Legislative Activity

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines to improve access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for individuals currently in custody. Specifically, it mandates assistance for incarcerated individuals to pre-apply or prepare applications for TWIC cards before release. The goal is to reduce barriers to employment for returning citizens by streamlining the credentialing process.

The FEMA Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency to lead a unified, all-hazards approach to national emergency management. The bill enacts sweeping reforms across Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Mitigation programs to accelerate recovery, streamline funding, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for disaster survivors and communities. Furthermore, it mandates significant new transparency measures, including public data reporting and GAO oversight, to ensure accountability for federal disaster spending.

The Create Accountable Respectful Environments (CARE) for Children Act officially recognizes and integrates "cottage family homes" into federal foster care regulations. This allows these specialized homes to receive federal maintenance payments if they meet strict standards focused on family connection, trauma-informed care, and prohibiting harmful restraints. The bill ensures states maintain flexibility in utilizing these placements while upholding high standards for child well-being.

The Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from procuring or contracting for the use of certain foreign-made LiDAR technology identified in related defense legislation. This ban applies to purchases, contracts, and the use of federal loan or grant funds for this restricted technology, generally beginning in mid-2026. The Secretary of Transportation may only waive this prohibition if it is certified to be in the national interest of the United States. Certain safety testing and regulatory exemption activities remain exempt from these restrictions.

The **Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill that authorizes funding and sets personnel goals for the Coast Guard through 2029 while enacting sweeping organizational reforms. Key changes include establishing a civilian Secretary of the Coast Guard, significantly increasing accountability and reporting requirements for major acquisitions, and modernizing policies related to merchant mariner credentials and sexual assault response. The legislation also mandates numerous GAO studies to assess infrastructure needs, healthcare quality, and overall operational efficiency across the service.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.

The SAVES Act establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to eligible veterans. These grants, up to $\$2,000,000$ each, will fund the training and provision of service dogs for veterans with qualifying conditions like PTSD or TBI. The bill also extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments until February 2033.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act strictly prohibits the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to individuals. This legislation prevents the Fed from developing, testing, or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, Congress asserts that any authority to create such a digital asset must explicitly come from Congress itself.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to otherwise qualified applicants solely based on their involvement in the firearms industry. This legislation ensures that businesses defined as "firearm entities," their affiliates, or trade associations are not unfairly rejected for SBA loans or guarantees. The Act clearly defines these terms to prevent discrimination against businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, or servicing firearms and related accessories.

The Bridge Investment and Modernization Act of 2025 extends and specifies funding for the Bridge Investment Program through fiscal year 2031. This legislation allocates billions of dollars annually to support crucial bridge projects across the nation. Additionally, the Act streamlines the project selection process by removing a specific criterion for funding eligibility.

The Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025 extends the timeline for current Sport Fish Restoration funding allocation rules until 2031 and removes the spending cap for Interstate Fisheries Commission activities. The bill also updates boating infrastructure priorities to specifically include funding for alternative marine fuel facilities for larger vessels. Finally, it significantly reduces the federal excise tax rate on portable, electronically-aerated bait containers from 10 percent to 3 percent.

This resolution solemnly marks the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump, condemning the multiple violent attempts against the President's life. It honors the victims of the shooting, including the late Corey D. Comperatore, and recognizes the bravery of first responders. Furthermore, the resolution condemns all incitement of violence against elected officials and calls for national unity against political violence.

This resolution officially commends Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic actions during the devastating central Texas floods of July 2025. It specifically recognizes him for personally rescuing 165 individuals and coordinating triage efforts under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, the bill extends deep gratitude to all federal, state, and volunteer responders who risked their lives during this major natural disaster.

The FAIR Bet Act amends tax law to allow taxpayers to deduct wagering losses dollar-for-dollar against their wagering winnings, up to 100% of those winnings. This change modifies the previous limitation on deducting gambling losses. Essentially, it ensures that gambling losses can fully offset gambling income for tax purposes.

The Expanding Access to Lending Options Act directs the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to prioritize the safety and soundness of federally chartered credit unions. This legislation primarily amends the Federal Credit Union Act by extending the maximum holding period for certain real estate assets from 15 to 20 years. It also clarifies the eligibility language for property involved in these real estate loans.

The LEDGER Act mandates the creation of a comprehensive, centralized system managed by the Secretary of the Treasury to track every expenditure made by all branches of the U.S. Government. This new system must detail exactly where federal funds are spent and how long those funds were available for obligation. The goal is to significantly enhance the traceability and transparency of government spending.

The Industrial Certification for Coast Guard Veterans Act mandates a report detailing how the specialized skills of Coast Guard personnel can be transferred to the vital dredging industry. This report must analyze transferable skills, propose a recruitment strategy, and evaluate the creation of specific certifications to ease veterans' entry into maintaining nationally important waterways. The goal is to ensure a skilled workforce is available to keep critical shipping channels open for national security and economic stability.

The Mariner Exam Modernization Act updates the process for reviewing and updating merchant mariner credentialing exams. It establishes a "Working group," including recent exam passers, to focus on the relevance and content of current exams. This legislation mandates a comprehensive review of industry standards and technology, leading to a modernization plan for the exams within a set timeframe.

This resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all its forms. It calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such incidents and urges all sectors of society to speak out against hate.

The American Cargo for American Ships Act amends existing law to mandate that cargo procured, furnished, or financed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) must be shipped on U.S.-flagged commercial vessels. This requirement applies when U.S. ships are available at fair and reasonable rates. The goal is to ensure American commercial vessels carry 100% of eligible DOT-financed cargo across various geographic areas.