Legislative Activity

The Securities Research Modernization Act updates definitions within the Securities Act of 1933 to broaden the scope of applicable provisions. Specifically, it replaces references to "emerging growth company" with the more general term "issuer" in key sections. This change aims to modernize and streamline regulatory language concerning securities offerings.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

This Act mandates that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) formally coordinate to ensure small businesses understand and comply with beneficial ownership reporting requirements. The agencies must establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) detailing joint outreach, educational efforts, and public dissemination of rules. Furthermore, they are required to submit regular joint reports to Congress detailing outreach progress and compliance rates among reporting companies.

The Farmers Feeding America Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) by updating funding rules based on 2030 data and mandating $500 million in annual funding from 2026 through 2030. The bill doubles funding for food storage and distribution costs to $200 million and extends infrastructure grant eligibility until 2030. Furthermore, it establishes new flexibility for geographically isolated states, allowing them alternative methods for receiving or purchasing necessary food commodities.

The American Neighborhoods Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal excise tax on certain large-scale owners who hold more than 75 single-family residences. Revenue generated from this tax will fund a new Housing Trust Fund dedicated to providing down payment assistance grants to homebuyers through state agencies. The law aims to incentivize the sale of excess housing inventory while supporting first-time buyers.

This resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' grave concern over the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza, alongside the plight of hostages. It urgently calls on the Administration to use all diplomatic tools to secure the release of all hostages. Furthermore, the bill demands the immediate delivery and secure distribution of essential humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act mandates that colleges and universities must prominently display essential mental health and suicide prevention contact information on student ID cards or official websites. This includes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and the campus mental health center. These requirements take effect one year after the Act is signed into law.

The Public Safety and Mental Health Reporting Act mandates the Attorney General to annually collect detailed, anonymized data on all law enforcement interactions with individuals experiencing mental illness. This data will be used exclusively for research and statistical analysis, with annual summaries reported to Congress and made publicly available. The goal is to better understand these encounters to improve public safety and mental health responses.

The Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters Act (FIRE Act) ensures incarcerated firefighters receive workplace safety protections under OSHA and fair wage standards under the FLSA. The bill also establishes grant programs to help states implement these safety measures and support reentry services for former incarcerated firefighters. Finally, it creates a process for eligible individuals to petition the court to expunge certain past criminal convictions.

The Equity and Inclusion Enforcement Act of 2025 restores the right to sue for disparate impact violations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also mandates that all federally funded educational institutions designate an employee to coordinate Title VI compliance and publicly share their contact information. Finally, the Act establishes a new Special Assistant for Equity and Inclusion within the Department of Education to oversee and promote compliance efforts.

The Strength in Diversity Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program to help states and districts address racial isolation and concentrated poverty in public schools. Funds will support the creation and implementation of plans designed to increase racial and economic diversity within covered schools. The law emphasizes performance measurement focused on both student outcomes and diversity metrics, while explicitly prohibiting federal control over local educational decisions.

The Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act of 2025 prohibits covered government officials and their immediate families from trading, owning, or profiting from digital assets while in office. This legislation specifically bans insider trading of crypto and prevents officials from using intermediaries or complex ownership structures to bypass these restrictions. The Act aims to eliminate conflicts of interest by ensuring high-ranking officials cannot benefit financially from involvement with cryptocurrencies.

The College for All Act of 2025 establishes a Federal-State partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees at public and Tribal colleges for eligible students, while significantly increasing Federal Pell Grant maximum awards and expanding eligibility to include many "Dreamer students." The bill also creates new grant programs to cover tuition at private non-profit HBCUs and MSIs, and funds initiatives to improve student success and support for low-income and first-generation students. Finally, it increases overall appropriations for HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and other Minority-Serving Institutions.

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act aims to significantly improve how the military informs service members and their families about available relocation assistance programs before a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). This bill mandates the delivery of comprehensive, accessible information packets covering housing, education (including school enrollment rules), and mental health support at least 45 days prior to a move. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Defense to report annually to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these new information delivery standards.

The Save Our Forests Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the management and health of the National Forest System. This legislation mandates the immediate hiring of additional Forest Service personnel and the reinstatement of recently departed employees. Furthermore, it ensures the continuation of all previously authorized and funded Forest Service projects under various existing laws.

The Mental Health in Schools Excellence Program Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program designed to increase the number of mental health professionals working in schools. This program creates matching grants where the government helps cover graduate students' educational costs if their institutions agree to match the funding dollar-for-dollar. The goal is to incentivize graduate schools to support students who commit to careers in school-based mental health services, with specific outreach targeting low-income students.

The Protect our Parks Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to immediately ensure the National Park Service is fully staffed to protect resources and enhance visitor safety. This legislation requires filling all maintenance positions and reinstating any NPS employees terminated since January 20, 2025. Furthermore, the Act ensures the continuation of all previously authorized and funded National Park Service projects.

The Fair Audits and Inspections for Regulators’ Exams (FAIR Exams) Act establishes strict deadlines for federal regulators to complete financial examinations and issue reports. It also creates a new, independent Board to review complaints about examination practices and allows financial institutions to appeal "material supervisory determinations" *de novo*. Furthermore, the bill mandates faster regulatory responses to requests for permission or guidance and strengthens anti-retaliation protections for institutions using appeal rights.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory, public code of conduct and a formal complaint process for Supreme Court Justices, modeled after procedures for lower federal judges. The bill also institutes stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and financial ties, and mandates judicial disqualification in cases involving recent lobbying contact or significant financial relationships with involved parties. Furthermore, it creates new review panels for disqualification motions and requires parties and *amici* to disclose financial supporters connected to the case.