Legislation

This bill amends the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to reauthorize and expand the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives. It increases the number of initiatives from 3 to 4 and boosts funding from $20 million to $36 million.

The "Federal Freeze Act" temporarily freezes federal hiring and salaries for one year, with exceptions for positions related to law enforcement, public safety, national security, and emergency response. Additionally, it mandates a reduction in the number of federal employees by 2% within two years and 5% within three years, again excluding law enforcement, public safety, national security, and emergency response roles.

The "Smarter Weather Forecasting for Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act of 2025" directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to establish pilot projects aimed at improving subseasonal to seasonal precipitation forecasts for agriculture and water management. These projects will address scientific challenges like improving model resolution in mountainous terrain and predicting atmospheric circulation. The Act allocates \$45 million annually from 2025-2029 for these initiatives, which will involve higher education institutions and NOAA entities. The pilot project authority will end five years after the enactment of the law.

The "No Red and Blue Banks Act" prohibits the General Services Administration from awarding contracts to insured depository institutions that refuse to do business with companies engaged in lawful commerce based on social policy considerations. This ensures fair access to government contracts regardless of a company's perceived social stance. The prohibition does not apply to contracts awarded before the enactment of the act.

The "American CANS Act" amends the Tariff Act of 1930, mandating that country-of-origin labels for canned agricultural products be clearly displayed on the front label or top of the can. This aims to increase consumer awareness of the source of their canned goods. The updated labeling requirements will apply to imported agricultural products 18 months after the law is enacted.

The STABLE Trade Policy Act aims to limit the President's ability to unilaterally impose tariffs on imports from U.S. allies and free trade partners. It requires the President to seek congressional approval before enacting new or increased duties on these countries by submitting a request justifying the tariffs, which Congress must then approve through a joint resolution. This ensures that trade policy decisions impacting allies and free trade partners are subject to congressional oversight.

This resolution designates February as Black History Month, celebrating the heritage and achievements of Black Americans. It recognizes the foundational role of Black labor in the United States, from slavery to modern times, and acknowledges the economic disparities that persist. The resolution also honors key figures and movements that have advanced Black Americans' rights and economic opportunities. It encourages the continued observance of Black History Month to promote awareness of Black Americans' contributions.

The "Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act of 2025" aims to protect communities from the health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat by establishing grant programs for local initiatives focused on detection, preparation, communication, and mitigation. It authorizes grants to air pollution control agencies, the establishment of research centers, and a competitive grant program for community planning and implementation. The bill also mandates research on the health effects of these environmental hazards and the development of strategies to reduce exposure and health risks.

The Fort Pillow National Battlefield Park Study Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate Fort Pillow Historic State Park's national significance and determine the feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System. This study will consider the park's historical importance, particularly its role in the massacre of Union troops, including United States Colored Troops, and its impact on the Civil War. The findings of this study will help determine whether Fort Pillow should be recognized as a National Battlefield Park.

The "250 Years of Service and Sacrifice Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Department of Treasury to mint coins in 2028 to recognize the nation's semiquincentennial and honor 250 years of American service and sacrifice. The coins include gold, silver, and clad coins, with designs representing American service and sacrifice. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting their programs for Gold Star families, first responders, and veterans. The Act ensures that the coin minting does not create any net cost to the government.

The "Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act" establishes federal tax credits for individuals and corporations who donate to state-approved scholarship-granting organizations and workforce training programs. A web portal managed by the Secretary of Education will list eligible organizations, facilitate contributions, and provide information on tax benefits. The Act sets a national cap of $10 billion annually for qualifying contributions, divided equally between scholarship and workforce training organizations, and allocates funds to states based on prior contributions and demographics. This encourages investment in educational opportunities while ensuring no federal overreach into private, religious, or home education.

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" requires the Department of Transportation to mandate that all new vehicles include AM radio receivers as standard equipment, ensuring continued access to AM broadcasts for drivers. The Act directs the Comptroller General to study the role of AM radio in emergency alerts and allows manufacturers producing fewer than 40,000 vehicles in 2022 at least four years to comply. The rule will sunset 10 years after the enactment of this Act.

The "Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act" directs the VA to establish a five-year pilot program offering eligible veterans health savings accounts to access primary care from non-VA providers through direct primary care arrangements. Participating veterans will receive annual deposits into their health savings accounts to cover primary care services, but will not be able to receive VA medical care covered by the direct primary care arrangement during their participation. The VA will monitor the program for fraud and report results to Congress. The program will be funded through existing Veterans Health Administration appropriations.

The "Stop the Wait Act of 2025" eliminates the waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, phasing it out completely by 2030. It also waives the 24-month waiting period for Medicare eligibility for certain SSDI recipients who lack minimum essential health coverage, allowing them to access Medicare retroactively to the start of their SSDI entitlement. The Act establishes special enrollment periods for Medicare Part B for these newly eligible individuals.

The "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to discourage multinational corporations from avoiding U.S. taxes by shifting profits overseas. It includes provisions such as current year inclusion of net CFC tested income on a country-by-country basis, limitations on foreign tax credits, restrictions on interest deductions for domestic corporations in international financial reporting groups, and changes to the tax treatment of inverted corporations and foreign corporations managed in the U.S. This act aims to eliminate tax advantages for companies that move operations or profits outside the United States.

The "Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025" amends the Head Start Act to broaden the definition of "public assistance." This expansion includes families receiving TANF, SSI, SNAP, WIC, federal housing assistance, and other federal benefits, making more children eligible for Head Start programs. The bill aims to provide early childhood education and support to a greater number of disadvantaged children.

The "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025" revises the boundary of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont, allowing for land acquisition and establishing the National Park Service Stewardship Institute. The boundary expansion includes a historic zone, a protection zone, and the King Farm, which can be used for agricultural, forestry, conservation, and educational purposes. The Act also updates the park's scenic zone map and aims to advance stewardship practices through the newly established institute.

The "Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act" aims to increase transparency and accountability in prescription drug pricing within Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. Starting in 2028, it mandates Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to report detailed information on drug pricing, rebates, and other financial arrangements to plan sponsors and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill also grants Medicare Part D plan sponsors audit rights to ensure PBM compliance and directs a GAO study on existing drug cost transparency reporting requirements. Ultimately, this act seeks to provide better insights into how PBMs manage drug costs and ensure fair pricing for seniors.

The "Fair Access to Banking Act" aims to prevent financial institutions from denying services to legal businesses based on subjective or political reasons. It prohibits large banks, credit unions, and payment card networks from discriminating against legal businesses and requires them to provide fair access to financial services based on impartial, risk-based standards. Financial institutions that violate these provisions may face penalties, including ineligibility for taxpayer-funded discount window lending programs and civil penalties. Individuals or businesses who are unfairly denied services can sue the financial institution in U.S. district court.

This bill supports the designation of March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month, recognizing the CHamoru people as the indigenous population of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It acknowledges their unique culture, historical significance, and contributions to the United States, particularly their service in the armed forces. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month and celebrate the achievements of the CHamoru people.