Legislation

The VA Appeals Reform Act of 2025 seeks to improve the process for veterans' benefits claims by requiring the VA to provide claimants with necessary documents and assistance, ensure thorough review and readjudication of claims, and expedite the handling of appeals. It also modifies the appointment and training of the Board of Veterans' Appeals members and mandates the establishment of an electronic filing system. Additionally, the act expands the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, changing the scope of review for certain claims.

The Korean American Divided Families National Registry Act mandates the State Department to create a national registry of Korean Americans separated from family in North Korea since 1953, in order to prepare for potential family reunions. It requires the Secretary of State to include progress toward these reunions in any dialogue with North Korea, consult with South Korea, and submit annual reports to Congress on the registry's status and reunion efforts. The registry will serve as a private internal database to organize reunions and maintain information on divided families, including those who may have passed away.

The Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 resolves water rights claims within the Zuni River Stream System for the Zuni Tribe by ratifying an agreement, establishing a trust fund, and allocating funding for water infrastructure. It also protects the Zuni Salt Lake and Sanctuary by withdrawing federal land from development, restricting land use, and transferring land into trust for the Zuni Tribe, preserving its cultural significance and water resources. The Act requires the Zuni Tribe and the U.S. government to waive certain water rights claims, with specific protections for individual allottees' water rights. This comprehensive settlement aims to improve water management, resolve disputes, and support economic development for the Zuni Tribe.

The "Veterans Border Patrol Training Act" establishes a pilot program to train transitioning service members as Border Patrol agents through the Department of Defense SkillBridge Program. It mandates annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and participant demographics. The program will end five years after it is established.

The "Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act" mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a department-wide policy protecting sensitive research and development from unauthorized access. It also requires a report from the Comptroller General on DHS's compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM33) and related federal research security guidelines. Finally, the Secretary of Homeland Security must brief relevant committees on the development of these safeguarding policies.

This bill mandates the President to designate Ansarallah (the Houthi movement) as a foreign terrorist organization within 30 days. It further requires the President to determine and report to Congress if specific individuals are officials, agents, or affiliates of Ansarallah within 30 days of the designation.

The "TSA Commuting Fairness Act" requires the TSA Administrator to conduct a study on the feasibility of counting the time TSA employees spend commuting between their duty locations and airport parking or transit stops as on-duty hours. The study will assess the potential benefits, costs, and technological feasibility of such a policy. This includes impacts on employee compensation, retirement, and TSA operations at various airport sizes.

The Ensuring Distance Education Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, modifying the 90/10 rule. This modification changes the treatment of revenue generated from distance education programs.

The Simplifying Subcontracting Act requires prime contractors to use plain language when soliciting subcontracts, making it easier for small businesses to understand the solicitations. Prime contractors must confirm they will use plain writing in solicitations and include this requirement in all subcontracts. Failure to comply requires the contractor to issue a new solicitation in plain writing within 30 days. The Small Business Administration will issue regulations to implement these requirements within 90 days.

The SAFE for America Act of 2025 eliminates the Diversity Visa Program, which makes visas available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. This is achieved through repealing subsection (c) of Section 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Act also makes corresponding technical amendments to other sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act to reflect this change. These changes would take effect beginning October 1, 2025.

The "WISE Government Act" promotes government efficiency and transparency by ensuring federal employees have access to scientific resources. It prohibits confidentiality clauses in journal subscription contracts, mandates easy employee access to library resources, and requires a report to Congress on improving agency access to scientific publications and subscriptions. This report will address issues like contract limitations, access barriers, and pricing concerns, recommending solutions for better interagency transparency and purchasing models.

This bill amends the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 to expand scholarship opportunities at 1890 institutions to both bachelor's and graduate students. It provides mandatory funding of $15 million per fiscal year, starting in 2025, through the Commodity Credit Corporation, and makes discretionary funding available from fiscal year 2020 onward. The scholarships will be available each academic year that funding is available.

This bill suspends the production of pennies and nickels for 10 years, while allowing the Treasury Secretary to continue making them for coin collectors under specific guidelines. It also requires the Comptroller General to study the effects of this suspension, including potential savings and the impact of rounding cash transactions, and report findings to Congress within three years to determine if the suspension should continue, become permanent, or be reversed. Pennies and nickels will remain legal tender during this time.

The Securing the Cities Improvement Act amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002, modifying the STC program's eligibility criteria to focus on preparedness, threat levels, and potential consequences of nuclear or radiological attacks. It mandates the establishment of performance metrics and increased congressional oversight of the STC program. The Act requires a report to Congress detailing the program's participation, performance, and planned changes within two years.

The Inspector General for Ukraine Act establishes an independent Inspector General to oversee and audit the use of funds allocated for military and non-military aid to Ukraine. This office is responsible for preventing fraud, waste, and misuse of resources, ensuring accountability in the distribution and utilization of U.S. support. The Inspector General will provide quarterly reports to Congress and coordinate with other oversight bodies to enhance transparency and effectiveness. The office is set to terminate after five years, following a final audit report to Congress.

The Global Demining Protection Act mandates the Secretary of State to promptly resume all Department of State programs related to demining, clearing unexploded ordnance, and destroying small arms. This resumption is in accordance with the activities authorized by Executive Order 14169, section 3(e). The aim of the act is to restart global demining efforts.

The "Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025" aims to reform federal hiring practices by prioritizing merit, skills, and commitment to the Constitution. It requires the creation of a Federal Hiring Plan that focuses on recruiting individuals dedicated to improving government efficiency and upholding the rule of law, while preventing appointments based on race, sex, religion, or unwillingness to defend the Constitution. The Act also emphasizes the use of technology to streamline the hiring process, improve communication with candidates, and ensure agency head involvement. Finally, it directs the Office of Personnel Management to track the plan's progress and ensure it meets the needs of both job seekers and government agencies.

The United Nations Voting Accountability Act of 2025 prohibits the United States from providing assistance to countries that vote against the U.S. position in the UN General Assembly or Security Council. The Secretary of State can grant exemptions if a country's leadership and policies fundamentally change, with notification to Congress required. This act defines "opposed the position of the United States" as voting with the U.S. less than 50% of the time and specifies which types of assistance are restricted. The Act will take effect upon submission of the report due to Congress by March 31, 2026.

The Wyoming Public Lands Initiative Act of 2025 designates several wilderness areas, releases specific Wilderness Study Areas for other uses, and establishes both a National Conservation Area and Motorized Recreation Area in the Dubois Badlands. It also creates several Special Management Areas with specific rules to protect natural resources and directs the Secretary of Interior to conduct studies for potential land transfers and motorized recreation areas in specific counties. This act aims to balance conservation, recreation, and resource management across Wyoming's public lands.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.