Legislation

The Secure Space Act of 2025 prohibits the FCC from granting satellite licenses, U.S. market access, or earth station authorizations to any entity that produces or provides "covered communications equipment or service." This restriction also applies to any affiliates of such entities. The goal is to prevent companies involved in restricted communications technology from operating U.S. satellite systems. This new rule takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The Bioweapon Prevention Act of 2025 prohibits federal funding for any research center or laboratory conducting agricultural research if a national from a designated "country of concern" is employed there. This measure specifically targets facilities where citizens from China, Iran, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea are involved in agricultural research. The goal is to prevent the potential misuse of agricultural science by these nations.

The Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets Act mandates that federal agencies conduct comprehensive software inventories and develop detailed modernization plans to consolidate licenses and improve management. These assessments must detail software usage, contracts, and associated costs, with findings reported to key oversight bodies. The law aims to increase efficiency, reduce unnecessary spending, and ensure better governance over agency software assets without authorizing new appropriations.

The READY Accounts Act establishes new tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help homeowners fund disaster mitigation and recovery expenses. Contributions to these accounts are tax-deductible up to \$4,500 annually, and withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified home safety improvements or necessary repairs. Misuse of the funds results in the withdrawal being taxed as ordinary income plus a 20% penalty.

This resolution formally condemns former FBI Director James B. Comey for allegedly inciting violence against President Donald J. Trump through a social media post. Congress views this action as a dangerous threat to the President's security while abroad. Furthermore, the resolution demands investigations into Comey's actions and urges that he be permanently barred from future federal employment.

The Cure Hepatitis C Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive federal program to eliminate Hepatitis C by coordinating national strategy, creating a subscription drug purchasing model to provide free treatment to high-risk populations (including incarcerated individuals and the uninsured), and funding public health activities for testing and outreach. Furthermore, the bill eliminates out-of-pocket costs for Hepatitis C treatments under Medicare Part D from 2027 through 2031. All funds appropriated under this Act are restricted for use only by individuals meeting specific lawful immigration statuses.

The Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 prohibits critical port facilities requiring federal security plans from entering into ownership, leasing, or operational contracts with entities controlled by or partially owned by China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. This measure aims to enhance national security by restricting foreign adversary influence over vital U.S. maritime infrastructure.

This bill establishes the Senate NATO Observer Group, a dedicated body of Senators focused on issues concerning the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The group will serve as a central forum for discussing complex NATO matters, advising the full Senate, and maintaining close contact with the executive branch regarding NATO negotiations and expansion. Members will be appointed by the Majority and Minority Leaders, and the group must report annually on its activities.

The AFIDA Improvements Act of 2025 updates the rules for reporting foreign ownership of U.S. farmland under the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978. This bill lowers the minimum reporting threshold to 1% ownership for certain foreign investors and clarifies enforcement procedures for the Secretary of Agriculture. Furthermore, it mandates information sharing between the Department of Agriculture and national security officials (CFIUS) regarding these foreign investment disclosures. The Act also requires updates to official handbooks and an analysis of implementing a fully electronic reporting system.

The American Cargo for American Ships Act amends existing law to mandate that cargo procured, furnished, or financed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) must be shipped on U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. This requirement applies when U.S. ships are available at fair and reasonable rates. The goal is to ensure American commercial vessels carry 100% of eligible DOT-financed cargo across various geographic areas.

The Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act revises federal statutes concerning several serious offenses. This bill strengthens penalties for bank robbery and motor vehicle crimes, while also clarifying the intent required to convict individuals who assault federal officers. Furthermore, it establishes a new federal crime targeting the distribution of controlled substances disguised as candy or drinks to minors.

The ABC-ED Act of 2025 aims to improve emergency department efficiency by allowing public health grants to fund real-time hospital bed capacity tracking systems. It also mandates the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to pilot programs focused on enhancing emergency care for older adults and those in acute psychiatric crises. Finally, the bill directs a study on best practices for these capacity tracking systems and their impact on emergency wait times.

The Specialist Fourth Class Keith Smith Glioblastoma Parity Act of 2025 addresses the lasting impact of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War. This bill mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) presume glioblastoma multiforme is service-connected for eligible Vietnam veterans. This change simplifies the process for veterans suffering from this aggressive brain cancer to receive disability benefits.

The Do or Dye Act mandates the removal of specific artificial color additives from the U.S. food supply. Starting in late 2025, "qualified color additives" will be banned from food, followed by a ban on "covered color additives" like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5 by the end of 2026. Foods containing these prohibited colors after the respective deadlines will be deemed adulterated under federal law.

The Supporting American Allies Act exempts articles imported from Israel and Ukraine from reciprocal tariffs previously imposed by an Executive Order aimed at addressing trade deficits. This legislation provides specific trade relief by removing these extra import duties for goods originating from the two allied nations.

The Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act aims to standardize gaming regulations for the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Tribes in Texas. This bill ensures these two Tribes are regulated consistently under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, just like all other Tribes nationwide. It achieves this by removing confusing, outdated language specific to Texas and fully applying existing federal gaming laws to their operations.

The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act aims to increase financial support for veterans pursuing education entirely online. This bill eliminates the current 50% cap on the monthly housing stipend for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients enrolled more than half-time in distance learning programs. If enacted, this change would allow these students to receive the full monthly housing allowance rate, effective for terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025.

The Health and Endocrine Research on personal care products for women Act (HER Act) establishes grant programs to fund research into the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in personal care products on women's reproductive health. These grants will support scientific investigation, state-level awareness campaigns about safer alternatives, and provide recommendations to Congress for strengthening FDA regulation of harmful chemicals. The bill mandates regular reporting on research findings and the impact of state initiatives.

The Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2025 updates the WIC program by replacing outdated terminology with "substance use disorder." This legislation mandates the development of specialized, evidence-based nutrition education materials for WIC participants affected by substance use disorder. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to actively reach out to and support these families through training and resource sharing. The Act authorizes $1 million for fiscal year 2026 to implement these new support activities.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 repeals key provisions of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This legislation allows federal gun trace information to be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil lawsuits and administrative hearings. The bill aims to provide victims of gun violence with greater access to relevant data in legal proceedings.