Legislative Activity

The AG VETS Act aims to increase opportunities for veterans in the agriculture sector by establishing a competitive grant program. These grants will be awarded to eligible entities to fund education, training, and curriculum development related to farming and ranching. Grantees are required to provide matching funds, and the bill authorizes $5 million in appropriations annually from 2026 to 2030.

This bill transfers the functions, assets, and responsibilities for implementing the Food for Peace Act from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Secretary of Agriculture will now administer the program, though the Famine Early Warning Systems Network will remain under USDA control. This change allows the USDA to quickly update necessary rules to ensure a smooth transition of the program.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to exclude the net value of a family farm (on which the family resides) or a small business (with no more than 100 employees and owned/controlled by the family) from consideration as an asset when determining financial need for federal student aid. This change aims to make higher education more accessible for students from family farm and small business backgrounds.

The Litigation Transparency Act of 2025 requires parties in civil actions to disclose the identity of any third party entitled to payment contingent on the outcome of the case, along with the relevant agreements. This disclosure aims to increase transparency in civil litigation by revealing who financially benefits from the lawsuit's outcome. Certain payments, such as loan repayments and attorney's fees, are exempt from this disclosure requirement. The Act applies to both ongoing and future court cases.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 savings accounts to include expenses related to postsecondary credentialing programs. This allows 529 funds to cover costs like tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing fees for recognized programs and credentials, as defined by the bill. These changes would apply to distributions made after the bill is enacted.

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl (HALT Fentanyl) Act permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances to strengthen enforcement and penalties against their trafficking. Additionally, the bill streamlines registration processes for researchers to facilitate legitimate scientific study of these substances. It also includes technical corrections and mandates updated federal rulemaking to ensure effective implementation.

The DRONE Act of 2025 authorizes law enforcement agencies to utilize federal Byrne and COPS grant funding for the purchase and operation of unmanned aircraft systems. This legislation aims to enhance public safety by expanding the allowable uses of these grant programs to include modern drone technology.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should formally recognize Taiwan as an independent, sovereign nation and abandon the obsolete "One China Policy." It calls for the normalization of diplomatic relations, the negotiation of a bilateral free trade agreement, and active U.S. support for Taiwan’s membership in international organizations.

The Love Lives On Act of 2025 ensures that surviving spouses of veterans and service members retain their earned benefits, including dependency and indemnity compensation, educational assistance, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, regardless of remarriage. Additionally, the bill expands TRICARE eligibility to include widows and widowers whose subsequent marriages have ended. This legislation protects the financial security and healthcare access of surviving families by removing penalties associated with remarriage.

The Fair Access to Banking Act prohibits large financial institutions and payment networks from denying services to law-abiding businesses based on subjective, politically motivated, or reputational criteria. The bill mandates that financial institutions use impartial, quantitative, risk-based standards to evaluate customers rather than category-based exclusions. To ensure compliance, the legislation establishes enforcement mechanisms through federal regulators and provides a legal pathway for businesses to sue for damages if they are unfairly denied access to financial services.

The Dismantle DEI Act of 2025 aims to immediately rescind diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) mandates across the federal government, including shutting down related offices and banning specific ideological training for federal personnel and contractors. The bill prohibits the use of federal funds for DEI activities by grant recipients and mandates that federal advisory committees cease all such practices or face termination. Furthermore, it establishes strong enforcement mechanisms, allowing individuals to sue violators and seek financial penalties for non-compliance.

The American CANS Act requires that the country of origin for imported canned agricultural products be clearly displayed on either the front label or the top of the can. This legislation aims to increase consumer transparency by ensuring origin information is easily accessible. The new labeling requirements will apply to products imported 18 months after the bill is enacted.

This bill recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States through charitable activities, volunteer work, and financial support for members. It expresses the sense of Congress that these societies are a valuable support system that addresses unmet needs and generates substantial returns to the U.S. through their tax-exempt status. The bill also advocates for the continued promotion of fraternal benefit societies.

The Life at Conception Act declares that the constitutional right to life begins at the moment of fertilization, defining all human beings as persons from that point forward. The bill establishes legal personhood for every member of the species *homo sapiens* at all stages of development. Additionally, it explicitly prohibits the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.

The "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" ensures that infants born alive after an abortion receive the same medical care as any other newborn, mandating immediate hospitalization and requiring healthcare practitioners to report any failures to comply. Violators face fines, imprisonment, and potential prosecution for homicide or attempted homicide, while the mother of the child cannot be prosecuted. The bill also allows the woman who had the abortion to file a civil action against anyone who violated the act. It defines abortion and attempts at abortion, and renames "Partial-Birth Abortions" to "Abortions" in relevant sections of the U.S. Code.

The Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025 prohibits physicians from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, subject to specific exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, and incest. Physicians who knowingly violate this federal law face potential fines and imprisonment, though the legislation explicitly protects the mother from prosecution. The bill also mandates strict documentation and record-keeping requirements for all heartbeat determinations and exception claims.

The SAVE Moms and Babies Act of 2025 prohibits the FDA from approving new abortion drugs and restricts the use of existing ones. The bill mandates strict safety protocols, including in-person administration requirements, expanded adverse event reporting, and limitations on gestational age for drug use.

This bill expresses support for designating January 26 - February 1, 2025, as "National School Choice Week" to recognize the importance of diverse K-12 education options and the role of parents in choosing the best learning environment for their children. It encourages raising awareness about the benefits of educational choice and congratulates those involved in education.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act makes the 20% pass-through business income deduction permanent. By removing the current 2025 expiration date, this legislation ensures long-term tax relief for owners of qualified pass-through entities.

The TABS Act of 2025 renames the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to the Consumer Financial Empowerment Agency and establishes it as an independent agency outside of the Federal Reserve System. Additionally, the bill mandates that the agency’s funding be brought under the regular congressional appropriations process.