Legislation

The RED TAPE Act aims to ensure that federal regulations are based on clear, measurable monetary benefits by amending Title 5 of the United States Code, Chapter 6, to add new rules regarding regulatory and benefit-cost analyses. It requires agencies to prioritize easily measured monetary benefits when making decisions, and prohibits the use of non-monetized or unquantified factors in regulatory impact or benefit-cost analyses. The Act mandates agencies to publish detailed analyses of proposed rules in the Federal Register, and allows affected parties to challenge rules that do not comply with these requirements in court. Ultimately, the RED TAPE Act seeks to promote transparency and accountability in federal regulation by ensuring that regulatory decisions are grounded in sound economic analysis.

The FIR Act, or Forest Information Reform Act, aims to streamline environmental regulations by waiving the need for the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to reinitiate consultations under the Endangered Species Act in certain situations, specifically when new species are listed, critical habitats are designated, or new information emerges regarding land management impacts. This waiver applies when land management or land use plans are already in place.

This resolution designates February 2025 as "Hawaiian Language Month" or "ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Month," recognizing the importance of preserving, protecting, and promoting the Hawaiian language. It acknowledges the historical suppression of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and celebrates ongoing revitalization efforts. The resolution encourages participation in activities and programs that honor and celebrate the language throughout the month.

The "Justice for Victims of Sanctuary Cities Act of 2025" allows victims of certain crimes committed by aliens to sue sanctuary jurisdictions that failed to honor Department of Homeland Security requests or detainers. It mandates that states or local governments accepting specific federal grants waive immunity in these civil actions and protects state and local entities from liability when acting on Department of Homeland Security detainers. This act aims to ensure cooperation between federal and local law enforcement while holding sanctuary jurisdictions accountable for harm caused by their policies.

The "Recruiting Families Using Data Act of 2025" aims to improve foster care and adoption outcomes by requiring states to develop and implement "family partnership plans." These plans focus on data-driven recruitment, support, and retention of foster and adoptive families, with an emphasis on kinship placements and reducing congregate care. The Act also mandates increased data collection and reporting on foster family capacity, demographics, and challenges to better inform recruitment and support efforts at the state and federal levels.

The ALIGN Act makes full expensing permanent for qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017, by amending Section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It also removes outdated clauses and updates references within Section 168(k) and amends Section 460(c)(6)(B) to clarify its application to property with a recovery period of 7 years or less. These changes are retroactive, as if included in Public Law 115-97.

This bill amends the Long-Term Leasing Act to grant the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) the authority to enter into leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust. This provides them with the same leasing powers as the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation, promoting economic development and self-determination.

The "Overtime Pay Tax Relief Act of 2025" permits a tax deduction for overtime compensation, up to 20% of other wages, for individuals earning below specified income thresholds (\$200,000 for married couples, \$150,000 for heads of household, and \$100,000 for other individuals). This deduction is available to both itemizers and non-itemizers, and the Treasury will adjust withholding tables accordingly. This provision is effective for amounts received after enactment and expires after December 31, 2029.

The BNA Fairness Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude the basic needs allowance for members of the Armed Forces from gross income. This allowance, as defined under section 402b of title 37, United States Code, is now classified as a qualified military benefit, providing a tax advantage to service members. This provision is applicable for taxable years ending after the enactment of this act.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, recognizing the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. service members involved. It acknowledges the battle's significance in securing victory in the Pacific during World War II and honors the reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The resolution also encourages Americans to remember and honor the veterans of Iwo Jima.

The FIND Act prohibits federal agencies from contracting with entities that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industries. It requires federal contractors and subcontractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities, with penalties for violations. This act aims to ensure fair treatment of firearm-related businesses in federal contracting.

The "Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters collectively, recognizing their service, sacrifice, and bravery. The Secretary of the Treasury will produce the medal, consulting with the National Interagency Fire Center on the design, and bronze duplicates will be made available for sale to the public. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the National Interagency Fire Center for display and research.

The "Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act" permanently authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services to very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, ensuring continued support for this vulnerable population. This act amends existing legislation to include a permanent appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, solidifying the commitment to assisting veterans in need.

The "Defending American Jobs and Investment Act" combats unfair foreign taxes by requiring reports on countries with extraterritorial or discriminatory taxes, mandating engagement with those countries to address these issues, and authorizing remedial actions such as increased tax rates and procurement prohibitions. This act aims to protect U.S. businesses and investments from discriminatory tax practices and ensure fair international trade.

The WaterSMART Access for Tribes Act amends the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. It authorizes the Secretary to reduce or waive cost-sharing requirements for infrastructure projects with Indian Tribes if those requirements would create financial hardship for the Tribe. This change aims to ease the financial burden on Tribes participating in water management improvements.

The "BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act" prevents recent fossil fuel executives and lobbyists (within 10 years of appointment) from becoming heads of key departments or political appointees in agencies focused on energy, environment, and science. This includes barring them from serving in these roles in an acting capacity. The bill aims to limit the influence of the fossil fuel industry in government.

The Cyber PIVOTT Act aims to bolster the cybersecurity workforce by expanding CISA's education and training programs to community colleges and technical schools, offering scholarships for students in cyber-related fields who commit to a service obligation in government. This act prioritizes skills-based training, internships, and industry-relevant certifications, while also establishing recruitment and resource platforms to connect graduates with federal job opportunities. The goal is to significantly increase the number of students enrolled in cybersecurity programs, addressing critical workforce gaps in the cyber sector. The Act also requires CISA to review its education and training programs and report to Congress.

The "Not One More Inch or Acre Act" prohibits citizens and entities of the People's Republic of China from purchasing public or private real estate in the United States and mandates the sale of any U.S. real estate owned by these individuals or entities if deemed a national security risk. Refugees and asylum seekers from China are exempt, as well as U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. The bill also increases the penalty for violations of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to no less than 10 percent, and up to 25 percent, of the value of the land holdings for which the person failed to report or submitted a deliberately false report.

The "Reinforcing the Grid Against Extreme Weather Act of 2025" aims to bolster the resilience of the U.S. electrical grid by improving interregional electricity transfer capabilities. It directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish regulations that mandate minimum transfer capabilities between neighboring transmission planning regions to ensure reliability during extreme events. The Act requires regional transmission entities to develop and regularly update plans for interregional transmission projects, with FERC overseeing the approval and implementation of these plans. This will be achieved by identifying, selecting, and allocating costs for interregional transmission projects needed to meet the minimum transfer capability.

The "Energy Opportunities for All Act" nullifies Public Land Order No. 7923. This act removes any legal authority or restrictions imposed by the public land order.