Legislation

The "Defend American Manufacturing Act" aims to bolster American manufacturing by mandating the Department of Commerce to support manufacturing extension centers in every state and Puerto Rico. This is achieved through the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, contingent on congressional funding. The bill amends existing legislation to ensure the continuation of this program, reinforcing the commitment to supporting manufacturers nationwide.

The Bolstering Research And Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act aims to strengthen brain tumor research and treatment development through various initiatives. This includes fostering transparency of biospecimen collections, establishing a Glioblastoma Therapeutics Network, promoting cancer clinical trial awareness, creating pilot programs for brain tumor survivor care, and directing the FDA to issue guidance that ensures brain tumor patient access to clinical trials. The Act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to support these efforts.

The "Boost the Middle Class Act" increases the earned income tax credit amounts and phaseout amounts, while also increasing the phaseout amounts for married individuals filing jointly. It updates inflation adjustments and goes into effect for taxable years after December 31, 2025.

The "Brianna Lieneck Boating Safety Act of 2025" requires the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to study and report on recreational vessel operator training programs. This study will review various training programs, course materials, and methodologies to improve boating safety. The report will include recommendations for minimum education standards, harmonization of federal and state programs, and options for experienced boaters. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance boater education and training to reduce risks and improve safety on recreational vessels.

The "American Gas for Allies Act" aims to expedite the approval process for exporting natural gas to NATO countries and Ukraine. It mandates that any pending or future applications for natural gas exports to these countries within three years of the law's enactment must be approved without modification or delay, as outlined in the Natural Gas Act. The bill seeks to bolster energy security for allies and strengthen the U.S.'s geopolitical position.

The Forest Data Modernization Act of 2025 aims to improve forest data collection and analysis by updating the strategic plan to include consistent data collection protocols, integrating forest carbon data, and ensuring data accessibility while protecting sensitive information. It mandates regular updates to the strategic plan, requires biennial compilations of national forest inventory statistics, and establishes a data platform for handling complex data requests. The act also specifies the use of advanced remote sensing technologies and machine learning for improved modeling.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to deregulate firearm silencers by treating them like firearms, preempting state laws, and changing the tax structure. It mandates the destruction of existing silencer registration records and modifies the definition and marking requirements for silencers under federal law. The bill also imposes a 10% tax on firearm silencers or mufflers.

The "Safeguarding Our Levees Act" amends the Flood Control Act of 1941, mandating the Secretary to initiate repairs on flood control projects within 180 days of a request from a non-Federal sponsor. It also sets the federal share of expenses at 25 percent of the difference,aiming to expedite levee repairs after natural disasters.

The TSP Fiduciary Security Act of 2025 requires fiduciaries of the Thrift Savings Fund to prioritize U.S. national security interests when making investment decisions, including preventing investments in entities that could harm national security. It directs the Secretary of Labor to establish regulations for reviewing investments and voting rights to ensure compliance, with a presumption of non-compliance for investments in entities connected to countries like China and Russia. The Act also prohibits the Thrift Savings Fund from investing in entities based in the People's Republic of China through the TSP mutual fund window. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of Labor to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the reviews of Thrift Savings Fund investments and voting rights.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over a five-year period, after which it will be adjusted annually based on the percentage increase in the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees and newly hired employees under 20, eventually eliminating the separate wage tiers. Additionally, it increases the minimum wage for individuals with disabilities and promotes their economic self-sufficiency by phasing out special certificates that allow employers to pay them a subminimum wage.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if each state's laws substantially provide these rights; if not, the Authority will administer collective bargaining rights in that state. The Act outlines the rights of public employees and employers, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, and prohibits lockouts and strikes that would disrupt emergency or public safety services. This law does not invalidate existing collective bargaining agreements and certifications and includes exceptions for certain state laws and political subdivisions.

The "Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025" expands Medicare coverage to include a broader range of audiology services, including diagnostic and treatment services provided by qualified audiologists, without requiring physician supervision starting January 1, 2027. Medicare will cover 80% of the cost for these services. Qualified audiologists are now recognized as Rural Health Clinic (RHC) and Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) practitioners. This act does not expand the scope of audiology services covered beyond what is already covered as of December 31, 2026.

The Sister City Transparency Act requires the Comptroller General to study sister city partnerships between U.S. and foreign communities, specifically focusing on countries with high corruption levels. The study will assess transparency, potential risks to U.S. interests, and the impact on free expression and economic security. A report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to Congress.

The "Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2025" aims to increase access to higher education by providing grants to institutions that partner with local education agencies to create or expand dual enrollment and early college high school programs. These programs allow high school students to earn college credits, with priority given to students from low-income families, rural schools, or those who are first-generation college students. Grant funds can be used for various support activities, including professional development, course design, and covering the costs of tuition, fees, and materials. The act also mandates program evaluations and reports to Congress to ensure effectiveness and accountability.

The "Setting the Table for Transition Act" temporarily expands SNAP eligibility for veteran households by excluding the veteran's income for 100 days after separation from service. This adjustment under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 aims to support veterans during their transition back to civilian life. The bill defines a veteran as someone with honorable discharge from active military, naval, or air service. This act will be effective 90 days after enactment.

The "Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Improvement Act of 2025" amends the Food Security Act of 1985, updating the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to allow landowners more flexibility in payment allocation. It standardizes payment rates for water right retirements and dryland agricultural uses based on irrigated acre values and requires the Secretary to update existing agreements with lower rates to match the new standards. Additionally, rental payments received under these agreements are exempted from payment limitations.

The "Protecting American Capital Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of the Treasury to deliver an annual report to Congress detailing U.S. portfolio investments in the People's Republic of China, even those routed through other countries. This report will identify the U.S. persons and Chinese entities involved, including those subject to U.S. sanctions or exceeding investment thresholds. The initial report will cover investments dating back to January 1, 2008, with subsequent reports covering the year prior.

The "Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025" expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for individuals without qualifying children by lowering the minimum age, eliminating the maximum age, and increasing credit and phaseout percentages. It also makes permanent the application of the EITC to U.S. possessions and allows taxpayers to elect to use prior year earned income when calculating the EITC if it results in a larger credit. These changes aim to provide additional tax relief to low- and moderate-income workers.

The "Fairness for Stay-at-Home Parents Act" amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, allowing employees who take leave for the birth of a child to not return to work without being penalized. It specifically prevents employers from recovering health insurance premiums paid during the leave period if the employee chooses to stay home following the birth of their child. The Act mandates employers inform employees of this provision when they take leave for the birth of a child.

The "STOP CCP Act of 2025" prohibits U.S. individuals and entities from investing in publicly traded securities of Chinese companies identified as operating in sectors that support China's military, related materials, or surveillance technology. It broadens the scope of Chinese military-industrial complex companies subject to sanctions and mandates that if a Chinese entity is sanctioned under one law, it must be sanctioned under all applicable laws, with limited waiver possibilities for the President. The President must notify Congress when waiving or terminating sanctions.