Legislation

The "Consent is Key Act" incentivizes states to enact laws allowing civil action against individuals who remove sexual protection barriers without consent by increasing funding to states under existing formula grants if they have such a law. The funding increase to a state via a covered formula grant can't exceed 20% of the average total grant funding the state received in the last three awards. Appropriates $5,000,000 to carry out this Act for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

The Locality-based Social Security Benefits Act of 2025 adjusts Social Security payments to reflect the cost of living in different geographic areas. It directs the Social Security Administration to increase monthly benefits based on locality pay adjustments determined by the President for federal employees in each area. This adjustment aims to provide equitable benefits that account for varying living expenses across different localities.

The "Transparency and Honesty in Energy Regulations Act" prohibits federal agencies from considering the "social cost" of greenhouse gases like carbon, methane, and nitrous oxide when making decisions. It requires federal agencies to report to Congress on past uses of these cost estimates in rulemakings and other actions. This bill aims to prevent these cost estimates from influencing cost-benefit analyses and other agency actions.

The Veterans Opportunity Act of 2025 establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs to manage and oversee programs providing economic assistance to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. It creates a new Under Secretary position to lead this administration, ensuring focus on vocational rehabilitation, education, housing, and transition programs. The Act mandates reports to Congress on program performance and requires certification that the transfer of services will not negatively impact veterans. It aims to streamline and improve the delivery of economic opportunities and support for veterans.

The SHIELD Act aims to increase legal representation for individuals facing deportation by establishing the Immigration Legal Services Staff and Infrastructure Development Program. This program will award competitive grants to state and local governments, community-based organizations, and educational institutions to expand the workforce, strengthen legal services, and build infrastructure to support high-quality legal representation. The Act prioritizes training legal professionals, supporting local governments, and addressing representation gaps in underserved areas, while also establishing accountability measures and requiring grantees to report on their activities. The Act authorizes \$100,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2026 through 2027 to implement this Act.

This bill implements the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels by authorizing conservation measures such as habitat restoration, invasive species management, and regulation of human activities that impact these birds. It prohibits unauthorized harm to albatrosses and petrels, establishes a permitting process for certain activities, and outlines penalties for violations, while also promoting international cooperation and aligning U.S. law with global conservation efforts. The legislation designates specific federal offices to oversee conservation efforts, mandates regular reporting to Congress, and ensures collaboration among federal agencies. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect albatross and petrel populations and their habitats through coordinated domestic and international actions.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to improve falls prevention among veterans by establishing an Office of Falls Prevention within the VA, mandating falls risk assessments and prevention services, and promoting research and education on falls prevention. The act also requires updated safe patient handling policies and explores the feasibility of a home improvement pilot program to prevent falls. Additionally, the bill expands the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities to include the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to broaden the definition of "aggravated felonies" to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse. This change would mean that non-citizens convicted of these crimes could face deportation.

The Taiwan Representative Office Act directs the Secretary of State to negotiate renaming the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States to the Taiwan Representative Office. This change reflects a U.S. policy to provide Taiwan with de facto diplomatic treatment equivalent to that of other foreign countries. The Act clarifies that this renaming does not restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan or change the U.S.'s position on Taiwan's international status.

The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 reauthorizes and amends the Community Services Block Grant Act to reduce poverty by supporting community action agencies and similar organizations. The bill updates definitions, modifies funding allocations to states, and revises how funds can be used to support programs and services for low-income individuals and families. It also strengthens accountability and transparency requirements for eligible entities and state lead agencies.

The LOCOMOTIVES Act amends the Clean Air Act to prevent states from creating emission standards for locomotives and engines used in locomotives that engage in interstate commerce. This ensures consistent regulations for the railway industry across different states, specifically those providing common carrier railroad transportation.

This bill amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993, expanding background check eligibility to include contractors, employees of contractors, and individuals seeking licenses or certifications from organizations working with vulnerable populations. This ensures a broader scope of individuals undergo background checks to protect vulnerable populations.

The PFAS-Free Procurement Act of 2025 prohibits federal agencies from purchasing items like nonstick cookware, furniture, and carpets treated with PFAS, PFOA, or PFOS. The Act prioritizes the procurement of items that do not contain PFAS. This law applies to contracts entered into 6 months after the enactment of the Act.

The BRIDGE Production Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a minimum of 26 offshore oil and gas lease sales within 10 years, primarily in the Gulf of America and Cook Inlet Planning Area, and sets specific timelines and acreage requirements for these sales. It also modifies royalty rates, establishes a pilot program for royalty reductions, and streamlines compliance with environmental laws for oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico. The act further ensures continuous offshore leasing programs and sets minimum lease sale requirements starting in 2035, with provisions for replacement schedules if these requirements are not met. Finally, it allows potential bidders to sue the Secretary of Interior if lease sales are not held on time.

The DEFENSE Act allows the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General to authorize state and local law enforcement to use drone countermeasures at specific protected events. Law enforcement must complete required training and use approved equipment for drone detection, identification, and monitoring. The use of drone countermeasures will be overseen by various federal departments and agencies.

The Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2025 aims to bolster local meat and poultry processing by providing resources, grants, and training programs to smaller establishments. This includes creating a database of HACCP plans, increasing the federal share for state inspection expenses, expanding interstate shipment opportunities, and establishing a grant program to enhance processing resilience. The bill also supports workforce development through training programs at educational institutions and processing facilities.

The "Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act" amends current carjacking law by removing the requirement that prosecutors prove a defendant intended to cause death or serious bodily harm when committing a carjacking. The amendment also clarifies that the death penalty applies only if the carjacking involves the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, and death results.

The Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct a terrorism response exercise, specifically one that includes an extreme cold weather event impacting critical infrastructure. The exercise will focus on strategies to mitigate the effects of a successful terrorist attack and bolster community resilience. Within 60 days of completion, a report detailing findings and proposed legislative changes must be submitted to the House and Senate Homeland Security Committees.

The "Increasing Penalties for Offshore Polluters Act" increases both civil and criminal penalties for oil spills and other pollution offenses under the Clean Water Act. The bill raises the minimum and maximum fines for civil violations, while also increasing the fines and prison terms for criminal violations, with the goal of deterring offshore polluters.

The "Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of the Interior to study segments of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream in Vermont for potential inclusion in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This includes a 22-mile segment of the Nulhegan River and an 18-mile segment of Paul Stream, along with their tributaries. The study will assess the rivers' eligibility for designation and a report must be submitted to Congress within three years of funding availability.