Legislative Activity

This joint resolution nullifies a Department of Energy rule setting energy conservation standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its enforcement.

The "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2025" seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for abortions and for health benefits coverage that includes abortion coverage, with exceptions for rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. It clarifies that premium credits and cost-sharing reductions under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) cannot be used for health plans that include abortion coverage, allowing for separate purchase of abortion coverage without federal tax credits. The Act also requires health plans to transparently disclose the extent of abortion coverage and any related premium surcharges to enrollees.

The ALIGN Act makes full expensing permanent for qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017, by amending Section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. It also removes outdated clauses and updates references within Section 168(k) and amends Section 460(c)(6)(B) to clarify its application to property with a recovery period of 7 years or less. These changes are retroactive, as if included in Public Law 115-97.

The "Protect and Serve Act of 2025" establishes federal jurisdiction over crimes targeting law enforcement officers, particularly those resulting in serious bodily injury or death. It sets penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for offenders who assault officers under specific conditions, such as interstate implications or attacks on federal officers. The law requires the Attorney General to certify the necessity of federal intervention in cases where state jurisdiction is lacking or federal interests are not adequately addressed.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making them eligible for federal services and benefits. It designates specific counties in North Carolina as the Tribe's service area and requires a needs assessment report to Congress. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe and addresses jurisdictional matters, while clarifying the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The "Repealing Big Brother Overreach Act" repeals the Corporate Transparency Act, eliminating beneficial ownership reporting requirements for businesses. It also makes necessary technical adjustments to Title 31 of the United States Code to reflect this repeal. These adjustments involve removing and revising references to specific sections related to the Corporate Transparency Act within existing legal frameworks.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team and their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, and the United States Olympic Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The SMART Act of 2025 seeks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of major federal regulations by requiring agencies to develop frameworks for assessing the impacts of new rules, including costs, benefits, and whether the rule is still necessary. Agencies must analyze the data gathered and publish their assessment results, and the head of each agency will be responsible for ensuring timely compliance and publication. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs will provide guidance and may grant exemptions or extend deadlines. Judicial review is limited to whether the agency published the required framework and assessments, not the substance of those documents, and necessary appropriations are authorized to carry out the amendments.

The "Fair Play for Girls Act" mandates the Attorney General to produce a report analyzing challenges to fair competition for female athletes, instances of lost opportunities due to competition with biological males, and the effectiveness of state laws protecting female athletes. It also requires an examination of online violence and sexual abuse against female athletes, along with recommendations to address these issues.