Legislative Activity

This bill permits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant extensions, up to six years, for commencing construction on hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020. These extensions, in increments of up to two years, are available to licensees who demonstrate good cause. The bill also allows FERC to reinstate expired licenses under certain conditions, with the extension period calculated from the original expiration date.

The "Social Security Overpayment Relief Act" limits the Social Security Administration's ability to recover overpayments to a 10-year period. The government is restricted from adjusting payments or recovering funds if the overpayment occurred more than 10 years before the error was discovered, applying to both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits.

The "Protecting Americans Right To Silence Act" or "PARTS Act of 2025" amends title 18 of the United States Code to redefine firearm silencers and mufflers. The new definition includes any device designed to diminish the sound of a portable firearm and any single part that serves as the primary housing for sound-reduction components.

The "Military Spouse Hiring Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to include employers who hire qualified military spouses as eligible for the work opportunity tax credit. A qualified military spouse is certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This expansion of the work opportunity credit applies to amounts paid after the law's enactment for individuals starting work after that date.

The "Concrete and Asphalt Innovation Act of 2025" aims to enhance the competitiveness of the U.S. cement, concrete, and asphalt industries by promoting research, development, and deployment of technologies that reduce emissions from production. This includes establishing research programs, demonstration initiatives, and manufacturing institutes focused on low-emissions materials. The Act also encourages the use of these materials in highway projects through grants and technical assistance to states, and forms an interagency task force to coordinate efforts and provide recommendations. Ultimately, the goal is to foster innovation, reduce environmental impact, and create domestic jobs in these sectors.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to help first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers, become homeowners. It allows 100% financing (no down payment) for first-time homebuyers who qualify and eliminates monthly insurance premiums. The bill defines eligibility criteria, including housing counseling, employment requirements, and good standing as a first responder. It also authorizes appropriations for the program and requires reauthorization after 5 years.

The "Freedom to Haul Act of 2025" prevents the EPA from enforcing the Phase 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles. It also amends the Clean Air Act to ensure that vehicle emission regulations do not mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new vehicles based on engine type. The EPA must revise existing regulations to comply with these changes within two years.

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 "Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act to limit states' ability to set emission standards that restrict the sale or use of new gas-powered vehicles. It clarifies that state standards limiting gas-powered vehicles are subject to federal regulation and requires the EPA to revoke any conflicting waivers granted after January 1, 2022. This bill aims to preserve consumer choice in vehicle purchases by preventing states from effectively banning gas-powered cars.

The Baltic Security Initiative Act aims to bolster the defense capabilities of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through increased security cooperation. Led by the Secretary of Defense, the initiative will focus on deterring Russian aggression, enhancing regional military cooperation, and improving cyber defenses. It authorizes \$350 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028, encouraging matching funds from the Baltic countries. A strategy report will be submitted to Congress, addressing security threats from Russia and China.

The Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act aims to ensure accurate Medicaid payments to pharmacies by mandating the Secretary to survey drug prices and establish national average drug acquisition cost benchmarks. It also addresses abusive spread pricing by requiring transparent prescription drug pass-through pricing in contracts between states and pharmacy benefit managers, ensuring payments for drugs are limited to ingredient cost and a professional dispensing fee, with full disclosure of costs and payments. The Act also directs the Inspector General to conduct periodic studies of survey data and appropriates funds for these activities.

The Hershel "Woody" Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act designates a site within the Reserve area of Washington, D.C., for the construction of the National Medal of Honor Monument. This monument, authorized in 2021, will honor Medal of Honor recipients from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The goal is to commemorate their valor and inspire future generations by establishing a lasting tribute near the Lincoln Memorial. Construction will adhere to federal regulations, ensuring the monument appropriately represents the extraordinary actions and spirit of American heroes.

The NFIP Extension Act of 2025 extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until September 30, 2025. It reauthorizes financing and the program's expiration date, ensuring the continuation of flood insurance coverage for communities across the nation. The changes will be applied as if enacted on March 14, 2025, even if the actual enactment date is later.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act amends the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to modernize regulations around online data collection, use, and deletion for children and teens. It expands the definition of personal information, requires verifiable consent for data collection and usage, and prohibits individual-specific advertising to children and teens. The Act also mandates FTC reports on mobile app oversight and enforcement, a GAO study on teens' privacy using financial technology, and includes a severability clause.

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 "Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act" eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax, modifying tax calculations and credit applications for corporations. It adjusts the tentative minimum tax rates based on taxable excess and makes conforming amendments to related sections of the Internal Revenue Code. These changes apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2024.

The Justice for ALS Veterans Act of 2025 ensures that surviving spouses of veterans who die from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) receive increased dependency and indemnity compensation. This benefit is provided regardless of how long the veteran had ALS before passing away. The Act applies retroactively to veterans who died from ALS on or after October 1, 2022.

The "Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act" enables state Medicaid programs to provide comprehensive care through health homes for individuals with sickle cell disease starting January 1, 2026. It requires states with sickle cell disease-focused plans to provide dental and vision services and to report on healthcare quality, access, and expenditures. The Act also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish best practices for these state plans.

The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act mandates an independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction care provided by the VA and non-VA providers. This study will evaluate health outcomes, use of evidence-based practices, care coordination, and patient satisfaction. The goal is to identify areas for improvement in veteran mental health and addiction treatment within and outside the VA system. A report of the study's findings must be submitted to Congress and published online.

The "Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025" changes the appointment process for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons. Going forward, the President will appoint the Director with Senate approval, similar to other high-ranking officials in the Department of Justice, for a single 10-year term. The Director will report directly to the Attorney General.