Legislative Activity

The Snow Survey Northeast Expansion Act of 2025 mandates the expansion of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) snow survey and water supply forecasting program into the Northeastern United States. This legislation officially defines the region and requires the NRCS to begin conducting snow measurements and water supply forecasts there. The goal is to bring essential water resource data collection to this previously underserved area.

The Guarding American Technology from Exploitation (GATE) Act of 2025 prohibits U.S. National Laboratories from granting access to foreign nationals from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or Cuba, regardless of the length of their intended visit. This immediate ban applies to both current and future visitors and assignees from these specified countries. Exceptions can only be granted by the Secretary of Energy if they certify that the benefit to the U.S. outweighs the national security risks, following consultation with the FBI. Any granted waiver must be reported to Congress within 30 days.

The Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 aims to accelerate the development of new cancer treatments for children by expanding the FDA's authority to require pediatric investigations for molecularly targeted cancer drugs. It also extends the incentive program that grants priority review vouchers to encourage the development of drugs for rare pediatric diseases. The bill mandates studies on the effectiveness of these new requirements and the existing voucher system.

The MATE Improvement Act updates federal requirements for controlled substance prescribing training by expanding the list of professional organizations and educational bodies whose standards must be considered. This ensures that training curricula for various prescribers, including doctors, dentists, and nurses, incorporate the latest guidelines from a broader range of medical and specialty associations. These changes aim to enhance the quality and scope of required education for prescribing controlled substances.

This bill aims to strengthen the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness by updating its funding authorization under existing law. It removes outdated, specific funding caps, allowing for appropriations "such sums as may be necessary" to carry out the Council's mission. The legislation also renumbers and retitles a section to specifically encourage greater State involvement in addressing homelessness.

The Credit for Caring Act of 2025 establishes a new, non-refundable tax credit for working family caregivers who incur qualified expenses for a dependent with long-term care needs. This "Working Family Caregivers Credit" equals 30% of eligible expenses exceeding $2,000, up to a maximum annual credit of $5,000. To qualify, caregivers must have earned income over $7,500 and the care recipient must be certified by a healthcare practitioner as needing long-term care. The credit begins to phase out for taxpayers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income over $150,000 (joint filers) or $75,000 (all others).

This resolution recognizes AmeriCorps Week (March 9-15, 2025) to honor AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their positive impact on communities. It celebrates 30 years of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs and encourages public awareness of national and community service. The resolution also acknowledges the significant contributions of these volunteers and encourages people of all ages to explore service opportunities within these programs.

This resolution designates March 6, 2025, as "National Slam the Scam Day" to combat government imposter scams and other pervasive scams. It aims to raise awareness and promote education to protect individuals, especially older adults, from financial losses and identity theft. The resolution encourages reporting scams and supports the efforts of law enforcement, consumer groups, and financial institutions in preventing these scams. It also honors those who are actively fighting against government imposter scams.

This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of women-owned businesses in the United States, which have experienced substantial growth and play a vital role in the nation's economy. It recognizes the increasing number of women-owned businesses, their employment figures, and their revenue generation. The resolution commends the entrepreneurial spirit of women business owners and celebrates their achievements.

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act aims to lower childcare costs for families and incentivize employers to offer benefits. It significantly expands the employer tax credit for providing childcare and increases the tax-free exclusion amount for employee Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs). Furthermore, the bill introduces a new, refundable tax credit for working families based on their household and dependent care expenses.

The SHOPP Act of 2025 expands nutrition incentives under the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) by allowing states to include fresh or fresh frozen fruits and vegetables as eligible items for year-round matching funds. This legislation also broadens the definition of "produce" within the program to explicitly include legumes alongside fruits and vegetables. The goal is to increase access to a wider variety of healthy food options for program participants.

This resolution supports the Local Radio Freedom Act, opposing any new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between the radio and recording industries, where radio provides free publicity and essential local services. The resolution warns that new fees would harm local radio stations, small businesses, and the communities they serve. Ultimately, it asserts that Congress should not impose any new charges on local radio for broadcasting sound recordings.

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 to protect equines, such as horses, by prohibiting their slaughter for human consumption. This bill seeks to prevent the inhumane treatment of horses and ensure they are not processed for human food products.

The Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act modifies the Department of Veterans Affairs' transportation grant program by including county and tribal organizations as eligible grant recipients. The bill sets the maximum grant amount to $60,000, but allows it to increase to $80,000 if a vehicle purchase is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It defines "rural" and "highly rural" using the Department of Agriculture's Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCA) coding system and authorizes such sums as may be necessary.

The "Invest to Protect Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to support local law enforcement by providing resources for training, mental health services, recruitment, and retention. These grants prioritize de-escalation training, victim-centered approaches, and officer well-being. The program emphasizes accountability through audits, reporting requirements, and transparency in officer recruitment and retention incentives. It allocates \$50 million annually from 2026 to 2030 to facilitate these improvements in law enforcement practices and community safety.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of 529 education savings accounts for expenses related to postsecondary credential programs. These programs include workforce training, professional certifications, and licenses. This change expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and testing fees associated with recognized postsecondary credentials. The bill aims to make workforce training and professional certifications more accessible and affordable.

The "Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act" streamlines the Medicaid and CHIP enrollment process for out-of-state providers, allowing them to furnish services to individuals under 21 more efficiently. By reducing excessive screening and enrollment requirements, the bill aims to improve access to care for children. Enrolled providers will have a 5-year enrollment period, and the changes will take effect three years after enactment.

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle in federally funded programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. This bill aims to protect individuals from race-based hair discrimination by explicitly including hair texture and hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin in the definition of discrimination. It enforces these protections under existing civil rights laws, ensuring that people are not denied opportunities due to their natural or protective hairstyles. The act clarifies that it does not change the existing definitions of race or national origin in existing civil rights laws.

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends and modifies the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in the U.S. in underserved areas in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It increases the number of available waivers, provides employment protections for participating physicians, and modifies the requirements for physicians seeking waivers, including allowing them to pursue permanent residency and extending their visas in certain circumstances. The Act also requires annual reporting on the program's usage.

This resolution marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reaffirming support for Ukraine's sovereignty and its people's resistance. It rejects Russia's territorial claims, encourages continued support for Ukraine's defense and democratic efforts, and emphasizes Ukraine's role in determining its future. The resolution also commends efforts to support Ukraine's defense, human rights, and Euro-Atlantic integration.