Legislation

This Act establishes the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act to provide temporary financial assistance to benefit recipients. It authorizes an additional $\$200$ monthly economic recovery payment for eligible Social Security, SSI, Railroad Retirement, and Veterans' benefit recipients between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026. These payments are disregarded for federal income tax and benefit eligibility purposes.

The Nitazene Control Act permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, including nitazenes, into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is taken due to their significant abuse potential and the danger they pose in the illegal drug supply. The bill establishes a broad structural definition to cover current and future versions of these dangerous substances. This ensures consistent federal enforcement against this class of deadly designer drugs.

The Reciprocity Ensures Streamlined Use of Lifesaving Treatments Act of 2025 establishes a new "reciprocal marketing approval" process for certain drugs, biological products, and devices already authorized in specified foreign countries or the United Kingdom. This allows for rapid approval if the product meets safety and effectiveness standards and addresses a U.S. public health need. The Secretary must act on requests within 30 days, subject to potential Congressional disapproval. This streamlined pathway aims to quickly bring proven, lifesaving treatments to the U.S. market.

The Shutdown Student Loans for Feds Act provides relief for federal employees and certain contractors affected by government shutdowns lasting 14 days or more, starting in fiscal year 2026. During these lapses in appropriations, federal student loan payments must be suspended, and no interest will accrue on those loans. Furthermore, suspended payment periods will count toward loan forgiveness requirements and be reported positively to credit agencies.

The Restoring Integrity in Fiduciary Duty Act mandates that retirement plan fiduciaries must evaluate investments based *only* on pecuniary factors that materially affect risk and return, prohibiting the subordination of financial interests to non-financial goals. If financial factors are equal, fiduciaries must use a specific tie-breaking standard (*capita aut navia*) and document their reasoning. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that exercising shareholder rights, such as proxy voting, must be done solely in the economic interest of participants and beneficiaries.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025 designates essential firearm-related operations as necessary for protecting human life or property during a government shutdown. This ensures that key functions, such as the FBI's NICS background check system and critical ATF, Commerce, and State Department licensing activities, continue without interruption. Employees performing these duties will be considered "excepted employees" and must continue to work.

The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 aims to expand high-speed broadband access in underserved rural areas through grants and loans. It establishes minimum service standards of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload capacity for funded projects. The bill prioritizes assistance for the most unserved communities and sets funding authorizations through fiscal year 2030.

The Tribal Housing Continuity Act of 2025 ensures continued funding for critical housing programs serving tribal nations during lapses in discretionary appropriations. This Act appropriates \$1.6 billion to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to cover necessary salaries and expenses under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996. These funds allow HUD to process essential administrative actions and funding opportunities, maintaining support for tribal housing projects.

The United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to modernize grain inspection by prioritizing the adoption of new grading technology for improved accuracy and efficiency. It extends key operational authorizations and funding mechanisms for the grain inspection system through 2030. The bill also mandates annual reporting on technology evaluation and efficiency improvements for the grain export industry.

The Pay the People Act ensures that federal employees, military service members, and essential contractors continue to receive their regular pay and benefits automatically if Congress fails to pass full-year or interim continuing appropriations. This automatic funding is drawn from the Treasury and ceases once standard appropriations are enacted. The bill is designed to prevent government shutdowns from disrupting essential personnel compensation.

The Guidelines for User Age-verification and Responsible Dialogue (GUARD) Act establishes federal requirements for companies providing artificial intelligence chatbots to U.S. users. It mandates age verification for all users and prohibits minors from accessing specialized "AI Companions." Furthermore, the bill creates criminal penalties for developing chatbots that solicit minors into sexually explicit conduct or promote violence, and requires covered entities to ensure chatbots clearly disclose they are not human.

The Relief of Chronic Pain Act of 2025 aims to improve access to specific non-opioid treatments for chronic pain under Medicare Part D. This bill eliminates deductibles and limits cost-sharing for qualifying non-opioid chronic pain management drugs starting in 2026. Furthermore, it prohibits Medicare Part D plans from imposing step therapy or prior authorization requirements for these specific non-opioid pain medications.

This Act reauthorizes the National Landslide Preparedness Act through fiscal year 2030, updating definitions to specifically address hazards from atmospheric rivers and extreme precipitation events. It modifies the National Landslide Hazards Reduction Program to enhance risk assessment, establish new regional partnerships, and expand coordination with tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations. Furthermore, the bill establishes a Next Generation Water Observing System within the USGS and increases funding for streamgage monitoring and groundwater quality assessments.

The Learning Innovation and Family Empowerment with AI Act (LIFE with AI Act) aims to enhance student data privacy and parental rights regarding educational technology. It establishes a "Golden Seal of Excellence" for schools using instant verification technology for consent and simplifies directory information opt-outs. Furthermore, the bill restricts the use of student photos for facial recognition AI and sets new requirements for contracts involving third-party educational technology providers.

The Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2025 makes significant technical and substantive updates to the 2010 Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act. This legislation redefines key terms, repeals outdated provisions, and restructures the management of settlement funds. Crucially, it establishes new dedicated accounts—the MRI Projects Account and the Crow CIP Implementation Account—to govern the use of funds for water infrastructure and related projects.

This concurrent resolution authorizes the use of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for the lying in state of the remains of the late James Earl Carter, Jr., the 39th President of the United States. The ceremony is scheduled from January 7 to January 9, 2025, to honor his distinguished service. The resolution also directs the necessary arrangements, including moving the official catafalque into the Rotunda.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week beginning November 3, 2025, as "National School Psychology Week." It recognizes the vital role school psychologists play in supporting the mental health and academic development of students. The bill encourages appropriate activities to promote awareness of their contributions to student success.

This resolution recognizes the 95th anniversary of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, celebrating its historical importance as a vital international crossing. It highlights the tunnel's enduring role in facilitating trade, economic development, and cross-border relations between the U.S. and Canada. The measure also reaffirms the commitment to maintaining strong infrastructure for regional and international connectivity.

The DIRECT Act of 2025 amends federal inspection laws to allow retail stores and restaurants to sell State-inspected meat and poultry products online. These products can be shipped directly to household consumers in normal retail quantities. The bill also includes technical corrections to update outdated language and cross-references within the existing Acts.

The Keep America Building Act ensures that essential work under existing Federal contracts continues without interruption, delay, or stoppage due to a lapse in appropriations. This legislation prevents federal funding gaps from halting ongoing contractual obligations.