Legislation

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends the Animal Health Protection Act to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to negotiate agreements with foreign governments regarding regionalization, zoning, and compartmentalization in response to animal disease outbreaks that significantly threaten United States exports. These negotiations should consider global research advances. The Act clarifies that it does not limit the United States Trade Representative's ability to negotiate trade agreements.

The Arctic Refuge Protection Act of 2025 designates approximately 1,559,538 acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as wilderness under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This act amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, providing increased protection to this area.

The "Accountability in Foreign Animal Research Act" prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from funding biomedical research involving vertebrate animal testing in countries of concern, such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to notify Congress when a country is added to the list of foreign countries of concern. This prohibition extends to funding provided through grants, contracts, or other means to entities based in these countries.

The "PROSPER Act of 2025" authorizes the Attorney General to award grants to eligible entities for youth gun violence prevention programs. These evidence-informed, culturally competent, trauma-informed, and inclusive programs will focus on healing, empowerment, mental health support, community engagement, and reintegration. The act allocates \$25,000,000 of juvenile justice program funds from 2026 through 2030 specifically for these youth gun violence prevention grants. Eligible entities include institutions of higher education, Indian Tribe government agencies, community-based organizations, and local government agencies that are not law enforcement.

The TRANSPORT Jobs Act directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and publicize a plan, in consultation with other departments, to help veterans find employment in supply chain jobs. The plan will identify barriers faced by veterans, challenges employers face in hiring them, and recommend actions to help veterans become supply chain employees. This includes identifying regions with the greatest need and highlighting skills veterans possess. The goal is to improve outreach, training, and mentorship programs to increase veteran participation in the supply chain workforce.

The "Fair Allocation and Improvement of Regional Fleets Act" or "FAIR Fleets Act" aims to modernize the Postal Service fleet and ensure fair vehicle distribution, especially in underserved areas. It requires regular assessments of vehicle distribution, a strategic plan for improvement, and the adoption of fuel-efficient vehicles. The Postal Service must submit annual reports to Congress detailing fleet distribution and steps taken to improve service in underserved areas, which include rural areas, regions with aging vehicles, and areas with significant mail delays or high poverty rates. These changes will take effect 180 days after the enactment of this Act.

The REHIRE Act provides hiring preference to certain Federal employees involuntarily removed from their positions between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2027. These employees will be considered preference eligibles for competitive service appointments and receive 5 additional points to their earned rating. This preference does not apply to individuals removed from political positions, those separated due to misconduct or poor performance, or those whose most recent performance review was unacceptable, and expires 5 years after enactment.

The Agent Orange Relief Act of 2025 aims to address the ongoing health consequences of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War by expanding benefits to children of male veterans with certain birth defects, supporting public research into the health issues of those affected, and providing health assessment and assistance to Vietnamese Americans. This act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a plan to implement the provisions of this Act within 180 days of enactment, and implementation must be completed within 18 months of the Act's enactment. Additionally, the Act mandates quarterly reports to Congress on the progress of its implementation. The Act defines "Agent Orange" as any chemical compound that was part of an herbicide used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam.

The "Protecting Military Servicemembers Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2025" prohibits data brokers from selling or providing military service member lists to covered nations, such as China and Russia, or individuals controlled by those nations. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing the Act, with the power to pursue civil actions against data brokers who violate the Act. State attorneys general also have the authority to bring civil actions in federal district court on behalf of their state's residents. Within one year of enactment, the Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress analyzing the enforcement of this Act and providing recommendations for legislation and administrative actions.

The "National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act" designates the POW-MIA Memorial and Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, as the National POW-MIA Memorial and Museum. It recognizes the museum's role in honoring and educating the public about prisoners of war and those missing in action since World War II. The Act requires the Museum's Director to submit a report to Congress, including a five-year budget, organizational structure, and governing documents. The designation may be withdrawn if the Museum does not operate satisfactorily or if the report is submitted late.

This bill nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing. The disapproval means the EPA's new regulations for the rubber tire manufacturing industry will not be implemented.

This bill aims to increase access to paid family leave by providing grants to states to establish and maintain paid leave programs, with a focus on supporting new parents and low-income families. It also establishes the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (IPLAN) to streamline and coordinate state-level paid leave programs, reducing administrative burdens for employees and employers operating across state lines. IPLAN would create single policy and administrative standards across participating states. The bill authorizes appropriations to fund the grant program and IPLAN.

The "Electrodiagnostic Medicine Patient Protection and Fraud Elimination Act of 2025" aims to ensure the quality and accuracy of electrodiagnostic services, such as nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography, by requiring these tests to be performed at accredited facilities. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to specify accrediting organizations and establish a National Electrodiagnostic Services Advisory Committee to provide recommendations on requirements and regulations. This will improve the quality of care, reduce unnecessary treatments and surgeries, and enhance the reliability of diagnoses for individuals.

The Arctic Watchers Act establishes a program within the Department of State to monitor and counteract malign influence from countries like China and Russia in the Arctic region, focusing on security, economic interests, and natural resources. This program deploys "Arctic Watchers" to key diplomatic posts in Europe and North America to strengthen U.S. engagement and protect U.S. interests in the Arctic. The Act requires annual reports to Congress and authorizes \$10 million in appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and subsequent years.

The Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability Act of 2025 (MMEDS Act of 2025) aims to incentivize domestic medical manufacturing in economically distressed zones through tax credits for wages, benefits, and qualified products/services. It prioritizes strengthening the national supply chain by increasing credits for facilities that move production from countries posing a risk to facilities producing population health products. The Act also amends the Public Health Service Act to support the development and accessibility of population health products, especially for vulnerable populations, during public health emergencies. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the disproportionate harm to vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic and prior epidemics and pandemics.

This joint resolution nullifies the Federal Communications Commission's rule addressing the homework gap through the E-Rate Program. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the FCC from implementing measures intended to bridge the digital divide for students' home internet access.

The WIC Collaboration Study Act directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report to Congress on the potential for increased WIC enrollment through data sharing and collaboration between state agencies administering WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid. The study will examine the feasibility, effectiveness, and costs associated with data sharing, simplification of WIC certification, and other collaborative efforts. It also looks at the role of nonprofits and the potential for including WIC certification requirements in online SNAP or Medicaid assessments. Ultimately, the goal is to identify ways to streamline processes and improve enrollment in the WIC program.

The Victims of Agent Orange Act of 2025 aims to address the ongoing health and environmental damage caused by the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It directs the United States Agency for International Development to provide assistance for healthcare, caregiver support, housing, poverty reduction, and environmental remediation in Vietnam for those affected by Agent Orange. The Act also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to assess the health of Vietnamese Americans and establish centers to provide care and treatment for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. Finally, the Act requires both agencies to submit quarterly reports to Congress on the implementation of the Act.

The "No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act of 2025" prohibits the use of facial, physical, and remote biometric recognition technology in federally assisted rental properties to protect tenants' access to affordable housing and prevent bias or discrimination. It requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to report to Congress on the use of these technologies in federally assisted housing and their potential impact on vulnerable communities. The Act defines key terms related to assistance, covered housing, and biometric technologies to ensure clarity and effective implementation.

The Veterans Hearing Health Expansion Act amends title 38 of the United States Code to include licensed hearing aid specialists in the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This inclusion allows veterans to seek hearing health services from licensed specialists in their community, expanding access to care. By incorporating these specialists, the bill aims to improve the availability and convenience of hearing healthcare for veterans.