Legislation

The Hurricane Helene and Milton Tax Relief Act of 2025 provides tax relief to individuals and businesses in areas affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. It allows for the use of prior-year income for Earned Income Credit calculations, increases limitations on charitable contributions for hurricane relief, and provides special rules for the use of retirement funds, including penalty-free withdrawals and increased loan limits. The Act also allows for re-contribution of retirement funds withdrawn for home purchases that were impacted by the hurricanes.

The "Securing Our Elections Act of 2025" mandates that voters provide photo identification to cast ballots in federal elections, beginning in 2026. It allows provisional ballots for those without ID, which can be counted if a valid ID or affidavit is provided shortly after the election. The bill requires states to offer free photo IDs to those who cannot obtain one and ensures access to free digital imaging services for copying IDs. States with existing photo ID laws can continue using them upon approval from the Attorney General.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that the Parthenon Marbles, removed from Greece in the early 19th century, should be returned. It highlights the Parthenon's significance to Greek culture and argues the return of the marbles would demonstrate respect for Greece and classical art. The bill encourages the United Kingdom to negotiate with Greece for the repatriation of these sculptures.

This bill renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lubbock, Texas, to the "General Bernie Mittemeyer VA Clinic". All official references to the clinic will reflect this new name.

This bill disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule on New Source Performance Standards Review for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels. The rule pertains to standards for storage vessels, including those containing petroleum liquids.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans to veterans as member business loans. The term "veteran" will be defined according to title 38, section 101 of the U.S. Code. This change aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by increasing their access to capital through credit unions. The changes will be effective six months after the enactment of this Act.

The "Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act" modifies exemptions to the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) health coverage requirements for individuals in counties with limited insurer participation. It also mandates that the President, Vice President, political appointees, Members of Congress, and congressional staff obtain health insurance through the ACA exchanges without government contributions, and limits their tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. This bill clarifies that Congress is not a "small employer" for purposes of enrolling in an Exchange.

The CBW Fentanyl Act amends the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 to expand sanctions for countries and individuals involved in chemical or biological weapons programs, including those related to fentanyl production. It mandates presidential reports to Congress on foreign individuals or entities involved in "covered acts" related to such programs, triggering a tiered system of sanctions based on the country's response. These sanctions range from suspending scientific cooperation to prohibiting transactions within U.S. jurisdiction, with potential waivers for national security interests and a sunset clause after five years. The bill aims to counter the weaponization of fentanyl by targeting international actors contributing to its production and distribution.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to spend funds from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, for necessary expenses, including staffing, investigations, and agency contributions. It sets specific spending limits for different periods, including allocations for consultants and staff training. The resolution also outlines the procedures for handling committee expenses and agency contributions, ensuring compliance with Senate rules and regulations.

The First Amendment Accountability Act allows citizens to sue federal employees who violate their First Amendment rights, but prevents federal employees from suing the government for actions related to their employment. Courts can award attorney's fees to the winning party, excluding the United States. The Act defines "federal employee" as any executive branch worker, excluding the President and Vice President.

This bill lifts restrictions on defense articles, security assistance, and sales to Cyprus, aiming to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Cyprus. By removing specific subsections from existing acts, the bill eliminates previous limitations and exclusions that hindered defense cooperation. This change allows for increased security support and defense trade with Cyprus.

This bill nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles-Phase 3." By disapproving the rule, the bill prevents the EPA from enforcing stricter emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles.

This resolution congratulates the University of Vermont men's soccer team, the Catamounts, on their first NCAA Division I national championship win in 2024. It celebrates their victory over Marshall University, key players, and the pride they brought to Vermont. The resolution also directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies to the university's interim president, athletic director, and head coach.

The "Valor Earned Not Stolen Act of 2025" increases the penalty for individuals who fraudulently misrepresent having received military medals or decorations, with potential imprisonment of up to three years. It mandates a study by the Attorney General, in coordination with the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to identify benefits obtained through fraudulent misrepresentation of military honors. The Attorney General must then report the study's findings and policy recommendations to Congress.

The Food Deserts Act establishes a grant program providing funds to states to create revolving loan funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. These funds will offer loans to establish new grocery stores or support existing ones, emphasizing the availability of healthful foods at affordable prices. States will prioritize entities that hire locally, offer nutritional education, and source food from local farms. The Act allocates $150 million for fiscal year 2026 to carry out these provisions.

The "Honor Inauguration Day Act" mandates that the American flag be flown at its highest peak on each Presidential Inauguration Day. This act emphasizes the importance of elections and celebrating the peaceful transition of power. This requirement is to be upheld regardless of any conflicting laws.

The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to limit the President's power, preventing them from imposing import duties, tariff-rate quotas, or other quotas on goods entering the United States under the authority of that act.

This bill repeals the section of law that allows for automatic pay increases for members of Congress. By removing section 601(a)(2) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, the bill ensures that congressional pay adjustments will no longer occur automatically. These changes will go into effect when the 120th Congress convenes.

This resolution ensures Senators have adequate time to review legislation by requiring a minimum review period based on the length of the document. It allows Senators to raise concerns if this reading period is not met and requires a supermajority to waive the rule. This resolution affirms the Senate's power to establish its own rules and procedures.

The "Congressional Border Security Assessment Act" allows members of Congress and their staff to access Indian reservations within 50 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. This access is for the purpose of assessing national security, public safety, and border security, and includes roadways and easements within the reservations. The bill defines "Indian country" according to existing U.S. Code.