Legislation

The ABC Act mandates a comprehensive review of Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs to significantly simplify application processes, forms, and communications for family caregivers. This effort requires federal agencies to streamline requirements, improve customer service, and enhance accessibility across their systems. The goal is to reduce the administrative burden on caregivers while ensuring clear and timely access to essential benefits. Agencies must report their findings and planned actions to Congress within two years of enactment.

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on utilizing low-orbit satellites to improve internet access across the Appalachian region. This investigation will assess the viability, economic impact, and cost-effectiveness of these satellite systems for supporting regional businesses and economic development. The findings will be reported directly to Congress.

The Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025 mandates that any adjustment to the Thrifty Food Plan used for calculating SNAP benefits must not result in an increase in food insecurity. This ensures that updates to the cost of the food plan do not negatively impact households' ability to afford adequate nutrition.

The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act prohibits colleges and universities receiving federal funding from allowing, supporting, or paying for any event on campus that promotes antisemitism. This legislation mandates the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for enforcement. The goal is to ensure federally funded institutions do not host or endorse antisemitic activities.

The Worker Relief and Credit Reform Act of 2025 significantly expands eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), allowing students without children to qualify and lowering the minimum age requirement. It also introduces a major new feature allowing eligible taxpayers to opt into receiving advance monthly EITC payments, capped at 75% of their estimated annual credit. Furthermore, the bill redefines qualifying dependents and adjusts key income thresholds for the credit calculation.

The DEVICE Act of 2025 establishes new reporting requirements for medical device manufacturers regarding design changes and communications made to foreign healthcare providers, with non-compliance resulting in the device being deemed "adulterated." It also formally classifies rapid assessment tests used for cleaning reusable equipment as medical devices, requiring manufacturers to submit validation data to the FDA. This legislation aims to enhance oversight of device modifications and ensure the accuracy of reprocessing verification tools.

The Association Health Plans Act allows broader groups of employers to band together to offer health plans under ERISA, provided they meet specific size and governance requirements. This legislation clarifies that self-employed individuals can participate in these association plans. Furthermore, it establishes modified community rating rules for setting premiums while strictly prohibiting discrimination based on health status.

The GREEN Appraisals Act of 2025 mandates that energy efficiency and renewable energy reports must be considered during the appraisal process for mortgages backed by major federal housing agencies. This ensures borrowers are informed of their right to submit energy reports and that qualified appraisers factor this data into the final property valuation. The bill directs federal agencies to create standards for handling these energy reports without dictating the specific weight an appraiser must assign to the information.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve support and benefits for those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). The bill mandates a review of coverage for technology-related trauma and overhauls the disability claims process to be more sensitive and evidence-flexible. Furthermore, it expands access to VA health care for MST survivors, including those in reserve components, and ensures timely communication of available support services upon filing a claim.

The Train Noise and Vibrations Reduction Act of 2025 mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive study on reducing noise and vibrations from trains near residential areas. This study must result in a detailed report to Congress outlining specific, cost-benefit analyzed recommendations. These suggestions will cover potential solutions ranging from track maintenance and speed limits to noise barriers and home insulation.

The Prescription Drug Transparency and Affordability Act mandates new, detailed financial reporting requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) serving group health plans. This legislation requires PBMs to provide comprehensive, bi-annual reports to employers detailing drug pricing, rebates, and net costs. The goal is to increase transparency so employers can better understand and manage the true cost of prescription drug benefits for their participants. Failure to comply with these reporting mandates will result in significant daily civil penalties.

The No Tax on Bonuses Act of 2025 makes certain enlistment and reenlistment bonuses paid to members of the Armed Forces exempt from federal income tax. This exclusion applies to bonuses received for extending service, accepting commissions, or enlisting/reenlisting in active duty or reserve components. This change ensures that specific military incentive pay is not counted as gross income for federal tax purposes.

The EASE Act of 2025 mandates that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) test a new model to improve access to specialty health services. This "Specialty Health Care Services Access Model" will utilize digital tools, like telehealth, to connect eligible Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP beneficiaries in rural or underserved areas with necessary specialty care. The model must be tested through a network of qualified, experienced, and primarily rural-based nonprofit providers.

The Comprehensive Offshore Resource Enhancement Act of 2025 (CORE Act) mandates comprehensive federal assessments of U.S. offshore energy resources, including those shared with neighboring countries. It requires detailed reports on resource locations, international agreements, and the economic and environmental impacts of development. Furthermore, the bill establishes a requirement for regular comparative analyses detailing how U.S. offshore production practices stack up against those of major global producers.

The Protecting Local Communities from Harmful Algal Blooms Act amends federal law to officially recognize harmful algal blooms as a qualifying disaster event. This change ensures that communities affected by severe algal blooms can access federal emergency assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, similar to aid provided for droughts.

The Repealing Illegal Freedom and Liberty Excises Act (RIFLE Act) eliminates the existing federal tax on firearm transfers. This legislation strikes the relevant section from the Internal Revenue Code and makes necessary technical updates to related statutes. Importantly, this Act does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any new authority over regulated firearms.

The Aviation Education Remaining Operational (AERO) Act ensures the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy in Oklahoma City remains fully operational, including critical air traffic controller training, even during a government shutdown or funding lapse. This measure exempts essential Academy staff and currently enrolled students from furloughs to maintain continuous training operations.

The Reclaim Trade Powers Act focuses on streamlining U.S. trade law by eliminating outdated presidential authority. Specifically, this bill repeals Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which granted the President powers related to balancing international payments. This action reclaims and modernizes existing trade statutes.

The Eliminating the RFS and Its Destructive Outcomes Act completely repeals the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program established under Section 211(o) of the Clean Air Act. This legislation removes all references to the repealed standard throughout related environmental and petroleum marketing laws. In essence, the bill eliminates the federal renewable fuel mandate.

The No Iranian Energy Act aims to strengthen U.S. policy by explicitly targeting Iran's growing natural gas industry with sanctions. This bill amends existing law to ensure that sanctions apply to the sale, supply, or transfer of Iranian natural gas. The legislation reflects Congress's intent to restrict Iran's energy sector activities.