Legislation

The Making Access To Cleanup Happen (MATCH) Act of 2025 streamlines the Emergency Watershed Protection Program by allowing local sponsors to begin critical cleanup work before final federal agreements are signed. This allows state-level processes to authorize early spending on emergency measures following a natural disaster. Any eligible costs incurred early will count toward the sponsor's required contribution, provided a final agreement is eventually reached. However, sponsors assume the financial risk if the Secretary ultimately declines to enter into an agreement.

The Government Shutdown Salary Suspension Act mandates that the salaries of Members of Congress, the President, and the Vice President be held in escrow during any government shutdown caused by a failure to fund the government. This withheld pay will not be released until the shutdown ends or the official's term concludes, whichever comes first. All standard tax withholdings and deductions will still be applied to the escrowed amounts.

This bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense establish regulations requiring all optional combat boots worn by service members as part of their required uniform to be 100% manufactured in the United States. This requirement covers all materials and components used in the boots. Exceptions are provided for boots needed for specialized military requirements or documented medical necessity.

The Bracero Program 2.0 Act aims to modernize the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program by streamlining employer processes through a new online portal and setting a guaranteed minimum wage plus $\$2.00$ per hour for workers. It also establishes a six-year pilot program allowing certain returning H-2A workers to move between approved farms within the same state for greater job flexibility. Finally, the bill expands H-2A eligibility to include greenhouse and indoor farm workers and mandates several oversight reports by the GAO.

The Efficiency Gains through Grading Standards And Viable Enhancement Act of 2025 (EGG SAVE Act) establishes a temporary, declining tax credit for businesses that purchase and install high-accuracy, in-ovo sex identification equipment in U.S. commercial egg hatcheries. This credit encourages the adoption of technology that determines embryo sex before hatching, requiring a 95% accuracy rate. Claiming the credit necessitates a corresponding reduction in the equipment's tax basis.

The Fraud Reduction And Uncovering Deception (FRAUD) in VA Disability Exams Act requires the VA to establish systems to identify and report fraudulent activity on Disability Benefit Questionnaire (DBQ) forms. This legislation enhances the investigative authority of the VA's Inspector General to address suspected fraud. While generally preventing reopening of past benefit decisions based on these investigations, the VA may reopen a decision if a court convicts someone of fraud related to the claim evidence. The VA must also report annually to Congress on these anti-fraud efforts.

The National Fire Academy RESCUE Act ensures that fire departments are reimbursed for expenses incurred when National Fire Academy training courses are canceled due to a lapse in federal appropriations (a government shutdown). FEMA must reimburse departments for covered costs, such as travel and backfill staffing, within 90 days of receiving an itemized application following the shutdown's end. This reimbursement does not apply if the cancellation was due to reasons other than a lapse in appropriations, such as instructor illness or other emergencies.

This bill, the Improving SBA Engagement on Employee Ownership Act, mandates that the Small Business Administrator must attend federal meetings focused on cooperatives and employee ownership. It also requires the SBA to expand outreach for its investment company program to include current partners. Finally, the legislation requires the SBA to quickly implement existing duties related to promoting employee ownership and cooperatives.

This bill authorizes the striking and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Donald J. Trump in recognition of his alleged extraordinary peacemaking efforts globally. Congress specifically cites several purported international peace deals and ceasefires secured by the former President as justification for this high honor. The Act also outlines the process for creating and selling bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025 ensures that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can continue essential disaster relief operations during a government funding lapse. This act authorizes the FEMA Administrator to use existing, previously appropriated funds from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to maintain critical Stafford Act programs. Furthermore, necessary staff will be retained as "excepted employees" to manage these ongoing life-saving and property-protecting activities.

The FCRA Liability Harmonization Act aims to standardize civil liability for class action lawsuits under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This bill caps the total recovery amount for both willful and negligent violations in class actions at the lesser of $500,000 or 1% of the company's net worth. Furthermore, it places new limits on the recoverable attorney's fees and court costs associated with these class action claims.

The AI–WISE Act mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop and provide free, accessible educational resources and training modules on Artificial Intelligence for small businesses. These resources must cover AI fundamentals, risk management, privacy, and practical application, ensuring the content is current and unbiased. The bill explicitly states that no new funding is authorized, requiring the SBA to implement these educational requirements using existing budgetary allocations.

This bill, the White House NOT FOR SALE Act, prohibits placing any individual's or organization's name on permanent or semi-permanent displays within the White House or its grounds without express approval from both the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House. This approval process requires consultation with the White House Curator and the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. However, displays that qualify as "commemorative works" are governed by existing federal law instead.

The BALL Act, or White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act, prohibits the use of federal funds for any construction or renovation projects at the White House or its grounds during a government shutdown caused by a lapse in appropriations. This spending ban remains in effect until new funding is enacted. The only exception allows for work deemed immediately necessary for health or safety reasons.

The 504 Program Risk Oversight Act mandates that the Small Business Administration (SBA) conduct an annual, detailed risk analysis of its entire portfolio of guaranteed 504 loans. The SBA Administrator must then submit a comprehensive report detailing this risk profile—broken down by industry, loan size, and business age—to Congress annually. This report must also outline steps taken to mitigate identified risks and will be made publicly available shortly after submission.

The Voluntary Grazing Permit Retirement Act of 2025 establishes a program allowing ranchers in 16 Western States to voluntarily and permanently retire their federal grazing permits. This action permanently halts livestock grazing on the relinquished federal land allotments managed by the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior. The Act sets annual limits on the number of permits that can be accepted and stipulates that waiving a permit also transfers ownership of associated range improvements to the government.

The Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 establishes U.S. policy to prioritize defense cooperation and security assistance for key NATO allies bordering Russia and Belarus. This legislation designates specific frontline nations as "Eastern Flank Strategic Defense Partners" based on geographic location and commitment to defense spending. The Act mandates that these partners receive priority access to U.S. military financing, equipment transfers, and pre-positioned war reserve stocks to enhance regional deterrence. Finally, the Secretaries of Defense and State must brief Congress on the implementation of these priorities within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025 ensures that states, local governments, or school districts are reimbursed for any of their own funds used to keep Head Start and Early Head Start programs operational during a lapse in federal appropriations. This legislation protects these vital early childhood education services from disruption caused by government shutdowns. By guaranteeing reimbursement, the Act encourages local entities to maintain program continuity without bearing the financial burden.

This resolution officially designates October 23, 2025, as "National Marine Sanctuary Day" to honor the importance of the National Marine Sanctuary System. It recognizes these underwater parks for protecting vital ecosystems, cultural history, and supporting local economies through recreation and tourism. The bill encourages the public to responsibly visit and enjoy these treasured ocean and Great Lakes sites.

This resolution officially designates the week beginning October 19, 2025, as "Coal Week." It serves to recognize and commend the workers in the coal industry for their vital contributions to American energy security and economic stability. The bill also highlights coal's historical importance and its continued role in providing reliable, affordable electricity.