Legislative Activity

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical federal research funding for preterm labor and the care of low birthweight infants through fiscal year 2029. It mandates the establishment of an interagency working group to coordinate efforts related to prematurity. Furthermore, the bill requires a comprehensive study by the National Academies on the financial costs, causes, prevention, and support opportunities related to preterm births.

The America the Beautiful Act reauthorizes and extends the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund through fiscal year 2033, increasing its total authorized funding. This legislation adjusts funding priorities to favor projects receiving private contributions and streamlines the process for accepting and allocating public donations. Additionally, it mandates reporting on efforts to reduce the existing deferred maintenance backlog and improve future preventative maintenance across public lands.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Financial Literacy Month" to raise national awareness about the critical need for personal finance education. It highlights current financial struggles, such as high household debt and lack of banking access, while emphasizing that financial education leads to better economic outcomes. The resolution encourages federal, state, and local entities to observe the month with programs promoting essential skills like budgeting, saving, and debt management.

The Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025 amends federal law to classify the distribution of fentanyl that results in death as first-degree murder. This severe charge applies when an individual distributes at least two grams of a fentanyl mixture (or half a gram of an analogue) and that distribution is the cause of death. Convictions under this provision carry a penalty of either the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.

The BE GONE Act, or Better Enforcement of Grievous Offenses by unNaturalized Emigrants Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the list of crimes considered "aggravated felonies." Specifically, this bill adds "sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence" to the list of offenses that trigger severe immigration consequences. This change broadens the scope of crimes that can lead to deportation or inadmissibility for non-citizens.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

The LOCAL Infrastructure Act reinstates the availability of advance refunding bonds, effectively undoing a change made by the 2017 tax law. This action immediately restores the previous rules regarding these bonds. By bringing back advance refunding, the bill aims to provide greater financial flexibility for infrastructure projects.

The American Infrastructure Bonds Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit for issuers of qualifying municipal bonds used for infrastructure projects. This credit reimburses the issuer for 28% of the interest paid on the bond. While the interest remains tax-exempt for the bondholder, it must be treated as taxable income for the issuer for federal purposes.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated criminal gangs engaged in large-scale retail and supply chain theft. This bill strengthens federal law by updating money laundering and stolen property statutes, including establishing a $5,000 aggregate value threshold for certain offenses. Crucially, it mandates the creation of a specialized federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to unify efforts across all levels of law enforcement and private industry against these transnational criminal organizations.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through April 27, 2025, as "National Park Week." It recognizes the historical significance and vital mission of the National Park Service in preserving America's natural and cultural treasures. The bill encourages the public to visit, experience, and support these cherished sites during this designated week.

The Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2025 significantly enhances the rehabilitation tax credit by setting a standard 20% credit rate and introducing a new, higher 30% rate for qualifying small projects, including special provisions for rural areas. The bill also allows for the transfer of these credits and eliminates the requirement to reduce a property's cost basis when claiming the credit. These changes aim to incentivize the rehabilitation and placement in service of historic properties after the enactment date.

The SNOOP Act of 2025 aims to adjust the reporting requirements for third-party payment processors regarding transactions sent to the IRS. This bill reinstates the higher reporting threshold of over $20,000 in payments across more than 200 transactions for issuing 1099-K forms. Furthermore, it clarifies that backup withholding on network payments only applies if both the transaction count and dollar amount thresholds are met for the year.

The STOP CCP Act of 2025 prohibits U.S. persons from investing in publicly traded securities of specific Chinese entities involved in defense or surveillance technology. This legislation mandates the expansion of the Treasury Department's list of Chinese military-industrial complex companies and closes loopholes by automatically applying all relevant sanctions when a Chinese entity is targeted under any existing authority. The goal is to prevent U.S. capital from financing pernicious Chinese companies and policies.

The Secure Americas Financial Exchanges Act (SAFE Act) mandates that stock exchanges require listed companies to disclose any financial support received from the People's Republic of China (PRC). Companies must also reveal details about internal Chinese Communist Party (CCP) structures and any leadership ties to the PRC government. These new transparency rules aim to inform investors about potential foreign influence on publicly traded entities.

The Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2025 establishes a new Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters within the Department of Agriculture. This office will be tasked with investigating and prosecuting violations of competition and trade practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921. The Investigator will have the authority to issue subpoenas and bring civil or administrative lawsuits against packers and live poultry dealers to ensure fair competition in the industry.

This resolution formally honors the life and extensive public service of the late Honorable John Bennett Johnston, Jr., former U.S. Senator for Louisiana. It details his career, highlighting his significant tenure on key Senate committees, particularly his leadership on energy policy. The resolution recognizes his legislative achievements benefiting Louisiana, including flood control and conservation efforts. Finally, the Senate adjourns immediately in his memory as a final tribute to his service.

The Restoring Industry Development in Entertainment Act (RIDE Act) establishes a new P4 nonimmigrant visa category for "mobile entertainment workers," such as those employed by traveling carnivals and circuses. This provision requires Department of Labor certification to ensure no qualified U.S. workers are displaced and that U.S. wages are protected. The bill also ensures that the spouses and children of these essential workers are eligible for derivative visas. Finally, it mandates that the relevant federal agencies publish proposed and final rules implementing these changes within 180 days and one year of enactment, respectively.

The Rural Development Hospital Technical Assistance Program Act of 2025 establishes a new program within the Department of Agriculture to provide crucial technical assistance to eligible rural healthcare facilities. This program aims to ensure the financial stability and operational efficiency of these hospitals, ultimately strengthening rural healthcare delivery and preventing facility closures. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to appropriate up to $2 million annually through fiscal year 2029 to fund these targeted services.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand access to telehealth services under Medicare by permanently removing outdated geographic restrictions and broadening provider eligibility. The bill also enhances program integrity by dedicating new funding to oversight and establishing educational outreach for providers with unusual billing patterns. Finally, it mandates new resources, training, and public data reporting to ensure the quality and accessibility of virtual care for all beneficiaries.