Legislative Activity

The "Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act" introduces a tax credit for investments in existing hydroelectric dams. This credit covers 30% of costs associated with improvements to fish passage, water quality, sediment transport, dam safety, public access, and the removal of obsolete river obstructions. It also supports remote dams that exclusively serve off-grid communities, aiming to boost clean energy production, grid reliability, and river health. Taxpayers can elect to receive direct payments for the credit or transfer the credit to other entities.

The "Seizure Awareness and Preparedness Act" amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a grant program supporting students with epilepsy or seizure disorders. These grants will fund training for school personnel on seizure awareness, preparedness, and the implementation of individualized health care and emergency plans for affected students. The act allocates \$34.5 million for fiscal years 2026-2030 to ensure schools are equipped to support students with these conditions.

This bill extends combat zone tax benefits to members of the U.S. Armed Forces performing services in Kenya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad. It ensures that these service members receive the same tax advantages as if they were serving directly in a designated combat zone. The benefits apply when the service members are eligible for special pay due to hazardous duty in these areas. This adjustment recognizes the risks and sacrifices of military personnel serving in these specific locations.

The "Protect Postal Performance Act" modifies the procedures for the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding the closure or consolidation of post offices and processing and distribution centers. It mandates public hearings and transparency requirements for proposed closures, limits closures based on proximity to other post offices or population served, and restricts the USPS from closing or downgrading processing centers if it impacts mail delivery. The bill also requires Postal Regulatory Commission review of proposed changes to mail processing facilities and transportation optimization efforts.

The "Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act" protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by requiring vehicle manufacturers to terminate an abuser's access to connected vehicle services upon request from the survivor. This ensures that abusers cannot use vehicle technology to track, control, or otherwise harm survivors. The Act mandates confidentiality and quick action by providers, while also providing them with liability protection. The Federal Communications Commission is tasked with creating rules to implement the Act, ensuring survivor safety and privacy.

The Cybersecurity for Rural Water Systems Act aims to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of small rural water systems by integrating cybersecurity technical assistance into the national rural water and wastewater circuit rider program. It enables the program to evaluate the cybersecurity readiness of water systems serving fewer than 10,000 people and assist in deploying cybersecurity measures. The act allocates $7,500,000 annually from 2026 to 2030 specifically for cybersecurity enhancements, as part of a broader $32,500,000 extension of the program.

The TRACE Act mandates the Attorney General to enhance the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System by including a data field that indicates whether a missing person's last known location or unidentified remains were found on Federal land. It also requires an annual report to Congress detailing the number of cases involving missing persons or unidentified remains found on these lands, broken down by the responsible federal agency. "Federal land" is defined as land owned by the U.S. and managed by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of the Interior, or the Secretary of Defense, specifically for land and water projects handled by the Army Corps of Engineers. This aims to improve tracking and reporting of missing persons and unidentified remains cases on federal lands.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The HELPER Act of 2025 amends the National Housing Act to establish an FHA mortgage insurance program for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and teachers. This program allows the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages up to 100% of the appraised value for eligible first-time homebuyers, waiving down payment requirements but requiring an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Mortgagors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, completing a housing counseling program, and meeting employment and good standing requirements as a first responder. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 and requires reauthorization of the program after 5 years.

This bill recognizes and celebrates the 100th anniversary of Delta Air Lines, acknowledging its historical significance as the first U.S. airline to reach this milestone. It highlights Delta's growth, global connectivity, commitment to community, and industry leadership.

The "Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act" extends the statute of limitations to 10 years for prosecuting fraud related to specific pandemic unemployment programs. It applies to violations or conspiracies under Title 18 and Title 31 of the U.S. Code and rescinds $5,000,000 from previously allocated funds to offset the budget. The changes made by this law will begin on the date of enactment.

The "Caring for Survivors Act of 2025" increases dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses of veterans. It changes the calculation of benefits to be based on 55 percent of a specified monthly compensation rate and includes a provision to ensure those receiving benefits based on a veteran's death before January 1, 1993, receive the greater of their current amount or the newly calculated amount. The Act also modifies the requirements for survivor benefits related to veterans who die while having a total disability rating, reducing the required period of disability from 10 to 5 years, and proportionally reducing benefits for those rated totally disabled for less than 10 years.

The "Access to Family Building Act" establishes a federal right for individuals to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) services and for healthcare providers to offer these services, free from undue restrictions. It allows the Attorney General and affected individuals to file lawsuits against those who limit ART access and permits states to enforce health and safety regulations that are the least restrictive means to ensure safety. The act overrides conflicting federal and state laws, ensuring its provisions are upheld, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for implementation.

The "Helping Heroes Act" establishes a Veteran Family Resource Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to better connect veterans and their families with resources and support. It mandates the appointment of family coordinators in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to help veterans and their families navigate available resources, and requires regular surveys of disabled veterans and their families to identify their needs. The Act also ensures that all programs and activities funded by it adhere to federal nondiscrimination laws.

The "Credit for Caring Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for eligible working family caregivers to help offset expenses related to caring for a qualified spouse or relative with long-term care needs. This credit covers 30% of qualified expenses over $2,000, with a maximum credit of $5,000, and includes costs for assistance, technology, home modifications, transportation, and respite care. The credit is reduced for higher-income taxpayers and adjusted for inflation after 2025 and goes into effect after 2024.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to include qualified military spouses as eligible for the Work Opportunity Credit, incentivizing employers to hire them. A qualified military spouse is defined as someone certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This change applies to amounts paid and individuals starting work after the Act's enactment.

The "Investing in All of America Act of 2025" amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, modifying how the Small Business Administration calculates leverage for small business investment companies (SBICs). It lowers the maximum leverage exclusion from $300 million to $200 million, expands eligibility to include small businesses in critical technology and manufacturing, and limits the exclusion amount for a company. The bill also requires annual adjustments to the dollar amounts based on the Consumer Price Index.

The "Donut Dollies Congressional Gold Medal Act" directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Red Cross Supplemental Recreational Activities Overseas (SRAO) program members, also known as the Donut Dollies, for their service during the Vietnam War. It instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and made available for research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds going back to the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" mandates the transition of TSA personnel management systems to align with Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring TSA employees receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, including collective bargaining rights. It protects current pay and benefits during the transition, requires consultation with employee representatives, and addresses concerns related to employee well-being, safety, and diversity. The Act also calls for reports and plans to improve recruitment, address workplace harassment, and update background check requirements.

The "Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act" eliminates the waiting periods for Social Security disability benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. This bill amends the Social Security Act to expedite access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer, ensuring quicker access to essential care and support.