committee

Plum Island Preservation Study Act

This bill would direct the federal government to study Plum Island, a small island off the coast of New York, to determine how best to preserve it and manage its natural resources. The study would likely examine the island's wildlife, ecosystems, and historical significance to help lawmakers decide whether to protect it as a nature preserve or take other conservation measures. The findings would inform future decisions about how the island should be used and protected for the public benefit.

2025-02-05