Legislation

The Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025 establishes a new advisory committee within the VA to focus on improving physical, digital, and service accessibility for veterans with disabilities. This committee, composed of veterans, experts, and VA staff, will review compliance with accessibility laws and provide recommendations to the VA Secretary. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for a limitation on certain pension payments for veterans residing in nursing facilities.

This resolution strongly condemns the Russian Federation for the abduction, forced transfer, and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. It asserts that the return of all abducted children must be a prerequisite before finalizing any peace agreement to end the war. The bill highlights Russia's intent to erase Ukrainian identity through forced adoption and citizenship changes, actions deemed violations of international law and potential war crimes.

This resolution recognizes the critical importance of the Arctic Council as the primary forum for cooperation among Arctic nations. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to this body and its role in addressing regional challenges like climate change and sustainable development. The bill encourages continued U.S. leadership and adequate resourcing to navigate increasing strategic competition in the rapidly changing Arctic.

This resolution strongly condemns former FBI Director James Comey for a social media post interpreted as inciting violence against President Donald J. Trump during his overseas trip. Congress demands that federal authorities investigate Comey's actions and permanently bar him from any future federal employment. The measure asserts that political violence incitement by former high-ranking officials is unacceptable and threatens national security.

The Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act of 2025 updates existing U.S. policy to strongly condemn the Lukashenka regime for fraudulent elections, human rights abuses, and complicity in Russia's war against Ukraine. The bill mandates continued sanctions against officials involved in repression and supporting Russia, while significantly increasing U.S. assistance for Belarusian democracy, civil society, and sovereignty efforts. It also requires new intelligence reporting on Belarus's role in aiding Russia's aggression, including the transfer of Ukrainian children.

The Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends child labor laws to prohibit individuals under 18 from having direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. This change ensures that agricultural work involving direct handling of tobacco falls under federal child labor protections. The bill specifically updates exemptions to reflect this new restriction on youth employment in tobacco agriculture.

The Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act directs the SelectUSA program to coordinate with state economic development organizations to attract foreign direct investment into U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. This effort aims to secure the critical supply chain for computer chips, which are vital for the economy and national security. The Act requires a report detailing strategies to boost investment while ensuring foreign adversaries do not benefit from these efforts. All activities under this law must be funded using existing operational budgets.

The Wildlife Corridors and USDA Conservation Programs Act of 2025 establishes a process for identifying and officially designating "American wildlife corridors" to improve habitat connectivity for fish and wildlife movement. This act directs the USDA Secretary to work with federal agencies to map potential areas and set criteria for formal corridor designation based on scientific standards. Once designated, the Secretary must provide technical assistance to landowners to support conservation practices within these corridors. The bill also clarifies privacy protections for private data submitted under these new conservation programs.

The Refinancing Relief for Veterans Act modifies the fee structure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) charges when veterans refinance an existing VA-guaranteed mortgage to secure a lower interest rate. This legislation updates the specific fee schedule used for these interest rate reduction refinancing loans. The goal is to adjust the costs associated with veterans accessing lower monthly mortgage payments through refinancing.

The Preventing Elected Leaders from Owning Securities and Investments (PELOSI) Act bans Members of Congress and their spouses from trading or holding most securities and investments while in office. Members must divest prohibited assets within 180 days of enactment or taking office. Violators face disgorgement of profits and potential civil fines assessed by ethics committees, with ongoing penalties for non-compliance.

The Sovereign States Emergency Management Act abolishes FEMA, transferring its functions to the President within two years. It simultaneously establishes a new Disaster Relief Block Grant Program administered by the Treasury Secretary to provide direct funding to states for preparedness, response, and mitigation efforts. States must submit approved emergency management plans and detailed spending reports to receive and maintain these block grants.

The Money Accounts for Growth and Advancement (MAGA) Act establishes a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle, the MAGA account, designed for individuals under age 8 with strict contribution and withdrawal rules. These accounts feature tax-exempt growth, with distributions taxed favorably if used for qualified expenses like education or a first home purchase. Furthermore, the Act creates a pilot program offering a one-time, non-refundable $1,000 tax credit for eligible children, which the Treasury must deposit directly into a newly established MAGA account.

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to update the federal definition of a "motorcycle." The updated definition specifies that a motorcycle is a motor vehicle originally built with an engine, designed for a rider to sit astride a seat or saddle, and capable of speeds over 30 mph. This change ensures federal regulations align with a clearer, standardized description of what constitutes a motorcycle.

The Sovereign States Bureau of Prisons Restructuring Act of 2025 establishes a new block grant program by reducing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) funding to its fiscal year 2019 level. Fifty percent of the resulting savings will be distributed directly to states as block grants. This act mandates the Attorney General to develop and implement a plan for this funding shift within one year of enactment.

The Depot Investment Reform Act of 2025 updates how the Department of Defense calculates the minimum capital investment required for certain depots. This reform shortens the look-back period for these investment calculations from three preceding fiscal years to only the preceding, current, and following fiscal years. This change aims to ensure investment levels are based on more current financial data.

The No Tax on Tips Act creates a new federal income tax deduction for qualified tips received by workers, capped at \$25,000 annually. This deduction can be claimed regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes or takes the standard deduction. Additionally, the bill expands an existing tax credit for employers to include beauty service establishments that pay Social Security taxes on employee tips. These provisions are set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.

The Pregnancy.Gov Act establishes a new national public website, Pregnancy.gov, to serve as a centralized hub connecting pregnant women with local resources. This site must offer tailored resource matching based on location and ensure listed providers have a consistent three-year service history. Crucially, the Act prohibits any organization that performs, refers for, or counsels in favor of abortion from being listed or receiving associated state grants.

The USCP Empowerment Act of 2025 grants the United States Capitol Police Board new authority to detect, disrupt, or seize unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that pose a credible threat to Capitol facilities. This allows the USCP to override certain communication interception laws when necessary to neutralize a threat. The Act mandates strict privacy safeguards for any intercepted communications and requires regular reporting to Congress on the use of these new powers.

The Streamlining the Solid Start Communications Act modernizes how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contacts newly separated service members. This update requires the VA's Solid Start program to use "tailored lines of communication" instead of just physical mailings. This allows the VA to utilize text messages, virtual chats, and other electronic methods to ensure veterans receive essential information.