Legislative Activity

The Protect LNG Act of 2025 establishes specific rules for federal agency decisions and litigation concerning Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) export facilities. This bill ensures that existing LNG facility permits remain valid even if their environmental reviews are challenged in court, requiring agencies to fix errors rather than voiding authorizations. Furthermore, it centralizes legal challenges to these decisions in the U.S. Court of Appeals circuit where the facility is located and imposes a strict 90-day deadline for filing lawsuits after final agency approval.

The International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act of 2025 (IBEM Act) updates permitting requirements for international bridges and land ports of entry. It expands the scope of projects requiring permits to explicitly include land ports of entry alongside bridges. Crucially, the bill prohibits the Secretary from using environmental documents required under NEPA as the basis for issuing Presidential permits for new projects.

The No Tax on Tips Act creates a new federal income tax deduction for qualified tips received by workers, capped at \$25,000 annually. This deduction can be claimed regardless of whether the taxpayer itemizes or takes the standard deduction. Additionally, the bill expands an existing tax credit for employers to include beauty service establishments that pay Social Security taxes on employee tips. These provisions are set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Universal School Choice Act establishes new federal tax credits for individuals and corporations who donate to organizations providing K-12 education scholarships. These scholarships, which cover expenses like tuition and tutoring, are explicitly made tax-free income for recipients starting in 2026. The bill imposes a national $10 billion annual cap on these credits, allocated by state based on student population and poverty levels. Furthermore, the Act strictly prohibits government entities from influencing the operations of participating scholarship organizations or private/religious schools.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes new federal crimes for the intentional sharing of nonconsensual intimate images, including realistic AI-generated deepfakes, with enhanced penalties for content involving minors. It mandates that online platforms create clear reporting systems and remove reported nonconsensual intimate content within 48 hours. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce these notice and removal requirements against covered platforms.

The LIP Enhancement Act of 2025 amends the Livestock Indemnity Program to provide additional payments to producers who suffer losses of unborn livestock above normal death rates. This new payment is calculated based on a set rate, not exceeding 85% of the rate for the lightest weight class of that livestock. These provisions apply to losses occurring on or after January 1, 2024.

The Invest America Act establishes new tax-advantaged savings vehicles called "Invest America accounts," which are limited to investing in S\&P 500 index funds. These accounts feature a \$5,000 annual contribution limit and allow distributions to be taxed at favorable net capital gains rates. Furthermore, the bill mandates a one-time, tax-free federal contribution of \$1,000 into these accounts for eligible U.S. citizens born after July 4, 2026.

This bill mandates increased federal audits of colleges and universities to ensure compliance with existing rules for disclosing gifts and contracts from foreign sources. It establishes severe new excise taxes, including a 300% penalty on funds received from "countries of concern" and a 110% penalty for failing to report any foreign funding discovered during an audit. These measures aim to increase transparency regarding foreign influence in higher education institutions.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent rule aimed at closing the "Homework Gap" using the E-Rate Program. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is formally rejecting the FCC's specific plan to extend E-Rate funding for student home internet access. Consequently, the FCC's rule, published on November 29, 2024, will not take effect.

This bill establishes a Special Review Board to audit the Department of Defense's handling of religious accommodation requests related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Board is tasked with identifying service members whose careers were negatively impacted and ordering corrective actions, such as promotions, back pay, and the removal of adverse records. Furthermore, the legislation mandates strict reporting to Congress and an independent audit to ensure accountability and fair restoration for all affected personnel.

The AVIATE Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to approve non-degree flight training courses for veterans with service-connected disabilities under vocational rehabilitation programs. This change allows veterans to receive VA-funded flight training even if the course does not lead to a traditional college degree. These provisions apply to rehabilitation programs approved on or after August 1, 2025.

The Universal Savings Account Act of 2025 establishes new tax-advantaged savings vehicles called Universal Savings Accounts (USAs). These accounts allow individuals to save money with tax-exempt growth, subject to annual contribution limits that begin at \$10,000 for 2025 and adjust for inflation. Generally, distributions from a USA are not taxed as income, though specific rules apply to rollovers and inherited accounts. The legislation sets forth detailed requirements for account trustees, investment restrictions, and penalties for excess contributions.

The Comprehensive NASA Reporting Act of 2025 standardizes how NASA submits official documents and reports to Congress. This bill mandates that key oversight committees receive all required reports within 10 days of their submission elsewhere. Furthermore, it requires NASA to promptly report any new international space agreements to relevant Senate and House committees.

This Act establishes a project to significantly improve forecasts for coastal marine fog, focusing on areas where fog poses major safety and economic risks. The initiative will enhance data collection using federal and commercial sources, develop advanced tracking algorithms, and improve the accuracy and communication of fog advisories. The ultimate goal is to increase maritime safety and reduce economic losses caused by fog-related delays.

The LIABLE Act creates a new exception to the general immunity shielding international organizations from lawsuits in U.S. courts when terrorism is involved. This allows individuals to sue an international organization if an employee caused death or injury through specific terrorist acts while working for the organization. Lawsuits are permitted only if the organization materially supported a designated foreign terrorist organization and the claimant or victim had a connection to the U.S. or if the organization has a significant U.S. presence. Claims must be filed within 20 years of the injury or death.

The Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program allowing parents of eligible military dependents to receive funds for private educational expenses. These Military Education Savings Accounts can be used for tuition, tutoring, materials, and other approved educational services. The program is federally funded, tax-exempt, and designed to support educational choice without government control over private providers.

The Facilitating Lower Atmospheric Released Emissions Act (FLARE Act) permanently allows businesses to immediately deduct 100% of the cost for installing equipment that mitigates natural gas flaring and venting. This tax incentive applies to property placed in service after December 31, 2025, provided the equipment is not installed by a designated "foreign entity of concern." The goal is to encourage the capture, utilization, or controlled combustion of otherwise wasted natural gas.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act prohibits Federal Reserve banks from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly to individuals. This legislation explicitly bans the Federal Reserve Board from developing or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Fed and is widely available to the public. Congress asserts that any such digital currency must be explicitly authorized by Congress, not created unilaterally by the Federal Reserve.

The Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act authorizes the government to use its own vehicles to transport astronauts and space flight participants for necessary post-mission activities. This transportation is permitted only for official purposes, such as medical monitoring, and requires written approval from the Chief of the Astronaut Office. The bill also establishes provisions for maintaining these vehicles and requires non-employee astronauts to reimburse the Treasury for the travel costs.

The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act requires manufacturers to clearly disclose if an internet-connected device has a built-in camera or microphone before it is purchased. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these rules as unfair or deceptive practices. This law specifically excludes common devices like phones and laptops from these new disclosure requirements.