Legislation

The Passenger Rail Liability Adjustment Act of 2025 modifies the effective date for scheduled adjustments to the liability cap for passenger rail services. Specifically, any liability cap change set to occur during calendar year 2026 will be delayed. The new cap amount will only take effect 90 days after the required public notice of the adjustment is officially issued.

The Dismantling Double Dippers Act of 2025 prohibits federal employees from simultaneously holding two civil service jobs or receiving payment from a government contract while employed by the government, unless explicitly authorized. Violators face mandatory repayment of illegal earnings, potential criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, and agency disciplinary action. The OPM Inspector General is required to conduct annual audits across federal agencies to detect and report on these violations.

The Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) ensures that essential federal employees required to work during a government shutdown can receive unemployment benefits for those weeks. This legislation requires states to allow these "excepted employees" to claim benefits even while working without pay. The federal government will reimburse states for these unemployment payments and associated administrative costs, with mechanisms in place to prevent employees from receiving duplicate compensation once back pay is issued.

The Small Communities Transit Improvement Act increases the dedicated federal transit funding share for small cities with high transit usage from 3% to 5%. This change adjusts the formula for distributing public transportation grants to better support these transit-dependent communities.

The No Shame at School Act of 2025 mandates that schools must retroactively certify eligible students for free or reduced-price meals and prohibits any form of shaming or stigmatization based on unpaid meal debt. This bill prevents schools from singling out students who owe money for lunch or breakfast, ensuring they receive their meals without embarrassment. Furthermore, it restricts how schools can attempt to collect these outstanding fees from families.

The Emergency Relief for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 allows individuals affected by a federal government shutdown to make penalty-free withdrawals of up to $30,000 from their retirement plans. These "Federal Government shutdown distributions" allow affected contractors, grantees, and D.C. employees to access funds during a lapse in appropriations lasting at least two weeks. Withdrawals are spread out over three tax years for income tax purposes, and individuals have three years to repay the withdrawn amount.

The Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act establishes a new federal crime for knowingly forcing an abortion on a woman using drugs, carrying penalties up to 25 years in prison. This legislation also allows victims to file civil lawsuits seeking substantial damages, including compensation for physical and psychological injuries. The bill strictly defines terms like "abortion-inducing drug" and "informed consent" to ensure clear enforcement of these protections.

The Fair Pay for Federal Contractors Act of 2025 ensures federal agencies compensate contractors for employee costs incurred due to government funding lapses or shutdowns. This act mandates contract price adjustments to cover reasonable expenses for furloughed or impacted contractor employees, up to a specified weekly limit. The law also provides necessary appropriations to cover these adjustments and requires public reporting on the compensation provided.

The Health Care Workforce Expansion Act of 2025 aims to significantly increase the number of healthcare professionals by establishing tuition-free grant programs for medical, dental, and nursing students who commit to service. The bill also provides substantial funding for schools to expand enrollment and increases Medicare funding for residency programs, particularly prioritizing psychiatry and primary care slots. Finally, it creates a new grant program to incentivize doctors, dentists, and nurses to relocate and practice in underserved rural areas for at least three years.

The Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act aims to increase consumer protection by regulating the sale of used vehicles with known safety defects. This bill prevents dealers from selling or leasing unrepaired used cars subject to a manufacturer safety recall. Furthermore, it establishes a reimbursement system requiring manufacturers to compensate dealers for holding vehicles when recall repairs are significantly delayed.

This Act extends the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2027 and directs the U.S. Trade Representative to develop a strategy for future bilateral trade agreements with beneficiary nations. Additionally, Title II mandates a comprehensive review of the U.S.-South Africa relationship, requiring the President to report on whether South Africa's actions harm U.S. national security interests. This section also calls for a classified report identifying South African officials eligible for sanctions.

The NFIP Extension Act temporarily reauthorizes the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This legislation extends the program's funding and operational authority from its current expiration date until November 21, 2025. The bill ensures continuous coverage by pushing back key deadlines within the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

This bill directs the United States Postal Service (USPS) to establish a single, unique ZIP Code for 69 specific communities across the nation. The USPS must complete this designation for the listed locations within 270 days of the bill's enactment. This measure aims to improve mail sorting and clarity for residents in these designated areas.

The SECURE Benefits Act of 2025 focuses on tightening identification requirements for claiming major tax credits and benefits. It mandates the Social Security Administration to issue temporary, work-authorized Social Security Numbers and enhances information sharing between DHS and the IRS. Furthermore, the bill imposes stricter Social Security Number requirements for claiming the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Savers Credit, and Saver's Match, while also establishing new penalties for fraudulent claims based on invalid work authorization.

This bill authorizes the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) on specific, named roads within the boundaries of Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. For travel on these designated "covered roads," the bill mandates that users must adhere to Utah state vehicle laws rather than standard federal park regulations. This action specifically permits OHV use on routes like the Burr Trail Road and Notom Bullfrog Road within the park.

The FAST Justice Act grants federal employees the right to sue in federal district court if the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) fails to issue a decision on their appeal within 120 days. This allows individuals to challenge the underlying personnel action when the MSPB causes undue delay. The bill outlines specific rules for where these lawsuits can be filed and how the court must review the case. Filing such a lawsuit requires the MSPB to immediately pause its work on the original appeal.

The PHMSA Voluntary Information Sharing Act establishes a confidential, nonpunitive system for pipeline companies to voluntarily share sensitive safety data to improve industry-wide safety practices. This system will be overseen by a balanced Governing Board composed of government, industry, and public safety representatives. Data submitted to this system is protected from public disclosure and use in litigation, though de-identified safety findings may be released publicly.

This resolution condemns attacks against federal law enforcement officers operating in Illinois and criticizes state and local policies perceived as obstructing federal immigration enforcement. It expresses strong disapproval of local governments for failing to control soaring violent crime rates, particularly in Chicago. The measure reaffirms the federal government's exclusive authority over immigration and supports prosecuting those who interfere with federal agents.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning September 7, 2025, as "National Direct Support Professionals Week" to honor the essential work of direct care workers. It highlights the critical role these professionals play in enabling millions of Americans with disabilities to live in their communities. Furthermore, the resolution draws attention to the current workforce crisis, including low pay and a lack of official data tracking for this vital occupation.

This bill amends federal law to explicitly state that state traffic laws apply to the use of motor vehicles on roads managed by the National Park Service within a System unit. Consequently, visitors driving within these areas must adhere to the traffic regulations, such as speed limits, established by the surrounding state. Violations of these state traffic laws within the park boundaries will now be enforceable.