Legislation

The Family Business Legacy Act of 2025 introduces a new federal estate tax deduction for bequests made to specific tax-exempt organizations listed under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6). This allows the value of gifts transferred to these qualifying groups upon death to be subtracted from the gross estate when calculating taxable estate value. The deduction applies to direct bequests and property passing via powers of appointment to these organizations. These provisions take effect for estates of individuals dying after December 31, 2025.

The Caribbean Anti-Smuggling of Trafficked Arms Act (CAST Act) mandates the Secretary of Defense to produce a comprehensive report on expanding the mission of Joint Interagency Taskforce South (JIATF South) to combat illegal arms trafficking in the Caribbean. This report must detail the feasibility, necessary legal changes, resource requirements, and coordination efforts for such an expansion. The findings will be submitted to relevant congressional committees for review.

The PARADE Act prohibits the Department of Defense and the Executive Office of the President from using appropriated funds to sponsor parades specifically designed to celebrate or pay tribute to the current President. This measure prevents taxpayer money from being used for presidential celebratory events.

Hammers' Law extends existing federal liability limitations, previously applied only to commercial aviation accidents, to cover claims arising from cruise ship voyages. The bill specifically defines what constitutes a "cruise ship" for the purpose of these limitations, including vessels authorized to carry at least 250 passengers with sleeping accommodations. This change broadens the scope of established liability caps to encompass incidents occurring on covered passenger vessels operating to or from the United States.

The PROTECT 911 Act aims to support the mental health of 911 operators and emergency dispatchers. It requires the government to develop evidence-based mental health guidelines and training materials specifically for these workers. Furthermore, the Act establishes grants for emergency communications centers to implement or enhance behavioral health and wellness programs for their staff.

The Middle Class Savings Act updates the income thresholds for capital gains tax brackets to align with current income tax bracket breakpoints. This adjustment effectively raises the income levels required to trigger higher capital gains tax rates. These changes are designed to benefit middle-class taxpayers and will take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The VARIANCE Act temporarily allows commercial trucks hauling specific dry bulk goods, like grain or gravel, to exceed standard weight limits on individual axles or axle groups by up to 110 percent. This change only applies to axle weight distribution and does not permit trucks to exceed the overall maximum gross vehicle weight limit. The exception is strictly for unpackaged, homogeneous, non-liquid materials transported in specialized trailers.

This bill aims to significantly support student parents and strengthen the early childhood education workforce through multiple avenues. It establishes a major grant program to provide free infant and toddler care for student parents at eligible institutions while simultaneously funding workforce development and ensuring fair wages for childcare staff. Furthermore, the legislation streamlines access to existing federal childcare subsidies for parents in higher education and mandates clearer communication from colleges regarding dependent care allowances in financial aid packages.

This bill mandates the Attorney General to produce comprehensive reports to Congress addressing the rising violence against law enforcement officers, including ambushes and non-traditional aggressions. These reports must analyze current data collection gaps, evaluate existing training and mental health resources, and recommend legislative or procedural improvements. The ultimate goal is to enhance officer safety, wellness, and the federal government's ability to support local and state police departments effectively.

The Michael Enzi Voluntary Protection Program Act establishes a new, free federal program administered by the Secretary of Labor to recognize employers with exemplary workplace safety and health management systems. Approved employers must meet rigorous standards, undergo periodic evaluations, and in return, they are exempt from routine OSHA inspections. The bill also mandates specific oversight, modernization of program technology, and dedicates a minimum percentage of OSHA's budget to support its operation.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating April 2025 as "Fair Chance Jobs Month." It highlights the significant employment barriers faced by the millions of Americans with past conviction records. The bill champions efforts to remove structural roadblocks, expand job training, and connect formerly incarcerated individuals with stable employment opportunities.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a recent rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Specifically, it rejects the Service's decision to list the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt as an endangered or threatened species. By disapproving the rule, Congress nullifies the listing status for this specific smelt population.

This resolution formally recognizes the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action on April 4, 2025. It reaffirms the United States' long-standing leadership and commitment to eliminating deadly landmines and unexploded ordnance globally. The bill calls on the U.S. government to continue funding humanitarian demining projects and prioritize the clearance of contaminated areas worldwide. It also specifically honors the sacrifices of communities affected by explosive remnants in Southeast Asia.

This resolution supports designating April 2025 as the "Month of the Military Child" to recognize the unique sacrifices and commitment made by children of military service members. It encourages the nation to observe this month with appropriate activities honoring their strength and support. The goal is to formally pay tribute to these children and encourage support for military families.

The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires manufacturers to clearly disclose if an internet-connected device, such as a smart speaker, has a built-in camera or microphone before purchase. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these disclosure rules as unfair business practices. This law specifically excludes standard personal electronics like phones and laptops from these new requirements.

This resolution officially designates April 30, 2025, as "National Assistive Technology Awareness Day." It highlights the critical role assistive technology plays in enabling people with disabilities and older adults to fully participate in education, employment, and community life. The bill also commends the dedicated professionals and organizations working to ensure access to these essential tools and services.

The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 establishes an Advisory Council within the Department of Health and Human Services to support victims of gun violence. This council will define key terms, assess the needs of victims and service providers, and identify best practices for support. Its primary goal is to share comprehensive information on available medical, financial, and mental health resources with the public and relevant government bodies. The council will operate for five years and is required to issue detailed reports on resource gaps and recommendations for improvement.

The Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act aims to increase housing assistance eligibility for disabled veterans by excluding specific VA disability benefits from income calculations for certain housing programs. This ensures that compensation received for service-connected disabilities does not prevent veterans from qualifying for supportive housing assistance. However, these excluded benefits will still be considered when calculating the final adjusted rent amount.

The School Meal Modernization and Hunger Elimination Act aims to reduce child hunger by expanding automatic enrollment for free school meals for low-income children through broader direct certification rules, including linking eligibility to Medicaid status. The bill also establishes demonstration projects for statewide universal free school meals and provides grants to states to improve the efficiency of automatic enrollment processes. Furthermore, it ensures continuity of meal benefits for students transferring schools and mandates retroactive reimbursement for eligible meals.

The Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2024 amends federal public works law to explicitly allow funding for the construction of youth sports facilities. This legislation prioritizes projects that address childhood health issues, support highly rural and low-income communities, and focus on areas affected by opioid addiction or violence. The goal is to increase access to recreational spaces while simultaneously boosting local economic development and job creation.