Senate Bill Introductions
Here's a look at news stories involving U.S. Senate bills introduced in the 119th Congress
Featured Stories
Sen. Schatz Introduces Unlocking Native Lands and Opportunities for Commerce and Key Economic Developments Act of 2025
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI, has unveiled legislation aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for Native American tribes by amending existing leasing and rights-of-way regulations on tribal lands. The Unlocking Native Lands and Opportunities for Commerce and Key Economic Developments Act of 2025 seeks to streamline the processes that govern tribal leases and rights-of-way across Indian land, thereby fostering greater autonomy and economic growth for tribes.
The bill proposes significant updates to the Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955, allowing Indian tribes more flexibility in
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Brian Schatz, D-HI, has unveiled legislation aimed at enhancing economic opportunities for Native American tribes by amending existing leasing and rights-of-way regulations on tribal lands. The Unlocking Native Lands and Opportunities for Commerce and Key Economic Developments Act of 2025 seeks to streamline the processes that govern tribal leases and rights-of-way across Indian land, thereby fostering greater autonomy and economic growth for tribes.
The bill proposes significant updates to the Long-Term Leasing Act of 1955, allowing Indian tribes more flexibility ingranting rights-of-way without necessitating approval from the Secretary of the Interior. This change is designed to empower tribal governments to facilitate commercial projects, from infrastructure developments to energy ventures, while maintaining environmental oversight through approved tribal regulations. The legislation stipulates that tribes can adopt their own rules governing such rights-of-way, which could expedite project approvals and reduce dependency on federal oversight.
The motivation behind this legislative effort stems from the recognition of barriers that many Native American communities face concerning economic development. By alleviating bureaucratic hurdles, the bill aims to encourage investment in tribal lands and support community initiatives that address infrastructure needs and job creation. Proponents believe that such enhancements will not only benefit tribal economies but can also contribute positively to broader economic growth and resilience.
Historically, tribes have struggled with regulatory complexities that hindered their ability to manage and utilize their lands effectively. This measure represents a concerted effort to honor tribal sovereignty and improve economic outcomes, reflecting a growing commitment by federal lawmakers to rectify longstanding inequities faced by Indigenous communities. As the bill moves to committee for further consideration, it has garnered significant attention and support within the realm of Indian Affairs.
The bill (S. 3383) introduced on 12/8/2025 has 1 co-sponsor: Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-AK.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3383/text
Sen. Marshall Introduces ACA Marketplace Integrity Act
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, has introduced the ACA Marketplace Integrity Act, aimed at ensuring minimum premium payments for individuals receiving premium tax credits and establishing stricter verification procedures during enrollment in qualified health plans. This legislation seeks to enhance the integrity of the Affordable Care Act marketplace by addressing concerns over fraudulent enrollments and ensuring that tax credit assistance remains secure and effective for eligible individuals.
The ACA Marketplace Integrity Act proposes setting a minimum monthly premium payment
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, has introduced the ACA Marketplace Integrity Act, aimed at ensuring minimum premium payments for individuals receiving premium tax credits and establishing stricter verification procedures during enrollment in qualified health plans. This legislation seeks to enhance the integrity of the Affordable Care Act marketplace by addressing concerns over fraudulent enrollments and ensuring that tax credit assistance remains secure and effective for eligible individuals.
The ACA Marketplace Integrity Act proposes setting a minimum monthly premium paymentfor premium tax credit recipients, capping potential assistance at a set amount. This is designed to prevent excessive subsidies that may undermine the financial stability of the health care system. Additionally, the bill mandates enhanced verification processes requiring government-issued photo identification for enrollees over the age of 18, as well as additional documentation deemed necessary by regulatory authorities. These measures aim to ensure that only eligible individuals benefit from the subsidies offered under the Affordable Care Act.
With rising concerns about the legitimacy of enrollments in health plans, this legislation arrives at a crucial juncture. Supporters believe the increased scrutiny will help maintain the integrity of the healthcare marketplace, deter potential fraud, and ultimately safeguard taxpayer dollars. By making sure that recipients are genuinely eligible for aid, the ACA Marketplace Integrity Act is poised to realign the assistance process more closely with its intended purpose.
In the broader context of health care reform, Sen. Marshall's proposal reflects a growing bipartisan interest in refining the Affordable Care Act while maintaining access and affordability for millions of Americans. As it moves forward in the Senate, this bill could have significant implications for both consumers and the overall sustainability of health care funding.
The bill (S. 3380) introduced on 12/4/2025 has 1 co-sponsor: Sen. Katie Boyd Britt, R-AL.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3380/text
Sen. Husted Introduces Accountability for Better Care Act of 2025
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Jon Husted, R-OH, has introduced the Accountability for Better Care Act of 2025, aimed at extending and modifying enhanced premium tax credits to improve health care affordability for Americans. This initiative seeks to support those struggling with high premium costs by adjusting eligibility and benefit structures.
The bill proposes significant changes to the existing Internal Revenue Code, extending premium tax credits through 2027 and providing a higher threshold for eligibility. Under the new provisions, income levels for certain tax credits would be raised, allowing
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- Sen. Jon Husted, R-OH, has introduced the Accountability for Better Care Act of 2025, aimed at extending and modifying enhanced premium tax credits to improve health care affordability for Americans. This initiative seeks to support those struggling with high premium costs by adjusting eligibility and benefit structures.
The bill proposes significant changes to the existing Internal Revenue Code, extending premium tax credits through 2027 and providing a higher threshold for eligibility. Under the new provisions, income levels for certain tax credits would be raised, allowingmore eligible individuals to access assistance for health insurance premiums. By increasing the percentage of income that qualifies a person for tax credits, the legislation aims to alleviate financial pressure on families facing rising healthcare costs.
The motivation behind the bill stems from growing concerns regarding healthcare accessibility and affordability across the United States. Rising insurance premiums have left many individuals and families unable to afford necessary coverage, leading to potential gaps in care. The proposed changes aim to ensure that a greater number of citizens can receive adequate health services without facing debilitating costs.
Additionally, the Accountability for Better Care Act addresses specific issues related to citizenship and coverage rules, including parameters surrounding abortion coverage within health plans. These adjustments reflect a more streamlined approach to health insurance eligibility, focusing on both enhancing access and ensuring accountability in coverage.
With health care remaining a critical issue for voters, Sen. Husted's legislation could have far-reaching implications for millions of Americans seeking affordable health coverage. The bill will be discussed in the Senate Committee on Finance, where its potential impact on healthcare systems and constituents will be thoroughly examined.
The bill (S. 3391) was introduced on 12/9/2025.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3391/text
Sen. Capito Introduces NOPAIN for Veterans Act
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV, has introduced the NOPAIN for Veterans Act, aiming to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides certain non-opioid pain medications to veterans. This legislation seeks to address the need for alternative pain management solutions amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
The NOPAIN for Veterans Act proposes critical updates to the national formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), mandating the inclusion of non-opioid pain management drugs or biological products. These approved medications are designed to alleviate postoperative
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV, has introduced the NOPAIN for Veterans Act, aiming to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs provides certain non-opioid pain medications to veterans. This legislation seeks to address the need for alternative pain management solutions amid the ongoing opioid crisis.
The NOPAIN for Veterans Act proposes critical updates to the national formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), mandating the inclusion of non-opioid pain management drugs or biological products. These approved medications are designed to alleviate postoperativepain and treat acute pain without activating opioid receptors, thus reducing the risk of addiction.
The backdrop to this legislation is the alarming rise in opioid addiction among veterans, many of whom suffer from chronic pain due to service-related injuries. By focusing on non-opioid solutions, the bill aims to provide veterans with safer pain management options, ultimately enhancing their quality of life. The act also requires prompt implementation; the VA must include newly approved non-opioid medications within 18 months of their FDA approval, ensuring timely access for veterans in need.
Sen. Capito's initiative reflects a broader commitment to reforming pain management strategies within the VA. It seeks not only to improve health outcomes for veterans but also to play a role in combating the opioid epidemic that has significantly impacted communities nationwide. As discussions progress in the Senate, the emphasis will be on ensuring that veterans receive the highest standard of care, including innovative approaches to pain management.
This legislation, which has already been referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, underscores the importance of prioritizing veteran health and well-being, particularly in light of the challenges posed by reliance on opioid medications.
The bill (S. 3209) introduced on 11/19/2025 has 19 co-sponsors: Sens. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH; Kevin Cramer, R-ND; Angus S. King Jr., I-ME; John Hoeven, R-ND; Kirsten E. Gillibrand, D-NY; Pete Ricketts, R-NE; Amy Klobuchar, D-MN; James C. Justice, R-WV; Tim Kaine, D-VA; Katie Boyd Britt, R-AL; Chris Van Hollen, D-MD; Bill Hagerty, R-TN; Mark Kelly, D-AZ; Tim Scott, R-SC; Catherine Cortez Masto, D-NV; Jacky Rosen, D-NV; Jim Banks, R-IN; Cory A. Booker, D-NJ; Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-MS.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3209/text
Sen. Budd Introduces Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act
Bailey Malota
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, has introduced the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act, aiming to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly categorize officials and members of certain terrorist organizations as engaged in terrorist activity. The bill seeks to broaden the definition of individuals deemed inadmissible to the United States, focusing on groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, along with those promoting or supporting their activities.
The motivation behind this legislative effort stems from growing concerns regarding national security and
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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5 -- Sen. Ted Budd, R-NC, has introduced the Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act, aiming to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly categorize officials and members of certain terrorist organizations as engaged in terrorist activity. The bill seeks to broaden the definition of individuals deemed inadmissible to the United States, focusing on groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS, along with those promoting or supporting their activities.
The motivation behind this legislative effort stems from growing concerns regarding national security andthe need for robust immigration policies that deter potential threats. By codifying these classifications, the bill seeks to ensure that individuals actively involved in or endorsing terrorism are unequivocally restricted from entering the country. This move reflects a proactive stance in light of escalating global terrorism and the complexities surrounding immigration associated with these groups.
In recent years, various terrorist organizations have demonstrated their capability to conduct operations that threaten both domestic and international safety. As such, effective legislative measures are deemed crucial to safeguard American citizens and uphold national values. The Terrorist Inadmissibility Codification Act positions itself as a cornerstone for enhancing border security and immigration integrity, sending a clear message that terrorist affiliations will not be tolerated.
The introduction of this bill marks a significant step in the ongoing dialogue around immigration policy reform. Should this legislation pass, it would modify existing categories under the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly include various terrorist entities, thereby facilitating stricter enforcement and monitoring. As the bill proceeds through Congress, its implications will be closely watched by both advocates for national security and those concerned about the broader impacts on immigration and foreign relations.
The bill (S. 3237) introduced on 11/20/2025 has 8 co-sponsors: Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-LA; Cynthia M. Lummis, R-WY; Marsha Blackburn, R-TN; Steve Daines, R-MT; David McCormick, R-PA; John Cornyn, R-TX; Pete Ricketts, R-NE; Rick Scott, R-FL.
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Primary source of information: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3237/text
