Legislation

The Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act requires dairy manufacturers to report their production costs and product yield information. The Secretary will then publish a report every two years with the collected data, starting three years after the law's enactment. This aims to increase transparency in dairy processing costs.

The "Thin Blue Line Act" amends the US Code to include the killing or targeting of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder as a new aggravating factor for the death penalty. This applies if the victim was targeted because of their official duties or status as a public official.

This resolution expresses the Senate's gratitude to Senator Patty Murray for her service as President Pro Tempore. It further designates Senator Murray as President Pro Tempore Emerita of the United States Senate in recognition of her service.

The Mobile Post Office Relief Act mandates the Postal Service to deploy mobile retail units to areas where a postal facility is temporarily closed and located far from other postal services. These mobile units must be deployed within three business days of a closure, or within 30 days if the facility is already closed when the law is enacted. The mobile units will offer essential services such as selling packaging, providing access to P.O. boxes, and processing change-of-address forms until the original facility reopens.

The "Holding Child Predators Accountable Act" amends Title 18 to increase penalties for child pornography offenses. This bill raises the punishment for possession, exploitation, or creation of child pornography to include potential fines, death, or life imprisonment.

The "Clergy Act" allows clergy members to revoke their exemption from Social Security coverage, making them eligible for benefits. To revoke the exemption, clergy must file an application by the due date of their second tax year after December 31, 2027, with the revocation taking effect in either the first or second tax year after that date. The Commissioner of Internal Revenue, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Social Security, must submit a plan to Congress on how to inform clergy about this new option.

This resolution streamlines House procedures for debating and voting on a bill concerning responsible policies (H.R. 185). It bypasses certain procedural hurdles, such as challenges to the bill's content, and includes an amendment from the Rules Committee's ranking minority member. Debate time is limited, and the Clerk is instructed to notify the Senate of the bill's passage.

The "State Border Security Reimbursement Act of 2025" aims to reimburse states that have spent over $2,500,000,000 on border security in the 10 years prior to the Act. It requires the federal government to reimburse states for border security expenses they incurred without federal funding. Eligible states must apply within 180 days of the Act's enactment, providing detailed records of their expenses.

The "Seventh Amendment Restoration Act" allows individuals or businesses involved in administrative agency disputes to move their case from an agency hearing to a federal district court. This change aims to provide an alternative venue for resolving disputes with federal agencies, similar to the process of moving cases from state to federal courts. It defines an agency hearing officer as administrative law judges or authorized agency employees.

This bill supports the recognition of Juan Pablo Duarte's historical significance and contributions to the Dominican Republic's independence. It supports the goals of Juan Pablo Duarte Day and the establishment of a national day honoring him. The bill also encourages Americans to recognize Dominican Americans with ceremonies and activities.

The READY Accounts Act establishes Residential Emergency Asset-accumulation Deferred Taxation Yield (READY) accounts, which allow individuals to deduct up to $4,500 annually for contributions used for qualified home disaster mitigation and recovery expenses. These accounts offer tax benefits, including tax-exempt status and exclusion of qualified distributions from gross income, while non-qualified distributions are subject to taxation and potential penalties. The bill also outlines rules for rollovers, divorce-related transfers, treatment upon the beneficiary's death, and reporting requirements. This act amends the Internal Revenue Code to coordinate READY accounts with existing tax provisions and takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This resolution formally elects Judy Chu to the House Committee on the Budget. Her appointment places her in a ranking order directly following Representative Jayapal on the committee. This change adjusts the composition of the House Budget Committee.

The "Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act" rescinds any unspent funds that were previously allocated to the IRS. These funds were intended for specific activities outlined in section 10301 of Public Law 117-169. The rescission is effective from the date of the enactment of this act.

The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act establishes a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing eligible veterans to choose their healthcare providers, including those outside of VA facilities. This program aims to improve healthcare access by removing restrictions on where veterans can receive care and enabling them to select primary and specialty care providers within a covered care system. After a trial period, the program's provisions for healthcare choice are set to become a permanent requirement, expanding veterans' access to care across different VA medical facilities. The Act requires regular reports on the program's implementation and results, ensuring oversight and accountability.

This bill, the "District of Columbia Legislative Home Rule Act," eliminates Congressional review of District of Columbia laws, giving the city greater autonomy over its legislative process. It removes the requirement for Congressional approval of D.C. acts, allowing laws passed by the D.C. Council and Mayor (or through voter initiatives) to take effect without Congressional intervention. These changes will apply to D.C. acts passed on or after the first day of the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.

This proposed constitutional amendment mandates a balanced federal budget, where total spending cannot exceed total income, unless a supermajority in Congress approves specific overspending. The President must submit a balanced budget annually. Exceptions are allowed for declared wars, national emergencies, or natural disasters, each requiring specific congressional approval. The amendment would take effect five years after ratification, giving Congress time to enact enforcement legislation.

The HELP PETS Act prohibits federal funding to colleges and universities that conduct or fund painful research on dogs and cats. Exceptions include clinical veterinary research benefiting the animal, and studies involving service or military animals. "Painful research" refers to procedures classified as pain category D or E by the Department of Agriculture. This law aims to ensure federal funds are not used for painful experiments on pets in higher education institutions.

This bill allocates \$25,977,070 from the House of Representatives' funds to cover the expenses of the Committee on Armed Services during the 119th Congress, including staff salaries. The funds are divided into two equal amounts, one for each session of Congress. Payments must be made via vouchers approved by the Chairman and the House Administration Committee, and all expenditures must comply with the House Administration Committee's regulations.

This proposed constitutional amendment would lower the national voting age to 16. It repeals the 26th Amendment and prohibits the federal government or any state from denying citizens aged 16 and older the right to vote based on age. The amendment grants Congress the authority to enforce this change through appropriate legislation.

The "National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act" aims to support the National Law Enforcement Museum's programs for community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The act authorizes \$6,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for each of the first 7 fiscal years after the law is enacted. It requires annual progress reports to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds. The Act allows the Secretary to use funds to continue activities the National Law Enforcement Museum was already doing when this law was enacted.