Legislative Activity

The "Freight RAILCAR Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for modernizing freight railcars, encouraging investments in newer, more efficient railcars. Taxpayers can claim a credit equal to 10% of their freight railcar fleet modernization expenses, with a limit of 1,000 qualified freight railcars per year. The credit applies to railcars that increase capacity, improve fuel efficiency, or meet updated performance standards, and is available for three years after the Act's enactment. The Secretary of the Treasury is required to submit a report to Congress detailing the credit's usage and impact on railcar modernization and scrapping.

This bill transfers the functions, assets, and responsibilities for implementing the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Secretary of Agriculture will now administer the program, though the Famine Early Warning Systems Network will remain under USDA control. This change allows the USDA to quickly update necessary rules to ensure a smooth transition of the program.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to exclude the net value of a family farm (on which the family resides) or a small business (with no more than 100 employees and owned/controlled by the family) from consideration as an asset when determining financial need for federal student aid. This change aims to make higher education more accessible for students from family farm and small business backgrounds.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 savings accounts to include expenses related to postsecondary credentialing programs. This allows 529 funds to cover costs like tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing fees for recognized programs and credentials, as defined by the bill. These changes would apply to distributions made after the bill is enacted.

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT Fentanyl) Act permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances to strengthen enforcement and penalties against their trafficking. Additionally, the bill streamlines registration processes for researchers to facilitate legitimate scientific study of these substances. It also includes technical corrections and mandates updated federal rulemaking to ensure effective implementation.

The Marc Fischer Memorial Act mandates that the Bureau of Prisons implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve 100% digital scanning of all inmate mail to interdict fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. By transitioning to digital mail processing, the Act aims to protect staff and inmates from lethal exposure, improve institutional security, and alleviate the administrative burden on correctional personnel.

The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025 aims to enhance the safety of postal workers by funding high-security infrastructure upgrades, including electronic mailbox keys. The bill also mandates the appointment of dedicated federal prosecutors for postal crimes in every judicial district and requires stricter sentencing guidelines for those who assault or rob postal employees.

The "Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act" aims to protect amateur radio operators' ability to install and use antennas on their property, despite private land use restrictions that may otherwise prohibit or impair such installations. It allows for reasonable restrictions based on safety and aesthetics, while limiting prior approval requirements and offering legal recourse for violations. The Act seeks to balance community interests with the need for effective emergency communication capabilities provided by amateur radio operators. The FCC is required to issue regulations to implement the act within 180 days of enactment.

The "Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. agricultural exports by increasing funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program. It amends the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 to extend and significantly increase financial support for these programs through 2029. These changes seek to address the competitive disadvantage faced by U.S. producers due to increased foreign competition and the impact of inflation on static funding levels. By increasing funding, the Act strives to enhance access to foreign markets, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs within the agricultural sector.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concerning race, color, and national origin. This aims to address rising antisemitism in educational settings. The Act clarifies that it does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change existing discrimination standards, reduce existing rights, or infringe upon First Amendment rights.

This resolution supports the designation of "Career and Technical Education Month" to celebrate the vital role of CTE programs in building a skilled workforce. It highlights how these programs provide students with essential training and credentials that align with modern economic demands. Furthermore, it encourages educators and parents to promote CTE as a respected and effective educational pathway for future success.

The Fair Access to Banking Act prohibits large financial institutions and payment networks from denying services to law-abiding businesses based on subjective, politically motivated, or reputational criteria. The bill mandates that financial institutions use impartial, quantitative, risk-based standards to evaluate customers rather than category-based exclusions. To ensure compliance, the legislation establishes enforcement mechanisms through federal regulators and provides a legal pathway for businesses to sue for damages if they are unfairly denied access to financial services.

The Educational Choice for Children Act of 2025 establishes federal tax credits for individuals and corporations that contribute to scholarship-granting organizations. These organizations provide K–12 education scholarships to students from lower- and middle-income households to cover tuition, tutoring, and other qualified educational expenses. The bill also protects the autonomy of participating schools and scholarship organizations from government interference while ensuring that scholarship funds remain tax-free for recipient families.

The Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act directs the Secretary of State to designate four major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating these groups against federal terrorism criteria and requires the designation of any additional cartels that meet these standards. It also clarifies that these designations do not expand asylum eligibility for individuals.

The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to support healthcare providers by extending Medicare payment adjustments through the end of 2025. Specifically, the bill provides a 6.62 percent payment increase for services rendered between April 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, to help practitioners adjust to evolving Medicare payment policies.

The Snap Back Inaccurate SNAP Payments Act tightens oversight of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by eliminating the tolerance for small payment errors and mandating that states recover all overpaid benefits. The bill also links state financial penalties to their success in recouping these funds, incentivizing more effective program administration.

The Charitable Act allows individuals who take the standard deduction to also claim a deduction for charitable contributions during the 2026 and 2027 tax years. This legislation permits non-itemizers to deduct donations up to one-third of their standard deduction amount while removing previous penalties for overstatements.

The Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act permanently codifies the ability for patients to receive cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation services from the comfort of their own homes. By authorizing telehealth delivery and virtual physician supervision, the bill expands access to these essential services while removing restrictive geographic requirements. This legislation ensures that the flexibility established during the COVID-19 pandemic remains a permanent, standard feature of Medicare coverage.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to maintain the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government. It emphasizes the USPS's role as a self-sustaining service vital to the economy and national connectivity. The resolution discourages privatization, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and damage to critical infrastructure.

This bill recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States through charitable activities, volunteer work, and financial support for members. It expresses the sense of Congress that these societies are a valuable support system that addresses unmet needs and generates substantial returns to the U.S. through their tax-exempt status. The bill also advocates for the continued promotion of fraternal benefit societies.