Legislation

The Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025 clarifies the legal status of college athletes. This Act explicitly states that participation in varsity college sports does not automatically confer employee status upon student athletes under federal or state labor laws. It also establishes clear definitions for key entities in college athletics, such as Associations, Conferences, Institutions, and Student Athletes.

This bill proposes the immediate abolition of the Department of Education, transferring residual functions to the Secretary of the Treasury. It establishes a new block grant program, funding elementary and secondary education directly to states based on their residents' federal income tax contributions. The legislation emphasizes that states should use these funds to promote parental choice in K-12 schooling.

The Crime Doesn't Fly Act of 2025 prohibits the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from accepting specific ICE arrest and removal warrants (Forms I-200 and I-205) as valid identification at airport security checkpoints. This restriction applies generally, with an exception allowing these documents to be used if the individual is actively being removed from the United States.

The Moab UMTRA Project Transition Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Energy to transfer ownership of the completed Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action (UMTRA) site in Moab, Utah, to Grand County, Utah, upon substantial cleanup completion. This transfer must respect necessary safety restrictions and ensure the U.S. government retains essential water rights for ongoing remediation activities. Furthermore, the agreement prohibits Grand County from selling or transferring the land to private entities in the future.

The Safeguarding American Property Act of 2025 expands mandatory detention requirements for certain non-citizens who commit specific property crimes. This legislation adds offenses like trespassing, vandalism, and arson to the list of crimes that require immigration authorities to detain an individual during removal proceedings. The bill also clarifies language related to violent offenses to ensure comprehensive grounds for detention.

The People Over Parking Act of 2025 preempts state and local laws that mandate minimum parking requirements for new developments located within half a mile of qualifying public transit stops. This federal standard allows developers of residential, retail, commercial, or industrial projects near transit to determine the appropriate amount of parking, overriding local mandates. The goal is to encourage transit use by removing parking minimums in highly accessible areas.

The Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act directs the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate current research on menopause and mid-life health issues specific to servicewomen and veterans. This evaluation must identify knowledge gaps, including the impact of military exposures on these conditions. Following the review, both departments must submit reports and strategic plans to Congress outlining recommendations for improving provider training and future research priorities.

The Gold Star Family Education Parity Act terminates the authority for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) on August 1, 2029. Individuals who lose eligibility due to this cutoff will be automatically transitioned to receive educational assistance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This ensures continued educational support for eligible survivors and dependents.

The VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act ensures that congressionally appropriated funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot be unilaterally withheld or transferred without explicit new authorization from Congress. This legislation also provides significant protections for VA personnel by exempting the agency from presidential hiring freezes for a four-year period and establishing strict notification requirements before layoffs or removals of probationary employees can occur. Finally, the Secretary of the VA must regularly certify compliance with these new funding and personnel mandates to relevant Congressional committees.

The Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025 establishes mandatory, standardized procedures for law enforcement and correctional facilities to promptly and compassionately notify next-of-kin when an individual in custody dies, is seriously injured, or becomes seriously ill. This Act requires detention agencies to collect emergency contact information upon intake and mandates specific timeframes—such as notification within 12 hours of death—for communicating critical medical and death details. Furthermore, it ensures that next-of-kin receive autopsy results and have input regarding the disposition of remains.

The Staff Sergeant John D. Martek Purple Heart Restoration Act allows certain veterans who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) traceable to enemy action after December 7, 1941, to be awarded the Purple Heart medal. This applies if the veteran has a service-connected disability due to the TBI or official military confirmation of the injury's cause. The respective military branches must establish a process for these veterans to apply for and receive the award, regardless of when the injury occurred.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 updates federal housing tax credit allocations to reflect current economic realities and boosts minimum state allotments. It reforms tenant eligibility rules to stabilize tenancy and enhance protections for vulnerable residents, including victims of abuse. The bill also provides disaster relief for property owners, increases incentives for housing the extremely low-income, and directs greater resources toward Native American and rural housing needs. Finally, it streamlines administrative processes and signals a future focus on data transparency and discouraging restrictive local zoning.

The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025 increases the maximum prison sentence for obstructing justice by picketing or parading near federal buildings. Specifically, this bill raises the maximum penalty under 18 U.S.C. § 1507 from one year to five years in prison. This legislation aims to enhance protections against interference with federal operations, particularly concerning Supreme Court Justices.

The VA Home Loan GRACE Act of 2025 modernizes how the VA guarantees home loans for veterans, particularly when multiple veterans share a loan, by adjusting maximum guarantee calculations. It also establishes significant civil penalties for veterans who knowingly provide false information on required loan certification forms. These changes aim to enhance the resiliency and clarity of the VA home loan program.

The Pecos Watershed Protection Act withdraws specific federal lands in New Mexico from future mining and leasing to protect the watershed. It also officially designates approximately 11,599 acres of Forest Service land as the Thompson Peak Wilderness Area, managed under the Wilderness Act. Existing valid rights, including pre-existing grazing, are preserved within both the withdrawn area and the new wilderness.

The GREATER Act establishes a formal partnership between the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). This agreement mandates these agencies to coordinate efforts to expand rural entrepreneurship and support small businesses specifically within the Appalachian and Delta regions. The partnership requires regular reporting to Congress on assistance provided and future collaboration plans.

The Sarvis Creek Wilderness Completion Act officially designates approximately 6,817 acres of land within the Routt National Forest as an addition to the existing Sarvis Creek Wilderness. This legislation ensures that established wilderness protections immediately apply to the newly added acreage upon enactment. Furthermore, the Act explicitly preserves existing Tribal treaty rights while allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to permit traditional cultural uses by Indian Tribes in the area. The Secretary also retains authority to manage wildfires, insects, and diseases within the new wilderness addition.

The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act establishes a specific P visa pathway for temporary workers employed by traveling carnivals, circuses, and associated concession providers. This new classification ensures essential mobile entertainment staff can enter the U.S. while adhering to existing H-2B temporary worker program regulations. The law mandates that the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Labor develop and finalize the necessary rules within one year of enactment.

The Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act amends federal sentencing guidelines to ensure that convictions for sexual offenses against minors under 18 count toward specific sentencing enhancements. This change adjusts the rules under 18 U.S.C. § 3559(d)(1)(A) regarding when certain sentencing triggers are met. The goal is to strengthen how prior offenses against children impact current sentencing decisions.

The Pell Grant Flexibility Act updates the Higher Education Act to better support students with disabilities. This bill allows eligible students with disabilities to be treated as full-time for Pell Grant calculation purposes, even with a reduced course load. This change ensures they can receive a higher grant amount based on full-time status, provided they meet a minimum credit threshold.