Legislation

The "America's First Fuels Act" introduces tax credits and increases existing credit limitations for biomass energy. It provides a tax credit of 30% for open-loop biomass heating property and increases the energy-efficient home improvement credit for biomass stoves and boilers. These changes aim to incentivize the use of biomass for heating and energy production. The provisions of this act will take effect after December 31, 2025.

The S-CAP Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, increasing the maximum number of shareholders an S corporation can have from 100 to 250. This change aims to broaden the potential ownership base of S corporations. It is effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The TICKER Act aims to protect U.S. investors by requiring clear warnings about the risks associated with investing in variable interest entities, particularly those in foreign countries like China, where investors lack equity ownership and legal recourse. It mandates that national securities exchanges identify covered entities with a specific symbol and requires brokers and dealers to inform investors about the potential lack of legal protection when investing in these entities.

This bill seeks to equalize benefits for officers in the Public Health Service with those of the armed forces. It amends Title II of the Public Health Service Act to grant commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) the same leave benefits as commissioned officers of the Army (and their beneficiaries) under Title 10 of the U.S. Code. This change ensures that Public Health Service officers receive the same leave rights and privileges as their military counterparts.

The "Advancing Quantum Manufacturing Act of 2025" aims to bolster the National Quantum Initiative by improving coordination between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, establishing a Manufacturing USA institute for quantum technology, and commissioning studies to assess the program's progress and identify obstacles to collaboration. The act directs the creation of a quantum manufacturing institute to foster a complete manufacturing environment for quantum technologies, support a robust supply chain, and develop a skilled workforce. Additionally, it mandates studies to evaluate the National Quantum Initiative's progress and address barriers to collaboration between research centers, industry, and academia.

The Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act of 2025 amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act to improve the Weatherization Assistance Program. It establishes a Weatherization Readiness Fund to repair low-income housing and increases the State average cost per unit from $6,500 to $15,000. The act also increases the amount for heating and cooling system repairs and allows the Secretary to increase financial assistance per dwelling unit if market conditions require it.

The "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act" aims to increase investment in Title X family planning clinics by establishing a dedicated fund within the Department of Health and Human Services. It allocates significant annual funding from 2026-2035 for grants, contracts, and infrastructure improvements for these clinics. The bill ensures that subawards are based on service capabilities and mandates nondirective pregnancy counseling, requiring clinics to offer comprehensive information on all options, including prenatal care, adoption, and abortion.

The "Every State Counts for Veterans Mental Health Act" prioritizes Department of Veterans Affairs suicide prevention grant applicants from states that have not yet received such a grant. The goal is to ensure that every state has access to resources for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must give a scoring preference to eligible entities in states without prior grant awards until at least one grant is awarded in that state.

This bill modifies the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest to include additional land as depicted on a specified map. It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire land within the new boundaries through donation, exchange, or purchase from willing sellers. Acquired land will be managed according to National Forest System laws and regulations.

The SNOOP Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code, reinstating the previous exception for minimal payments handled by third-party settlement organizations, requiring them to report information only if the total amount exceeds $20,000 and the number of transactions exceeds 200. It also modifies backup withholding rules for third-party network transactions, aligning them with the reinstated de minimis standards. These changes are set to take effect for calendar years starting after December 31, 2024.

The Protecting Global Fisheries Act of 2025 aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by increasing international collaboration, authorizing sanctions on foreign individuals and vessels involved in IUU fishing or trade in endangered species, and requiring regular reports to Congress on global IUU fishing activities and efforts to address them. The Act empowers the President to impose measures such as blocking property, denying entry to the U.S., and prohibiting access to U.S. ports for those engaged in these illicit activities. It also prioritizes working with allies and international organizations to deploy technology and hold accountable those involved in IUU fishing, with a particular focus on the actions of the People's Republic of China.

This bill extends the authorization for modifications to the Second Division Memorial in Washington, D.C., until September 30, 2032, notwithstanding certain restrictions. This extension allows for continued improvements and adjustments to the memorial.

The "Jobs in the Woods Act" establishes a competitive grant program within the Department of Agriculture to support career pathway training programs in low-income, nonmetropolitan areas for forestry operations and forestry products industries. Grants will range from $500,000 to $2,000,000 for up to 4 years. The bill authorizes $10,000,000 to be appropriated each year from 2025 through 2029 to carry out the grant program.

The SAFE Act mandates that companies disclose any financial support received from the Chinese government, including details about the conditions and any ties to the Chinese Communist Party. This includes disclosing any Chinese Communist Party committees within the company and information about officers or directors with connections to the Chinese government or party. The SEC must update its rules to reflect these changes within 180 days.

The "Safeguarding American Education From Foreign Control Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, requiring educational institutions to disclose foreign gifts and contracts to the Secretary of Education. It lowers the reporting threshold to $0 for gifts or contracts from countries of concern and $250,000 from all other foreign sources. The Secretary of Education must also share these disclosures with the FBI Director and the Director of National Intelligence.

The Coastal Drone Surveillance and Interdiction Assessment Act mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to evaluate the feasibility of using drones for enhanced border security and to disrupt maritime and low-altitude drug smuggling along U.S. coastlines. This assessment, due within 180 days, will identify major trafficking corridors and remote communities, and analyze the effectiveness, risks, and potential of drone deployment.

The "Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act" aims to make the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation (USRC) eligible for various federal grants related to infrastructure and rail improvements. It amends existing laws to include the USRC as an eligible entity for BUILD grants, National Infrastructure Project Assistance Grants, Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Grants, and Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grants. For projects awarded to the USRC, the federal share of these grants is set to 100 percent of the total eligible project costs. This bill seeks to ensure full funding for the redevelopment of Union Station.

The "Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a feasibility study to assess the potential of designating the Benton MacKaye Trail as a National Scenic Trail. This study, to be completed within one year and in consultation with relevant groups, will evaluate the trail's suitability for inclusion in the National Trails System. The bill acknowledges the trail's scenic value, economic benefits, and existing management by the Benton MacKaye Trail Association.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act withdraws approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and water in Minnesota's Rainy River Watershed from mining and mineral leasing activities. This withdrawal aims to protect the water quality, air quality, and overall health of the forest habitat within the Rainy River Watershed. The Forest Service Chief can permit the removal of certain materials if it does not harm the watershed. Maps detailing the withdrawn areas will be available for public inspection at the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management offices.

The S-CAP Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, increasing the maximum number of shareholders an S corporation can have from 100 to 250. This change aims to broaden the appeal and accessibility of S corporation status for businesses. It applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.