Legislation

This bill aims to unleash America's access to critical minerals on the seabed by accelerating domestic exploration and recovery efforts. It mandates federal agencies to establish expedited processes, within 60 days, for issuing licenses and permits for mineral recovery on the Outer Continental Shelf and in international waters. The legislation seeks to secure vital supply chains for national security and energy while establishing U.S. leadership in responsible seabed resource development.

The Halting Uncertain Methods and Practices in Supervision Act of 2025 (HUMPS Act) aims to increase objectivity and consistency in how banks are rated by regulators. This bill mandates the update of the CAMELS rating system to establish clear, measurable standards for each component. The goal is to ensure that bank supervision focuses strictly on core financial health rather than subjective examiner judgment.

The Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act of 2025 provides an exemption from certain Endangered Species Act protections for legally held captive sturgeon and their offspring. This exemption remains in effect unless the fish are intentionally released into the wild. Holders of these captive sturgeon must maintain and provide documentation proving their legal status upon request.

The Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the long-standing Medicaid exclusion for services provided in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). To qualify for this coverage, states must submit a comprehensive plan detailing how they will increase access to community-based outpatient care and improve crisis response services for these patients. This legislation aims to ensure better coordination of physical and behavioral health care while requiring states to demonstrate policies that support the least restrictive, most clinically appropriate level of treatment.

This Act addresses U.S. concerns over the Republic of South Africa's diplomatic and legal actions perceived as hostile and antisemitic toward Israel and Jewish communities. It suspends direct U.S. financial assistance to the South African government until specific conditions regarding international conduct and internal reform are met. Furthermore, the bill mandates targeted sanctions against South African officials who promote antisemitic policies or misuse international institutions for political targeting.

The American Royalties Too Act of 2025 establishes a federal resale royalty right for visual artists, granting them a 5% royalty (capped annually) on commercial resales of their artwork valued at \$5,000 or more. This new right will be managed by designated Visual Artists Collecting Societies, which will collect and distribute the funds to the artist or their successor. Furthermore, the Act exempts visual art from standard copyright notice requirements and mandates a study on the law's implementation five years after enactment.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of Defense to establish dual or concurrent enrollment programs between Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools and institutions of higher education. This allows DODEA students to earn college credit while still in high school. Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to provide financial assistance to students to cover the costs of these postsecondary courses.

This bill authorizes the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, a multi-year program run by the State Department and USAID to enhance safety and the rule of law in designated Caribbean nations. The initiative focuses on combating transnational crime, strengthening justice systems, preventing corruption, and countering negative influence from authoritarian regimes. It authorizes up to $88 million annually from 2025 through 2029 and mandates detailed implementation and annual progress reporting to Congress.

The Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2025 reforms the Universal Service Fund (USF) contribution system by requiring large internet content and service providers ("Edge Providers") to contribute alongside traditional broadband providers. This aims to shift the financial burden away from solely relying on phone companies to ensure continued support for universal service. The bill also directs the FCC to establish new, predictable funding mechanisms to support broadband providers serving high-cost areas.

The Patriotism Not Pride Act prohibits federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to promote or officially recognize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Pride Month activities. Furthermore, the bill bans the flying of any flag representing sexual orientation or gender identity on federal property. This legislation aims to restrict federal endorsement and celebration of these specific recognitions.

The Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act updates the definition of an "accredited investor" to expand access to certain investment opportunities. This bill lowers the net worth threshold to \$1 million while excluding a primary residence from the calculation, and it introduces new qualification paths based on specific income levels or professional financial licensing. The SEC is required to update its regulations to reflect these changes within 180 days of the Act's passage.

This Act directs the SEC to expand its support for small businesses seeking capital, with a specific focus on traditionally underrepresented groups. The SEC must now provide targeted educational materials and host outreach events for businesses owned by women or minorities, those in rural areas, or those impacted by natural disasters. Additionally, the bill mandates annual meetings between the SEC and state securities commissions to improve coordination in supporting small business capital formation.

The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act amends SEC reporting requirements for certain investment companies. This change allows these companies to exclude the indirect fees and expenses incurred from investing in an Acquired Fund, provided that Acquired Fund is a business development company. This simplifies the calculation of total "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" disclosed on registration statements.

The Awning Safety Act of 2025 directs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish new mandatory safety standards for retractable awnings within 18 months of enactment. This action aims to prevent serious injuries and fatalities caused by unexpected awning deployment, particularly during the removal of protective covers. Once finalized, these rules will be enforced under existing Consumer Product Safety Act procedures.

The ELEVATE Act of 2025 allows companies planning an initial public offering (IPO) to confidentially submit their registration statements to the SEC for pre-filing review. This enables companies to receive feedback privately before making their plans public. Any information shared during this confidential review process is legally protected from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

This resolution enacts a specific change to the seniority ranking on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. It moves Representative Garcia of California up one position, placing him immediately ahead of Representative Norton in the committee's order. The bill makes no other alterations to committee membership or structure.

This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to assess the value, cost, and feasibility of constructing a new trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria. The resulting report must analyze the digital security, national security implications, and economic benefits of this proposed connection. The assessment will also examine the readiness of existing infrastructure and explore partnerships with trusted entities for deployment.

The PRC Military and Human Rights Capital Markets Sanctions Act of 2025 prohibits U.S. persons from purchasing, selling, or holding securities related to entities connected to the Chinese military or human rights abuses. This measure requires the President to publish a list of these "covered entities" drawn from various U.S. government watchlists. Individuals found in violation face significant civil and criminal penalties, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment. Existing prohibited holdings must be divested within specified timeframes after the bill's enactment.

The Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act aims to enhance public safety and transparency regarding human cell and tissue products. This legislation establishes significant civil penalties for regulatory violations and mandates public awareness campaigns supporting organ and tissue donation education. Furthermore, it directs the FDA to increase transparency by publishing operational data and creating public forums to gather input on modernizing regulatory guidance.

This Act formally declares the U.S. position that Taiwan, due to its significant global economic standing, should be actively involved in international financial organizations like the IMF. It directs the U.S. Governor at the IMF to actively support Taiwan's admission and participation upon request. Furthermore, the Treasury Secretary must report annually to Congress on U.S. efforts to advance Taiwan's involvement in these institutions.