Legislation

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act modifies and clarifies the Marine Debris Act and the Marine Debris Foundation. These modifications include renaming sections, updating definitions, and expanding the list of eligible recipients for support to include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and foreign governments. The act also refines the roles and responsibilities within the Marine Debris Foundation, including the appointment and oversight of the chief executive officer. Additionally, the Act extends the authorization for the Marine Debris Act through fiscal year 2029.

The College Employment Accountability Act aims to ensure that institutions of higher education do not employ unauthorized aliens. It mandates that these institutions participate in the E-Verify Program and makes them ineligible for federal student and institutional aid if they violate employment laws related to unauthorized aliens. The Department of Homeland Security will monitor institutions' compliance and notify the Department of Education of any violations.

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and financial institutions that facilitate arms transfers or provide support to Russia from North Korea for use in Russia's war in Ukraine. It broadens the scope of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 to include material support for Russia's war as a sanctionable activity. The Act also requires the President to regularly report to Congress on North Korea's assistance to Russia and the U.S. strategy to counter such support.

The TRICARE Equality Act aims to improve healthcare access for TRICARE beneficiaries in Puerto Rico by making TRICARE Prime available, expanding travel benefits, and promoting health information sharing. It requires the Secretary of Defense to report on the progress of these improvements.

This resolution requests the President to submit documents and communications to the House of Representatives regarding the termination, reassignment, or administrative leave of federal employees and Inspectors General, particularly those influenced by Elon Musk or related to DEI roles. The request covers actions and communications since January 20, 2025, including those related to workforce reduction and the removal of agency inspectors general. The President is required to provide these unedited documents within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.

The "Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act" mandates and expands the use of E-Verify for all employers in the United States, phasing in requirements for federal agencies, contractors, and critical infrastructure employers first. It increases penalties for employers who fail to comply with E-Verify or who hire unauthorized workers, and it protects employers from liability if they act in good faith based on E-Verify information. The act also includes provisions for information sharing between agencies, improvements to the E-Verify system, measures to combat identity theft, and the establishment of an Employer Compliance Inspection Center. Additionally, the bill requires reverification of employees' work authorization and simplifies the Form I-9 process.

The "Protecting Gold Star Spouses Act of 2025" ensures continued funding for the Coast Guard Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection and Survivor Benefits Plans. It allocates necessary funds from the Treasury each fiscal year after 2024 to maintain benefits for Gold Star spouses and families. These funds will be used following the terms and conditions of the most recent law providing full-year appropriations for these plans, ensuring consistent support.

The "Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act" mandates a study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in Vietnam War veterans, comparing cancer rates and demographics to the general U.S. population. The study, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the CDC, will inform Congress on potential actions needed to address any identified issues. Additionally, the bill extends the limitation of certain pension payments to December 31, 2031.

This resolution supports National Safe Digging Month and encourages contacting 811 before any digging project to protect underground utilities. It highlights that failure to contact 811 is a major cause of damage to these lines, often due to landscaping work. The resolution urges homeowners, excavators, and damage prevention groups to promote safe digging practices and educate the public about the importance of using the 811 service.

The "Health ACCESS Act" amends the Social Security Act to create an exception to anti-kickback rules, allowing healthcare providers to pay online platforms for listing services without violating the law. This exception applies if the platform meets specific conditions, including not steering patients based on payment, not offering medical services, and disclosing financial relationships with providers. The goal is to facilitate consumer access to healthcare information and self-scheduling.

The Veterans Employment Readiness Yield Act of 2025, or VERY Act of 2025, updates terminology in Title 38 of the United States Code. It replaces the terms "employment handicap" with "employment barrier" and "employment handicaps" with "employment barriers" to modernize language related to veteran employment.

The "Sunshine in the Courtroom Act of 2025" permits federal appellate and district court judges to allow media coverage of court proceedings, with certain protections for witnesses and jurors. It requires the Judicial Conference of the United States to issue mandatory guidelines protecting vulnerable witnesses. This authority for district courts to allow media coverage will end 3 years after the enactment of this law. The law aims to increase transparency in the judicial system while safeguarding due process and individual privacy.

Dismisses the election contest for Florida's Fourteenth Congressional District, as the House's authority extends to general and special elections, not primary elections, caucuses, or party conventions, according to the Federal Contested Election Act.

The "Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act of 2025" amends section 2306(h) of title 38, United States Code, to update language regarding Department of Veterans Affairs burial benefits when an urn or plaque is furnished. The changes apply to individuals who died on or after January 5, 2021.

The American Innovation Act allocates significant funding to key federal agencies to boost innovation. It increases funding for the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA's Science Mission Directorate, with yearly budget increases based on the Consumer Price Index. These funds are protected from budget sequestration and will not affect PAYGO scorecards.

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that veteran's mileage reimbursement rate for travel to VA facilities is at least equal to the federal employee rate. It mandates the VA to pay these allowances within 90 days of a complete claim submission. This act updates outdated language to reflect these changes, aiming to provide equitable and timely compensation for veterans' travel expenses.

This bill mandates the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide the House of Representatives with documents and communications regarding the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) requests to access sensitive taxpayer and child data stored in the National Directory of New Hires and the Federal Parent Locator Service. The inquiry focuses on the legality, scope, and security implications of DOGE's data requests, as well as any related staff departures or unauthorized access attempts. The requested documents must be delivered to the House within 14 days.

The Deliver for Veterans Act allows the Department of Veteran Affairs to cover the complete cost of delivering an adapted vehicle to a veteran. Additionally, it extends certain limitations on pension payments to March 31, 2032.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of former Utah Representative Mia Bourdeau Love, recognizing her historic achievements as the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress. It acknowledges her commitment to public service and expresses condolences to her family. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to inform the House, send a copy to Love's family, and adjourn the Senate in her honor.

This bill recognizes the 159th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, the first federal law defining citizenship and ensuring equal legal protection. It acknowledges the act's importance in counteracting discriminatory laws and its influence on subsequent constitutional amendments. The bill emphasizes the need to uphold the rule of law to protect the rights of all Americans.