Legislation

This resolution strongly condemns recent Russian incursions into the airspace of NATO member countries and reaffirms the United States' unwavering commitment to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. It explicitly denounces Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and its pattern of intimidation against allies. The measure serves as a clear statement that the U.S. will defend every inch of NATO territory against attack.

This resolution expresses deep concern over the rising trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression across the United States. It strongly opposes censorship in schools and libraries, citing constitutional rights and the harm done to democratic discourse. The measure urges local entities to protect students' access to diverse viewpoints and calls for the reversal of restrictive orders impacting educational materials.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the North Dakota Field Office's Resource Management Plan. Utilizing the Congressional Review Act, this action nullifies the BLM's submitted rule, preventing it from taking effect. In essence, Congress is overturning the BLM's recent management plan for North Dakota lands.

This resolution formally condemns the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel and the subsequent rise in antisemitic hatred experienced by Jewish communities in the United States. It reaffirms the commitment to protecting the rights of all people to practice their faith peacefully without fear of violence or intimidation. Furthermore, the resolution specifically denounces hateful language that unfairly links all Jewish people to the actions of the Israeli government.

The Occupational Therapy Mental Health Parity Act clarifies and promotes awareness of how Medicare covers occupational therapy services for mental health and substance use disorders. It mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services educate stakeholders on the existing Medicare coverage guidelines and proper billing codes for these essential treatments.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory exception processes for group health plans and insurance issuers that utilize step therapy protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients and doctors have a clear, timely pathway to request coverage for medically necessary alternatives when required initial treatments are inappropriate or ineffective. Plans must provide rapid decisions for urgent requests and adhere to specific reporting requirements detailing exception outcomes.

The Charlie Kirk Act modifies how the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) disseminates information about the United States overseas, generally prohibiting its distribution within the U.S. This legislation establishes a 12-year delay before materials shared abroad can be made available domestically through the Archivist of the United States. Furthermore, the bill reinforces restrictions on using USAGM funds for domestic influence activities.

The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act establishes a new, voluntary program to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats and water quality across the New York-New Jersey Watershed. This effort will be supported by a competitive matching grant program, prioritizing projects that address climate resilience and environmental justice concerns. The Act authorizes \$20 million annually from 2026 through 2031, after which the legislation will expire.

The Rail Service Continuity and Stability Act of 2025 ensures the ongoing operation of existing Amtrak long-distance routes. This legislation authorizes Congress to appropriate any necessary additional funding required to maintain these specific services. In essence, it provides an open-ended financial commitment to keep current long-distance trains running.

This resolution officially designates the week of October 5 through October 11, 2025, as "National Community Policing Week." It recognizes the vital role of community policing in building trust between law enforcement and residents to enhance public safety. The bill encourages collaboration between citizens and police to find lasting solutions to crime and strengthen community relationships.

The Sparking Production of Urban and Rural Housing Act (SPUR Housing Act) establishes a new federal program to support emerging developers in affordable housing. This program will provide competitive grants to nonprofits and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). These recipients must use the funds to offer financing, technical training, and mentorship to new developers, particularly those working in distressed communities and high-opportunity areas. The Act authorizes $50 million annually for this initiative from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a specific rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) concerning the Central Yukon Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this action nullifies the BLM's rule, rendering it without legal effect.

This resolution formally condemns the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel of October 7, 2023, and supports Israel's right to self-defense. It further condemns antisemitic and destructive protests within the United States. Ultimately, the resolution calls for an outcome that ensures Israel's survival, eliminates Hamas's ability to operate, and secures the release of all remaining hostages.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a specific rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regarding the Buffalo Field Office Resource Management Plan Amendment. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this action immediately nullifies the BLM's submitted rule, preventing it from taking effect. Essentially, Congress is overriding the BLM's decision on this land management plan.

The Expanding American Entrepreneurship Act modifies the Investment Company Act of 1940 to ease regulatory burdens on certain investment companies. This bill increases the maximum number of investors allowed before registration is required, raising the limit from 250 to 500 persons. Additionally, it significantly raises the asset threshold for a specific regulatory exemption from \$10 million to \$50 million.

The Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act clarifies the order in which accrued pension payments are distributed after a veteran's death, prioritizing the spouse, children, and parents before the estate. It also makes a technical adjustment to extend a specific limit on pension payments by one month, moving the expiration date from November 30, 2031, to December 31, 2031. These provisions apply to veterans who die on or after the date of enactment.

The Final Honors Act of 2025 permits the remains of certain service members who die in the line of duty to lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol rotunda upon request from their primary next of kin. This legislation mandates that the relevant military Secretary must inform the family of this option. The Architect of the Capitol will manage all logistical arrangements for the ceremony.

The New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study on the United States' readiness to combat the reintroduction of the New World screwworm, a devastating parasite of warm-blooded animals. This study, led by the Secretary of Agriculture, must assess current threat levels, sterile fly production capacity, surveillance systems, and emergency response plans. The resulting report will provide Congress with critical recommendations to strengthen national preparedness against this costly agricultural and wildlife pest.

The SCHOOL Professionals Act of 2025 clarifies how certain contractors providing services to educational organizations are treated under the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate rules. This legislation ensures that individuals working substantially like regular staff for a school are counted when determining if the educational organization must offer health coverage. This change aims to prevent schools from avoiding their employer responsibilities by classifying essential workers as contractors.

This resolution officially designates October 8, 2025, as Latina Equal Pay Day to highlight the significant wage disparity faced by Latina workers. It recognizes that Latinas currently earn only about 58 cents for every dollar earned by White, non-Hispanic men, resulting in substantial lifetime earnings loss. The bill calls attention to systemic factors like workplace policies and harassment that contribute to this ongoing economic injustice. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to achieving pay equity for all women.