Immigration

This joint resolution seeks to officially reject a specific rule issued by the Executive Office for Immigration Review that governs appellate procedures at the Board of Immigration Appeals. By invoking a statutory mechanism known as a "congressional disapproval resolution," the bill aims to prevent the new rule from taking effect or having any legal force. If passed, it would directly impact immigration judges and attorneys who rely on the Board's appellate processes by nullifying the Executive Office's proposed changes. The measure represents a legislative check on executive agency authority rather than creating new immigration policies itself.

Health Care Freedom for Patients Act of 2025 This bill allows certain individuals with health savings accounts (HSAs) to receive federal payments. It also restricts payments under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) regarding certain noncitizens and restricts coverage of gender-transition procedures. Specifically, the bill provides funds for the Department of Health and Human Services to deposit payments into an individual’s HSA during 2026-2027 if the individual has a bronze or catastrophic plan through a health insurance exchange, is between the ages of 18 and 64, and has income up to 700% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Individuals may receive $1,000 or $1,500 annually, depending on age.  The bill also provides funds, beginning in 2027, for cost-sharing reductions for certain individuals who have a silver plan and income up to 250% of the FPL. Beginning in 2027, the bill allows any individual to enroll in a catastrophic plan. Currently, these plans are limited to those under the age of 30 or who have certain exemptions. The bill also reduces the enhanced federal matching rate for the Medicaid expansion population in states that provide any health benefits for individuals who are not qualified aliens under federal law. The bill makes Medicaid and CHIP coverage of individuals while their status is being verified optional and conditions federal payment during this period on verification.  Finally, the bill prohibits exchange plans from covering gender-transition procedures as an essential health benefit and prohibits federal payment under Medicaid and CHIP for these procedures.