Legislative Activity

The Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025 amends the tax code to exclude state-sponsored catastrophe mitigation payments from an individual's gross income. This legislation ensures that homeowners receiving financial assistance to harden their properties against natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and earthquakes are not unfairly taxed on those funds. The provision is retroactive to the 2022 tax year, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim the exclusion on past returns.

The Charitable Act renews and expands tax incentives for charitable giving by allowing individuals who do not itemize deductions to claim a deduction for charitable contributions during the 2026 and 2027 tax years. Under this provision, non-itemizers can deduct contributions up to one-third of their standard deduction amount. Additionally, the bill removes specific accuracy-related penalties associated with these deductions.

The Small Business Technological Act of 2025 expands the permitted uses of Small Business Administration 7(a) loans to include the purchase of business software, cloud computing services, and artificial intelligence tools. This legislation enables small businesses to leverage modern technology to streamline operations, such as payroll, accounting, and sales, without altering existing rules regarding research and development or working capital.

The "Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act" amends existing law to facilitate the completion of the Arkansas Valley Conduit water project in Colorado. It updates repayment terms by establishing an interest-free, 100-year repayment schedule funded exclusively through non-federal sources.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights (Global HER) Act ensures that foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) remain eligible for U.S. foreign assistance regardless of the legal health services or advocacy they provide using their own non-U.S. funds. By overriding restrictive policies, the bill protects the autonomy of these organizations to deliver comprehensive care and engage in advocacy, provided their activities comply with local laws and would be legal if performed in the United States.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act expands financial and medical support for individuals impacted by U.S. nuclear testing, uranium mining, and Manhattan Project waste. This legislation broadens eligibility criteria, increases compensation amounts, and simplifies the claims process for affected workers and downwind communities. Additionally, it mandates environmental monitoring and research to protect public health in areas historically exposed to nuclear radiation.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act aims to reduce double taxation for residents of Taiwan and the U.S. by lowering withholding rates on cross-border income and establishing clear tax residency rules. Additionally, the bill authorizes the President to negotiate a formal tax agreement with Taiwan, ensuring congressional oversight and public transparency throughout the process. This legislation seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment while ensuring reciprocal tax benefits for both nations.

This resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to raise awareness about maternal mortality, illness, and disparities in the United States. It supports initiatives to eliminate disparities in maternal health and ensure equitable maternity care for all women. The resolution also honors those who have died from pregnancy-related causes and promotes investments in improving maternal health outcomes.

The Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the courage, sacrifice, and essential service of the nation’s wildland firefighters. This legislation authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded collectively to these frontline responders in recognition of their dedication to protecting our communities and natural resources. The medal will be housed at the National Interagency Fire Center, with bronze duplicates made available for public purchase.

The Saving the Civil Service Act protects the merit-based federal hiring system by placing strict limits on the ability of agencies to move civil service positions into the excepted service. It requires employee consent for job transfers, caps the number of positions that can be reclassified during a presidential term, and mandates annual reporting to Congress. These measures ensure that federal employment remains grounded in professional standards rather than political appointments.

The VA Home Loan Awareness Act of 2025 mandates that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac include a disclaimer on residential loan applications to inform veterans that they may be eligible for a VA home loan. Additionally, the bill requires the Comptroller General to conduct a study to ensure lenders are effectively implementing this disclosure.

The Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their historic victory. This legislation honors the team’s extraordinary achievement, which served as a defining moment in American sports and a source of national inspiration during the Cold War. The medals will be permanently displayed at three prominent institutions dedicated to Olympic and hockey history.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to premium tax credits by removing the current income eligibility cap, allowing more households to qualify for financial assistance. The bill also introduces a new sliding scale for premium contributions to ensure health insurance costs remain more manageable for families. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act provides for the admission of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while maintaining a smaller federal district to serve as the seat of the U.S. government. This legislation establishes the framework for the transition, including the transfer of property, the restructuring of local and federal authorities, and the granting of full congressional representation to the new state's residents. It also creates a transition commission to ensure the orderly shift of legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities.