Legislation

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove the interim final rule from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that removes the automatic extension for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). If enacted, this disapproval would nullify the rule, preventing the removal of the automatic extension.

This bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to allow for the importation of polar bear trophies from sport hunts in Canada. It mandates the Secretary of the Interior to issue permits for trophies legally harvested before specific dates in 1997 or 2008. These provisions apply even if the polar bear was later listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

This bill extends and significantly enhances the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for employers hiring from targeted groups, increasing the credit amount and adjusting it for inflation through 2031. It also removes the age limit for SNAP recipients claiming the credit and adds qualified military spouses as an eligible group. Furthermore, the legislation mandates an inter-agency initiative to promote the hiring of targeted workers in key industries like manufacturing and healthcare.

This bill establishes the Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The capsule, created by the Architect of the Capitol and filled with items chosen by the four congressional leadership offices, will be sealed in the Capitol Visitor Center. It is mandated to remain sealed until July 4, 2276, when it will be presented to the 244th Congress.

The Made in America Integrity Act of 2025 strengthens penalties for small businesses that falsely claim their goods or services are "Made in America" to secure federal contracts. This legislation specifically increases the debarment period for such violations from three years to five years. These enhanced penalties aim to ensure the integrity of federal procurement programs.

The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act expands federal disaster assistance to explicitly include support for substance use and alcohol use issues resulting from major disasters. It broadens the scope of crisis counseling and training programs to address these needs alongside existing mental health services. Furthermore, the bill mandates FEMA to update its application processes and requires a GAO report on the program's effectiveness and compliance.

The Campus Free Speech Restoration Act aims to strengthen First Amendment rights for students at colleges and universities receiving federal funding. It prohibits public institutions from imposing overly restrictive speech codes, "free speech zones," or biased reporting systems that limit lawful expressive activity in generally accessible outdoor areas. The bill establishes enforcement mechanisms, including private lawsuits and federal review processes that could lead to the loss of federal funding for non-compliant public and private institutions.

This Act establishes a process to retroactively grant Social Security and SSI benefits to individuals who were prevented from applying between January 20, 2025, and January 19, 2029, due to specified "undue hardships." It defines these hardships broadly, including operational failures, technical issues, and misinformation during that period. Furthermore, the bill waives the standard waiting period for disability benefits for eligible applicants and mandates a GAO report analyzing the impact of administrative actions during that timeframe.

This bill establishes the Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act of 2025 to address critical shortages in mental health care. It creates a federal program administered by HRSA to repay student loans for eligible mental health professionals. In exchange, participants must commit to up to six years of full-time service in designated mental health professional shortage areas. The program aims to incentivize practitioners to serve in underserved communities through significant loan forgiveness, capped at $250,000 per individual.

This resolution asserts that compelled political litmus tests, such as mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statements required by public institutions for hiring or admission, violate the First Amendment rights to academic freedom and free speech. It condemns public colleges and universities for conditioning employment or admission on adherence to specific ideological viewpoints. The resolution strongly discourages the practice of requiring applicants or faculty to pledge allegiance to any political ideology as a condition of advancement.

This resolution congratulates the Vermont Green Football Club for winning the 2025 United Soccer League Two National Championship. It recognizes the team's undefeated season, their nickname "The Invincibles," and their contribution to Vermont's growing reputation in soccer. The resolution also acknowledges the connection between the club and the University of Vermont's NCAA championship team.

This resolution officially honors the lifetime accomplishments and enduring legacy of Rita Moreno, a pioneering Latina artist and cultural icon. It recognizes her historic achievements in the performing arts, including becoming an EGOT winner and the first Latina to win an Academy Award. Furthermore, the bill commends her tireless advocacy for civil rights and her embodiment of the American dream.

This bill amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act to expand assistance for small and rural water projects by lowering cost thresholds and providing technical support. It also clarifies eligibility for new project types, authorizes collaborative delivery methods like design-build, and adjusts loan maturity dates for long-term infrastructure. Finally, the legislation reauthorizes funding for the Corps of Engineers financing program and mandates several reports to Congress on program implementation.

The Save American Healthcare Act extends the availability of the health insurance premium tax credit to taxpayers with household incomes exceeding 400% of the federal poverty line. This extension is temporary, lasting until an "applicable date" determined by the Secretary. The applicable date is set to ensure the program's net cost does not exceed savings generated from tariffs imposed or increased after January 19, 2025.

The Protecting our Veterans’ Memories Act establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs plot allowance for the spouses and children of eligible veterans buried in state-owned cemeteries. This provision mandates a payment of \$525 to the state or its agency for the interment of qualifying family members. The bill also includes necessary technical amendments to existing law to incorporate this new allowance.

This bill commemorates the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian refugee resettlement in the United States, recognizing the profound sacrifices and immense contributions of Southeast Asian Americans. It honors the historical alliance and acknowledges the challenges faced by these communities since their arrival. The legislation celebrates the vibrant cultural and economic impact of over three million Southeast Asian Americans today.

The Food Assurance and Security Act establishes a mandatory, interagency program to annually measure and report on food insecurity and hunger in the United States. This program requires the Census Bureau to conduct a standardized food security supplement as part of its Current Population Survey. The resulting data will be analyzed and published by the Department of Agriculture in an annual public report submitted to Congress.

The Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act of 2025 mandates that the EPA require a cold weather operability additive in diesel fuel between November and March to prevent fuel gelling above 5°F. Additionally, the Act allows manufacturers to temporarily suspend emissions-related engine shutdowns below 32°F when necessary for safety or essential transport. It also grants year-round exemptions from Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system requirements for vehicles operating in extremely cold or high-latitude regions.

This Act mandates the Secretary of the Air Force to deliver a comprehensive report on the F47 advanced fighter aircraft program by March 2027. The report must detail the program's costs, acquisition strategy, fielding plan, and integration strategy for Air National Guard and Reserve units. This ensures congressional oversight of the F47's development and future force structure.

The Advancing Regional Quantum Hubs Act aims to strengthen regional capabilities in quantum information science and technology. It expands the National Quantum Initiative Advisory Committee to include the Economic Development Administration and directs federal agencies to support regional innovation initiatives. This legislation focuses on fostering quantum research, entrepreneurship, and education across various geographic areas.