Legislation

The Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025 amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to ensure payment and performance security for construction projects receiving federal assistance. It allows the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator to consider state or local laws mandating payment and performance security as fulfilling this requirement if they cover at least 50% of the construction contract. If state or local laws don't apply or meet the 50% threshold, adherence to federal bond requirements under 40 U.S.C. 3131(b)(1) and (2) is required.

This bill amends the Small Business Act to increase the maximum additional loan amount for certain disaster loans from 20% to 30%, providing additional financial assistance to small businesses recovering from disasters.

The "Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2025" increases penalties for fraudulent and grossly negligent violations of U.S. customs laws, including banning violators and their affiliates from importing goods. It also allows private parties harmed by customs fraud to sue for damages and injunctive relief. The Act excludes those who commit fraud from participating in the importer of record program.

The "Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act" establishes a commission to study and recommend the relocation of certain federal agencies from the Washington, D.C., area to other parts of the United States. The commission will evaluate potential relocation sites based on factors such as financial efficiency, existing infrastructure, and community input, with the goal of transferring at least 100,000 employees of covered agencies. A report of the commission's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within one year.

This joint resolution seeks to block the proposed sale of specific defense articles and services to the Israeli government. The resolution specifically targets the sale of thousands of 1,000-pound bomb bodies, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits designed for use with these bombs. It also halts related support services from both the U.S. government and contractors. Effectively, the resolution disapproves of the U.S. proceeding with the Transmittal No. 2526 sale of these items to Israel.

The "Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act" creates a refundable tax credit for 33% of flood insurance premiums paid by eligible taxpayers for their primary residence, with income limitations. It also establishes a program for advance payments of the tax credit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency on behalf of eligible individuals. This credit aims to make flood insurance more affordable for homeowners.

This resolution establishes a bipartisan Senate Human Rights Commission to monitor international human rights issues, raise awareness of violations, and promote human rights initiatives. The commission will consist of 10 senators and operate with a budget of $200,000 per fiscal year, ceasing to exist on January 1, 2029.

The "Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act" amends existing legislation to allow research and extension grants for land-grant institutions to study and promote ungulate grazing land management techniques for wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery on both public and private lands. This includes researching the economic benefits and increasing social support for these activities while ensuring compatibility with practices that protect against adverse environmental effects and improve soil health. The act also focuses on sharing this information through educational materials and outreach programs for landowners, land managers, and livestock owners.

The "Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director, to coordinate and improve gun violence prevention programs and policies. The Director will evaluate and modernize laws, recommend evidence-based strategies to Congress and the President, improve data collection and research, educate the public, assist affected communities, and coordinate with other agencies. An advisory council will be convened, including a diverse group of experts and individuals affected by gun violence, to advise the Director. The Act authorizes necessary appropriations to support these activities.

The Veterans Homecare Choice Act of 2025 amends the Veterans Community Care Program to include nurse registries as recognized entities. This inclusion allows veterans to receive home healthcare services from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides, companions, or homemakers working through these registries. Nurse registries are defined as entities that secure contracts for healthcare professionals, provided they meet state licensing requirements.

This joint resolution seeks to block the sale of specific defense articles and services to Israel, as detailed in Transmittal No. 250C. The resolution disapproves of the proposed enhancement or upgrade, which includes a significant increase in both Major Defense Equipment and non-MDE value. The justification for this disapproval cites recent cost increases associated with the sale.

This joint resolution nullifies a rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The rule concerned the prohibition of creditors and consumer reporting agencies from using or sharing medical information. By disapproving the rule, this resolution prevents the regulation from taking effect.

This resolution recognizes AmeriCorps Week (March 9-15, 2025) to honor AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their positive impact on communities. It celebrates 30 years of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs and encourages public awareness of national and community service. The resolution also acknowledges the significant contributions of these volunteers and encourages people of all ages to explore service opportunities within these programs.

The "SHIELD Against CCP Act" establishes a working group within the Department of Homeland Security to counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) related to terrorism, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security. This group will examine and report on the Department's efforts, account for dedicated resources, identify policy gaps, and facilitate cooperation, while also sharing information with federal, state, and local partners. The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit annual reports to Congress for five years, assessing CCP threats and the activities of the working group. The working group will terminate seven years after its establishment.

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel that is at least equal to the federal rate provided to government employees. It also mandates that the VA process and pay these mileage allowances within 90 days of receiving a complete and accurate claim. This bill aims to reduce the financial burden on veterans when traveling to receive medical care.

The "Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act" shields water and wastewater treatment facilities from CERCLA liability for PFAS releases if they comply with applicable laws and handle PFAS during or after water treatment. This protection covers specific non-polymeric PFAS and applies to public water systems, treatment works, and related entities. The exemption does not apply in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

The DRAIN THE SWAMP Act mandates the relocation of at least 30% of Executive agency headquarters employees out of the Washington metropolitan area, adjusting their pay based on the new locality and prohibiting full-time telework. It also requires Executive agencies to reduce their headquarters office space by at least 30% and provide detailed workforce information in budget justifications to Congress. This act prioritizes geographic diversity and in-person customer service while streamlining agency operations.

The "Freedom First Lend Lease Act" empowers the President to lend or lease defense articles to Ukraine and Eastern European countries impacted by Russia's invasion, for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, temporarily waiving certain restrictions related to foreign assistance and arms export control for Ukraine. The bill requires expedited procedures for the delivery of defense articles and stipulates that standard laws regarding return, reimbursement, and repayment will apply. Presidential authority can only be delegated to Senate-confirmed officials.

The "Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends funding for family-to-family health information centers. It allocates \$6,000,000 for April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, and \$9,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029. This ensures continued support for families navigating healthcare for children with disabilities or special needs.

The "Fix FEDVIP Age Act" amends existing law to extend Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) coverage to include dependent children under the age of 26.