Legislation

This bill amends the Aquifer Recharge Flexibility Act to clarify how existing rights-of-way can be used to convey water for aquifer recharge purposes by state, local, or tribal entities. It establishes a 30-day notification requirement to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) before using these existing access routes. The clarification ensures this flexibility does not authorize new infrastructure or waive compliance with other applicable federal laws.

The BABIES Act aims to improve access to maternity care by establishing new federal grants to help freestanding birth centers start up or expand services. It also creates a Medicaid demonstration program to test new payment models for comprehensive, low-risk maternity care provided by accredited birth centers. These combined efforts seek to increase the availability of quality, community-based birth options, particularly in underserved areas.

The Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act officially renames the Saratoga National Historical Park to the Saratoga National Battlefield Park. This legislation ensures that all official records, laws, and documents reflect the new designation. Essentially, this bill enacts a straightforward name change for the historic site.

The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act of 2025 establishes new mechanisms for states to partner with private entities, called "Community Reclaimers," to clean up abandoned mine pollution, particularly focusing on water quality improvement. This is achieved through state Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that require public input and federal approval. The Act also provides liability protection for these Reclaimers and the site owners, provided the state assumes responsibility for ongoing maintenance and operational costs. All provisions of this Act are set to expire on September 30, 2032.

This bill, the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to sell the federal government's lingering ownership claims over approximately 8.43 acres of land in Sacramento, California, to the current private owners upon request. The sale requires the buyer to pay the full appraised fair market value plus all associated administrative and appraisal costs. Furthermore, the Act ensures that this conveyance does not diminish the established minimum right-of-way access for the Southern Pacific Transportation Company.

This joint resolution provides for congressional disapproval of a proposed foreign military sale to the United Arab Emirates. However, the accompanying text indicates this resolution is actually **approving** the extension of spare parts and support for the UAE's existing helicopter fleet, including Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook aircraft. It confirms Congress's acceptance of this specific logistics and maintenance sale renewal.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital roles and significant contributions of teachers across the United States in strengthening the nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being. It specifically designates National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5–9, 2025, to raise public awareness and encourage greater respect for the teaching profession. Ultimately, this measure serves as a formal expression of gratitude from Congress to educators nationwide.

The Expedited Appeals Review Act (EARA) establishes new, accelerated timelines for the Board of Land Appeals (BOLA) to decide on certain appeals from the Department of the Interior upon request by the appellant. If BOLA fails to meet this expedited deadline, the original decision is automatically treated as final agency action, allowing the appellant to seek immediate judicial review. This review by the court will be conducted *de novo*, meaning the court will examine the case without deference to the agency's prior findings.

The App Store Accountability Act establishes new federal rules for large app stores and developers regarding user age verification and parental consent. It mandates that covered app stores must accurately determine user age and secure verifiable parental consent for minors before they can access or download apps. The law grants the FTC enforcement authority and allows states to sue violators, while providing developers a safe harbor if they rely on the age data provided by the app store.

The AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of U.S. assessed contributions to the United Nations for funding the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under UN Resolution 2719. The bill mandates that the U.S. actively oppose such funding at the UN while simultaneously requiring annual assessments of the African Union's compliance with UN peacekeeping standards. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must report annually to Congress on U.S. peacekeeping contributions, AUSSOM performance, and efforts to secure alternative funding sources.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a proposed foreign military sale of defense articles and services to the Government of Qatar. Specifically, this action blocks the planned sale which includes MQ9B drones, guided bombs, and associated support equipment. Congress is utilizing this resolution to formally halt the specified arms transaction.

The Clean Slate Act of 2025 establishes new federal procedures for automatically sealing certain criminal and arrest records one year after sentence completion, particularly for nonviolent marijuana offenses or cases resulting in acquittal. It also creates a judicial process allowing individuals convicted of other nonviolent offenses to petition the court to seal their records after meeting specific criteria. This legislation aims to protect sealed records from general disclosure while maintaining access for law enforcement and national security purposes.

The Universal Savings Account Act of 2025 establishes new tax-advantaged savings vehicles called Universal Savings Accounts (USAs). These accounts allow individuals to save money with tax-exempt growth, subject to annual contribution limits that begin at \$10,000 for 2025 and adjust for inflation. Generally, distributions from a USA are not taxed as income, though specific rules apply to rollovers and inherited accounts. The legislation sets forth detailed requirements for account trustees, investment restrictions, and penalties for excess contributions.

This bill mandates the creation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Secretaries of the Interior and Energy to address the financial impacts of the recent Glen Canyon Dam Record of Decision on the Upper Colorado River Basin Fund. The resulting plan must ensure the Fund can meet its obligations for maintenance and equipment replacement, account for any changes in hydropower production costs, and address impacts on listed threatened or endangered species. This action aims to safeguard the Fund's financial stability despite the new operational plan.

The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 mandates that hotels and short-term rental platforms must advertise the **total mandatory price** for lodging upfront, including all service fees. This federal law prohibits hidden fees in initial advertisements, requiring the full cost to be clearly displayed throughout the booking process. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcement, and the new rules preempt stricter state or local laws regarding lodging price advertising.

The Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2025 establishes a nationwide prohibition on corporal punishment in all federally funded educational programs. It creates strong enforcement mechanisms, allowing parents to sue and authorizing the Attorney General to intervene in cases of abuse. Furthermore, the Act establishes a grant program to incentivize states to adopt positive behavior support systems to reduce harsh disciplinary actions and improve school climate.

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF), recognizing its vital role in advancing U.S. science, engineering, and education since 1950. Congress acknowledges the NSF's foundational support for groundbreaking innovations, including the internet and advancements in medical technology. The bill reaffirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the NSF continues to lead in scientific discovery for decades to come.

This resolution officially supports the designation of May 16, 2025, as "Endangered Species Day." It recognizes the inherent value of America's plants and wildlife and acknowledges the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Furthermore, the bill celebrates the success of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in preventing extinctions and highlights the importance of continued conservation efforts.

This resolution formally honors law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, specifically recognizing the 345 officers whose service ended in 2024. It reaffirms support for all active officers and emphasizes the need to ensure they have the proper resources and training to perform their duties safely. The bill serves as a formal expression of gratitude and remembrance for their ultimate sacrifice.

This resolution formally asserts the United States' moral and legal obligation to provide comprehensive reparations to descendants of enslaved Africans for the enduring harm caused by chattel slavery and subsequent systemic discrimination. It details centuries of state-sanctioned injustice, including economic exclusion, violence, and wealth theft. Ultimately, the bill calls for the Federal Government to take concrete actions, including financial compensation, systemic legal reform, and a formal apology, to achieve holistic repair and reconciliation.