Legislation

The Mentoring and Supporting Families Act prioritizes grant applications for job training programs that incorporate peer mentoring, career coaching, and financial stipends for participants. This legislation mandates that career coaching be a continuous part of case management plans for recipients of these grants. These changes are set to take effect starting October 1, 2025.

The Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025 establishes an automatic continuing appropriations mechanism to fund federal operations if Congress fails to pass a budget by the start of the new fiscal year. This automatic funding begins at 94% of the previous year's level and decreases by one percentage point every 90 days until a formal budget is enacted. This measure ensures essential government functions continue while discouraging prolonged budget impasses.

This bill, the Restoring the United States Department of War Act, seeks to formally codify Executive Order 14347 into permanent federal law. By doing so, it elevates the directives and policies established in that order to the full force and effect of a statute passed by Congress.

The Credit Access and Inclusion Act of 2025 aims to improve consumer credit profiles by allowing more on-time rent, utility, and telecom payments to be reported to credit agencies. This change permits landlords and service providers to share positive payment history, potentially boosting credit scores for responsible consumers. Consumers retain the right to opt-out of this expanded reporting. The bill also mandates a GAO study on the impact of this new data on consumer credit scores.

The Price Stability Act of 2025 amends the Federal Reserve Act to revise the central bank's primary mission. This legislation removes the requirement for the Federal Reserve to pursue maximum employment as part of its official mandate. Moving forward, the Fed will be solely focused on achieving and maintaining stable prices.

The Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act establishes a new grant program to boost arts education at Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs). These funds are intended to increase access to the arts for minority students through financial aid, mentorship, and career development. The bill aims to address the lack of diversity in arts leadership by supporting institutions well-positioned to train diverse arts professionals. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to preserve and promote the work of artists of color while strengthening arts programs nationwide.

The Technical Assistance for Health Grants Act updates how the Secretary of Health and Human Services provides support to certain grant recipients under Section 2008 of the Social Security Act. This bill restructures existing rules to mandate tailored technical assistance for grantees, including specific support for tribal organizations and U.S. territories. It also establishes peer support conferences and requires regular reporting to Congress on the assistance provided. These changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with $15 million dedicated to funding the new support structure in fiscal year 2026.

The Health CARE Training Act establishes new minimum training hour requirements for participants in federally funded health profession demonstration projects starting in late 2025. Additionally, this bill ensures that cash stipends and emergency assistance provided through these specific health workforce projects will be excluded from federal income tax for recipients. This exclusion also removes the reporting requirement for the entities distributing those funds.

This Act, the Enhancing COPS Hiring Program Grants for Local Law Enforcement Act, updates federal grant guidelines to allow local law enforcement agencies to use public safety funds for hiring and retention bonuses. These bonuses are specifically permitted when departments face significant recruitment challenges or high attrition rates. The bill also clarifies the definition of a "law enforcement officer" for grant eligibility purposes.

The Labor Market Response Act requires organizations applying for certain grants to provide evidence of in-demand jobs or documented worker shortages in their applications. This ensures grant funding targets areas with clear, current labor market needs. These new requirements will take effect starting October 1, 2025.

The Learn and Serve America Reinvestment Act secures $40 million annually for the Learn and Serve America program, ensuring dedicated funding for service-learning initiatives. This bill expands eligibility to include local and state educational agencies and updates the funding process to a competitive award system starting in Fiscal Year 2026. It also mandates specific allocations for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and requires annual reporting on fund usage.

This bill provides appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 across key federal areas, including the Army Corps of Engineers civil works, the Department of the Interior's water and reclamation projects, and the Department of Energy's research, defense, and infrastructure programs. It allocates billions for water infrastructure, energy development, and scientific research while imposing strict controls on fund transfers and procurement across these agencies. Furthermore, the Act includes several general provisions that restrict the use of federal funds for lobbying, certain regulatory actions, and specific social policy mandates.

The PERU Act of 2025 aims to grant Peruvian nationals eligibility for E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) nonimmigrant visas. This change aligns Peru with other treaty countries by establishing reciprocal treatment for traders and investors. The provision takes effect only if the Peruvian government offers the same visa status to U.S. citizens.

This bill authorizes appropriations for the Department of Defense for Fiscal Year 2026, covering procurement, research, personnel, and operations and maintenance across all military branches. It also includes significant provisions aimed at streamlining acquisition processes, enhancing cybersecurity for defense systems, and addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly concerning foreign adversaries. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes military construction projects and extends several key authorities related to personnel benefits, international security cooperation, and the modernization of the defense industrial base.

The FAMILY Act establishes a national Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program administered by a new office within the Social Security Administration. This program provides monthly benefits to eligible individuals who take time off for qualified caregiving reasons, including serious health conditions or victims of violence. The Act also sets forth detailed eligibility requirements, benefit calculation formulas, and job protection guarantees for employees utilizing the leave. Finally, it creates a funding mechanism to support existing state-level paid leave programs that meet federal standards.

This bill, the Pathways to Health Careers Act, updates and funds the Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOG) program to train low-income individuals for careers in the health professions. It establishes rigorous application requirements for grantees, mandating comprehensive support services like childcare and career coaching to ensure participant success. The legislation also sets aside specific funding for demonstration projects focused on helping individuals with past records and expanding maternal health workforce roles.

The STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act expands the responsibilities of State Medicaid Fraud Control Units to include investigating and prosecuting fraud committed by individuals applying for or receiving Medicaid benefits. This broadens their current focus, which primarily targets provider fraud. These new duties will take effect 180 days after the bill is enacted.

The FAIR Act of 2025 invalidates pre-dispute arbitration agreements and class action waivers for employment, consumer, antitrust, and civil rights claims. This law restores the right for individuals to pursue these disputes in court or through collective legal action. The provisions apply to all covered disputes arising on or after the date the Act is enacted.

The No Funds for Foreign Abortions Act strictly prohibits U.S. foreign assistance from going to any foreign government or private organization that performs, promotes, or funds abortions overseas. This ban applies even if the prohibited activities are funded by the recipient's own money, not U.S. funds. The legislation defines prohibited activities broadly and requires annual certification of compliance by the Secretary of State. Exceptions exist only for abortions resulting from rape or incest, provided documentation is supplied.

The Susan E. Lukas 9/11 Servicemember Fairness Act establishes a presumption of service connection for specific diseases developed by veterans who served at the Pentagon Reservation between September 11 and November 19, 2001. This provision simplifies the process for these veterans to receive VA disability benefits for listed conditions like asthma, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, linking them automatically to their toxic exposure following the 9/11 attacks. The Secretary is also empowered to add other related illnesses to this covered list.