Eugene Vindman

PFAS–Free Procurement Act of 2025

This bill prohibits an executive agency from renewing or entering into a contract for the procurement of covered items that contain perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Under the bill, covered items means (1) nonstick cookware and cooking utensils; and (2) furniture, carpet, and any rug treated with stain-resistant coating. Both PFOS and PFOA are types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.

The bill also specifies that agencies must prioritize the procurement of covered items that do not contain PFAS.

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Elections Act or the CLEAN Elections Act

This bill establishes requirements for nonpartisan redistricting.

States must conduct congressional redistricting using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission, beginning with the 2020 census.

A state may not use federal funds provided for election administration purposes unless it certifies to the Election Assistance Commission that it conducts redistricting for its state legislative districts using a plan developed by a nonpartisan independent redistricting commission.

Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to (1) assess cybersecurity threats in the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector, and (2) conduct annual crisis simulation exercises for food-related emergencies or disruptions. The agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector includes (1) any activity relating to the production, processing, distribution, storage, transportation, consumption, or disposal of agricultural or food products; and (2) any entity involved in any of these activities.

Specifically, USDA must conduct a risk assessment every two years on the cybersecurity threats to, and security vulnerabilities in, this sector. The risk assessment must include any recommendations for federal legislative or administrative actions to address related threats and vulnerabilities.

USDA must also conduct an annual simulation exercise relating to a food-related emergency or disruption in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).

Among other things, the exercise must (1) involve a realistic and plausible scenario that simulates a food-related emergency or disruption that affects multiple sectors and jurisdictions, and (2) incorporate input from experts and stakeholders from various disciplines and sectors (e.g., agriculture, public health, emergency management, transportation, and energy).

USDA, in consultation with DHS, HHS, and ODNI, must submit a report to Congress on each simulation exercise, including recommendations to enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector.

Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025

This bill expands and modifies Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce training and programs.

The bill provides statutory authority for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. As background, standard AT-CTI institutions of higher education offer nonengineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in ATC and aviation administration, and graduates complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy. Students at Enhanced AT-CTI schools are provided with equivalent FAA Academy ATC training and may be placed directly into an ATC facility.

The bill establishes a grant program for schools participating in the Enhanced AT-CTI program and provides for a faculty annuity supplement for ATC instructors at participating institution of higher education.

The FAA must convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and provide recommendations on the (1) curricula of the FAA Academy, AT-CTI program, and Enhanced AT-CTI program; and (2) Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam. Based on the committee's recommendations, the FAA must initiate a rulemaking or make policy and guidance updates, with an exception.

The bill authorizes funding through FY2031 for the procurement and placement at ATC facilities of Tower Simulator Systems, which are used to train air traffic controllers on airport tower operations.

The bill also requires

• DOT to establish ATC recruitment and retention incentive programs,

• the FAA to support the development of mental health services training related to conditions for ATCs, and

• the FAA to submit a report to Congress on the status of the Airspace Non-cooperative Surveillance Radar program.

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill extends and modifies the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, including by

• extending payments made to states and counties containing federal land through FY2026,

• providing for payments for FY2024 and FY2025,

• extending the authority of counties to initiate projects using such funds through FY2028, and

• extending the authority to initiate projects proposed by resource advisory committees through FY2028.

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.

Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025

This bill expands the allowable uses of grant funds under the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program administered by the Department of Justice.

Specifically, the bill allows grants to be used for purchasing containment devices for first responders and training first responders on the use of containment devices to prevent secondary exposure to fentanyl and other potentially lethal substances.

The Territorial Response and Access to Veterans' Essential Lifecare Act or the TRAVEL Act of 2025

This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assign a physician who has been appointed in the Veterans Health Administration to serve as a traveling physician for a period of not more than one year. Such physician must provide health care to veterans at VA facilities located in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and any other territory or possession of the United States.

Traveling physicians must coordinate with non-VA providers when necessary to ensure high quality and coordinated care for veterans receiving hospital care and medical services.

The VA must provide a relocation or retention bonus to traveling physicians.

Election Day Act

This bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday.

Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 or the VETS Opportunity Act of 2025

This bill addresses the administration of and eligibility for certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational assistance benefits and programs.

The bill modifies the process for repaying service members and veterans who paid to keep benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, but later chose to utilize Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Specifically, the bill requires that the VA issue a repayment within 60 days of an individual exhausting their eligibility for Post-9/11 benefits, regardless of their housing stipend eligibility.

The bill also modifies which independent study programs are covered under veterans’ educational assistance benefits. The bill requires independent study programs that lead to a certificate that reflects graduation from a course of study to include regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors. Additionally, the bill allows such independent study programs to be offered by any institutions of higher education, including for-profit institutions, that are approved to participate in the Department of Education’s financial assistance programs.

Upon receiving orders for active service, inactive duty training, or state active duty, the bill authorizes a member of the Armed Forces or reserves to enter into an agreement with their educational institution to complete a course of education to the satisfaction of the institution if they have completed at least half of the course.

The bill extends through March 31, 2033, a pension cap for veterans who are being furnished VA domiciliary care.

This resolution expresses support for the designation of Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. (A journeyman lineworker is a person who builds and maintains electrical power systems.)

Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish hospital care and medical services abroad (i.e., outside any state) to a veteran with a service-connected disability rated as permanent and total who is otherwise eligible for such care if the VA determines certain requirements are met. Specifically, the VA must furnish such care to an eligible veteran if it determines (1) the hospital care or medical services are consistent with the standard medical practice in the United States, and (2) any prescription medication furnished is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

For any care provided abroad, the VA must ensure (1) reimbursements made to veterans and medical providers can be made by direct deposit; and (2) the VA’s mobile applications provide for digital submission, real-time tracking of required forms, and the availability of specified documents associated with care or services, such as a benefits authorization letter.

Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act or the VET PFAS Act

This bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans and their family members (including those in utero) who have specified conditions and resided at a military installation where individuals were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects.

Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished for a condition that is found to have resulted from a cause other than the exposure to PFAS at a military installation.

The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to a family member only after the family member or provider has exhausted all claims and remedies otherwise available for payment of such care.

For disability compensation purposes, the bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions in veterans who served at a military installation at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

Transparent Representation Upholding Service and Trust in Congress Act or the TRUST in Congress Act

This bill requires a Member of Congress, as well as any spouse or dependent child of a Member, to place specified investments into a qualified blind trust (i.e., an arrangement in which certain financial holdings are placed in someone else's control to avoid a possible conflict of interest) until 180 days after the end of their tenure as a Member of Congress.

Youth Lead Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2030 National Institute of Food and Agriculture grants to the Girl Scouts of the USA, the Boy Scouts of America, the National 4–H Council, and the National FFA Organization. These grants must be used to establish pilot projects to expand the programs carried out by the organizations in rural areas and small towns.