Legislation

The Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act establishes a dedicated initiative to protect vital tropical crops from diseases and pests. This law authorizes new research and extension grants specifically targeting threats to plants like coffee, bananas, and mangoes. It extends the program's funding authorization through 2030 to support science-based pest management and plant health research.

The Catastrophic Specialty Hospital Act of 2025 establishes a new, separate Medicare payment system for hospitals specializing in complex, long-term care for catastrophic injuries like spinal cord or acquired brain injuries. To qualify, hospitals must meet strict criteria regarding patient focus, continuum of care, volume, out-of-state patient draw, and research commitment over a three-year period. This designation grants these specialized facilities an exemption from standard Medicare payment rules for three-year renewable terms.

The Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated federal program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enhance science-based fisheries management in the Great Lakes. This initiative authorizes funding to systematically mass-mark hatchery-stocked fish to accurately assess stocking effectiveness and the impact of management strategies. The collected data will be shared with Federal, State, and Tribal partners to support restoration goals and sustain the region's vital fisheries economy.

The Jumpstart on College Act aims to increase the number of students, particularly those from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds, who complete a recognized postsecondary degree or certificate on time. The bill authorizes $250 million annually for competitive grants to eligible entities (colleges partnering with school districts) and to states to expand early college high school and dual enrollment programs. Recipients must focus on rigorous academic support, professional development, and ensuring students earn college credit tuition-free. Finally, the Act mandates annual reporting on key student outcomes, including credential attainment and college enrollment rates.

The Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act, or STARS Act, designates September 17, 2026, as a national day of free access to federal recreation sites. This celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary waives entrance fees for National Park and Wildlife Refuge System units. Additionally, standard amenity recreation fees will be waived at sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service on that day.

The Protect Adoptees and American Families (PAAF) Act aims to clarify and secure automatic U.S. citizenship for certain internationally adopted individuals. This bill establishes clear pathways for adopted persons, regardless of when their adoption was finalized, to gain citizenship upon meeting specific residency and custody requirements. It also removes grounds of inadmissibility for those entering the U.S. to claim this citizenship, provided they pass a necessary criminal background check.

The Eastern Flank Strategic Partnership Act of 2025 prioritizes U.S. defense cooperation with key NATO allies bordering Russia and Belarus. This legislation establishes a formal definition for "Eastern Flank strategic defense partners" based on location, defense spending commitments, and hosting NATO forces. It mandates that these partners receive priority access to U.S. security assistance, financing, and pre-positioned military stockpiles to enhance regional deterrence. The Act also requires a briefing to Congress detailing the implementation plan for these new cooperative measures.

The Protecting Students with Disabilities Act ensures that key federal offices overseeing disability education and services, such as OSEP and RSA, remain permanently housed within the Department of Education. This legislation prohibits the executive branch from unilaterally relocating these offices or using appropriated funds to undermine their statutory duties. Furthermore, the Act prevents the Department from outsourcing the enforcement or administration of major disability laws like IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act.

The Lifting Local Communities Act ensures that religious organizations are treated equally with non-religious groups when applying for and receiving federal funding for social service programs. This legislation prohibits discrimination against faith-based providers while allowing them to maintain their religious identity and operations while delivering services. Ultimately, the Act aims to expand the capacity to serve those in need by increasing the number of available service providers.

The Work Zone Safety Enhancement Act expands how states can use federal highway safety funds to improve safety in active work zones. This allows states to invest in law enforcement support, driver training, technology upgrades, and worker certification programs. The bill also mandates that states prioritize assistance for Tribal governments and rural areas when allocating these funds. Finally, it requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the effectiveness of these new safety programs.

This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to establish a new, increasing schedule for federal appropriations for Impact Aid programs through fiscal year 2031. It specifically sets new funding limits for payments related to federal property acquisition, basic payments for heavily impacted districts, services for children with disabilities, and construction activities. The legislation aims to advance progress toward full federal funding for these essential school support programs.

The Hidden Foster Care Transparency Act mandates that states report detailed data on child separations occurring outside of formal court oversight, termed "hidden foster care arrangements." This legislation requires states receiving federal child welfare funding to track the circumstances, duration, services provided, and outcomes for children in these informal placements. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will then compile this information into an annual public report for Congress to shed light on these often-untracked situations.

The Work Zone Weather Integration Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program to safely combine real-time weather warnings with active road construction zone data. This initiative, run by the Secretary of Transportation and NOAA, will test the technical feasibility and safety benefits of integrating hazard alerts directly into work zone information. The program requires participation from at least five states, and a final report will recommend whether the system should be expanded nationwide.

The Chloe Cole Act prohibits healthcare professionals from participating in the "chemical or surgical mutilation" of minors, broadly defined to include puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries intended to alter sex characteristics. This bill establishes a federal private right of action allowing individuals harmed by these procedures as minors to sue providers, regardless of when the procedure occurred. The Act also sets specific exceptions for treatments related to verifiable disorders of sexual development and establishes a long statute of limitations for filing lawsuits.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the Miles City Field Office Resource Management Plan Amendment. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this action immediately voids the BLM's submitted rule, preventing it from taking effect. In essence, Congress is striking down this particular BLM decision.

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. It highlights the urgent need to increase focus and funding for research into treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries. The measure also recognizes the dedicated efforts of organizations and individuals working to improve the lives of those affected by these debilitating injuries.

The High Occupancy Vehicle Lane Exemption Reauthorization Act extends the federal deadline for finalizing certain rules regarding High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facilities. This legislation pushes back the required completion date by one year, moving it from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2026. This extension provides authorities with additional time to complete necessary actions related to HOV lane regulations.

The Student Athlete Fairness and Enforcement Act comprehensively reforms college athletics by establishing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights for student athletes, while also implementing transfer flexibility and mandatory health and safety standards. The bill increases athlete autonomy regarding professional exploration and academic choices, and it establishes new revenue streams for athletic departments through jersey sponsorships and media rights restructuring. Finally, it creates robust enforcement mechanisms, including an Athlete Ombuds office and expanded federal oversight, to ensure compliance with these sweeping new protections.

The Accelerating Networking, Cyberinfrastructure, and Hardware for Oceanic Research (ANCHOR) Act mandates the National Science Foundation Director to develop a comprehensive plan to upgrade the cybersecurity and telecommunications capabilities of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. This plan must assess the necessary hardware, identify specific cybersecurity risks in collaboration with CISA and NIST, and detail a multi-agency funding strategy. The goal is to ensure these research vessels have the necessary speed and security for critical scientific missions, telemedicine, and real-time data transfer.

The Stop ANTIFA Act of 2025 officially designates Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization based on findings that the group engages in organized political violence and intimidation. This legislation mandates a comprehensive national strategy, led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute individuals and networks supporting such domestic terrorism. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes funding for local law enforcement to combat these threats and directs the Treasury Department to dismantle financial support structures.