Legislation

The LOOTER Act of 2025 establishes new federal crimes specifically targeting theft committed during officially declared natural disaster emergencies. This legislation makes both petty and grand larceny committed within affected counties during these emergency periods federal offenses. The Act imposes penalties ranging from fines and up to one year in prison for petty larceny, to fines and up to five years in prison for grand larceny.

The Protecting Public Naval Shipyards Act of 2025 aims to secure the jobs within public naval shipyards by prohibiting workforce reductions, hiring freezes, or layoffs due to budget constraints or probationary status. This legislation specifically protects essential roles, including welders, engineers, nuclear maintenance staff, and apprentices. The Act ensures the stability of the shipyard workforce while still allowing management to address individual employee performance issues.

The Freedom From Union Violence Act of 2025 amends federal law regarding interference with commerce through threats or violence, increasing penalties for robbery and extortion. It creates an exemption from federal prosecution for minor acts of violence or property damage during a labor dispute, reserving those cases for state and local authorities. This Act does not alter existing federal labor laws.

The Specialty Crop Domestic Market Promotion and Development Program Act of 2025 establishes a program for the Secretary of Agriculture to award grants to eligible organizations. These grants will fund domestic market development programs, including advertising and promotion activities, for domestically produced specialty crops. Recipients must submit a marketing plan and provide non-Federal matching funds of at least 25%. The Act authorizes $75 million annually for this purpose starting in fiscal year 2026.

This Act expands the Smith River National Recreation Area to include new areas in Oregon, updating management rules to protect roadless areas and wilderness. It also designates numerous tributaries of the North Fork Smith River in Oregon for protection under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Furthermore, the bill mandates a five-year study of the newly added lands to inform future management plan revisions.

The Train More Nurses Act mandates a comprehensive review of federal grant programs supporting the nursing workforce. The resulting report must provide Congress with specific recommendations to improve these programs. Key goals include increasing nursing faculty, facilitating experienced nurses' transition to teaching, and creating clearer pathways for LPNs to become RNs.

This bill officially repeals the Department of Energy's 2021 definition of a "showerhead" for energy efficiency standards. It reinstates and codifies the definition that was established in 2020. This action clarifies the legal standard used for regulating showerhead water pressure and efficiency moving forward.

The Dont STEAL Act ensures employees are paid at least the highest amount guaranteed by their contract or federal/state law. It strengthens the Fair Labor Standards Act by establishing new criminal penalties, including potential prison time, for employers who willfully commit wage theft exceeding $1,000. Furthermore, fines collected from these new criminal penalties will fund the Department of Labor's enforcement efforts.

The HEALTH AI Act establishes a new grant program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to fund research on using generative artificial intelligence in healthcare. These grants will support projects aimed at improving clinical efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and processing claims faster. Priority will be given to research that focuses on workforce training, reducing staff burnout, and improving health equity for underserved populations.

The Bringing Benefits Back Act of 2025 aims to repeal specific, outdated reconciliation provisions enacted under a previous budget resolution. This action effectively restores the original statutes that were previously amended by those provisions. In essence, the bill serves to undo specific legislative changes made years ago through that particular budget process.

This Act prohibits the use of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) funds for instruction or materials related to Critical Race Theory (CRT). It also bans most Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIA) offices, roles, and specific training programs within DoDEA schools. The Secretary of Defense is tasked with enforcement, which includes disciplinary action for intentional violations and establishing a formal complaint process for parents.

The Safe Embassies Act requires the State Department to provide Congress with a detailed justification demonstrating the national security value of reopening any previously closed embassy or consulate. This amendment enhances congressional oversight of decisions related to restoring diplomatic posts.

The Teachers Are Leaders Act of 2025 updates the Teacher Leader Development Program to enhance the training and focus of teacher leaders in high-need schools. This legislation mandates intensive, credential-earning professional development for selected educators who will focus on improving student achievement and instructional practices. The bill also establishes clear criteria for teacher leader selection and outlines how grant funds can support their multi-year development and ongoing mentorship.

The Increasing Nutrition Access for Seniors Act of 2025 aims to streamline and improve SNAP benefits for eligible seniors and disabled individuals. This bill extends certification periods up to 36 months for households with no earned income and introduces greater flexibility for medical expense deductions, including a self-attestation option. These changes are designed to reduce administrative burdens for long-term recipients while ensuring continued access to necessary food assistance.

The Wheelchair Right to Repair Act establishes a "right to repair" for powered mobility assistance devices, including motorized wheelchairs and wearable robotics. This legislation carves out exceptions to copyright law, allowing owners and independent shops to legally bypass digital locks to diagnose, maintain, and repair these essential devices. Furthermore, manufacturers are required to provide all necessary documentation, parts, software, and tools to these independent providers at fair and reasonable terms. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these provisions as unfair or deceptive business practices.

The Middle Mile for Rural America Act updates the timeline for expanding essential middle mile internet infrastructure into rural areas. This legislation shifts the designated period for these expansion projects under the Rural Electrification Act from 2018–2023 to the new timeframe of 2026 through 2031. This change ensures continued focus and potential funding for critical rural broadband development in the coming years.

The Accurate Mental Health Resources for Our Servicemembers Act of 2025 mandates that each military branch thoroughly review and update all online suicide prevention and behavioral health resources on installation websites by August 1, 2027. This ensures servicemembers have access to current and accurate contact information and links. Following the updates, military department heads must formally certify compliance to Congress.

The American Protein Processing Modernization Act establishes a formal, time-bound process for meat and poultry plants to request faster USDA inspection rates, known as "alternate inspection rates." The Secretary of Agriculture must respond to these requests within 90 days, with automatic approval if the deadline is missed. This legislation also outlines clear procedures for maintaining, revoking, or reinstating these faster inspection rates based on ongoing food safety compliance.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the 100-year legacy of The American Legion Baseball program. Congress honors the program for its dedication to mentoring young Americans in citizenship, discipline, and sportsmanship since 1925. The bill highlights the program's vast reach and its role in developing countless athletes and leaders.

This joint resolution formally honors the thirteen U.S. service members who were killed in the August 26, 2021, bombing at Abbey Gate during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. It recognizes their ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation and expresses deep gratitude to their Gold Star Families. The bill essentially establishes a National Day of Remembrance to ensure their faithful service in the fight for liberty is never forgotten.