Legislative Activity

This bill amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to establish specific qualifications for marriage and family therapists who provide clinical supervision within the Veterans Health Administration. It requires that these therapists meet existing standards and either be authorized to provide clinical supervision in their state or be designated as an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The "Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act of 2025" mandates a study by the Comptroller General on federal agencies' use of renewable energy certificates (RECs). This study will assess the impact of REC demand on renewable energy investments and evaluate federal agencies' progress toward renewable energy goals, considering various compliance methods like RECs, power purchase agreements, and onsite renewables. The study will analyze the costs and risks associated with each approach and recommend improvements to the REC market's impact on federal renewable energy investments. A report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to Congress.

The Green Federal Fleet Act mandates that federal agencies can only purchase or lease zero-emission non-tactical passenger vehicles, with exceptions made if using such a vehicle isn't technically feasible. A zero-emission vehicle is defined as one that produces no exhaust emissions of pollutants or greenhouse gases, other than water vapor. This requirement applies to all branches of the Federal Government and does not apply to purchases or leases made before the enactment of this law.

The FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act amends the Stafford Act to ensure disaster survivors are not denied temporary housing assistance from FEMA due to insurance payments. This clarification prevents insurance payments from being considered a duplication of benefits, thereby expanding access to temporary housing for those in need after a disaster.

This bill acknowledges and honors the significant contributions, valor, and sacrifices of military animals and their handlers throughout history, recognizing their vital role in the United States' freedom and safety. It supports establishing a yearly process to nominate animals for the Medal of Bravery and Distinguished Service Medal, further commemorating their meritorious achievements.

The "Improving Coordination of Agriculture Research and Data Act" aims to enhance the coordination of climate research and data within the agricultural sector. It establishes the Agriculture Climate Scientific Research Advisory Committee to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on climate-related research and data priorities, while also creating the Rural Climate Alliance Network to provide climate adaptation and mitigation assistance to rural communities and agricultural producers. The Act seeks to improve the sharing of technology, create a national plan for agricultural climate research, and ensure better support for climate resilience in agriculture. Finally, the Act requires a report to Congress detailing the needs of climate mitigation and resilience research and data systems.

The Conservation for Agricultural Leased Land Act, or CALL Act, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study conservation practices on leased agricultural land, including barriers to adopting such practices, especially for farmers and ranchers who are people of color, and beginning farmers and ranchers. The study will review existing research, Cooperative Extension System initiatives, and various factors affecting leasing relationships and land ownership trends. A report with findings and recommendations for addressing barriers and improving outreach must be submitted to Congress by December 31, 2026. The Secretary may partner with a non-Federal entity to conduct the study.

The Climate Agricultural Conservation Practices Act requires the USDA to evaluate and update conservation practice standards, including consideration of climate benefits such as greenhouse gas emission reductions, carbon sequestration, and adaptation to weather volatility. These standards must be reviewed within five years of the Act's enactment. The goal is to promote climate-friendly agricultural practices through existing conservation programs.

The Biliteracy Education Seal and Teaching (BEST) Act aims to establish a grant program that supports states in creating, improving, and running Seal of Biliteracy programs. These programs recognize students proficient in both English and another language, including Native American languages and American Sign Language. The Act allocates funds for administrative costs, public outreach, professional development, and testing subsidies, ensuring equal access for English learners and students with disabilities. Ultimately, the BEST Act seeks to promote and acknowledge the value of biliteracy among students nationwide.

The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by promoting the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through research, development, and incentives. It sets a national goal for aviation to achieve a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The Act establishes a low-carbon aviation fuel standard, provides funding for SAF projects, encourages the Department of Defense to purchase SAF, and extends tax credits for SAF production. It also directs research on SAF feedstocks and the climate impacts of aviation, including non-carbon dioxide emissions.

The Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act of 2025 ensures disaster survivors are not denied displacement assistance, such as temporary housing, due to insurance coverage. This bill clarifies that insurance benefits should not be considered a duplication of benefits when determining eligibility for displacement assistance. This change aims to provide more immediate and accessible housing aid to those displaced by disasters.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This act increases the maximum age for eligible children to receive medical care under the program to 26 years old, regardless of their marital status. This change does not affect benefits for children incapable of self-support and takes effect for medical care provided on or after the enactment of this act.

The DRIVE Act of 2025 ensures that veteran's mileage reimbursement rate for travel to VA facilities is at least equal to the federal employee rate. It mandates the VA to pay these allowances within 90 days of a complete claim submission. This act updates outdated language to reflect these changes, aiming to provide equitable and timely compensation for veterans' travel expenses.

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.

The Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees in the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program. This ensures that TSA officers who die or are injured in the line of duty while protecting the nation's transportation systems are eligible for death benefits. This law applies retroactively to injuries occurring on or after October 31, 2013.

The "Mortgage Debt Tax Forgiveness Act of 2025" permanently extends the exclusion of forgiven mortgage debt from an individual's gross income, applying to qualified principal residence indebtedness discharged after December 31, 2025. This means homeowners will not have to pay income taxes on the amount of mortgage debt that is forgiven by their lender.

The "Mortgage Insurance Tax Deduction Act of 2025" permanently extends the deduction for mortgage insurance premiums. This allows eligible taxpayers to continue deducting these premiums, reducing their overall tax liability. This change is effective for amounts paid or accrued after December 31, 2024.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act increases the reimbursement amount for continuing professional education expenses for certain full-time health care professionals of the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill requires the Secretary to reimburse certain health care professionals up to $2,000 per year and allows the Secretary to adjust the dollar amounts, provided that the reimbursement is not less than $2,000 per year for each individual.

The Veterans Law Judge Experience Act of 2025 prioritizes the appointment of individuals with specific veterans' law experience to the Board of Veterans Appeals. When the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals recommends individuals to the Secretary for Board membership, those with at least three years of legal experience related to veterans' laws will be given priority. This amendment to Title 38 of the U.S. Code aims to enhance the expertise and understanding of veterans' issues within the Board.

The WISER Act of 2025 aims to support women veterans involuntarily discharged under Executive Order 10240 by establishing a program to upgrade their discharge status, allowing them to be treated as if they completed their assigned duty for the purpose of VA benefits. Additionally, the bill creates a one-time compensation benefit of $25,000 for eligible women veterans or their surviving spouses. Eligibility is presumed for veterans separated under Executive Order 10240, or those who experienced childbirth, custody, adoption, or incomplete pregnancy within 10 months of separation. The Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense will administer these programs.