Legislative Activity

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the railroad track maintenance credit from $3,500 to $6,100, with inflation adjustments starting after 2025. It also extends qualified railroad track maintenance expenditures to January 1, 2024. These changes are effective for expenditures in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Rural Veterinary Workforce Act" allows veterinarians working in underserved rural areas to be exempt from paying federal income tax on student loan repayment assistance received from federal or state programs. This bill aims to incentivize veterinary professionals to practice in rural communities, addressing the shortage of veterinary services in these areas. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The "Increased TSP Access Act of 2025" amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to improve the delivery of technical assistance to agricultural producers. It streamlines the certification process for third-party providers, allowing non-Federal entities and State agencies to certify them. The Act also mandates fair payment for technical services provided by these certified providers and requires the Secretary to increase outreach and transparency regarding the use of third-party assistance.

The "Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025" repeals the EPA's multi-pollutant emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles. It also amends the Clean Air Act to prevent regulations from mandating specific technologies in vehicles or limiting vehicle availability based on engine type. The EPA must revise existing regulations to comply with these changes within 24 months.

The "Space National Guard Establishment Act of 2025" establishes a Space National Guard in select states as the reserve component of the Space Force, utilizing existing National Guard space operation units and personnel. It mandates the use of existing facilities and infrastructure, and requires regular briefings to Congress on the Space National Guard's implementation and operations. The bill also amends Title 10 and Title 32 of the U.S. Code to incorporate the Space National Guard into existing National Guard definitions and provisions.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 aims to maintain and modernize the Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet by setting minimum inventory levels, requiring regular reports on the status of the fleet, prioritizing the assignment of new aircraft to existing squadrons, and preserving the Air National Guard's fighter capabilities. It mandates the Air Force to retain a minimum number of fighter aircraft, with allowances for temporary reductions during unit recapitalizations, and ensures the Air National Guard maintains a specific number of fighter squadrons while receiving modern aircraft. The Act also includes provisions for annual recapitalization plans for the Air National Guard and defines key terms related to fighter aircraft.

This resolution authorizes the Senate Committee on Finance to spend money from the Senate's contingent fund, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government entities to fulfill its duties. It sets specific limits on committee expenses, allocating \$7,638,723 from March 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, \$13,094,954 from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026 and \$5,456,231 from October 1, 2026, through February 28, 2027, for these activities. The resolution also outlines the procedure for covering committee expenses and lists exceptions for when vouchers (receipts) are not needed.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to deregulate firearm silencers by treating them like firearms, preempting state laws, and changing the tax structure. It mandates the destruction of existing silencer registration records and modifies the definition and marking requirements for silencers under federal law. The bill also imposes a 10% tax on firearm silencers or mufflers.

The "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 through fiscal year 2026, providing continued payments to states and counties with federal land. It ensures that county payment elections from fiscal year 2023 remain effective and extends the authority for special projects on federal land and the expenditure of county funds. The bill also extends the Resource Advisory Committee pilot program and makes technical corrections to the original act.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These tests, which use genomic sequencing to detect multiple cancer types, will be covered for eligible beneficiaries with age and frequency limitations. The payment amount for these tests will initially align with that of multi-target stool screening DNA tests. This new coverage aims to improve early cancer detection without affecting existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The MAILS Act aims to improve communication and transparency regarding Postal Service operations. It mandates a formal process for local officials to request new post offices and requires the Postal Service to provide timely notifications and updates to local officials and the public regarding temporary post office relocations. Additionally, the Postal Service must report to Congress on any temporary relocation lasting longer than 180 days, ensuring accountability and adherence to communication requirements.

This bill authorizes the President to appoint an additional district judge for the district of Idaho, with the advice and consent of the Senate. It also updates the U.S. Code to reflect this change in the number of judges for the district.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 154 First Avenue East in Jerome, Idaho, as the "Representative Maxine Bell Post Office." Any reference to this facility will now refer to it as the Representative Maxine Bell Post Office.