Legislation

The BLOC Act, or Blocking Lawless Open Border Cities and States Act of 2025, aims to withhold federal infrastructure funding from local governments designated as "sanctuary jurisdictions." To remain eligible for these funds, local jurisdictions must adopt a policy requiring them to notify the Secretary of Homeland Security 48 hours before releasing certain non-U.S. citizens from custody. This measure ties federal transportation dollars directly to local cooperation regarding immigration detainers.

This resolution officially recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Nowruz, the traditional Iranian New Year celebrated by millions worldwide. Congress acknowledges the enduring contributions of Persian civilization and Iranian Americans to the United States. Furthermore, the resolution supports the Iranian people's pursuit of fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and internet access.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a recent final rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning the reclassification of major pollution sources as area sources under the Clean Air Act. Congress is using its authority to reject this specific EPA regulation, preventing it from taking legal effect. If passed, the EPA's rule published on December 29, 2023, will be voided.

This bill constitutes the Articles of Impeachment filed by the House of Representatives against Chief Judge John James McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island. The articles charge the Judge with high crimes and misdemeanors based on allegations of political bias and significant conflicts of interest. Specifically, the accusations cite his political donations, public statements regarding former President Trump, and his leadership role in a non-profit organization funded by a party in a case he presided over. The resolution formally seeks his removal from the federal bench.

This bill officially ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment, declaring it a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically removes any previously imposed deadlines for state ratification. If three-fourths of the states have approved the amendment, this law confirms its official status regardless of past time constraints.

This bill mandates automatic pay reductions for Members of Congress if the nation hits the public debt limit or experiences a government shutdown. The pay cut is calculated based on one day's salary multiplied by the number of days the crisis lasts. Special, temporary escrow rules apply to the 119th Congress to address constitutional concerns, with general rules taking full effect after the November 2026 election. The Secretary of the Treasury is required to assist congressional payroll offices in implementing these provisions.

The Tax Return Preparer Accountability Act of 2025 brings tax return preparers under federal regulation by establishing minimum competency standards, including exams and background checks, and expanding the Treasury Department's authority to sanction preparers. The bill also mandates the IRS to implement technology to identify and assist taxpayers facing economic hardship when they owe taxes. Furthermore, it requires the Treasury to establish and annually update information security standards for tax preparation software.

The DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2025 establishes new annual reporting requirements for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the accreditation status of its basic training programs. This legislation mandates that DHS detail accreditation progress, deficiencies, and remediation plans for Congress until all programs are officially accredited. Furthermore, the Act directs DHS to research and develop technologies to improve access to Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) instruction for state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement, especially in remote areas.

The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act amends existing tax law to create a new incentive credit for capturing methane gas emitted from mines. This credit mirrors the existing carbon capture tax structure, applying it specifically to qualified methane captured from mining operations. The goal is to encourage the capture and beneficial use of this potent greenhouse gas, provided certain construction and capture thresholds are met.

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025 (FISH Act) establishes a comprehensive national policy to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and related crimes like forced labor. Key provisions include creating a public "black list" of offending foreign vessels subject to U.S. port restrictions and authorizing the Treasury Department to impose sanctions on entities involved in these illegal activities. The Act also mandates improved data sharing, increased international cooperation, and strategic investments to help partner nations strengthen their own fisheries management and enforcement capabilities.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025 amends immigration law to make non-citizens inadmissible or deportable if they have been convicted of, or admit to committing, fraud against the U.S. government or the unlawful receipt of public benefits. This legislation targets individuals who cheat federal, state, or local benefit programs. The Act specifically covers those who have been convicted of or conspired to commit such fraudulent acts.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

The Break the Chain Act significantly overhauls family-sponsored immigration by redefining "immediate relatives" to exclude parents of U.S. citizens from the top tier. It establishes new annual caps for family visas and creates a new, non-work, non-benefit nonimmigrant status (W) for parents of adult U.S. citizens. These sweeping changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, invalidating new petitions for parents filed after enactment.

The Patients Before Middlemen Act aims to increase transparency and fairness in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans by regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and improving pharmacy access. The bill requires PBMs to limit their compensation to bona fide service fees and mandates extensive annual reporting on drug costs and rebates. Additionally, it establishes standards to ensure all pharmacies have fair access to Medicare networks and protects independent pharmacies.

The GENIUS Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive federal framework for regulating "payment stablecoins," defining who can issue them and mandating strict 1:1 reserve requirements backed by safe, liquid assets. This legislation grants primary federal regulators authority to license, supervise, and enforce rules on issuers, while also clarifying that these specific stablecoins are neither securities nor commodities. Furthermore, the Act prioritizes consumer protection by ensuring stablecoin holders have super-priority claims in bankruptcy proceedings and sets standards for international interoperability.

The Risk Disclosure and Investor Attestation Act mandates that investors in private companies must sign a standardized, two-page attestation confirming their understanding of the investment risks. This new requirement specifically impacts the definition of an "accredited investor" for private placements. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is required to create the official attestation form and implement these rules within one year of enactment.

The Young Americans Financial Literacy Act addresses the widespread need for improved financial education among young people aged 8 to 24. This bill authorizes funding for competitive grants to establish Centers of Excellence focused on developing and implementing research-backed financial literacy programs. These centers will create educational materials, train educators, and specifically target issues like student debt management for young adults. The goal is to improve financial well-being and stability through targeted, measurable educational interventions.

The Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025 significantly overhauls presidential authority to restrict imports based on national security grounds. This bill shifts the primary investigation role to the Secretary of Defense and mandates that any resulting import adjustments require explicit approval by a Congressional joint resolution to take effect. Furthermore, all new trade restrictions will automatically expire after three years unless Congress renews them.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates a standardized, one-hour presentation on available VA benefits during mandatory preseparation counseling for service members. This presentation must be developed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in consultation with recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). The goal is to ensure separating service members are fully informed of their entitlements and how VSOs can assist with filing claims.

The Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act aims to strategically align federal agriculture and climate research efforts to better serve producers. It establishes a new advisory committee to set national research priorities, identify data gaps, and guide the USDA's climate agenda. Furthermore, the bill creates the Rural Climate Alliance Network to coordinate the transfer of science-based climate adaptation and mitigation tools directly to farmers and rural communities.