Legislation

The Flood Insurance for Farmers Act of 2025 amends the National Flood Insurance Act to allow specific variances for elevating or floodproofing agricultural structures in special flood hazard zones under strict local conditions. This bill also directs FEMA to offer an optional umbrella insurance policy for property owners with multiple structures on the same property. These changes aim to provide flexibility for agricultural building standards while maintaining appropriate risk assessment for flood insurance premiums.

The National Worker Cooperative Development and Support Act aims to significantly expand support for worker-owned cooperative businesses across the federal government. It establishes the United States Council on Worker Cooperatives to coordinate federal strategy, remove barriers, and promote these businesses. The bill also directs agencies like the SBA to increase outreach, education, and technical assistance, while enhancing access to capital through pilot programs and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).

This bill, the Securing Reliable Power for Advanced Technologies Act, amends the Defense Production Act to accelerate federal permitting for critical artificial intelligence infrastructure projects, including data centers and dedicated power generation facilities. It establishes a consolidated, two-year maximum schedule for all necessary federal authorizations for designated projects. Furthermore, the legislation provides mechanisms for financial assistance to power providers and establishes a process for federal compensation if subsequent regulations impair the operation of these critical power facilities.

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model under Medicare. This legislation specifically blocks the implementation of the prior authorization requirements associated with the WISeR Model. The goal is to prevent the adoption of this particular payment and service delivery model.

The Mexican Energy Trade Enforcement Act mandates the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to take specific actions to compel Mexico to comply with its energy trade obligations under the USMCA. The USTR must either request a dispute resolution panel or require non-discriminatory market access for U.S. energy companies. This legislation aims to protect U.S. commerce from Mexican policies that favor state-owned energy companies.

The SAFE KIDS Act addresses concerns that foreign entities of concern are exploiting U.S. surrogacy laws, potentially risking national security and human trafficking. This bill voids surrogacy agreements involving citizens from these designated foreign entities and establishes criminal penalties for brokers who facilitate such arrangements. Custody of any resulting child will be determined by state law based on the child's best interests, disregarding the voided contract.

This resolution honors the service of all District of Columbia veterans and condemns the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for D.C. residents. It highlights that D.C. residents have served in every American war while being denied these fundamental democratic rights. Therefore, the resolution calls for the enactment of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act to grant the District statehood.

The Right to Enroll Act of 2025 extends the annual open enrollment period for health insurance exchanges specifically for the 2026 plan year. This legislation mandates that the open enrollment period will run from November 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026.

The Protection on the Picket Line Act amends the National Labor Relations Act to establish clear standards for when employer discipline against employees for on-the-picket-line conduct constitutes an unfair labor practice. This bill requires the General Counsel to prove the employer acted with hostility toward protected activity and could not have taken the same disciplinary action regardless of that activity. Essentially, it sets a high bar for employers to discipline workers engaged in protected union activities.

The Presumptive CLARITY Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs publicly list all conditions and veteran cohorts currently under review for establishing or removing service connection presumptions related to toxic exposure. This requirement ensures transparency by detailing the review process, timelines, and opportunities for public comment. The VA must implement this public posting requirement within 180 days of the Act becoming law.

This Act mandates that U.S. representatives at major international financial institutions must actively oppose financing for new fossil fuel capacity and promote clean energy transitions. It requires the Treasury to reduce U.S. contributions to these institutions dollar-for-dollar based on the amount they finance fossil fuel activities. Furthermore, the bill prohibits U.S. foreign assistance from supporting any activity related to fossil fuels.

The Save Our Ships Act establishes the Historic Naval Ship Preservation Grant Program within the Department of the Interior. This program will provide competitive grants to support the physical preservation of historic military vessels for public education. The grants can also fund workforce development programs related to maritime careers. The legislation authorizes $5 million annually for the program starting in fiscal year 2026.

The Better FDA Act of 2025 overhauls the regulation of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by requiring mandatory FDA listing and review for all such food ingredients. This legislation establishes strict deadlines for submitting GRAS notices and subjects substances not listed or under review to adulteration penalties. Furthermore, the Act grants the FDA authority to reevaluate the safety of existing food additives and GRAS substances based on new concerns, ensuring all final safety determinations involve review by career FDA scientific experts.

The Respect the Chief Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Defense regularly certify compliance with requirements to update leadership boards at all military installations. This includes an initial report by January 31, 2026, and subsequent reports within 120 days following a presidential inauguration or new Secretary of Defense confirmation. These reports confirm that installation boards accurately reflect the current Commander-in-Chief and relevant leadership changes.

The UBER Act establishes new minimum standards for drivers working for ride-share and mobility companies under contract with federal executive agencies. These requirements mandate that drivers be at least 21 years old, pass a road test, and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to communicate and understand traffic signs. Companies must certify compliance or face a five-year debarment from federal contracts.

The No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act prohibits the United States from conducting any explosive nuclear testing unless a foreign state tests first or a specific technical need is certified. Before any test, the President must notify Congress 180 days in advance, and Congress must approve the action through a joint resolution. Approval requires a two-thirds affirmative vote in the Senate, with specific, rigorous procedural requirements outlined for both chambers.

The Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025 mandates annual reporting on Mexico's water deliveries under the 1944 Treaty. If Mexico fails to deliver the minimum required water volume, the U.S. President must deny non-Treaty requests from Mexico. Exceptions to this limitation are possible only for documented humanitarian or ecological emergencies vital to U.S. national interests.

The Fisher House Availability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for temporary lodging at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Fisher Houses and similar facilities. This expansion specifically includes family members and support persons accompanying veterans or eligible individuals who must travel significant distances for care. The bill also clarifies definitions for "Eligible Individual" and "Fisher House."

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members lost in the tragedy on Lake Superior. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the ship's historical significance and the vital safety improvements that resulted from the disaster.

The GAIN AI Act of 2025 establishes strict export controls on advanced integrated circuits to designated "countries of concern." It mandates that exporters must certify they have given U.S. persons a right of first refusal before selling these critical components abroad. Furthermore, the bill sets standards for designating "trusted United States persons" to potentially exempt them from certain licensing requirements.