Legislation

The No IRIS Act of 2025 prohibits the EPA from using risk assessments generated by the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) in rulemakings, regulatory actions, enforcement, or permitting. This includes preventing IRIS assessments from informing air toxics assessments or other mapping and screening tools used by the EPA.

The "DEFUND Act of 2025" terminates U.S. membership in the United Nations and its affiliated bodies, repealing key acts such as the United Nations Participation Act of 1945. It prohibits U.S. contributions to the UN, participation in peacekeeping operations, and revokes diplomatic immunity for UN personnel. The bill also withdraws the U.S. from the World Health Organization and any UN conventions, while barring future reentry into the UN without Senate approval.

The "Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude broadband grants from gross income. This exclusion applies to grants from programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and other federal and state broadband initiatives. It prevents grantees from receiving a double benefit by disallowing deductions or credits for expenditures covered by these grants and requires a reduction in the property's adjusted basis by the grant amount. This change is effective for taxable years ending after March 11, 2021.

The Postal Processing Protection Act broadens existing protections for post offices to include any Postal Service facility involved in acceptance, processing, shipping, delivery, or distribution that supports one or more post offices. This bill amends section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, to reflect this change.

The "Safer Shrimp Imports Act" aims to ensure the safety of shrimp imported into the United States by requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create agreements with foreign governments that have shrimp facilities registered for U.S. consumption. Beginning one year after enactment, shrimp will be denied entry into the U.S. from countries without agreements or whose food inspection systems do not meet FDA standards. The Act also mandates that foreign governments provide information on their food inspection systems and requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation of these amendments.

The EAGLES Act of 2025 would reauthorize and expand the National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) within the Department of Homeland Security. The NTAC would be responsible for training, consultation, research, and information sharing related to threat assessment and targeted violence prevention, with a new focus on school violence prevention. The bill authorizes \$10,000,000 annually from 2026-2030 for these activities and requires a report to Congress on its implementation. The goal of the act is to standardize threat assessments and proactively prevent targeted violence through early intervention and support.

The MERIT Act of 2025 aims to reform federal employment practices by modifying performance-based actions, adverse action procedures, and employee appeal processes. It extends probationary periods for new employees, changes furlough procedures, and allows for the recoupment of bonuses for misconduct. Additionally, the act reduces annuity benefits for employees convicted of felonies related to their official duties and prohibits grieving certain adverse actions and reductions in force. These changes intend to streamline the disciplinary process and enhance accountability within the federal workforce.

This bill elects specific members to serve on the House Committee on Ethics, and the House Committee on Homeland Security. Ms. Ross, Mr. Ivey, Ms. Garcia of Texas, and Mr. Subramanyam are elected to the Committee on Ethics. Mr. Carter of Louisiana and Mr. Garcia of California are elected to the Committee on Homeland Security.

The "Help Our Kelp Act of 2025" establishes a grant program within the Department of Commerce to conserve, restore, and manage kelp forest ecosystems. Grants will be awarded to various entities, including fishing industry members, educational institutions, and Indian Tribes, for projects addressing kelp forest decline and promoting long-term resilience. The federal government can fund up to 85% of project costs, with specific funding set aside for Indian Tribes. The act authorizes \$5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for this program.

The "Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director appointed by the Attorney General, to coordinate gun violence prevention efforts, evaluate related laws and programs, and recommend evidence-based policies to Congress and the President. The Director will also convene an advisory council comprising various officials and at least 12 additional individuals representing gun violence survivors, community violence intervention service providers, and other relevant groups. The Office will also assist communities affected by gun violence with crisis response activities, such as providing access to mental health services and suicide prevention resources. Finally, the act authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of the bill.

The "Equal COLA Act" amends title 5 of the United States Code to equalize cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annuities under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) with those under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). It adjusts FERS annuities annually based on the percentage change in the price index, ensuring parity in COLA benefits for retirees under both systems. This adjustment applies retroactively and prospectively to annuities covered by section 8462.

The "Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025" establishes a CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice to counter threats from countries like China, prevent intellectual property theft, and protect U.S. infrastructure. It requires the Attorney General to develop strategies, coordinate with agencies like the FBI, and report annually to Congress on the initiative's progress, resource allocation, and impact on Chinese espionage efforts. The initiative will expire six years after enactment.

The "Retirement Security for American Hostages Act of 2025" amends the Social Security Act to provide retirement benefits to U.S. nationals who were wrongfully detained or held hostage abroad. It ensures these individuals are credited with deemed wages for each month of their detainment or hostage situation, based on the national average wage index, for the purpose of calculating Social Security benefits. The bill requires the Social Security Commissioner to establish regulations for application and certification, with the changes taking effect 24 months after enactment.

The "MERP Clarifications Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act to modify the Methane Emissions Reduction Program by exempting certain small oil and gas producers from methane emission reporting requirements and charges, delaying the methane charge until grants are distributed and reporting rules are finalized. It also requires a public comment period for related regulations and mandates the EPA to establish an expedited appeal process for facilities disputing the methane charge. The authority provided under this section sunsets on December 31, 2034.

This bill aims to improve mental health services for veterans by addressing workforce challenges within the VA, enhancing Vet Center infrastructure and outreach, and tailoring programs to better meet the needs of women veterans. It also focuses on suicide prevention, mental health support for veterans with spinal cord injuries, and improved coordination between the VA and DoD for transitioning service members. By expanding grant programs, mandating reports, and updating service delivery models, the legislation seeks to ensure veterans receive comprehensive and accessible mental health care.

The LIVE Beneficiaries Act requires states to verify the eligibility of individuals receiving medical assistance starting January 1, 2027. This involves quarterly reviews of the Death Master File to identify deceased enrollees, disenrolling those identified as deceased, and immediately reinstating coverage if an individual was incorrectly identified. States may also use other electronic data sources to identify potentially deceased beneficiaries, provided they comply with the requirements of this act.

The "Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act" establishes new federal crimes and penalties for individuals who intentionally flee from law enforcement officers while operating a vehicle near the U.S. border. Convictions under this law can lead to imprisonment, fines, and immigration consequences such as inadmissibility or deportation. The Attorney General must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the enforcement and impact of this law.

The Stop Funding Religiously Oppressive Regimes Act of 2025 requires the President to identify foreign governments that impose severe criminal penalties for religious practices like apostasy, blasphemy, or interfaith marriage. The U.S. government will then be prohibited from providing assistance to those governments.

The "Stop Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act of 2025" postpones tax deadlines for U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, including their spouses. It also allows these individuals to apply for a refund or abatement of certain tax penalties and fines paid between January 1, 2021, and the bill's enactment. The Secretaries of State, the Attorney General, and the Treasury will coordinate to identify eligible individuals and implement these provisions.

The "Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023" amends the Social Security Act to incentivize education about the risk of renal medullary carcinoma for Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease. This bill aims to increase awareness of this rare kidney cancer within a high-risk population by expanding the scope of Medicaid-covered educational services.