Legislative Activity

This resolution disapproves and nullifies the EPA's rule that allowed California to set its own vehicle and engine pollution control standards. The rule in question is the "Advanced Clean Cars II" and "Waiver of Preemption." By disapproving this rule, the resolution seeks to prevent California from implementing stricter emission standards than the federal government.

The "Credit for Caring Act of 2025" establishes a tax credit for eligible working family caregivers to help offset expenses related to caring for a spouse or relative with long-term care needs. Caregivers can claim a credit of up to $5,000, which is 30% of qualified expenses exceeding $2,000. Eligibility requires earned income above $7,500 and incurring qualified expenses for a certified care recipient, with income limitations applying to reduce the credit amount. The credit takes effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025" expands Medicare access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It allows these programs to be offered in physician's offices and permits physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to oversee exercise within these programs, in addition to physicians. These changes aim to increase patient access to these vital rehabilitation services.

The "Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act" enhances the rehabilitation tax credit for buildings in rural areas, offering a 40% credit for affordable housing projects and a 30% credit for other qualified projects. It defines "rural area" and "affordable housing project," sets a $5,000,000 limit on qualified rehabilitation expenditures, and allows taxpayers to transfer these credits. The bill also eliminates the basis adjustment for the rehabilitation credit for applicable rural projects.

The AIMM Act permanently extends the allowance for depreciation, amortization, or depletion when calculating the limitation on business interest. This provision, which had expired for taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, is now effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2021.

The "Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025" mandates a thorough vetting process for applicants seeking high-cost universal service funds for broadband deployment. It directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish rules ensuring that only technically, financially, and operationally qualified applicants receive funding. Applicants must submit detailed proposals demonstrating their capabilities and a viable business plan. The act also sets a minimum penalty of $9,000 per violation for pre-authorization defaults, aiming to ensure responsible use of universal service funds.

This resolution authorizes the Committee on Environment and Public Works to spend money, hire staff, and utilize personnel from other government entities to support its mandated duties. It sets specific expense limits for the committee from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027, and outlines the procedures for handling these expenses, including exceptions for certain payments that do not require vouchers. Additionally, it authorizes payments from the Senate's Inquiries and Investigations expense account for agency contributions related to committee employee compensation during the specified periods.

The Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025 amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to expand grant eligibility, increase grant amounts for remediation, and provide additional funding for state response programs. The act aims to improve access to grant opportunities for small and disadvantaged communities by reducing matching share requirements and increasing community involvement. It also directs the EPA Administrator to streamline the grant application process and update guidance to encourage applications from these communities, and includes Alaska Native tribes in brownfield revitalization funding. Finally, it reauthorizes grants through 2030.

The STEWARD Act of 2025 aims to improve recycling infrastructure and accessibility by establishing a grant program for underserved communities and enhancing data collection on recycling and composting. The act directs funds towards projects that expand recycling services, especially in areas lacking adequate facilities, and promotes public-private partnerships to reduce costs. Additionally, it mandates comprehensive reporting on recycling and composting activities, materials recovery facilities, and end markets to better understand and improve the nation's recycling rates. The act also requires federal agencies to report on their recycling and composting rates.

The Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act of 2025 restricts U.S. funding to the United Nations for Afghanistan assistance unless the Secretary of State certifies that no U.S. funds are used for cash shipments by the United Nations into Afghanistan, and that no specially designated global terrorist organizations or foreign terrorist organizations receive funds from these shipments. The Secretary can revoke this certification if found inaccurate, with notification to relevant congressional committees. The bill defines key terms like "foreign terrorist organization" and "specially designated global terrorist organization" to ensure clarity in its application.