Legislation

The Streamlining FEMA Procurement Procedures Act of 2025 aims to speed up disaster recovery by allowing local governments to use the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) hiring method for federally funded projects. This legislation also significantly raises the simplified procurement spending threshold from $\$1$ million to $\$3$ million. These changes are intended to make acquiring necessary construction and professional services more efficient after a disaster.

The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (DRIVE-SAFE Act) establishes a structured apprenticeship program allowing drivers under 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. This program requires apprentices to complete 400 hours of supervised training, divided into two probationary phases focusing on foundational and advanced driving skills. Participation mandates specific vehicle technology, such as automatic transmissions and collision mitigation systems, and continuous supervision by an experienced driver.

The Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2025 aims to improve immigration pathways and protections for noncitizen service members and veterans. The bill mandates studies on previously removed noncitizen veterans, establishes a system within DHS to track noncitizen veterans facing removal, and creates an advisory committee to review deportation cases. Furthermore, it streamlines the path to citizenship for active duty service members and allows certain removed noncitizen veterans to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident.

This bill amends the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program to include nationals of the Republic of Korea, contingent upon a reciprocal agreement with South Korea. Employers hiring Korean nationals under this provision must be active participants in the E-Verify program. The legislation also establishes an annual cap on the total number of E-3 visas issued to both Australian and Korean nationals combined.

The Childhood Genital Mutilation Prevention Act establishes a new federal crime prohibiting medical professionals from knowingly providing specific gender-related medical treatments to minors under 18, with penalties up to ten years in prison. This legislation also prohibits Medicare from covering these treatments for minors and bans the use of all federal funds for such care. Exceptions to the prohibition apply only when treating a diagnosed disorder of sex development.

The LAUNCH Act aims to significantly streamline and modernize the regulatory framework for the commercial space industry, covering both launch/reentry and remote sensing systems. It mandates a review of current space launch regulations, establishes a new digital tracking system for applications, and creates the Commercial Space Transportation Administration (CSTA) within the DOT. Furthermore, the bill encourages innovation by easing licensing requirements and improving interagency coordination on flight safety analysis.

The Schools Want Accountability for Threats Act (SWAT Act) increases federal penalties for individuals who make threats involving fire, explosives, or false information targeting schools. This legislation specifically enhances punishments for threats made through the mail or across state lines against any recognized educational institution. Violators of these provisions now face up to 20 years in prison, a fine, or both.

The Return to Palestinian Entities Accountability and Counterterrorism Enforcement Act, or the Return to PEACE Act, ensures that existing visa sanctions against members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) officials remain in effect. The Secretary of State can waive these bans for renewable 180-day periods only after certifying to Congress that the PLO/PA are not undermining prior commitments, pursuing international legal action against Israel, or supporting terrorism. These provisions are set to expire seven years after enactment.

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic in Riverhead, New York, to honor a local hero. The facility will now be known as the "Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic." This designation recognizes PFC Langhorn's extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice while serving in Vietnam.

The Improving Drought Monitoring Act extends the authorization for the U.S. Drought Monitor program through 2030. It establishes an interagency working group to improve the accuracy and consistency of drought data used in the Monitor. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service coordinate their drought response activities to ensure consistent severity determinations.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility at 170 Main Street in Westhampton Beach, New York. The building will henceforth be known as the "Jolly 51 Memorial Post Office Building." This designation ensures all federal references to the location use the new memorial name.

The Flood Insurance Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the public release of comprehensive data regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This includes detailed information on flood risk assessments, premium calculations, claims history, and loss ratios. The goal is to enhance public access to NFIP data to support better flood risk research and analysis. All released information must be anonymized to strictly protect the privacy of individual policyholders.

The Mental Health Care Provider Retention Act of 2025 allows eligible veterans transitioning from military to VA care to elect to continue seeing their current Department of Defense (DoD) mental health provider. This provision ensures continuity of care during the transition period, with the VA reimbursing the DoD for these services. The bill also outlines procedures for record sharing and provider changes if the chosen DoD provider leaves the military facility.

This bill prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from enforcing non-compete clauses against private insurance companies participating in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Write Your Own Program. This change ensures that these partner companies are free to sell their own private flood insurance products alongside their NFIP responsibilities. The legislation aims to foster competition between private flood insurance options and the federal program.

The Growing University AI Research for Defense Act (GUARD Act) authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institutes at eligible senior military colleges. These institutes will focus on critical defense-related AI challenges through broad partnerships across government, academia, and industry. The funding supports research, data sharing, testing environments, and workforce development exclusively within the United States.

The Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025 significantly broadens protections against retaliation for individuals working on federal contracts, particularly those with the DoD and NASA. This legislation expands the definition of a "protected individual" to cover a wider range of contractors, subcontractors, and grantees, ensuring they can report waste, fraud, or illegal activity without fear of punishment. Furthermore, the Act explicitly voids any agreement, including arbitration clauses, that attempts to waive these newly expanded whistleblower rights.

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to enhance support and accountability for English learners. It mandates new data collection on teacher diversity and sets clearer goals for English learner academic achievement. The legislation also expands authorized uses of funds for grantees to include providing comprehensive support services and culturally competent professional development for educators.

The No Stock Act bans high-ranking government officials and their immediate families from holding, trading, or creating short positions in stocks, cryptocurrencies, and other conflicted financial interests while in office. Covered individuals must divest existing prohibited assets within 120 days of taking office or the law's enactment. Knowing violations will result in significant financial penalties based on the value of the illegally held asset.

The National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the NFIP through administrative updates and increased accountability. This bill establishes a pilot program for inspecting older properties, introduces penalties for fraud, and enhances policyholder rights, including a mandatory appeals process and faster claim deadlines. Furthermore, it mandates oversight of litigation expenses, ensures adequate staffing for the Flood Insurance Advocate, and directs studies on claims handling and earth movement coverage.

The Equal Campus Access Act of 2025 ensures that public colleges receiving federal funding must grant religious student organizations the same rights, benefits, and privileges afforded to all other student groups. This prevents institutions from denying resources or penalizing religious groups based on their beliefs, practices, speech, leadership selection, or conduct standards. Essentially, the bill mandates equal treatment for all student organizations on campus to maintain federal funding eligibility.