Legislation

The Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act enhances financial management and transparency in federal agencies by updating the duties of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) to include stronger oversight of financial reporting and internal controls. It replaces the government-wide 5-year financial management plan with a 4-year plan, requiring detailed strategies for improving financial management systems and workforce development. The Act also mandates annual financial management status reports to Congress and the Comptroller General, along with rigorous audits of internal controls to ensure effective financial management across the government.

The "Fair-Value Accounting and Budget Act" mandates the use of fair-value estimates, in addition to credit reform estimates, for all federal loan and loan guarantee programs by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). It requires the CBO to include both fair-value and credit reform estimates in its annual budget and economic outlook. Additionally, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must submit an annual report to Congress on fair-value estimates of federal credit programs. Both CBO and OMB are required to use the Government Accounting Standards Board's definition of "fair value" in their estimates.

The LIABLE Act removes federal immunity and liability limitations for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, allowing individuals to sue for losses caused by the vaccines. Individuals can still seek compensation through existing federal programs, and doing so does not prevent civil action. This applies to any COVID-19 vaccine licensed or authorized by the FDA and is retroactive.

The "Parity for Athletic Recreation Act" or "PAR Act" removes the restriction that prohibits bond proceeds from being used for private or commercial golf courses and country clubs. This change applies to bonds issued after the enactment of this Act. Additionally, it affects the empowerment zone employment credit and applies to empowerment zone businesses and opportunity zones.

The GRAIN DRY Act amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to allow agricultural producers to construct or upgrade storage facilities for propane used in agricultural production. This expansion of the USDA's Farm Storage Facility Loan Program aims to support the infrastructure needs of farmers.

The "Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act" amends the Mineral Leasing Act to streamline oil and gas activities on non-federal surface land where the U.S. owns less than 50% of subsurface mineral rights, by removing the need for a federal drilling permit if a state permit is submitted. This exemption aims to reduce federal oversight and expedite energy resource development, but does not apply to Indian lands or alter royalty obligations. The Secretary of the Interior retains authority for audits, inspections, and royalty collection.

The Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act of 2025 extends preferential trade treatment to Haiti under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act until September 30, 2035. It clarifies eligibility for apparel articles containing U.S. fabric and restores preferential treatment for certain articles that were previously eligible. The Act aims to promote economic development in Haiti through trade benefits.

The "Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for the production of rare earth magnets, incentivizing domestic manufacturing. The credit offers \$20 per kilogram for magnets made in the U.S. and \$30 per kilogram if 90% of the magnet's materials are U.S.-sourced. The credit phases out after 2034 and includes restrictions on sourcing materials from non-allied foreign nations, with some temporary exceptions. The act also allows manufacturers to elect to receive direct payments from the government in lieu of the tax credit.

The "Protect the West Act of 2025" establishes an Outdoor and Watershed Restoration Fund and related grant and partnership programs to support restoration and resilience projects on both Federal and non-Federal lands. This act prioritizes wildfire risk reduction, habitat improvement, and job creation in resource-dependent communities. It also establishes a Restoration Fund Advisory Council to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on fund distribution and project prioritization. The act allocates $60 billion to these efforts, emphasizing collaboration, scientific rigor, and community involvement.

The "Aquatic Biodiversity Preservation Act of 2025" establishes a program, managed by the Secretary of Commerce, for sequencing aquatic species genomes to improve conservation and management efforts. It directs the Secretary to work with various entities to collect, sequence, and make genomic data publicly available, while providing funding and assistance. Tribal governments determine whether and when to release data. The act authorizes $2,000,000 annually from 2025-2031 for program implementation.

The One Seat Ride Act requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the benefits and challenges of commuter rail systems that allow passengers to travel without transfers. The study will analyze economic, logistical, and quality-of-life factors, and will include a cost-benefit analysis of single-seat trips on New Jersey Transit's Raritan Valley line. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to the House and Senate Transportation Committees within one year.

The DEFUND Act of 2025 terminates U.S. membership in the United Nations and all affiliated organizations, repeals existing acts that enable U.S. participation, and prohibits future funding or involvement in UN activities, including peacekeeping operations and conventions. It also revokes diplomatic immunity for UN personnel within the U.S. and requires the Secretary of State to notify the UN of these changes. The bill further prevents the U.S. from reentering the UN without Senate approval and a guaranteed right to withdraw.

The "Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act of 2025" ensures that Native American patients are not liable for the cost of purchased/referred care, and mandates a process for reimbursing patients who have already paid for such services. It updates the Indian Health Care Improvement Act by replacing the term "contract health service" with "purchased/referred care" to modernize the language used in the Act. These changes aim to streamline the payment process and reduce the financial burden on patients.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act establishes a framework for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) at the state level. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if states substantially protect these rights, and if not, the Authority will establish collective bargaining procedures. The Act aims to promote cooperation between public safety employers and employees while respecting existing state laws and prohibiting strikes and lockouts. This law does not override state laws that provide similar or stronger protections for public safety officers.

The "Medical Device Electronic Labeling Act" amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, permitting manufacturers to provide device labeling electronically, provided it is easily accessible. Paper copies must be available upon request without charge, and the device label itself must still comply with current regulations. The Secretary can implement additional requirements or exceptions for electronic labeling to ensure device safety and effectiveness.

This bill amends the Grand Ronde Reservation Act, affirming the validity of the 1986 Grand Ronde Hunting and Fishing Agreement unless superseded by future agreements between the Grand Ronde Community and Oregon. It clarifies that any new agreements cannot infringe upon the rights of the Grand Ronde Community or other tribes and that the hunting, fishing, trapping, and animal gathering rights of the Grand Ronde Community in future agreements derive solely from the authority of Oregon. The bill also allows for the review of applications to modify the Consent Decree by the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. This amendment does not determine or affect the treaty or sovereign rights of any Indian Tribe.

The "Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025" restricts U.S. funding to the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until China is no longer considered a developing country under the Montreal Protocol and is included in Annex I of the UN Framework Convention. This bill aims to address what the Act describes as unfair advantages China receives in international environmental agreements.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act to modify fuel and fuel additive waiver processes, primarily affecting ethanol blends. It adjusts Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) limitations for gasoline blends containing 10-15% ethanol and allows small refineries to regain certain credits under specific conditions. These changes aim to provide greater fuel choices for consumers and retailers nationwide.

This bill designates the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System, to be managed by the George C. Marshall International Center. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to provide technical and financial assistance for the House's marketing, interpretation, and preservation through cooperative agreements. The bill ensures that the designation does not allow for federal acquisition of property, managerial or financial responsibility, or create buffer zones impacting private property rights near the House.

The Justice for Murder Victims Act allows prosecution for homicide offenses under federal law, regardless of the time between the act that caused the death and the victim's death. This eliminates any time restrictions that might prevent prosecution in certain homicide cases.