Legislation

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the energy tax credit available for qualified fuel cell property. It pushes the expiration date for claiming this credit from January 1, 2025, to January 1, 2033. This extension applies to property where construction begins after December 31, 2024.

The Smoke Exposure Research Act directs the Department of Agriculture to conduct comprehensive research on mitigating wildfire smoke taint in wine grapes. This research will focus on identifying harmful chemical compounds, developing rapid testing methods, and creating preventative or remedial tools for growers. The effort mandates collaboration with land-grant universities in key wine-producing states and authorizes $6.5 million annually for this purpose from 2026 through 2030.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Preserving and Protecting Local News Month" to recognize the critical importance of local journalism. It highlights the severe decline of local news outlets across the country, which has created numerous "news deserts." The measure affirms that local news is vital for a healthy democracy and community engagement.

The Snow Survey Northeast Expansion Act of 2025 mandates the expansion of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) snow survey and water supply forecasting program into the Northeastern United States. This legislation officially defines the region and requires the NRCS to begin conducting snow measurements and water supply forecasts there. The goal is to bring essential water resource data collection to this previously underserved area.

The Belt and Road Oversight Act establishes a "Country China Officer" at every U.S. embassy to monitor Chinese activities, particularly those related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The bill mandates comprehensive reviews of existing BRI projects, including host country debt and potential collateral. Furthermore, it requires annual reporting on BRI projects and the development of country-specific strategies to counter PRC influence. Finally, it directs the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to prioritize financing alternatives for nations targeted by China's infrastructure schemes.

The Deliver for Democracy Act ties the Postal Service's ability to raise periodical rates to meeting specific on-time delivery performance targets for magazines and newspapers. It mandates annual public reporting by the Postmaster General on newspaper delivery performance, requiring input from relevant industry groups. Finally, the bill directs the GAO to study and report on alternative pricing strategies for periodicals that currently cost the USPS more to handle than they generate in postage.

The Expanding Medical Education Act establishes a new federal grant program to fund the creation, upgrade, or expansion of medical and osteopathic schools, especially in medically underserved areas. Priority is given to institutions planning to open where no other medical school currently exists or that serve minority populations in unserved locations. Funds must be used to recruit and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds and develop curricula focused on care in underserved communities. The Secretary must report to Congress every five years on the program's impact on the healthcare workforce and access to care.

This bill aims to prohibit the export of U.S.-produced or refined natural gas intended for re-export from foreign Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals. Congress asserts this action is necessary due to concerns over corruption in Mexico and potential violations of fair trade under the USMCA. The legislation specifically targets indirect exports that utilize foreign facilities as intermediaries.

The Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act establishes a new federal grant program to help states fund local school districts in supporting students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. Funds must primarily be used to train school staff on recognizing seizures and implementing individualized health and emergency care plans. The bill also mandates specific training for school nurses and bus drivers, ensuring comprehensive, good-faith preparedness for student seizures.

The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025 amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit states from receiving waivers to set new vehicle emission standards that restrict the sale or use of new cars with internal combustion engines. This legislation invalidates any existing or future state standards that directly or indirectly limit traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Furthermore, the bill mandates the revocation of any previously granted waivers that conflict with this new restriction.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Department of Energy's (DOE) proposed energy conservation standards for commercial refrigerators, freezers, and refrigerator-freezers. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is officially rejecting and nullifying the specific DOE rule published in the Federal Register. Consequently, the DOE's proposed energy efficiency requirements for these commercial cooling units will not take effect.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to help first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers purchase homes. This program offers qualifying first-time homebuyers the potential for a zero down payment mortgage. A key feature is the elimination of monthly mortgage insurance premiums, though an upfront premium will still be charged.

The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes the agency's funding for fiscal year 2025 and solidifies the strategic direction for human spaceflight, emphasizing the "Moon to Mars" program and the transition to commercial Low-Earth Orbit destinations. The bill directs significant investment into science missions, technology development, and aeronautics research, while also restructuring STEM education programs. Finally, it establishes new policy guidelines regarding commercial partnerships, cost oversight, and international collaboration.

This bill proposes a new tax incentive allowing sellers of qualified farmland to exclude capital gains from their gross income if the proceeds are reinvested into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). To qualify, the sale must be to an active farmer who agrees to a potential penalty tax if they stop farming the land within ten years. This provision also temporarily increases the annual IRA contribution limit based on the excluded gain amount.

The Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act aims to ensure pharmacies receive accurate payments under Medicaid by requiring government surveys to establish transparent national drug acquisition cost benchmarks. It also prohibits abusive "spread pricing" by requiring Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to pass through ingredient costs plus dispensing fees directly to pharmacies. This legislation mandates greater transparency in PBM contracts and establishes penalties for non-compliant pharmacies refusing to participate in cost surveys.

This Act officially redesignates the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and establishes an adjacent National Preserve, both managed by the Secretary of the Interior. The legislation authorizes the acquisition of necessary lands, without using eminent domain, to define the boundaries of these new units. It also mandates the creation of a joint management plan, establishes an Advisory Council with significant Tribal representation, and transfers specific federal acreage into trust for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen protections against sex-based wage discrimination and close the gender pay gap. It enhances enforcement by tightening employer defenses for pay disparities, expanding anti-retaliation protections, and increasing penalties for violations. The bill also mandates new data collection by the EEOC and establishes grant programs to support negotiation skills training.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President to nominate the Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation. Nominees must possess significant experience in forest and natural resource management. Furthermore, the nomination must be jointly referred to both the Senate Agriculture and Energy Committees for review.

The Suicide Prevention Act establishes two key initiatives to combat self-harm and suicide. First, it creates a national program for real-time syndromic surveillance and tracking of self-harm behaviors across public health departments. Second, it authorizes grants for hospital emergency departments to implement comprehensive screening, immediate care, and follow-up services for patients at risk of suicide upon discharge. Both programs aim to improve data collection for targeted prevention and enhance post-crisis care coordination.

This bill modifies U.S. requirements to streamline the transfer of defense articles and services among the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). It allows these nations to share U.S.-provided defense items directly with each other without requiring prior U.S. approval. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the creation of a shared key to facilitate the easy exchange of HIMARS ammunition between them.