Legislation

The Keep the Watchdogs Running Act ensures Inspectors General can continue operations during government shutdowns. It allows them to use funds, up to the level of their last appropriation, even when Congress hasn't passed a budget. This maintains oversight and prevents disruption of critical watchdog functions.

The Saving NEMO Act of 2025 aims to protect marine reef species by designating certain species for protection and prohibiting their take, import, or export. It establishes exceptions for scientific, breeding, and management purposes, provided destructive collection practices are avoided. The Act enforces these provisions through civil and criminal penalties, rewards for information on violations, and citizen suits. It defines key terms related to marine reef conservation and sets an effective date for implementation.

The Smith River National Recreation Area Expansion Act expands the Smith River National Recreation Area, including land in both California and Oregon, and designates several segments of the North Fork Smith River tributaries and Rowdy Creek as wild and scenic rivers. It requires studies and updated management plans to protect the area's resources, incorporates tribal collaboration, and ensures continued wildland fire and vegetation management. The act also modifies land acquisition processes and extends fish and game management provisions to Oregon.

The "Celestial Time Standardization Act" directs NASA to develop a coordinated lunar time standard to support future space operations. This standard will ensure interoperability and accuracy for navigation and science on the Moon. NASA will coordinate with federal agencies, private sector, and international partners to implement this lunar time, with a report due to Congress within two years.

The "Constitutional Emoluments Protection of American Interests Act of 2025" prevents federal funds from being used at properties owned, managed, or controlled by Donald J. Trump. It also blocks new federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements with these properties.

The "Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025" extends the availability of interest on obligations held in the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund through 2033. This ensures continued funding for wildlife restoration and wetlands conservation projects.

The "Saving NOAA's Workforce Act" prevents the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from initiating any workforce reductions or involuntary employee separations. This moratorium is in effect until the full-year appropriations for NOAA are enacted for fiscal year 2026. Exceptions are made only in cases of employee misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency.

The "Down East Remembrance Act" designates six creeks in North Carolina with new names to honor Noah Styron, Hunter Parks, Kole McInnis, Stephanie Fulcher, Jacob Taylor, and Daily Shepherd. It mandates that all federal references to these creeks be updated to reflect these new designations.

The "Ensuring Veterans Timely Access to Anesthesia Care Act of 2025" updates Veterans Health Administration (VHA) standards for anesthesia and pain management. It recognizes certified registered nurse anesthetists as licensed independent practitioners, aligning with Defense Health Agency standards. The bill also sets certification and direct patient care requirements for anesthesia providers and mandates annual GAO reports on anesthesia delivery outcomes and cost-effectiveness within the VHA.

The Survivor Benefits Delivery Improvement Act of 2025 aims to improve equitable access to VA benefits for survivors and enhance outreach to veterans, uniformed service members, and their dependents. It directs the VA to collect demographic data from survivors receiving benefits to identify and address underserved populations, ensuring equitable access to resources. The Act also mandates proactive outreach to eligible dependents upon the death of a service member, providing information on available benefits and assistance. Additionally, the Act requires the VA to assess and improve resources for survivor assistance and expand outreach regarding burial benefits.

The "Tools Tax Deduction Act" allows employees to deduct necessary work-related expenses for construction tools, protective gear, and other job-related costs from their gross income. It modifies Section 67(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, ensuring that miscellaneous itemized deductions for employee business expenses are not subject to certain limitations. These changes will be effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

This bill seeks to protect students and taxpayers by increasing transparency and accountability in higher education. It sets standards for gainful employment programs, expands borrower defense rights, and streamlines loan discharges for students affected by school closures. The legislation also enhances oversight of third-party servicers, standardizes job placement rate reporting, and prevents individuals with a history of misconduct from holding positions of authority at educational institutions. Additionally, it requires institutions to disclose detailed financial information and mandates the Department of Education to make more data publicly available.

The "Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025" establishes that a President may only remove an Inspector General for specific causes, such as neglect of duty, malfeasance, or abuse of authority. Any removal must be documented with the specific reasons for the removal. This ensures Inspectors General can effectively perform their duties without political interference.

The "Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act" exempts certain healthcare education loan repayments and scholarships from federal income tax. This includes funds received from specific Public Health Service Act programs, state initiatives, and programs supporting healthcare in underserved communities. These changes aim to encourage healthcare professionals to serve in areas with the greatest need by reducing their tax burden. The provisions apply to taxable years starting after the Act's enactment.

The "PROTECT USA Act of 2025" aims to safeguard U.S. economic interests by preventing entities crucial to national interests from complying with foreign sustainability due diligence regulations that could negatively impact domestic value chains and international trade. It prohibits adverse actions against these entities for complying with the Act and allows them to seek exemptions from the prohibition under certain hardship conditions. The bill also establishes legal recourse for entities harmed by violations of the Act, including the potential for significant damages and penalties.

This bill amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to protect servicemembers' properties from squatters' rights established by state law. It ensures that state laws do not allow individuals to claim rights to a servicemember's property while they are on active duty.

The "Proper Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day Act" ensures the separate observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day. It stipulates that if Inauguration Day falls on the same day as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be moved to the Tuesday following the third Monday in January. This ensures that both important days are celebrated individually.

The "Reimbursing Border Communities Act of 2025" establishes a grant program for local governments within 200 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border to reimburse security-related expenses, including wages for local law enforcement. To be eligible, communities must apply, provide required information, and not be sanctuary jurisdictions. Grant amounts are capped at $500,000 per fiscal year and cannot be used for certain purposes, such as funding nonprofits or providing resources to aliens. The Act requires annual reports to Congress and authorizes \$25 million in appropriations per fiscal year from 2026 through 2036.

The FAIR Act of 2025 aims to promote equitable treatment of osteopathic and allopathic medical school graduates in hospital residency programs. It requires hospitals to report data on residency applicants and acceptances from both types of medical schools, and to affirm their consideration of both DO and MD candidates. Hospitals that fail to comply will face a reduction in Medicare payments, and the collected data will be made public. This act does not mandate hospitals to accept students from either type of medical school.

The Stop CCP VISAs Act of 2025 prohibits the admission of Chinese nationals into the United States as nonimmigrant students. This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prevent nationals of the People's Republic of China from receiving visas for academic research or study.