Legislation

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 aims to prevent discrimination against businesses within the firearms industry when applying for financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from denying loans or guarantees solely based on an applicant's status as a firearm entity, affiliate, or trade association. The Act first establishes clear definitions for these industry participants to ensure fair and equal consideration for all qualified applicants.

The Food Date Labeling Act of 2025 establishes national standards for food date labeling, requiring manufacturers to use specific phrases like "BEST If Used By" for quality dates and "USE By" for discard dates. This legislation clarifies the meaning of these dates for consumers and prevents states from creating conflicting terminology. The new labeling requirements will take effect two years after the bill is enacted.

The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act of 2025 aims to improve outcomes for those affected by uterine fibroids. This legislation mandates federal research into early detection and intervention strategies for fibroids. It also establishes grant programs for states to enhance screening, treatment access, and public awareness regarding these conditions. Finally, the Act requires regular reporting to Congress on the progress and findings from the funded research and programs.

The Medicaid Bump Act establishes a temporary, higher federal matching rate of 90% for state spending increases on Medicaid behavioral health services above a specified baseline. To qualify for this enhanced funding, states must ensure the new federal dollars supplement existing state spending and are used to improve service delivery, such as raising provider payment rates. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of HHS issue guidance defining covered services and submit an annual report to Congress detailing state payment rates and utilization data for these services.

The Safe Response Act updates the First Responder Training Program to broaden the scope of medical tools covered and modernize terminology related to Native American governing bodies. It revises the focus of drug training by removing the specific term "opioid" while expanding coverage to include "other drug" in overdose response training. Crucially, the bill significantly increases the annual funding for this program from \$36 million to \$57 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The Repealing the Trump Sick Tax Act aims to reverse previous legislative changes affecting Medicaid and drug pricing. Specifically, it eliminates prior modifications to Medicaid cost-sharing requirements and repeals changes concerning the exclusion of orphan drugs from the Drug Price Negotiation Program. This effectively restores the original rules governing these areas under the Social Security Act.

This bill aims to increase clarity and predictability for switching prescription drugs (Rx) to over-the-counter (nonprescription) status. It establishes new procedures, including early meetings with the FDA, and mandates the agency to issue clear guidance on the evidence required for these applications. Furthermore, the legislation requires a stakeholder engagement plan and a GAO report to review the current switch process and identify potential improvements.

The Hire Student Veterans Act expands the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to incentivize employers for hiring veterans actively using federal educational assistance benefits. This legislation modifies eligibility requirements, allowing employers to claim the tax credit for hiring veterans utilizing benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Furthermore, it removes the standard minimum employment period requirement for these specific veteran hires, potentially allowing employers to claim the credit sooner.

The Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act updates regulations governing which passenger vessels can operate between U.S. ports. This change clarifies that a ship can qualify for coastwise endorsement even if it makes a stop at a foreign port, provided the itinerary connects U.S. locations where coastwise laws apply. The bill aims to modernize rules for domestic passenger travel while ensuring compliance with all other applicable U.S. laws.

The African Diaspora Investment and Development Act (AIDA) aims to strengthen U.S. relationships with African and Caribbean nations by empowering diaspora communities. The bill focuses on lowering the high costs of sending remittances, encouraging formal diaspora investment through new financial tools, and providing tax incentives for sending money home for essential needs. Ultimately, AIDA seeks to treat the millions of diaspora members as strategic economic partners to foster development across Africa and the Caribbean.

The Ban Harmful Food Dyes Act prohibits the use of several specific artificial food color additives, including Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, in food products. Beginning in 2027, any food containing these banned dyes will be deemed adulterated under federal law. This legislation aims to remove these specific color additives from the food supply.

The Greater Yellowstone Recreation Enhancement And Tourism Act seeks to protect vital sections of the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone Rivers, along with several tributaries in Montana, by designating them as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. This designation aims to preserve the clean water, recreational opportunities, and ecological value of these cherished rivers for future generations. The bill explicitly ensures that private property rights, existing water rights, and the operation of current infrastructure like the Hebgen and Madison Dams will not be negatively affected by these new protections.

The Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections Act (SEEK HELP Act) establishes federal Good Samaritan protections for individuals who administer opioid overdose reversal drugs or seek medical help during an overdose. It shields these individuals from civil liability and certain criminal prosecution related to controlled substance possession when seeking aid. Furthermore, the Act mandates public awareness campaigns and a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the effectiveness of these overdose protection laws across the states.

The Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from procuring or contracting for the use of certain foreign-made LiDAR technology identified in related defense legislation. This ban applies to purchases, contracts, and the use of federal loan or grant funds for this restricted technology, generally beginning in mid-2026. The Secretary of Transportation may only waive this prohibition if it is certified to be in the national interest of the United States. Certain safety testing and regulatory exemption activities remain exempt from these restrictions.

The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act repeals an outdated ban that prevented Medicaid from making payments to certain healthcare providers. This legislation ensures that these previously prohibited entities will now be reimbursed for medical services rendered between the enactment of the original ban and the passage of this Act. In short, it restores payment eligibility and retroactively covers past services.

The FAIR Act, or Fiscal Accountability for Interest on Reserves Act, modifies how the Federal Reserve handles earnings on certain balances held by its banks. This legislation specifically removes a previous restriction regarding these earnings. The change will take effect 180 days after the Act is signed into law.

This bill would require the District of Columbia to recognize valid concealed carry permits or the legal right to carry a concealed firearm held by Members of Congress from their home states. Specifically, it allows Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners to carry a concealed firearm in D.C. provided they meet federal eligibility requirements and carry proper identification.

The Keep USGS Strong Act ensures the continued vital scientific work of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) by exempting it from federal hiring freezes and workforce reduction mandates. This legislation recognizes the USGS's critical role in monitoring natural hazards, managing water resources, and providing essential scientific data for public safety and resource management. The bill protects current staffing levels and property leases, safeguarding the agency's ability to serve the nation.

The COVID-19 Military Backpay Act of 2025 establishes a legal remedy for service members discharged due to non-compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination mandate. Covered members can sue in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims if their discharge is deemed involuntary or unlawful. If successful, the court must award remedies including back pay for missed training, continuous service credit, and adjustments to retirement eligibility. This legislation ensures that service records and benefits are corrected as if the wrongful discharge never occurred.

The EATS Act of 2025 significantly updates eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by removing previous restrictions that often disqualified students. This legislation explicitly includes bona fide students enrolled at least half-time in recognized educational programs as eligible participants for food assistance. These changes take effect on January 2, 2026.