Legislation

This bill permanently extends the exemption for school bus drivers from the engine compartment (under-the-hood) portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test. The Secretary of Transportation is required to collect annual reports from participating states regarding the number of drivers licensed under this exemption for six years.

The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act directs the EPA to create a program that supports water systems' participation in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Water ISAC). This program aims to offset membership costs, improve data collection and threat analysis, and enhance resources for monitoring and preparedness within the water sector. The Act authorizes \$10,000,000 for both 2026 and 2027 to implement these provisions.

The "Protecting Students with Disabilities Act" ensures the Office of Special Education Programs remains within the Department of Education, as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It prevents the use of funds to eliminate, consolidate, or restructure offices managing programs under this act. Additionally, it stops the reassignment or alteration of personnel responsibilities and prohibits contracting outside the Department of Education for program administration or enforcement.

The Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue the original depredation order for double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities. The reissued order now applies to California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It also includes lake and pond managers licensed by a state to manage private lakes or ponds.

The FEMA Independence Act of 2025 establishes FEMA as a cabinet-level independent agency, led by a Director reporting directly to the President, to more effectively manage and respond to disasters. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, and authority of the Director and FEMA, including mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The Act also mandates an Office of the Inspector General within FEMA and transfers functions, personnel, and resources to the newly independent agency. Finally, the bill makes conforming amendments to other laws to reflect FEMA's new status.

The First Responders Retirement Parity Act allows governmental pension plans to include certain firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who work for public safety agencies under contract with a political subdivision of a State. This inclusion will not affect their status as governmental plans under the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. This change ensures that these first responders receive the retirement benefits they deserve for their service. The act applies to plan years beginning after the enactment date.

The "DOGE POUND Act of 2025" aims to protect sensitive health data by restricting access to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) systems. It limits access to authorized personnel with proper security clearances, training, and ethical agreements, and imposes penalties for unauthorized access. The Act also mandates the HHS Inspector General to report instances of unauthorized access to Congress.

The "United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. leadership in immersive technology (augmented, virtual, and mixed reality) by establishing a principal advisor and an advisory panel. The panel will assess the technology's economic impact, promote collaboration between government and the private sector, establish ethical and privacy safeguards, and ensure U.S. global leadership. Within two years, the panel will study the immersive technology industry and submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations.

The Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act clarifies the definition of "crude oil" for excise tax purposes, including oil derived from tar sands and other unconventional sources. It authorizes the Secretary to classify other fuel feedstocks as crude oil if they pose a significant discharge risk and aligns the definition with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. This change ensures that these previously untaxed sources are subject to the same excise taxes as conventional crude oil. The amendments made by this act will take effect immediately upon enactment.

The American Families United Act grants the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security discretionary authority to provide relief to certain undocumented immigrants who are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, if deportation or denial of relief would cause hardship to the citizen family member. This includes the ability to terminate removal proceedings, waive grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, or grant permission to reapply for admission. The Act does not apply to aliens inadmissible or deportable on criminal or security grounds. It also allows for motions to reopen or reconsider denied petitions or removal orders based on the new discretionary authority, with certain time limitations.

The "Electronic Filing and Payment Fairness Act" applies the "mailbox rule" to electronically submitted documents and payments to the IRS, so that if a document or payment is sent electronically to the IRS by the due date, the date it was sent will be considered the date of delivery or payment. The Secretary must issue regulations or guidance to implement this paragraph by December 31, 2025, and the changes apply to any document or payment sent after that date.

The DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding and influence in higher education. It mandates institutions to disclose foreign gifts, contracts, and investments of concern, especially those tied to countries or entities that pose a risk to U.S. national security. The Act also requires institutions to maintain policies regarding conflicts of interest and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential ineligibility for federal student aid programs. Additionally, the Department of Education is required to maintain a public database of disclosed information and share it with relevant federal agencies.

The "Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2025" prohibits federal, state, and local governments receiving federal funds from discriminating against entities that offer support to women facing unexpected pregnancies or provide alternatives to abortion. It allows legal action against those who violate conscience rights related to abortion alternatives and ensures that if one part of the act is deemed unconstitutional, the rest remains valid. This bill aims to protect organizations that do not participate in abortions and provide resources related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

The Mink VIRUS Act aims to protect public health by prohibiting mink farming in the U.S. one year after enactment and requiring humane termination methods for existing farmed mink. It establishes a payment program to compensate fur farm owners for the costs of compliance and the market value of their mink farming operations, contingent upon agreeing not to operate a fur farm in the future. The Act allocates $100 million to the Department of Agriculture for these payments.

The Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act allows the promotion of non-supervisory attorneys at the Board of Veterans' Appeals to the GS-15 grade level. This aims to enhance career opportunities for attorneys and reduce the backlog of cases.

The "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025" reauthorizes and amends the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) to broaden its services, enhance support activities, and reduce disparities in cancer rates. It emphasizes prevention, detection, and control of breast and cervical cancer, ensuring alignment with evidence-based recommendations. The Act authorizes $235 million annually from 2026 through 2030 and requires a GAO study to assess the program's reach and identify barriers to access. Reporting frequency is adjusted to every 5 years and includes data on the preceding years.

The Wildfire Homeowner Relief Act directs the Comptroller General to study the feasibility of a federal grant program for purchasing properties in high-risk wildfire areas, both before and after a catastrophic wildfire. The study will analyze various aspects of a potential wildfire buyout program, including its management, land use recommendations, and economic impacts. It also mandates the creation of a national database of existing buyouts and encourages inter-agency information sharing. A report with the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within 12 months.

The "John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2025" amends the Social Security Act to include Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder treatment under Medicare Part B starting January 1, 2027. This covers augmentation therapy provided at home, intravenous administration kits, and associated nursing services for eligible individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Medicare will cover 80% of the costs for these home infusion services, with payments made directly to qualified suppliers. These services will not be classified as home health services under Medicare.

This bill reauthorizes the military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program. The program aims to improve trauma care by fostering collaboration between military and civilian healthcare providers. It extends the program's authorization through fiscal year 2029.

The SHARE Act of 2025 allows the FBI to share criminal history records with state licensing authorities for background checks required by interstate compacts. States can only use this information for these specific background checks and must adhere to federal regulations regarding its use and dissemination. This ensures that individuals seeking licenses or privileges to work in compact member states undergo necessary criminal history screenings. The bill defines key terms to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation across states.