Legislative Activity

The Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act requires the FCC to create and maintain a public list of entities holding U.S. communications licenses that are owned or controlled by covered foreign adversaries. This process involves an initial list based on existing ownership reporting and a subsequent rulemaking to identify entities with other types of FCC authorizations. The FCC must update this transparency list annually.

The Child Care Modernization Act of 2025 aims to significantly update federal child care funding by increasing state flexibility, broadening eligibility for assistance, and strengthening workforce support. The bill mandates that states develop plans ensuring child care payment rates cover actual costs, determined by new cost estimation models. Furthermore, it establishes new grant programs to fund the startup, expansion, and physical improvement of child care facilities.

The MAP for Broadband Funding Act aims to modernize and improve the accuracy of the federal Broadband Funding Map to prevent wasteful spending on overbuilding existing networks. It requires the FCC to review the map's functionality, data quality, and transparency in coordination with the NTIA. Additionally, the bill mandates a GAO study to assess how well federal agencies are submitting required data and how improved coordination could save taxpayer money.

The NNSA Infrastructure Improvements Act of 2025 mandates comprehensive, long-term planning for the National Nuclear Security Administration's critical facilities. This legislation requires the Administrator for Nuclear Security to submit an annual, detailed report to Congress outlining investment needs, costs, and timelines for specialized infrastructure across short, mid, and long-term horizons. The goal is to address aging facilities and ensure the necessary capacity to support the nation's nuclear stockpile modernization and global security missions.

The Secure Space Act of 2025 prohibits the FCC from granting satellite licenses, U.S. market access, or earth station authorizations to any entity that produces or provides "covered communications equipment or service." This restriction also applies to any affiliates of such entities. The goal is to prevent companies involved in restricted communications technology from operating U.S. satellite systems. This new rule takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The ATTAIN Mental Health Act of 2025 mandates the creation of a new, accessible online interactive dashboard managed by HHS. This tool will centralize and clearly display all federal funding opportunities related to mental health and substance use disorder programs. The dashboard must provide up-to-date application statuses, key identifying details, and direct links to grant portals. This aims to significantly improve transparency and ease of navigation for potential applicants seeking mental health resources.

The CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2025 expands and extends a pilot program allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept donated facilities, improvements, and minor construction projects. This legislation updates the program's terminology and clarifies the VA's authority to alter and maintain these donated assets. Crucially, the Act extends the program's operational deadline from 2026 to 2031.

The "Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act" aims to protect consumers by enhancing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's authority over household goods shipping. It allows for civil penalties for violations, enables states to use grant funds for enforcement and retain penalties, and mandates specific registration requirements, including the designation of a principal place of business for motor carriers, brokers, and freight forwarders. This will help ensure better oversight and accountability in the household goods transportation industry.

This resolution supports designating May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." It aims to raise awareness about the significant mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high rates of suicide. The day seeks to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support within the agricultural industry.

The LAST ACRE Act of 2025 establishes the "Last Acre Program" to bring high-speed internet (at least 100/20 Mbps) to unserved and underserved agricultural lands for precision agriculture use. This program offers competitive grants and loans to providers, prioritizing the most remote and unserved farms. Additionally, the bill mandates updated federal surveys to collect detailed data on current farm broadband adoption and usage speeds.

The Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2025 updates federal loan and loan guarantee programs to specifically support farmers adopting modern precision agriculture technology and conservation practices. This legislation renames the relevant program and explicitly allows loan funds to be used for purchasing and implementing precision agriculture tools. Furthermore, the bill streamlines program administration and extends the program's authorization through 2029.

The PRECISE Act of 2025 aims to modernize agriculture by prioritizing precision agriculture technologies and practices across rural America. It expands federal assistance and incentives within existing conservation programs like EQIP and CSP to encourage the adoption of high-tech, data-driven farming methods. Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions and enhances technical assistance delivery to support farmers in improving efficiency and environmental outcomes.

Hammers' Law updates existing federal law to extend liability limitations, previously applied only to commercial aviation accidents, to include incidents involving cruise ships. This means lawsuits stemming from cruise ship voyages will now be subject to the same caps on damages as those in aviation accidents. The bill specifically defines which passenger vessels qualify as a "cruise ship" for the purposes of these limitations.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's formal disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concerning California's pollution control standards for heavy-duty vehicles and engines. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this measure nullifies the EPA's proposed regulations regarding emission standards, warranty provisions, and zero-emission vehicle requirements. Consequently, the specific EPA rule published on April 11, 2023, will not take legal effect.

The "Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act" prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from implementing or enforcing minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. It also establishes an advisory panel to assess and provide recommendations on strengthening the nursing home workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and to address workforce shortages. The panel will be composed of 17 members and will submit regular reports to the Secretary and relevant committees.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025 expands the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program to include damage from wildfires and other conservation measures. It allows producers and landowners to receive advance payments to cover costs for repairs, replacements, or restoration. The bill extends the deadline for completing these measures to 180 days and ensures that damage from wildfires, including those spread by natural causes or caused by the Federal Government, is eligible for payment.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

The "Fair SHARE Act of 2025" introduces a tax on electric vehicles and heavy battery modules to support the Highway Trust Fund. Effective January 1, 2026, the act levies a $1,000 tax on each electric vehicle and a $550 tax on battery modules exceeding 1,000 pounds. Revenue generated will be allocated to the Highway Trust Fund. The bill aims to ensure that electric vehicle users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the nation's road infrastructure.

The "Supporting Access to Rural Community Hospitals Act of 2025" temporarily waives distance requirements for certain rural community hospitals seeking critical access hospital designation, provided they participated in a demonstration program as of the enactment date. Additionally, the bill clarifies that a section of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 does not apply to critical access hospitals.