Legislative Activity

The "FDA Modernization Act 3.0" mandates the replacement of animal testing references with "nonclinical testing" references in specific sections of the Code of Federal Regulations, aligning with the FDA's efforts to modernize drug development and evaluation. This change aims to promote innovative, non-animal testing methods for assessing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and biological products. The Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement these changes through an interim final rule within one year.

The "Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act" increases the maximum loan amounts for certain energy-related projects from $5.5 million to $10 million. It requires the Small Business Administration to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the industries and geographic areas receiving these loans. This act aims to provide greater financial support for small businesses investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The "Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2025" makes the adoption tax credit refundable, allowing more families to benefit from it. It redesignates the adoption tax credit from section 23 to 36C within the Internal Revenue Code. The bill also allows excess credit from the previous tax year under the old section to be added to the credit allowed under the new section for the first applicable tax year. These changes will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Youth Lead Act amends the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to allocate $5,000,000 in grants annually from 2026 through 2030. These grants are specifically for youth organizations, supporting their programs and initiatives.

The Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism Anti-Drilling Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Interior from issuing leases for oil, natural gas, or mineral exploration in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida planning areas of the Outer Continental Shelf. This bill aims to protect coastal economies and marine environments by preventing offshore drilling in these specified regions.

The "RESILIENCE Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow utility companies to reduce their adjusted financial statement income by the amount of depreciation and repair/maintenance deductions taken on public utility property. This applies to property that the utility company owns and is treating as depreciation on their financial statements. This change is applicable for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act aims to improve the Child and Adult Care Food Program by refining eligibility criteria, streamlining the serious deficiency process, and authorizing reimbursements for additional meals or snacks in certain childcare settings. It mandates a review of the serious deficiency process, emphasizing fairness and consistency, and requires the establishment of an advisory committee focused on reducing unnecessary paperwork for program participants. Additionally, the Act adjusts reimbursement calculations and promotes the use of technology to modernize and simplify program administration, ultimately supporting working families and enhancing the economic viability of childcare programs.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to limit consumer reporting agencies from sharing credit report information when a person requests a credit report for a residential mortgage loan. Consumer reporting agencies can only furnish this information if the entity has a firm offer of credit or insurance, has the consumer's authorization, or has an existing relationship with the consumer as a mortgage lender, servicer, or financial institution. This act aims to protect consumers' privacy during the home buying process by limiting the amount of entities that get access to their credit information. The changes will take effect 180 days after the Act is enacted.

The "Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2025" amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to include youth sports facilities as eligible for public works and economic development project funding. It prioritizes projects that address health impacts of sedentary lifestyles, benefit rural communities, serve low-income children, and support economic development through youth sports. The Act aims to improve access to recreational space and promote job creation in underserved communities.

The Shell Company Abuse Act makes it a federal crime to create or use shell companies to conceal illegal campaign contributions or donations from foreign nationals. Violators may face imprisonment, fines, or both. This bill amends title 18 of the United States Code to include this prohibition.

The SAVE Our Poultry Act amends existing legislation to include highly pathogenic avian influenza as a high-priority research area. It allows research grants to be used for the development of more effective poultry vaccines, to enhance biosecurity procedures, and to study the potential impact of vaccination on poultry markets.

This bill recognizes and supports the goals of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, honoring public safety telecommunications professionals for their vital role in emergency response and beyond. It acknowledges their diverse skills, from relaying critical information to negotiating in crisis situations, and recognizes the emotional toll of their work. The bill encourages public acknowledgment of their essential and lifesaving contributions.

The "Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025" outlaws devices that accelerate a semi-automatic firearm's firing rate or simulate machine guns. It redefines "semi-automatic firearm" and requires current owners of affected devices to register them. There are exceptions for governmental entities, and lawful transfers of registered devices are permitted.

The "Strengthening State and Local Efforts to Counter Transnational Repression Act" amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to bolster law enforcement's ability to counter transnational repression and related terrorism threats. It mandates the development of a training program for state, local, and tribal law enforcement to identify, record, and share information on transnational repression, as well as to protect potential targets and victims. The Act also calls for research and development of technology to enhance participation in these training programs and requires a report to Congress on its implementation. Transnational repression is defined as actions by a foreign government or its agents intended to coerce, harass, or threaten individuals in the U.S.

The "Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025" directs the United States Geological Survey to establish a program to study the causes of sinkholes and create maps identifying areas with a higher risk of sinkhole formation. These maps, utilizing 3D elevation data, will be updated at least every five years. A website will be created to provide community planners and emergency managers with access to these maps and related information.

The "Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act" aims to improve the hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, and related items during airport security screening. It mandates the TSA to update its guidance in consultation with maternal health organizations to minimize contamination risks and ensure hygienic standards are met during additional screenings. The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General will audit compliance and report on screening technologies' impact on these items.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act of 2025 reauthorizes and expands programs aimed at protecting and restoring coastal and estuarine areas. It prioritizes projects that enhance ecological function, mitigate climate change impacts, and benefit underserved communities. The act also directs the establishment of new National Estuarine Research Reserves and promotes research and monitoring of climate change impacts on these vital ecosystems. Finally, it increases funding authorizations for coastal and estuarine conservation efforts.

The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 requires the State Department to report on links between Haitian political and economic elites and criminal gangs, and it mandates sanctions on foreign individuals identified as being involved in this collusion. The President can block transactions, deny visas, and revoke existing visas of those sanctioned, with exceptions for humanitarian aid and national interest waivers. This act aims to address how collusion between elites and gangs threatens the Haitian people and U.S. interests, but will terminate 5 years after enactment.

The "Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act" amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, enabling the Secretary to authorize states to approve qualified organizations to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements for the Forest Legacy Program. It sets specific criteria for qualified organizations, ensuring they can effectively manage and enforce forestland interests. The bill also outlines conditions for the termination and reversion of conservation easement rights and defines "qualified organization" with specific requirements, including accreditation and adherence to conservation purposes.