Legislation

The Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act requires federal financial regulators to issue guidance encouraging banks and lenders to support consumers and businesses impacted by a government shutdown. This guidance must promote flexible loan modifications and prevent negative credit reporting for those experiencing lost income. Furthermore, regulators must quickly inform the public when a shutdown occurs and report on the effectiveness of the guidance afterward.

The SAFE Drivers Act mandates that all applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or learner's permit must pass a standardized English proficiency test approved by the FMCSA. This requirement applies immediately upon the bill's enactment for all new and renewing applicants. States are responsible for administering the test, and failure to comply with these new federal oversight rules may result in the withholding of federal highway funding.

The Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act mandates that federal agencies must report detailed data regarding staffing levels and salary expenditures before and during any lapse in appropriations, or government shutdown. These individual agency reports must be submitted to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and relevant congressional committees within 30 days of the shutdown's end. Furthermore, congressional committees are required to publicly post these reports online, and OPM must issue a consolidated report summarizing the impact across all affected agencies.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. Drivers must be able to read traffic signs, communicate with the public and officials, and complete necessary paperwork in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in the driver being immediately placed out of service.

The Fight Hunger Act introduces a new, elective tax credit for individuals who make qualified charitable donations of cash or wholesome food to organizations dedicated to feeding the ill, needy, or infants. This credit equals the donation amount, but taxpayers cannot claim a standard deduction for the same contribution. Any unused credit can be carried forward for up to five years, with the provisions taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This resolution recognizes the accomplishments of former President Donald J. Trump, specifically commending his leadership in launching Operation Warp Speed. It highlights the success of this public-private partnership in rapidly developing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines. Consequently, the resolution recommends that President Trump be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2026 for these life-saving efforts.

The Preventing Violence Against Female Inmates Act of 2025 mandates that federal and state prisons use an inmate's biological sex for housing assignments to ensure separation between sexes. This law requires the Bureau of Prisons to adhere to biological sex standards and conditions federal funding for states on their compliance with similar housing restrictions. The goal is to prevent violence by ensuring inmates are housed according to their biological sex, with limited exceptions for temporary situations.

This Act prohibits health plans offered through the American Health Benefits Exchanges from covering abortion or gender-transition procedures for minors. Coverage for abortion is only permitted in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest. The legislation broadly defines gender-transition procedures, with limited exceptions for individuals born with ambiguous biological characteristics. These changes will take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Youth Prevention and Recovery Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates and extends the existing Youth Prevention and Recovery program through Fiscal Year 2030. This bill expands eligibility for grants to include consortia of local educational agencies and refines the focus to target youth at increased risk for substance misuse. It also adds a requirement for grantees to submit sustainability plans for post-grant activities.

The Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2025 aims to prevent brand-name manufacturers from using procedural tactics to delay the approval of generic drugs. This bill tightens FDA guidelines to identify and address citizen petitions filed primarily for the purpose of delay. Furthermore, it establishes a mandatory administrative process that litigants must complete before filing a lawsuit challenging a generic drug approval.

The Main Street Depositor Protection Act significantly boosts federal deposit insurance for specific business accounts by adding up to an extra \$10 million in coverage for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts at most banks and credit unions. This enhanced coverage is designed to protect essential operating funds for businesses, excluding those at globally systemically important banks. The bill also mandates a 10-year phase-in period for how these newly insured deposits affect insurance assessments for smaller institutions.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 mandates U.S. sanctions against Nigerian officials who enforce blasphemy laws or tolerate religiously motivated violence. It requires the Secretary of State to annually report on these officials and designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" for serious religious freedom violations. The bill also specifically designates Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa as "Entities of Particular Concern."

The TAME Extreme Weather and Wildfires Act aims to revolutionize weather, water, and space weather forecasting by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into federal agencies. This legislation mandates the development of AI weather models, comprehensive training datasets, and improved risk communication to enhance forecast accuracy and timeliness. It also emphasizes maintaining traditional forecasting capabilities while fostering public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of these advanced tools for hazard mitigation.

The Diesel Truck Liberation Act of 2025 prohibits the federal government from mandating, certifying, or enforcing any requirement for emissions control devices or onboard diagnostic systems on vehicles and engines. This legislation voids existing EPA regulations and eliminates all civil or criminal penalties related to the manufacture, sale, or use of vehicles without these emission control systems. It also mandates the immediate release of individuals currently imprisoned for violations concerning these devices.

This bill establishes the **Space Commerce Advisory Committee** to advise the Secretary of Commerce and Congress on strengthening the U.S. commercial space sector. The committee will consist of 15 industry experts who will provide recommendations on policy, innovation, and challenges facing the industry. This advisory body is authorized to operate for ten years from its establishment date.

The Hiring Preference for Veterans and Americans With Disabilities Act grants state and local election offices the option to prioritize hiring veterans and individuals with disabilities as election workers. Furthermore, it allows these offices to give preference to the spouses or dependents of service members stationed away from home. This legislation also waives residency requirements for these non-resident military family applicants.

The Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025 establishes the Department of Commerce as the lead federal agency for developing a national strategy for blockchain technology. This Act mandates the creation of the National Blockchain Deployment Advisory Committee to examine risks, promote security, and develop best practices for federal adoption. The Secretary of Commerce will advise the President and report annually to Congress on U.S. competitiveness and emerging trends in the blockchain space.

This bill officially designates the section of H Street Northwest between Connecticut Avenue Northwest and Vermont Avenue Northwest in Washington, D.C., as "Charlie Kirk Patriot Way." The legislation mandates that all official references to this area be updated to the new name. Furthermore, the District of Columbia is required to install four new street signs reflecting this designation.

This Act establishes a project to significantly improve forecasts for coastal marine fog, focusing on areas where fog poses major safety and economic risks. The initiative will enhance data collection using federal and commercial sources, develop advanced tracking algorithms, and improve the accuracy and communication of fog advisories. The ultimate goal is to increase maritime safety and reduce economic losses caused by fog-related delays.

The Pre-Apprenticeship Wrap-around Support Services Fund Act of 2025 establishes a fund to provide grants to organizations running pre-apprenticeship programs. These grants will specifically fund stipends to help participants overcome barriers to employment, such as covering transportation or lost wages. Grantees must track and report on participant success, including enrollment rates into registered apprenticeships. The goal is to better prepare individuals for formal apprenticeships through essential financial support.