Legislative Activity

The Green Energy for Federal Buildings Act mandates increasing renewable energy procurement targets for all federal buildings, starting at 7.5% and escalating to 100% by the year 2050. This legislation amends existing law to establish clear, phased buying goals for the government over the coming decades. The Act also prioritizes sourcing this renewable energy from on-site federal facilities or federal and Indian lands when feasible.

The COMPOST Act officially designates composting as a recognized conservation practice under federal farm conservation laws. This change allows farmers to utilize existing conservation program benefits for activities related to creating and applying compost on their farms. The legislation requires the Secretary of Agriculture to establish clear standards for what qualifies as on-farm composting, including using organic waste from nearby communities only if it results in a net decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, this bill aims to improve soil health and water retention through the formal promotion of composting.

This bill amends federal law to establish specific qualifications for marriage and family therapists appointed within the Veterans Health Administration (VA) who are designated to provide clinical supervision. To qualify for these supervisory roles, therapists must meet existing VA requirements plus one of two specific criteria related to state authorization or AAMFT approved supervisor designation. This ensures that supervisors within the VA system meet recognized standards for training and oversight.

The Green Federal Fleet Act mandates that federal agencies must purchase or lease zero-emission vehicles for their non-military fleets, unless a specific technical exception is documented. This legislation aims to transition government vehicle purchases toward electric or hydrogen-powered options. The EPA is tasked with defining the official standards for what qualifies as a zero-emission vehicle.

The Renewable Energy Certificate Study Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study by the Comptroller General on the effectiveness of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in driving new renewable energy development. This evaluation will compare REC usage against other compliance methods, like Power Purchase Agreements, for federal agencies. The final report will include recommendations for legislative or administrative changes to better align the REC market with federal investment goals for new clean energy generation.

The FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act clarifies that insurance payouts received by disaster survivors will not be counted as a "duplication of benefits" when determining eligibility for FEMA temporary housing assistance. This ensures that receiving insurance money does not automatically disqualify an individual from receiving necessary temporary housing aid following 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 strategically align federal agriculture and climate research efforts to better serve producers. It establishes a new advisory committee to set national research priorities, identify data gaps, and guide the USDA's climate agenda. Furthermore, the bill creates the Rural Climate Alliance Network to coordinate the transfer of science-based climate adaptation and mitigation tools directly to farmers and rural communities.

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 the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) travel reimbursement rate for veterans' medical appointments will never fall below the standard federal employee mileage rate. This legislation mandates that the VA must process and pay these mileage allowances within 90 days of a veteran submitting a complete request. Essentially, the bill aims to increase equity and speed in compensating veterans for necessary travel to VA healthcare.

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.