Legislation

The "Protect Our Probationary Employees Act" allows certain federal employees who were involuntarily separated from their positions between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029, while serving a probationary period, to resume that probationary period if reappointed to a similar position within their former agency. The resumed probationary period will last for the remaining duration of the original probationary period. This provision is set to expire on January 20, 2029.

The "Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act" ensures that rebates for water conservation, storm water management, and wastewater management measures at a taxpayer's primary residence are not taxed as income. This applies to subsidies from public utilities, state or local governments, and storm water management providers, and is effective for amounts received after December 31, 2021. The act clarifies definitions for qualifying measures and providers, promoting water efficiency without creating a tax burden for homeowners.

This bill allows the use of "Golden Sea Bream" as a market name for the fish species Stenotomus chrysops. This change would not violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, making it legal to label and sell the fish under this name.

The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2027, to commemorate Roberto Clemente's life and legacy. The coins' designs will represent Clemente's human rights work and baseball achievements, with surcharges on the sale of the coins benefiting the Roberto Clemente Foundation. These funds will support the foundation's mission, including educational programs, youth sports, disaster relief, and historic preservation. The Act ensures that the coin program will not create net costs to the government and outlines specific consultations for the coin designs.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" mandates the transition of TSA personnel management systems to align with Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring TSA employees receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, including collective bargaining rights. It protects current pay and benefits during the transition, requires consultation with employee representatives, and addresses concerns related to employee well-being, safety, and diversity. The Act also calls for reports and plans to improve recruitment, address workplace harassment, and update background check requirements.

The "Don't Penalize Victims Act" amends the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure disaster victims are not penalized for receiving assistance from multiple sources. This change removes the clause that previously prevented individuals from receiving disaster relief if they had already received assistance from other sources. The goal is to allow victims to fully recover without fear of losing aid due to assistance from charities, private insurance, or other aid programs.

The "Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025" aims to improve children's nutrition by removing obstacles that child care providers face when serving fresh fruits and vegetables. It defines "simple food preparation" as basic preparation of produce. The Act prohibits states from creating barriers to this simple preparation in child care facilities through amendments to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. This will allow providers to easily offer healthier food options.

The Eliminating Fraud and Improper Payments in TANF Act aims to strengthen the integrity of state programs funded under the Social Security Act by requiring them to adhere to the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 starting October 1, 2026. Additionally, it mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan for Congress within a year, outlining strategies to reduce or eliminate improper payments made by states under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act within 10 years.

The North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2025 facilitates land exchange between North Dakota and the federal government to consolidate state trust lands, particularly those within Indian reservations. It allows North Dakota to relinquish state land within reservations and select federal land of equal value elsewhere in the state, streamlining land management and potentially benefiting both the state and tribal nations. The Act outlines procedures for land valuation, transfer, and consultation with tribes, while also addressing existing leases, mineral rights, and hazardous materials. This act aims to resolve land management issues and promote more efficient use of resources in North Dakota.

This bill directs the Coast Guard Commandant to update the Coast Guard's policy on using medication to treat drug overdoses, including opioid and fentanyl overdoses, and ensure naloxone or similar medication is available for Coast Guard members at all Coast Guard installations and in every operational environment. It also requires the Coast Guard to participate in a tracking system for such medications and mandates a briefing to Congress on the use of naloxone and related substance abuse mitigation efforts. Additionally, it amends a section of title 46 of the United States Code to include manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a covered vessel.

This bill designates the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center in Galax, Virginia, as the "Rick Boucher Amphitheater." Henceforth, any reference to the outdoor amphitheater at the Blue Ridge Music Center will refer to it as the Rick Boucher Amphitheater.

The "Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025" broadens the Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits program to include retired law enforcement officers who die or are permanently disabled because of targeted attacks related to their prior service. This expansion applies retroactively to incidents occurring on or after January 1, 2012, and to pending or future cases. It ensures that retired officers who are victims of targeted violence stemming from their service receive the same benefits as active officers. The bill defines a retired law enforcement officer as someone who left their position in good standing, whether paid or unpaid.

The ATF Transparency Act aims to increase transparency and efficiency in the firearm transfer application process. It mandates administrative relief for denied firearm transfer applications, including appeals and reimbursement for attorney fees if the appeal is successful. The bill also requires timely processing of applications, with automatic approval if the Secretary fails to act within 3 business days, and directs reports and agreements related to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Safeguarding Honest Speech Act prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce policies requiring federal employees or contractors to use preferred pronouns or names that do not align with a person's sex or legal name. It allows employees and contractors to file civil actions against federal agencies for violations, potentially receiving injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees. The Act defines "sex" as determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025 aims to restore United States funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). It repeals previous restrictions on funding, mandates the Secretary of State to resume contributions, and directs the President to cancel an executive order that withdrew the U.S. from certain UN organizations. The Act requires regular reports on UNRWA's progress in implementing recommendations from an independent review group to ensure neutrality and accountability. This restoration of funding is intended to address humanitarian needs and prevent further decline in civilian conditions, particularly in Gaza, while supporting Palestinian refugees across the region.

The Fair College Admissions for Students Act prohibits colleges and universities from giving admissions preference to applicants based on their relationships to donors or alumni. This law will go into effect the first day of the second award year after the enactment of this law.

The "Preventing Antisemitic Harassment on Campus Act of 2025" aims to combat antisemitism in higher education by amending the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include religion as a protected category and defining antisemitism. It mandates that colleges and universities address severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive antisemitic harassment, and it introduces financial penalties for institutions that violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act regarding antisemitic discrimination. The Act also requires federal agencies and courts to consider a person's actions to prevent and correct discrimination when assessing compliance or determining violations, and clarifies that the Act does not infringe upon First Amendment rights.

The "Accelerating Broadband Permits Act" aims to speed up the approval process for broadband infrastructure projects. It mandates federal agencies to track and address delays in processing communications use applications, report these delays to Congress, and set up alerts for applications nearing the approval deadline. Additionally, the act broadens the definition of covered projects to include those with an expected investment of over $5,000,000 that are subject to NEPA and involve broadband construction.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish comprehensive standards for dog dealers, focusing on humane treatment. These standards include requirements for flooring, space, temperature, nutrition, exercise, socialization, veterinary care, and breeding practices. The Act sets specific guidelines for breeding frequency, age, and veterinary procedures, as well as humane placement for retired breeding dogs. It directs the Secretary to finalize regulations for these standards within 18 months.

The "Pay Our Coast Guard Act" ensures that Coast Guard members, including military, civilian, and contract personnel, continue to receive pay and benefits during government funding lapses, particularly when the Department of Defense is funded but the Coast Guard is not. It designates funds for salaries, death benefits, and essential services, defining a "Coast Guard-specific funding lapse" and outlining the conditions under which the appropriated funds remain available. The Commandant of the Coast Guard determines which civilian and contract employees are considered "qualified" to receive pay during a funding lapse based on their support roles or the necessity of their work. This act aims to provide equitable treatment for Coast Guard personnel compared to other members of the Armed Forces.