Legislation

The "Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025" amends the Head Start Act to broaden the definition of "public assistance." This expansion includes families receiving TANF, SSI, SNAP, WIC, federal housing assistance, and other federal benefits, making more children eligible for Head Start programs. The bill aims to provide early childhood education and support to a greater number of disadvantaged children.

The "Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park Establishment Act Amendments Act of 2025" revises the boundary of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Vermont, allowing for land acquisition and establishing the National Park Service Stewardship Institute. The boundary expansion includes a historic zone, a protection zone, and the King Farm, which can be used for agricultural, forestry, conservation, and educational purposes. The Act also updates the park's scenic zone map and aims to advance stewardship practices through the newly established institute.

The "Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act" aims to increase transparency and accountability in prescription drug pricing within Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans. Starting in 2028, it mandates Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to report detailed information on drug pricing, rebates, and other financial arrangements to plan sponsors and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill also grants Medicare Part D plan sponsors audit rights to ensure PBM compliance and directs a GAO study on existing drug cost transparency reporting requirements. Ultimately, this act seeks to provide better insights into how PBMs manage drug costs and ensure fair pricing for seniors.

The "Fair Access to Banking Act" aims to prevent financial institutions from denying services to legal businesses based on subjective or political reasons. It prohibits large banks, credit unions, and payment card networks from discriminating against legal businesses and requires them to provide fair access to financial services based on impartial, risk-based standards. Financial institutions that violate these provisions may face penalties, including ineligibility for taxpayer-funded discount window lending programs and civil penalties. Individuals or businesses who are unfairly denied services can sue the financial institution in U.S. district court.

This bill supports the designation of March as National CHamoru Heritage and Culture Month, recognizing the CHamoru people as the indigenous population of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. It acknowledges their unique culture, historical significance, and contributions to the United States, particularly their service in the armed forces. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month and celebrate the achievements of the CHamoru people.

The "Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act" directs the Architect of the Capitol to create a time capsule containing items chosen by congressional leaders, including records of important events and a message to the future Congress. The time capsule will be sealed and buried on the West Lawn of the Capitol by July 4, 2026, with a plaque providing information about it. It is to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when it will be presented to the 244th Congress.

This bill designates March 3, 2025, as National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Day to raise awareness of this aggressive form of breast cancer that disproportionately affects young and minority women. It recognizes the unique characteristics of triple-negative breast cancer and its significant impact on mortality rates in the United States. The bill aims to emphasize the need for increased research and efforts to combat this disease.

This bill codifies Executive Order 11246, ensuring its provisions against employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin are legally binding. By codifying the executive order, the bill ensures consistent enforcement and protection against discrimination in employment.

The SOAR Permanent Authorization Act amends the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, modifying accreditation requirements for participating schools and increasing funding for student support services. It refines standardized testing requirements and evaluation standards, focusing on academic progress and educational attainment. The act also increases the authorized appropriation to $75,000,000 per fiscal year, making the authorization permanent.

The "Rosa Parks Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2029 to honor Rosa Parks and her legacy as a Civil Rights Movement leader. Coin designs must symbolize her contribution to civil rights and include her name and likeness. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, supporting youth programs, civil rights education, and advocacy. The Act ensures no net cost to the government and mandates the recovery of all costs before surcharge distribution.

The "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act" modifies the carbon oxide sequestration credit under Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code to ensure equal treatment for various uses of captured carbon oxide. It removes distinctions between different uses of qualified carbon oxide, updates the applicable dollar amount of the credit, and adjusts it for inflation. These changes apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025" reauthorizes and modifies the Department of Defense's authority to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression, extending it to October 1, 2035. It allows sold aircraft to drop water in addition to fire retardant and specifies that these aircraft can only be used for wildfire suppression services.

The "No User Fees for Gun Owners Act" prohibits state and local governments from imposing taxes, fees, or insurance requirements on firearm or ammunition ownership and commerce. Regular sales taxes are permitted if applied at the same rate as other goods and services. This bill aims to protect gun owners and businesses from discriminatory financial burdens.

This bill aims to block the proposed foreign military sale to Israel of 3,000 AGM114 Hellfire missiles and related equipment. It covers multiple Hellfire missile variants and associated support services outlined in Transmittal No. 24-104. The bill expresses congressional disapproval of this specific arms sale.

The "Federal Employee Performance and Accountability Act of 2025" establishes a 5-year pilot program to test a performance-based pay structure for certain federal employees. This program aims to enhance productivity, accountability, and employee satisfaction by linking pay adjustments to the achievement of pre-defined performance metrics. Employees who exceed expectations could receive a 15% pay increase and additional benefits, while those who do not meet expectations may face a pay reduction and be provided with additional training. The program's impact will be evaluated through annual reports and assessments submitted to Congress.

The "Caring for All Families Act" expands the definition of family members under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to include domestic partners, in-laws, adult children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and other individuals with close family-like relationships, allowing employees to take leave to care for them. It also allows employees to take additional leave for parental involvement in children's or grandchildren's education and extracurricular activities, and to meet family wellness needs, with certain limitations on the amount of leave that can be taken for these purposes. These provisions apply to both private-sector and federal employees.

This bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin. The statue must be acquired by December 31, 2025, and placed in a publicly accessible location within the U.S. Capitol by December 31, 2026.

The "Border Security is National Security Act" allocates $10 billion to the Department of Defense for supporting border security efforts in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security. These funds will be used for personnel, technology, infrastructure, and training to enhance border control. The Act also allows the Secretary of Defense to transfer funds within the Department to ensure resources are available for border security needs. It affirms that the Act does not limit the President's authority as Commander-in-Chief.

The "Coordinated Federal Response to Extreme Heat Act of 2025" aims to reduce health risks associated with extreme heat by establishing the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It also creates the NIHHIS Interagency Committee to coordinate federal efforts in preparing for, planning for, and responding to extreme heat events. The Act mandates the development of a strategic plan to improve data collection, research, and communication related to heat-related illnesses and deaths, and authorizes $5,000,000 annually from 2025 through 2029 for these activities.

The "Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, clarifying who is considered a U.S. citizen at birth. It affirms that individuals born in the U.S. are citizens if born to parents who are citizens, lawful permanent residents, or aliens in lawful status serving in the armed forces. This clarification applies prospectively and does not impact the citizenship status of those born before the Act's enactment.