Legislation

This resolution formally congratulates the Jackson State University Tigers football team on their historic 2024 Celebration Bowl victory. It recognizes the team’s outstanding season, individual player and coaching honors, and their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

This bill amends the Long-Term Leasing Act to grant the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) the authority to enter into land leases of up to 99 years. This update aligns these two tribes with the leasing privileges already granted to other federally recognized tribes.

The Lady Liberty Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory annual floor for refugee admissions to the United States. Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the legislation requires that at least 125,000 refugees be admitted each year, ensuring this minimum threshold is met regardless of executive action.

The Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act prohibits performing an abortion when the procedure is motivated by a prenatal diagnosis or the possibility that the unborn child has Down syndrome. The bill establishes criminal penalties and civil liabilities for providers who violate this prohibition, while explicitly protecting the pregnant woman from prosecution or civil action. Additionally, the legislation mandates reporting of suspected violations and links compliance to federal funding eligibility.

The Small Business Investor Tax Parity Act of 2025 amends the tax code to allow taxpayers to include qualified business development company (BDC) interest dividends in their qualified business income deduction. This change aligns the tax treatment of BDC dividends with that of real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends. The provision is set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

This bill designates the street segment in front of the Embassy of Cuba in Washington, D.C., as "Oswaldo Payá Way." This action honors the legacy of the late Cuban dissident and his lifelong commitment to democracy and human rights.

The Fill the Lake Act mandates that the Secretary of the Interior maintain Flathead Lake’s water level between 2,892 and 2,893 feet from June 15 through September 15. To achieve this, the legislation requires the strategic management of water releases from the Hungry Horse Reservoir and downstream outflows.

The Child and Animal Abuse Detection and Reporting Act mandates that the national clearinghouse for child abuse and neglect include data on animal cruelty. By tracking these incidents alongside child abuse cases, the legislation aims to better identify and report the intersection between animal abuse and child maltreatment.

The BNA Fairness Act ensures that the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) provided to eligible active-duty service members is exempt from federal income tax. By classifying this support as a qualified military benefit, the bill prevents these essential payments from being reduced by tax obligations.

The Jobs Now Act of 2025 establishes a two-year, $1 billion pilot program to provide competitive grants to local governments and community organizations. These funds are designed to retain essential public service employees at risk of layoffs and support the hiring and training of new personnel. Priority is given to applicants in economically distressed areas and to individuals facing significant employment barriers, such as veterans and those with disabilities.

The Regulation Decimation Act mandates that federal agencies repeal ten existing regulations for every new rule they issue. For major rules, agencies must also ensure that the cost of the new regulation is offset by the cost savings of the repealed rules. Additionally, the bill requires agencies to conduct comprehensive reviews to identify and eliminate outdated or ineffective regulatory requirements.

The National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act establishes formal training programs and certification standards for the operation of counter-UAS technology. By creating dedicated training centers and interagency protocols, the bill ensures that operators can effectively mitigate drone threats while maintaining aviation safety and airspace security.

The FAIR Act of 2025 prohibits the federal government, federal contractors, and recipients of federal aid from practicing intentional discrimination or granting preferential treatment based on race, color, or national origin. The legislation mandates a comprehensive review of existing federal policies to ensure compliance and provides a legal pathway for individuals to seek remedies for violations.

This bill seeks to nullify the Food and Drug Administration’s January 2023 modifications to the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for the abortion medication mifepristone. Additionally, it prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing any future safety requirements that are substantially similar to those nullified changes.

The Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025 prohibits physicians from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, subject to specific exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, and incest. Physicians who knowingly violate this federal law face potential fines and imprisonment, though the legislation explicitly protects the mother from prosecution. The bill also mandates strict documentation and record-keeping requirements for all heartbeat determinations and exception claims.

The Preventing Financial Exploitation in Higher Education Act holds wealthy colleges and universities accountable for student loan outcomes and rising tuition costs. The bill imposes financial penalties on institutions with endowments over $2.5 billion that experience high rates of student loan default, delinquency, or underpayment. Additionally, it increases the excise tax on the net investment income of these large institutions if they raise tuition beyond inflation-adjusted levels.

The No Abortion Coverage for Medicaid Act prohibits the use of federal Medicaid and CHIP funds for elective abortions, including associated travel and lodging costs. It specifically restricts the Secretary of Health and Human Services from approving demonstration projects that provide financial assistance for abortion services. The bill includes exceptions for cases involving rape, incest, or medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk.

The Caring for Survivors Act of 2025 aims to increase financial support for the surviving spouses of veterans by raising monthly dependency and indemnity compensation rates. Additionally, the bill expands eligibility for these benefits by lowering the required period of a veteran’s total disability rating from ten years to five years. These changes ensure more survivors receive equitable compensation for the service and sacrifice of their loved ones.

This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to increase and secure funding for the Conservation Stewardship Program. It establishes an annual budget of $1.8 billion for the program from 2025 through 2031 and authorizes the transfer of existing unobligated funds to support these conservation efforts.

The LICENSE Act of 2025 aims to streamline the commercial driver’s license (CDL) process by modernizing testing regulations. It establishes standardized training requirements for CDL knowledge test examiners and grants states the flexibility to administer driving skills tests to applicants regardless of their state of residence or training location.