Legislative Activity

The TCJA Permanency Act makes permanent several tax provisions that were enacted as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and were set to expire. These provisions include modifications to individual income tax rates and brackets, the standard deduction, the child tax credit, and the estate and gift tax exemption. The act also increases the exemption for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and adjusts the phase-out thresholds. Additionally, it includes various changes affecting deductions, credits, and exclusions for individuals, families, businesses, and estates.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment mandating a balanced federal budget, requiring that government spending not exceed income unless a supermajority in Congress approves. It also necessitates a supermajority to increase the national debt and a majority vote to raise revenue. The amendment includes exceptions for declared wars or serious military threats and would take effect five years after ratification, tasking Congress with its enforcement.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 aims to increase Congressional oversight of federal regulations by requiring Congressional approval for any "major rule" (defined as having an economic impact of at least $100 million) before it can take effect. The Act also mandates federal agencies to publish detailed information supporting a rule and requires the Comptroller General to report on each major rule. It also directs the Comptroller General to study and determine the number of rules in effect, the number of major rules in effect, and the total estimated economic cost of all these rules and submit a report to Congress with the study's findings within one year of the Act's enactment.

The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve System by the Comptroller General within one year. Following the audit, a detailed report must be submitted to Congress, including findings and recommendations. This act aims to increase transparency and accountability within the Federal Reserve System by repealing audit limitations.

The "Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act" rescinds any unspent funds that were previously allocated to the IRS. These funds were intended for specific activities outlined in section 10301 of Public Law 117-169. The rescission is effective from the date of the enactment of this act.