Legislative Activity

This resolution designates February 15–22, 2025, as "National FFA Week" to celebrate the National FFA Organization’s vital role in developing the next generation of agricultural leaders. It commemorates the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the FFA’s Federal charter. The bill encourages nationwide participation in honoring the organization's long-standing commitment to leadership, personal growth, and career success.

The "Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025" restricts U.S. funding to the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until China is no longer considered a developing country under the Montreal Protocol and is included in Annex I of the UN Framework Convention. This bill aims to address what the Act describes as unfair advantages China receives in international environmental agreements.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, honoring the service and sacrifice of the U.S. armed forces who fought in this pivotal World War II engagement. It recognizes the strategic importance of the battle, the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi, and the enduring legacy of those who served. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the strong bond of friendship and reconciliation between the United States and Japan today.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

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 "Eliminate Lavish Incentives To Electric Vehicles Act" repeals several clean energy tax credits, including those for new and used clean vehicles, qualified commercial clean vehicles, and excludes electric vehicle recharging property from the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. These changes would take effect for vehicles or property purchased (or under binding contract) more than 30 days after the Act's enactment.

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 logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

This bill transfers the responsibilities of the Food for Peace Act from the United States Agency for International Development to the Department of Agriculture. It ensures program continuity by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to implement immediate regulation amendments and utilize existing statutory authorities. The Department of Agriculture will also continue the Famine Early Warning Systems Network to monitor and mitigate food insecurity. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to consult regularly with the Secretary of State when implementing title II of the Food for Peace Act.

The STEAM Act aims to streamline the development of geothermal energy resources. It amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to include the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, expanding NEPA review exemptions to geothermal resource exploration. This inclusion aims to accelerate geothermal projects by aligning them with existing streamlined processes for gas resource development.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

The "Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act" eliminates an administrative fee charged under the Mineral Leasing Act, which will likely increase the amount of revenue states receive from mineral leasing on federal lands. It also makes necessary technical and conforming changes to other related laws, such as the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, to reflect the elimination of this fee.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently set the number of U.S. Supreme Court justices at nine. If ratified by three-fourths of the states within seven years, this amendment would constitutionally mandate the current size of the Court.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" exempts family farms and small businesses from being considered as assets when calculating eligibility for federal financial aid under the Higher Education Act of 1965. This exemption applies to family farms where the family resides and small businesses with 100 or fewer employees that the family owns and controls. These changes will apply to financial aid award years starting after the enactment of this Act.

The "Supporting Made in America Energy Act" mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a minimum number of oil and natural gas lease sales annually for both onshore and offshore lands, including specific requirements for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska regions. It extends the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico until December 31, 2035, and sets deadlines for preparing subsequent oil and gas leasing programs. The Act also restricts the President's authority to pause or impede Federal energy mineral leasing processes without congressional approval.

This resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the vital role of CTE in preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers. It highlights the importance of workforce training in meeting modern economic needs and encourages educators, parents, and administrators to promote CTE as a valuable and respected educational pathway.

The American Beef Labeling Act of 2025 amends the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to mandate country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) for beef and ground beef. It requires the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to find a way to reinstate MCOOL for beef in compliance with World Trade Organization rules. The changes to beef labeling will take effect within one year of enactment.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to update and broaden the criteria for carbon oxide disposal, use, or utilization, including secure geological storage and enhanced oil or natural gas recovery. It adjusts the applicable dollar amount for carbon oxide disposal, setting it at $17, adjusted for inflation, with a higher rate of $36 for projects meeting specific requirements. These changes apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2024.