Legislation

The FEMA Independence Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency, led by a Director who reports directly to the President. This act transfers all FEMA functions from the Department of Homeland Security to the newly independent agency, aiming to enhance FEMA's ability to lead and support the nation's emergency management system. The act also outlines leadership roles, responsibilities, and the transfer of personnel and resources to ensure a seamless transition. Additionally, the act requires the director to submit a report to congress recommending legislation for technical and conforming amendments to reflect the changes made by this act.

The Secure Background Checks Act of 2025 amends title 18 of the US Code to make it illegal for people who don't meet certain age or residency requirements to own a gun. Age requirements are described in subsection (b)(1), and residency requirements mandate that a person must reside in the state where the licensed gun dealer is located, unless an exception applies. The bill also updates a reference in section 924(a)(2) of title 18 related to penalties.

The "Bring Entrepreneurial Advancements To Consumers Here In North America Act" introduces tax incentives for manufacturers who relocate their production to the United States, including accelerated depreciation for qualified property and exclusion of gain on the sale of property related to the relocation. It also makes permanent the 100% expensing for qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017.

The "Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2025" amends pasteurized orange juice standards, requiring it to contain a minimum of 10.0% orange juice soluble solids by weight, excluding solids from added sweeteners. This revision aims to protect domestic orange juice production without restricting the Secretary of Health and Human Services' authority to modify these standards.

The "Salem Maritime National Historical Park Redesignation and Boundary Study Act" renames the Salem Maritime National Historic Site as the Salem Maritime National Historical Park. It also directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a boundary study to assess the possibility of adding sites related to maritime history, coastal defenses, and military history to the park. The study will focus on Salem, Massachusetts, and its vicinity, including the Salem Armory Visitor Center and Park, with a report due to Congress within three years of funding.

The "Lifesaving Gear for Police Act of 2025" aims to enhance state and local law enforcement access to surplus federal equipment. It prevents the enforcement of certain regulations that restrict the transfer of federal property to law enforcement agencies unless approved by Congress. The Act also ensures that any property recalled or seized under these regulations is returned or replaced at no cost to the original agency, provided they meet specific requirements and intend to use the equipment for law enforcement purposes. Finally, the Act restricts the President's power to create executive orders that would limit equipment transfers to law enforcement.

The "Manifest Modernization Act of 2025" amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require more detailed manifest information for vessels, vehicles, and aircraft entering the U.S. It mandates public disclosure of specific manifest details, including cargo classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, country of origin, and the last country the cargo transited. The Act broadens the definition of "aircraft" and applies to arrivals in the U.S. 30 days after enactment.

This bill proposes to eliminate the Department of Education. If enacted, the Department of Education would cease to exist on December 31, 2026.

Sammy's Law aims to protect children on large social media platforms by requiring these platforms to provide secure access to registered third-party safety software, enabling parents and guardians to monitor and manage their child's online activity. It establishes guidelines for data privacy, security, and usage, ensuring that the software is used solely to protect children from harm. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for overseeing compliance, issuing guidance, and enforcing the law, creating a national standard while preventing states from enacting conflicting legislation. This law empowers parents with tools to safeguard their children from online threats like cyberbullying, human trafficking, and exposure to harmful content.

The Taiwan Allies Fund Act aims to bolster Taiwan's international standing by authorizing $40 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to counter Chinese influence and support countries that maintain or strengthen ties with Taiwan. These funds will support initiatives such as health programs, civil society capacity building, supply chain diversification, and alternatives to Chinese development assistance. The Act requires the Secretary of State to coordinate these efforts and report annually to Congress on the activities and their success. It encourages collaboration with Taiwan to ensure commensurate contributions to recipient countries.

This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to authorize the use of funds for additional Carey Act projects. It allows the Secretary to use funds to support the rehabilitation, reconstruction, or replacement of dams developed and operating under Section 4 of the Act of August 18, 1894, after other eligible dams have received necessary funding. This ensures that available funds can be used to improve and maintain critical water infrastructure projects.

The GREEN Appraisals Act of 2025 aims to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy considerations into the home appraisal process for mortgages. It requires lenders to inform borrowers of their right to submit an energy report for appraisal consideration, mandates appraisers to consider these reports, and directs covered agencies to issue guidance and update systems to accommodate these changes. The bill also establishes an advisory committee and defines key terms to ensure consistent implementation across federal housing agencies. Ultimately, this bill seeks to ensure that homes with energy-efficient and renewable energy features are accurately valued, encouraging investment in these improvements.

The "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act" prohibits colleges and universities from supporting events that promote antisemitism, using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition to identify antisemitism. This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure institutions do not authorize, facilitate, or fund antisemitic activities on campus.

The "Congressional Oversight of the Antiquities Act" amends the Antiquities Act to require congressional approval for national monument designations. Designations are temporary, lasting only six months or until the end of the current congressional session. Land included in designations that are not extended or are rejected cannot be included in new national monuments for 25 years.

The "Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025" establishes a program providing eligible military dependent children with education savings accounts. These accounts, managed by the Secretary of Education in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will offer an initial deposit of \$6,000, increasing annually based on the Consumer Price Index. Funds can be used for a wide range of educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, online programs, and college costs. The Act authorizes \$1,200,000,000 for fiscal year 2026, with subsequent years' funding adjusted for inflation, and prioritizes renewals of existing accounts.

The Deerfield River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of the Interior to study the Deerfield River and its major tributaries in Massachusetts and Vermont for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The study will assess the river's eligibility based on its outstanding resource values. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress within three years of funding availability.

The "Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act" establishes a grant program to help communities reduce nitrate and arsenic contamination in their drinking water. Grants will be prioritized for disadvantaged communities and projects that address contamination in facilities serving vulnerable populations. The program will provide funding for treatment technology installation, with a focus on assisting low-income homeowners and renters in disadvantaged communities. It also requires a review to ensure the grant program improves equity outcomes for economically disadvantaged and underserved populations.

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to release the U.S. reversionary interest in approximately 31.83 acres of state forest land in Wisconsin's Black River State Forest, contingent upon the state's agreement to exchange that land for approximately 37.27 acres of privately owned land to be added to the forest. The goal is to facilitate a land exchange between the state and Deli, Inc., a local business, to consolidate land holdings and enhance the Black River State Forest. The Secretary must provide a quitclaim deed to the State of Wisconsin as evidence of the release of interest.

The "Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act of 2025" introduces a \$1.00 per gallon tax credit for renewable natural gas used as fuel in vehicles, boats, or aviation. It defines renewable natural gas and sets requirements for producers and sellers to qualify for the credit. This incentive aims to promote the use of renewable natural gas, but it is not applicable to gas produced and used outside the United States and expires after December 31, 2035.

The "End Gun Violence Act of 2025" prohibits the sale or transfer of firearms and ammunition to individuals convicted of a violent misdemeanor in the last 5 years, defining a violent misdemeanor as one involving the use or threat of physical force or a deadly weapon, or the intent or act of causing physical injury. The bill updates existing legislation to reflect this prohibition and clarifies that it does not impact convictions occurring before the law's enactment or alter existing federal, state, tribal, or local laws regarding firearms.