Legislation

The Wildlife Corridors and USDA Conservation Programs Act of 2025 establishes a process for identifying and officially designating "American wildlife corridors" to improve habitat connectivity for fish and wildlife movement. This act directs the USDA Secretary to work with federal agencies to map potential areas and set criteria for formal corridor designation based on scientific standards. Once designated, the Secretary must provide technical assistance to landowners to support conservation practices within these corridors. The bill also clarifies privacy protections for private data submitted under these new conservation programs.

The Refinancing Relief for Veterans Act modifies the fee structure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) charges when veterans refinance an existing VA-guaranteed mortgage to secure a lower interest rate. This legislation updates the specific fee schedule used for these interest rate reduction refinancing loans. The goal is to adjust the costs associated with veterans accessing lower monthly mortgage payments through refinancing.

The Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act bans Members of Congress and their spouses from trading or holding most securities and investments while in office. Members must divest prohibited assets within 180 days of enactment or taking office. Violators face disgorgement of profits and potential civil fines assessed by ethics committees, with ongoing penalties for non-compliance.

The Sovereign States Emergency Management Act abolishes FEMA, transferring its functions to the President within two years. It simultaneously establishes a new Disaster Relief Block Grant Program administered by the Treasury Secretary to provide direct funding to states for preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts. States must submit approved emergency management plans and detailed spending reports to receive and maintain these block grants.

The Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement (MAGA) Act establishes a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle, the MAGA account, designed for individuals under age 8 with strict contribution and withdrawal rules. These accounts feature tax-exempt growth, with distributions taxed favorably if used for qualified expenses like education or a first home purchase. Furthermore, the Act creates a pilot program offering a one-time, non-refundable $1,000 tax credit for eligible children, which the Treasury must deposit directly into a newly established MAGA account.

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to update the federal definition of a "motorcycle." The updated definition specifies that a motorcycle is a motor vehicle originally built with an engine, designed for a rider to sit astride a seat or saddle, and capable of speeds over 30 mph. This change ensures federal regulations align with a clearer, standardized description of what constitutes a motorcycle.

The Sovereign States Bureau of Prisons Restructuring Act of 2025 establishes a new block grant program by reducing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) funding to its fiscal year 2019 level. Fifty percent of the resulting savings will be distributed directly to states as block grants. This act mandates the Attorney General to develop and implement a plan for this funding shift within one year of enactment.

The Depot Investment Reform Act of 2025 updates how the Department of Defense calculates the minimum capital investment required for certain depots. This reform shortens the look-back period for these investment calculations from three preceding fiscal years to only the preceding, current, and following fiscal years. This change aims to ensure investment levels are based on more current financial data.

The No Tax on Tips Act creates a new federal income tax deduction for qualified tips received by workers, capped at \$25,000 annually. This deduction can be claimed regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes or takes the standard deduction. Additionally, the bill expands an existing tax credit for employers to include beauty service establishments that pay Social Security taxes on employee tips. These provisions are set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.

The Pregnancy.Gov Act establishes a new national public website, Pregnancy.gov, to serve as a centralized hub connecting pregnant women with local resources. This site must offer tailored resource matching based on location and ensure listed providers have a consistent three-year service history. Crucially, the Act prohibits any organization that performs, refers for, or counsels in favor of abortion from being listed or receiving associated state grants.

The USCP Empowerment Act of 2025 grants the United States Capitol Police Board new authority to detect, disrupt, or seize unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that pose a credible threat to Capitol facilities. This allows the USCP to override certain communication interception laws when necessary to neutralize a threat. The Act mandates strict privacy safeguards for any intercepted communications and requires regular reporting to Congress on the use of these new powers.

The Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act modernizes how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contacts newly separated service members. This update requires the VA's Solid Start program to use "tailored lines of communication" instead of just physical mailings. This allows the VA to utilize text messages, virtual chats, and other electronic methods to ensure veterans receive essential information.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 3344 11th Avenue in Evans, Colorado. The facility will now be known as the "Deputy Samuel Kent Brownlee Post Office." This action ensures the building is formally recognized under its new designation.

The Protection Against Foreign Adversarial Artificial Intelligence Act of 2025 prohibits federal contractors from using the DeepSeek AI tool for government work, with narrow national security exceptions. The bill also mandates the Secretary of Commerce to report on the national security threats posed by AI platforms affiliated with countries of concern. This report must analyze risks related to censorship, propaganda, data security, and espionage.

This resolution officially designates May 17, 2025, as "Kids to Parks Day." The goal is to encourage children and families to engage in healthy outdoor activities by visiting local, state, and national parks. It recognizes the importance of nature for youth health and education while promoting the preservation of public lands.

The Sporting Goods Excise Tax Modernization Act updates federal excise tax rules for imported sporting goods sold through online marketplaces. This legislation treats certain marketplace providers who facilitate overseas sales as the importer of record for tax purposes. This ensures that the existing excise tax is collected when goods are shipped directly to U.S. consumers via these platforms.

The SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and significantly enhances federal programs supporting small business innovation and technology transfer through 2030. The bill increases mandatory funding levels for the SBIR and STTR programs, establishes new paid fellowships to build a skilled workforce, and streamlines the path for small businesses to commercialize their federally-funded research with the government. Furthermore, it strengthens oversight, transparency, and accountability across these critical research and development initiatives.

The Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act of 2025 mandates the creation of a new, realistic, scenario-based training curriculum focused on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and appropriate use of force. It establishes a grant program, funded by existing DOJ resources, to help law enforcement agencies implement this training nationwide. The Act also requires regular reporting to Congress on the reach and effectiveness of the new training programs.

The Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit China Act (STOP China Act) aims to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from supporting transit vehicle manufacturing tied to the People's Republic of China (PRC). The bill specifically prohibits federal funding for the purchase of covered vehicles, such as buses or trains, produced by entities controlled by or based in designated foreign nations. To enforce this, the Act mandates the creation and regular updating of a public watchlist identifying these restricted manufacturers.