Legislation

The APLUS Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture to update regulations, permitting market agencies to have financial interests in smaller meatpacking companies, defined by specific slaughter capacities. These market agencies must disclose these financial ties to livestock sellers. The Act does not reduce the Secretary's authority to enforce rules protecting producers, competition, and market integrity under existing law.

The Medicare Fraud Detection and Deterrence Act of 2025 aims to reduce healthcare fraud by deactivating provider identifiers for excluded entities, requiring Medicare Advantage plans to include standard unique health identifiers in encounter data, and mandating claims modifiers for telehealth services provided by physicians or practitioners with ties to telehealth companies. This bill ensures that only valid providers are billing Medicare and increases transparency in telehealth services.

The HEIRS Act of 2025 aims to help families resolve issues related to Heirs Property. The Act authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to establish grant programs for states, local governments, territories, or Tribal governments that have adopted the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act or a similar law. It also provides grants to eligible entities for housing counseling, legal aid, and financial help to clear titles and keep homes in the hands of heirs property owners. Finally, it amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to include specific counseling and referral requirements related to heirs property.

The "BAD DOGE Act" repeals Executive Order 14158, effectively disbanding the US DOGE Service (USDS) and the US DOGE Service Temporary Organization (USDSTO). This action is in response to findings that the USDS and USDSTO, under the leadership of Elon Musk, exceeded their authorized powers, violated constitutional principles, and contravened federal statutes and ethics regulations. The Act aims to restore proper oversight and adherence to legal standards within government IT operations.

The Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025 establishes a grant program to fund projects aimed at conserving and recovering native Hawaiian species. This program will provide financial assistance to eligible entities for initiatives focused on combating invasive species, addressing climate change impacts, restoring habitats, and enhancing scientific capacity. The Act prioritizes collaboration among federal and state agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective conservation efforts. It also requires annual reporting to Congress on the program's implementation and authorizes \$30,000,000 in appropriations for the program for each of the first 10 fiscal years after enactment.

The PLASMA Act delays the full implementation of manufacturer discounts for plasma-derived products under Medicare Part D, phasing in the discounts from 2026 to 2032, depending on whether the beneficiary has met their out-of-pocket threshold. This phased approach aims to ensure continued access to these critical medicines, which are derived from human blood or plasma. The discounts do not apply to low-income subsidy recipients or drugs from small manufacturers.

The "Civil Investigative Demand Reform Act of 2025" amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, modifying the process for issuing and challenging civil investigative demands (CIDs) by the CFPB. These modifications include specifying timelines for issuing demands, requiring more detailed information in the demands, and creating a process for attorneys to ask questions about the scope of a demand. The bill also expands the grounds for setting aside a demand and allows for judicial review of the CFPB's denial of a petition to modify or set aside a demand.

The "District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025" appropriates local funds from the District's General Fund for the current fiscal year, in accordance with the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024. The total appropriation for the District's operating expenses in fiscal year 2025 cannot exceed the estimates in the Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024 or the total revenues of the District for that year, with specific exceptions. The appropriated amount can be increased by proceeds from one-time transactions used for emergency or unanticipated needs, provided these increases are approved by local District law and comply with reserve requirements in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The Chief Financial Officer must ensure the District meets these requirements but cannot reprogram funds from bonds, notes, or other obligations issued for capital projects for operating expenses.

The "Golden Age Act of 2025" mandates that all newly printed $100 bills after December 31, 2028, will feature a portrait of Donald J. Trump. The Secretary of the Treasury must release the preliminary design for public view by December 31, 2026.

The "Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act" amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to bolster mental health support for students. States can utilize funds to enhance mental health services, including implementing mental health first aid best practices and coordinating with local health agencies for services like telehealth. Local educational agencies must detail how funds will support mental health activities, and the act promotes the use of technology to improve and expand access to these crucial services. Technology infrastructure used for mental health services will be exempt from certain limitations.

The "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025" permanently allows individuals with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to access telehealth services without needing to meet their deductible first, starting after December 31, 2024. This removes a barrier to accessing telehealth services for HSA holders.

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle if that style is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. This protection extends to federally funded programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. The act aims to ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination based on hair, addressing historical biases and stereotypes. It clarifies that existing civil rights laws should be interpreted to include protection against hair-based discrimination.

This resolution celebrates the 108th anniversary of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, recognizing its historical importance, economic impact, and strategic value to U.S. national security. It acknowledges the base's contributions to national defense and aerospace, including its role as one of the oldest military airfields and its selection for the KC46A Pegasus tanker aircraft beddown. The resolution also commends the personnel at Selfridge and encourages continued support and cooperation to ensure the base's ongoing success.

The "Fair Grocery Pricing Act" aims to prevent anti-competitive practices in the food industry by prohibiting food producers from colluding on pricing and supply through third-party coordinators. It empowers the FTC, Attorney General, and State Attorneys General to enforce the Act, allowing for civil penalties and legal action against violators. The Act also enables individuals harmed by violations to seek damages and invalidate certain pre-dispute agreements. This law supplements existing antitrust laws and does not override stricter state or local regulations.

The American Apprenticeship Act aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities by providing grants to states for pre-apprenticeship programs and related instruction. It requires states to develop strategic plans that promote collaboration between industry, education, and labor, with a focus on expanding opportunities in non-traditional sectors and for underrepresented groups. The Act also directs the Secretary of Labor to identify in-demand occupations suitable for apprenticeship programs and report findings to Congress. Finally, it authorizes $15 million in appropriations annually from 2026 to 2031 to support these initiatives.

Eric's Law amends title 18 of the United States Code, mandating that if a jury cannot unanimously agree on a sentencing recommendation in certain cases, the court must impanel a new jury for a special hearing upon the government's request. If the second jury also fails to reach a unanimous sentencing recommendation, the court is required to impose a sentence other than death.

This bill amends Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to broaden access to telehealth services under Medicare. It expands the types of healthcare practitioners eligible to provide these services. This change aims to increase convenience and access to healthcare for Medicare beneficiaries.

The Rural Wellness Act extends provisions from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to 2029, adjusting specific allocation timelines. It prioritizes rural development program grants for projects that include behavioral and mental health treatment services. This prioritization includes facilities for prevention, treatment, or recovery and applicants focusing on behavioral and mental health education.

The Edward J. Dwight, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to Edward J. Dwight, Jr., the first African-American astronaut candidate, in recognition of his achievements and contributions to art and Black history. The Act instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal. It also allows for the production and sale of bronze duplicates to the public and specifies that these medals are national and numismatic items.

The PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to protect veterans by clarifying who can assist with VA claims, reinstating penalties for charging unauthorized fees, and ensuring fair representation. It requires agents and attorneys to apply for recognition, limits fees for initial claims, and mandates transparency regarding free services available to veterans. The Act also overrides conflicting state laws to ensure consistent enforcement of these protections.