Legislation

The "Limiting Emergency Powers Act of 2025" amends the National Emergencies Act to require congressional approval within 30 days for any presidential declaration of national emergency. It sets a two-year limit on national emergencies, requiring renewal by both the President and Congress. The bill also ensures that funds and contracts related to the emergency are terminated appropriately if the emergency declaration expires.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the legacy of slavery and discrimination against African Americans from 1565 to the present. The commission will identify the harms caused by these injustices and recommend appropriate remedies, including how the nation can best educate itself on the commission's findings. It will also explore methods of reparations, such as a formal apology, eliminating discriminatory laws, and providing compensation to descendants of enslaved individuals. The commission will then submit its findings and recommendations to Congress.

The "Transparency in Bureaucratic Communications Act" amends the Inspector General Act of 1978, requiring inspectors general to report on communications between their establishment and internet service providers regarding content moderation, user content, data inputs, algorithms, and related tools. This aims to increase transparency in government interactions with online platforms.

The "HALT Fentanyl Act" permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, streamlining research registration processes while maintaining controls. It also updates penalties for trafficking, importing, and exporting fentanyl-related substances, treating them similarly to fentanyl analogues. Additionally, the Act addresses technical errors in previous legislation and mandates the Attorney General to issue rules for implementation.

The "End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Act" prohibits federal funds from going to entities that perform abortions, refer for abortions, or fund other entities that perform abortions, with exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the woman's life. This applies to any federal law passed after the enactment of this act, unless the new law specifically states it doesn't apply. It does not change existing limitations on abortion funding in appropriations laws and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

This bill allocates \$20,466,000 from the House of Representatives' funds to cover the expenses of the Committee on Homeland Security during the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, including staff salaries. It divides the funds into two equal amounts available for the first and second sessions of Congress. Payments must be made through vouchers signed by the Chairman and approved by the House Administration Committee, adhering to their regulations. All funds must be spent in accordance with the rules set by the House Administration Committee.

This bill recognizes and honors the vital role of community organizations and individuals in creating safe and supportive spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. It acknowledges the historical significance of these spaces in fostering belonging, promoting well-being, and driving social change. The bill also emphasizes the need to protect these spaces and support LGBTQIA+ organizations, particularly in light of the violence and discrimination faced by the community. Finally, it encourages continued congressional support for these essential community builders and resources.

The Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to support or facilitate the participation of the Russian Federation in any Group of Seven (G7) proceeding. It also blocks federal funding for reconstituting a Group of Eight (G8) that includes Russia. The goal of the bill is to restrict the Russian Federation's involvement in these international forums.

The Border Safety and Security Act of 2025 allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend the entry of certain aliens at U.S. borders if it's needed to maintain control, and requires the Secretary to prohibit entry if aliens cannot be detained or placed in an appropriate program. State Attorneys General can sue the Secretary of Homeland Security in federal court if they believe this section is being violated. The bill defines "covered alien" as someone seeking entry who is inadmissible under existing immigration law.

The America First Act seeks to restrict access to federal benefits and programs for certain non-citizens, including those with parole status, DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and those with temporary protected status. It modifies eligibility requirements for federal public benefits, healthcare, housing, education, and tax credits, and reduces funding for sanctuary jurisdictions. The bill also places restrictions on FEMA, Community Development Block Grants, and tax-exempt organizations regarding assistance to certain non-citizens. Additionally, it requires verification of citizenship for programs like Head Start, WIC, and school meals.

The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" seeks to modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. It expands coverage to include all services provided by licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, not just manual spinal manipulation. Doctors of Chiropractic are required to attend an educational webinar to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. This aims to align Medicare with other healthcare systems and private insurance in recognizing the full scope of chiropractic care.

The "Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025" aims to remove the existing Medicare exclusion for hearing aids and related examinations starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study and report on existing hearing aid programs, assessing their effectiveness and providing recommendations for improvement.

The Sporting Firearms Access Act of 2025 amends Title 18 to streamline the importation process for firearms and ammunition intended for sporting purposes like hunting and target shooting. It sets deadlines for import request decisions, requires detailed explanations for denials, and prohibits denial of imports for items substantially similar to those already available in the U.S. The bill also provides avenues for hearings and judicial review for denied applications, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

This resolution elects Senator Charles E. Grassley from Iowa to serve as President pro tempore of the Senate. The President pro tempore is the second-highest-ranking officer of the Senate.

This resolution designates the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role of TCUs in providing culturally relevant education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. TCUs serve over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes by offering high-quality postsecondary education and workforce preparation. The resolution encourages the public to participate in activities and programs that support these institutions.

The Combating Global Corruption Act of 2025 mandates the creation of a tiered ranking system for foreign countries based on their efforts to combat corruption. It sets minimum standards for governments to meet in eliminating corruption and requires the Secretary of State to assess and report on these efforts annually. The Act also directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to assess individuals in Tier 3 countries for potential sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act, and requires the designation of anti-corruption points of contact in U.S. embassies in Tier 2 and Tier 3 countries.

This bill establishes a bipartisan Task Force on the Legislative Process to identify and recommend ways for the House and Senate to more efficiently consider and vote on legislation that has already passed the other chamber with significant bipartisan support. The Task Force will consist of 12 members appointed by House and Senate leaders, and will submit a report with its findings and recommendations within one year. The House and Senate Rules Committees will then post the report on their websites. The task force will terminate after the report is issued.

The "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025" amends Title IX to prohibit schools receiving federal funding from allowing individuals born male to participate in female athletic programs. Sex is defined as determined by reproductive biology and genetics at birth. This bill aims to ensure fair competition for women and girls in sports.

This bill affirms the United States' role in improving global access to quality, inclusive public education, particularly for girls and marginalized groups. It recognizes education as a crucial factor for economic growth, poverty reduction, and stability. The bill encourages the U.S. government to prioritize education in humanitarian efforts and fulfill international education commitments through budget allocations. It also urges the use of diplomatic and development resources to promote quality education worldwide, focusing on inclusive education for disadvantaged children and adolescents.