Legislation

The Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 aims to retain foreign graduates with advanced STEM degrees in the United States by adjusting visa requirements and granting lawful permanent resident status to eligible individuals. It mandates stricter vetting procedures for foreign students pursuing master's or higher degrees in STEM fields, while also providing a pathway to permanent residency for those who meet specific education and employment criteria. The Act requires annual reports to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these changes. This legislation seeks to bolster the U.S. STEM workforce by making it easier for talented foreign graduates to remain and contribute to the country's economy.

The "Increased TSP Access Act of 2025" amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to improve the delivery of technical assistance to agricultural producers. It streamlines the certification process for third-party providers, allowing non-Federal entities and State agencies to certify them. The Act also mandates fair payment for technical services provided by these certified providers and requires the Secretary to increase outreach and transparency regarding the use of third-party assistance.

The "Free Speech On Campus Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, requiring public institutions to affirm their commitment to freedom of expression. This includes providing students with written statements of their First Amendment rights, assurances against freedom of expression violations, and educational programming that promotes respectful expression of diverse views. Institutions must also post these statements on their website.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to remove silencers from the purview of the National Firearms Act, treating them more like regular firearms under federal law. It preempts state laws that impose additional taxes or regulations on silencers, and mandates the destruction of existing federal silencer records. The Act also revises the definition of firearm silencers and mufflers under federal law, and imposes a 10% tax on these devices. These changes aim to simplify the process for legal acquisition and possession of firearm silencers.

The "Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025" directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish at least five geographically distributed centers of excellence focused on researching and providing innovative therapies for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and substance use disorder, utilizing treatments like Ketamine and Psilocybin. These centers must meet high scientific standards, collaborate with medical schools, and include veteran representation. The Act authorizes \$30 million annually for research and education activities at these centers, with oversight through annual reports to Congress.

The HUMBLE Act aims to reform congressional practices by prohibiting former members of Congress from lobbying, restricting the use of government funds for premium airline accommodations, and eliminating certain benefits for former House members. It also prohibits House members from owning individual stocks and serving on for-profit boards, and eliminates automatic pay adjustments for members of Congress. These changes intend to promote ethical governance and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

The "Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2025" nullifies specific Department of Housing and Urban Development rules and notices related to fair housing. It prevents federal funds from being used to create databases on community racial disparities or affordable housing access. The Act also mandates the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to consult with state and local officials to develop Fair Housing Act recommendations and produce a public report.

The FIGHTING for America Act of 2025 aims to strengthen trade regulations, prevent the entry of illicit goods, and protect U.S. revenue by amending the Tariff Act of 1930. It enhances transparency for shipments, designates the smuggling of fentanyl and other illicit drugs as a priority trade issue, and imposes limitations on duty exemptions. The act also introduces penalties for aiding unlawful importation and requires increased reporting and information sharing related to intellectual property rights violations and the use of administrative exemptions. Finally, it establishes a customs user fee for processing certain shipments and allows for summary forfeiture of prohibited or dangerous merchandise.

This bill recognizes Clela Rorex, a pioneering county clerk, for issuing the first same-sex marriage license in the United States in 1975. It celebrates her leadership and bravery in advancing civil rights for same-sex couples despite facing threats and condemnation. The bill also expresses support for Clela Rorex Day, honoring her contributions as a civil rights and same-sex marriage pioneer.

The Small County PILT Parity Act amends title 31 of the United States Code, section 6903(c), to provide adjustments for low-population units of local government. It changes the population threshold for certain payments from 4,999 to 999 in paragraph (1), and from 5,000 to 1,000 in paragraph (2)(A). Additionally, it replaces the existing table in paragraph (2)(B) with a new one, affecting how these payments are calculated for eligible small counties.

The Preventing Illegal Weapons Trafficking Act of 2025 aims to combat machinegun conversion devices by directing federal agencies to develop a coordinated strategy to prevent their import and trafficking, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and improve data collection. It also amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow for the forfeiture of proceeds from illegal machinegun trafficking and requires the Attorney General to include data on machinegun conversion devices in the annual firearms trafficking report.

This bill dismisses the challenge to the election results for Florida's 14th Congressional District. The challenge, filed on January 9, 2025, was rejected because it was submitted past the deadline. Therefore, the current election results for Florida's 14th district will stand.

This bill transfers the responsibilities of the Food for Peace Act from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). It ensures the continuation of programs like the Famine Early Warning Systems Network and allows the Secretary of Agriculture to amend regulations and utilize existing statutory authorities to maintain program continuity. The Secretary of Agriculture will consult with the Secretary of State when carrying out authorities under title II of the Food for Peace Act.

This resolution honors the life and distinguished career of former Louisiana Senator John Bennett Johnston, Jr., recognizing his contributions to energy policy, natural resource conservation, and Louisiana's cultural heritage. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to notify the House of Representatives and send a copy of the resolution to Senator Johnston's family. Upon adoption, the Senate will adjourn in his honor.

This bill supports expanding the Abraham Accords to promote peace and tolerance through education, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. It encourages cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, and urges international organizations to prioritize counter-incitement and eliminate antisemitism in educational efforts. The bill also calls for the U.S. Department of State to advocate for curriculum reforms that promote regional stability, peace, and tolerance.

The "Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act" improves the Federal Crop Insurance Act by mandating regular reviews of quality loss adjustment procedures, starting in 2025, with stakeholder engagement and reports to Congress. It also requires the establishment of State or regional discount factors for soybean crops to reflect local market prices after a disaster. These discount factors must be included in the periodic reviews and reports.

The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act establishes a commission to oversee and coordinate fishery management across the Mississippi River Basin's 31 states, multiple federal agencies, and 2 Canadian provinces. The commission will develop strategies for conserving fishery resources, controlling invasive species, and advising agencies on fishery-related issues. The Act also creates a grant program to fund eligible projects related to interjurisdictional fisheries management and sustainability in the Mississippi River Basin. Finally, the Act authorizes appropriations for the establishment, management, and implementation of the commission's activities.

The "Enhancing Southbound Inspections to Combat Cartels Act" aims to combat illegal trafficking by increasing inspections of vehicles and individuals traveling from the U.S. to Mexico. It mandates the purchase of additional inspection equipment, the hiring of more Homeland Security personnel, and increased reporting to Congress on inspection activities and seizures of illegal items. The Act sets a minimum inspection requirement of 10% of southbound vehicles by 2027 and requires a plan to increase this to 20%.

This bill amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, transferring the powers and duties of registered national securities associations to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). After this change, any reference to a national securities association will be considered a reference to the SEC. The SEC must establish rules to implement these changes within two years of the bill's enactment.

The "Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary to review the maximum coverage amount under Servicemembers Group Life Insurance and Veterans Group Life Insurance, beginning January 1, 2026, and every five years after. The Secretary will compare the current maximum coverage to $500,000, adjusted for changes in the Consumer Price Index over the preceding five years. The results of these reviews will be submitted to the House and Senate Committees on Veterans' Affairs, to potentially guide coverage increases.