Legislation

The Fair Wages for Farmworkers Act updates how the adverse effect wage rate is calculated for H-2A agricultural workers by utilizing state-level data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, the bill streamlines the H-2A petition process by transferring administrative authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security and allowing for concurrent processing of labor certifications.

This bill amends four federal financial oversight laws to require banking regulators to explicitly consider economic growth alongside safety and soundness when performing their supervisory duties. By integrating economic growth into their mandates, the legislation aims to ensure that regulatory actions support broader financial prosperity.

The Whole Health for Veterans Act aims to increase access to proactive wellness services by capping monthly copayments at $30 for eligible veterans. The bill further ensures that veterans in priority groups 1 through 5 are entirely exempt from these costs. By limiting financial barriers, the legislation encourages broader participation in programs like yoga, meditation, and health coaching to improve overall veteran well-being.

The **Language-Inclusive Support and Transparency for Online Services (LISTOS) Act of 2025** aims to ensure equitable safety and moderation standards across all languages on major online platforms. The bill requires covered platforms to maintain consistent enforcement of policies across different languages, provide transparent annual reports on their moderation staffing and automated processes, and ensure that reporting tools and policies are accessible in every language they support. Additionally, it establishes an FTC advisory group to develop best practices for language-sensitive technologies and grants the FTC and state attorneys general authority to enforce these requirements.

The "Stay in Your Lane Act" requires manufacturers of automated driving systems to clearly define and publicly declare the specific operational conditions under which their technology is designed to function safely. It mandates that these systems be restricted to their defined operational domains and establishes enforceable federal safety standards to ensure compliance. Manufacturers that fail to prevent their systems from operating outside these designated parameters will face civil penalties.

The Marijuana in Federally Assisted Housing Parity Act of 2025 prevents individuals from being denied admission to or evicted from federally assisted housing solely for marijuana-related activities that are legal under state law. The bill ensures that such activities are no longer classified as "drug-related criminal activity" within federal housing programs. Additionally, it directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to regulate marijuana smoking in the same manner as tobacco smoking.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a tax credit for employers who increase wages for qualified child care workers. Eligible facilities can claim a credit of 5% of these wages, increasing to 7% for facilities located in rural areas. Employers may choose to receive this credit as a direct payment, helping to support and stabilize the child care workforce.

This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to classify pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) as fiduciaries when they manage prescription drug networks, formularies, or claims. It mandates increased transparency by requiring PBMs and third-party administrators to disclose all direct and indirect compensation. Additionally, the legislation prohibits PBMs from being indemnified against liability for fiduciary breaches, ensuring greater accountability in the management of health plan benefits.

The Tobacco TRACE Act mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services establish a comprehensive tracking and tracing system for all tobacco products. By converting previous discretionary authority into a firm requirement, the bill sets a deadline of June 1, 2026, to implement these product codes to improve regulatory compliance and enforcement.

The Vaccine Transportation Access Act establishes a grant program for community organizations to provide reliable transportation services, helping individuals in underserved or low-income areas reach vaccination appointments. Additionally, the bill increases federal Medicaid support by covering 100% of the costs for nonemergency transportation specifically related to receiving eligible vaccines. These measures aim to remove critical mobility barriers and improve equitable access to essential immunizations.

This bill aims to increase competition in defense contracting by expanding how the Department of Defense evaluates past performance to include commercial and non-government projects. It directs the Secretary of Defense to identify and eliminate unnecessary procedural barriers that hinder small businesses and nontraditional contractors. Additionally, the legislation mandates that procurement policies prioritize cost-efficiency and the quality of goods and services.

The Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The study will assess the North and South Branches of the Raritan River, the Black or Lamington River, and their tributaries. A report detailing the findings must be submitted to Congress within three years of funding availability.

The PROTECT for Rare Act aims to improve patient access to life-saving treatments by expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage for drugs used to manage rare diseases. Additionally, the bill establishes an expedited appeals process for private insurance denials, ensuring that patients with rare conditions can more easily access medically supported therapies.

The Establishing the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration Act of 2025 creates a new administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs dedicated to managing veteran education, housing, and employment programs. Led by a Senate-confirmed Under Secretary, this new body aims to streamline economic and transition services for veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The Act establishes a formal transition process, including rigorous certification requirements and annual reporting to Congress, to ensure service continuity.

The New Markets for Farmers and Families Act reauthorizes and expands the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program to bolster local agricultural economies. The bill doubles total authorized funding to $100 million, establishes a set-aside for new farmers markets, and introduces updated matching requirements. Additionally, it mandates increased transparency through new reporting requirements on program participation and oversight.

The National Oversight and Enforcement of Misconduct (NOEM) Act expands legal accountability by allowing individuals to file civil lawsuits against federal immigration officials for constitutional or civil rights violations. This legislation ensures that those acting under federal immigration authority are held to the same standards of liability as state and local officials.

The UNtaxed Act prohibits the United Nations and its affiliated bodies from imposing taxes, fees, or penalties on U.S. citizens and companies without formal Senate approval. Additionally, the bill restricts U.S. funding for any UN organization involved in the implementation or enforcement of a global carbon tax.

The Data Care Act of 2025 establishes essential duties of care, loyalty, and confidentiality for online service providers regarding the handling of user data. It mandates that companies protect sensitive information, prevent harmful data usage, and ensure third-party compliance. The legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce these standards and hold providers accountable for violations.

The STORE Act of 2025 strengthens the Emergency Food Assistance Program by increasing annual funding to $25 million and modernizing infrastructure grants to better support food storage, distribution technology, and delivery services. The bill expands grant eligibility to prioritize Tribal, low-income, and remote communities while mandating a national study to assess and address critical shortages in cold storage and transportation equipment.

The PREPARE Act of 2025 establishes a commission to develop a comprehensive framework for the federal regulation of cannabis, modeled after the systems currently used for alcohol. This commission is tasked with studying the impacts of prohibition and proposing solutions for banking, research, public safety, and tax policy to prepare the federal government for the eventual end of cannabis prohibition.