Legislative Activity

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent rule aimed at closing the "Homework Gap" using the E-Rate Program. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is formally rejecting the FCC's specific plan to extend E-Rate funding for student home internet access. Consequently, the FCC's rule, published on November 29, 2024, will not take effect.

The American Ownership and Resilience Act establishes an Ownership Investment Facility to provide government leverage to licensed investment companies making "covered investments," primarily focused on supporting Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and worker cooperatives in acquiring business ownership. The Act sets strict operational rules for these investment companies, including capital requirements, portfolio diversification limits, and mandates for independent review of ESOP transactions. Furthermore, it details the licensing process, oversight mechanisms, and reporting requirements to ensure accountability and protect employee interests.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends critical Medicare payment provisions for ambulance services. This bill delays the expiration of special payment rules for "super rural" areas until January 1, 2028, while also implementing temporary payment increases for both super rural and standard ground ambulance services during that transition period. The goal is to ensure continued financial stability and access to essential ground ambulance care.

The TEST AI Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program, managed by NIST, to develop reliable measurement standards for evaluating federal Artificial Intelligence systems. This effort requires collaboration between the Departments of Commerce and Energy to create necessary testing facilities, known as "testbeds." A newly formed Working Group will advise on developing standards covering AI reliability, security, and bias, with a final report submitted to Congress detailing findings and future needs.

The Countering Corrupt Political (CCP) Influence Act requires foreign missions from designated adversarial nations to report advance notice of meetings with U.S. state and local officials, as well as visits to educational or research institutions. This measure aims to increase transparency regarding diplomatic activities within the United States. The Secretary of State must compile and report this information monthly to Congress. The requirements are set to expire five years after the Act's enactment.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.

The MOMS Act aims to support mothers and unborn children through three main areas: establishing a federal resource website, Pregnancy.gov, to connect expecting and new mothers with local services. It also creates grant programs to fund organizations that support carrying pregnancies to term and expand access to prenatal/postnatal telehealth care. Finally, the Act mandates that states establish and enforce child support obligations on behalf of unborn children upon the mother's request.

This resolution officially supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses as frontline healthcare providers and patient advocates. The measure encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate events honoring the nursing profession.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The Zero Based Regulations Act mandates a systematic, ongoing review of all existing federal regulations to ensure they remain effective and cost-efficient. This process requires agencies to repeal rules before review and subject any reinstated rule to strict cost limitations and public hearings. Furthermore, the Act temporarily restricts the creation of new rules unless they reduce the overall regulatory burden or address critical public safety needs.

The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025 aims to simplify and broaden what inventions qualify for patent protection by eliminating judge-made exceptions to current law. It establishes that any useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter is eligible, provided it meets a new "specific and practical utility" standard. While core exclusions like pure mathematical formulas and abstract business methods remain, the bill clarifies that human genes and natural materials are patentable if modified or used in a new invention. This legislation ensures that eligibility is determined by examining the entire claim, independent of existing novelty or obviousness standards.

The Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2025 aims to ease the financial burden on individuals caring for family members. This bill expands eligibility for contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) by allowing parents to contribute on behalf of an individual or their spouse. Furthermore, it permits the use of Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) to cover medical expenses for parents and in-laws. Finally, the Act updates Archer MSA rules to include parents in the definition of covered individuals.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating April 2025 as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It emphasizes the critical need to prevent adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) due to their lifelong negative impacts on health and society. The bill backs efforts to increase public awareness, support evidence-based prevention programs, and aid survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

The SOAR Act of 2025 aims to significantly reform Medicare coverage for supplemental oxygen therapy by ending competitive bidding and establishing new payment rates for suppliers. The bill also protects access to respiratory therapist services by ensuring Medicare reimbursement for their work. Furthermore, it strengthens fraud prevention through mandated electronic documentation while simultaneously restoring clinical judgment in claim reviews. Finally, the Act establishes a comprehensive set of new rights and protections for beneficiaries receiving oxygen equipment and services.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

The Preserving Patient Access to Accountable Care Act extends the availability of incentive payments for healthcare providers participating in approved alternative payment models. Specifically, it pushes the final year for these bonuses from 2026 to 2027. For the extended year of 2027, the bill establishes a new incentive payment percentage of 3.53 percent.

The Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025 makes the existing adoption tax credit fully refundable, allowing taxpayers to receive the benefit even if they owe no tax. This is achieved by relocating the credit within the tax code and updating related references. The bill also mandates the Treasury Department to issue regulations establishing a standardized third-party affidavit form for verifying adoption expenses. These changes will apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.