Legislation

The "Strong Communities Act of 2025" establishes the "COPS Strong Communities Program," which provides grants to local law enforcement agencies and higher education institutions for law enforcement training programs. To be eligible, officers and recruits must commit to serving as full-time law enforcement officers in their communities for at least four years after completing their training. The bill also mandates that the Attorney General submit annual reports to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, detailing information about grant recipients, the number of officers and recruits trained, and their subsequent employment status.

The "Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025" aims to establish federal policies requiring detention agencies to promptly notify emergency contacts in the event of a detainee's death, serious illness, or injury. It mandates the Attorney General to develop and implement these policies for Department of Justice detention agencies, as well as provide model policies and support for state, tribal, and local agencies. The bill outlines specific procedures for collecting emergency contact information, notification timelines, communication protocols, and standards for handling belongings and remains. An ombudsman will be appointed to investigate complaints of notification failures.

The "Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a visa category for essential workers in the mobile entertainment industry, such as carnivals and circuses. It defines "essential functions" and "mobile entertainment provider," and ensures these employers meet the same requirements as those employing non-immigrant workers under existing labor regulations. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor are required to establish rules implementing these changes.

The VA Home Loan GRACE Act of 2025 updates the VA home loan program by modifying loan guaranty calculations for multiple veterans on a single loan and adds civil penalties for veterans who knowingly provide false information on loan certifications. It also extends the current loan fee structure until April 7, 2031. These changes aim to enhance the resiliency and integrity of the VA home loan program.

The "No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny tax deductions for employer expenses used to influence employees regarding union activities, including union elections and collective bargaining. It requires detailed reporting of such expenditures on tax returns, with significant penalties for non-compliance, while providing exemptions for certain communications and activities. The Act aims to prevent taxpayer subsidization of employer interference in workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain.

The "Winter Recreation Small Business Recovery Act of 2025" amends the Small Business Act to include "snow drought" as a type of disaster, enabling small businesses affected by low snowpack to access Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster relief programs. It requires the SBA Administrator to implement rules for this change and directs the Comptroller General to report to Congress on resources, adaptation strategies, and legislative actions to further aid businesses impacted by snow droughts, including an evaluation of the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

This bill mandates the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director to reinstate the rule delisting the gray wolf from the endangered and threatened species list, as previously outlined in the 2020 final rule. The reissuance must occur within 60 days of the bill's enactment and will not be subject to judicial review.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the establishment of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino, potentially within the National Mall. It requires the Smithsonian to notify Congress regarding the use of federal land for the museum and ensures that the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of the Latino community by seeking guidance from a broad array of knowledgeable sources with diverse political viewpoints and experiences. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on efforts to ensure this diversity in exhibits and programs.

The "Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2025" amends the National Labor Relations Act to specify that Indian Tribes, and businesses they own and operate on their lands, are not considered employers under the Act. It defines key terms like "Indian Tribe," "Indian," and "Indian lands" to clarify the scope of this exemption, ensuring tribal labor sovereignty.

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to produce gold and silver coins to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum’s establishment. The coin designs will represent the courage, sacrifice, and strength of those affected by the attacks. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be donated to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center to support its operations and maintenance. The Act ensures that the coin minting will result in no net cost to the federal government.

The "Protecting Americans Right To Silence Act" or "PARTS Act of 2025" amends title 18 of the United States Code to redefine firearm silencers and mufflers. The new definition includes any device designed to diminish the sound of a portable firearm and any single part that serves as the primary housing for sound-reduction components.

This bill redesignates the Hulls Cove Visitor Center at Acadia National Park in Maine as the George J. Mitchell Visitor Center. The renaming will apply to any future primary visitor center replacing the current one. Legal references to the Hulls Cove Visitor Center will now refer to the George J. Mitchell Visitor Center.

The "GREATER Act" mandates collaboration between the Small Business Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority to support small businesses in the Appalachian and Delta regions. It requires a memorandum of understanding to coordinate activities and a report to Congress on the outcomes of these efforts. The goal is to boost rural entrepreneurship and maximize the effectiveness of assistance to small businesses in these regions.

The Military Moms Act aims to improve maternal health care access and resources for military families. It modifies the TRICARE program to include pregnancy and loss of pregnancy as qualifying life events for enrollment changes. The Act also requires a comprehensive report on maternal health care access within the military health system and updates to the Military OneSource program with detailed maternal health resources, excluding information on abortion. Additionally, Military OneSource counselors will receive training to address the non-medical needs of pregnant beneficiaries.

The "Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025" increases the maximum prison sentence from 1 year to 5 years for individuals who attempt to obstruct justice by picketing or parading with the intent to influence, intimidate, or impede any judge, juror, witness, or court officer in the discharge of their duty. This amendment applies to actions taken near a building or residence occupied or used by such individuals.

The Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act expands the Sarvis Creek Wilderness in Colorado by approximately 6,817 acres within the Routt National Forest. It protects the rights of Indian Tribes to access and use the area for traditional purposes. The Act also allows for necessary actions to manage fire, insects, and diseases within the expanded wilderness area.

The "Reclaiming Congressional Trade Authority Act of 2025" seeks to limit the President and the United States Trade Representative's (USTR) authority to unilaterally impose tariffs or other import restrictions for national security or trade enforcement reasons. It requires the President and USTR to submit proposals to the International Trade Commission (ITC) and Congress, consult with specific congressional committees, and in some cases, receive congressional approval before modifying duty rates or imposing trade restrictions. This Act aims to reassert Congressional oversight on trade policy.

The Great Lakes Mapping Act of 2025 mandates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to complete a high-resolution survey and map of the Great Lakes lakebeds by 2030, coordinating with various stakeholders. The collected data will be made public and integrated into nautical charts. The Act allocates $50 million annually from 2025 to 2029 for this initiative.

The Rural Development Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act of 2025 codifies and enhances the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program, providing targeted support to rural hospitals through technical assistance and training. This program aims to improve the financial stability, operational efficiency, and healthcare delivery in rural areas, with a focus on preventing hospital closures and increasing access to USDA loans and grants. The Act prioritizes support for hospitals serving underserved populations and those in health professional shortage areas. It also requires annual reports to Congress on the program's effectiveness and authorizes appropriations of $2 million per year through 2029.

The "District of Columbia Electronic Transmittal of Legislation Act" allows the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia to transmit Acts of the Council to Congress electronically. It ensures that Acts submitted electronically are treated the same as those submitted in paper form, streamlining the legislative process. This act updates the submission process for District legislation, making it more efficient. Congress retains the right to change these rules.