Legislative Activity

The Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act mandates an independent assessment of all notices sent by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure they are clearer, more concise, and easier for claimants to understand. The VA Secretary must implement the resulting recommendations within one year of receiving the assessment. Additionally, this bill slightly extends the expiration date for certain existing limits on veterans' pension payments.

This Act mandates a comprehensive study, conducted by the VA in partnership with the CDC, to determine the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (liver cancer) among veterans who served in the Vietnam theater. The study will compare cancer rates in this veteran population against the general U.S. population and report findings to Congress. Additionally, the bill extends a current limitation on certain veteran pension payments until the end of 2031.

This resolution establishes expedited procedures for the House of Representatives to consider and vote on several key items, including disapproving specific rules from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. It waives standard procedural hurdles to allow immediate debate and final votes on measures concerning overdraft lending, digital payment applications, limitations on injunctive relief, and mandatory proof of citizenship for federal voter registration. The resolution tightly controls debate time for each measure before moving directly to a final vote.

This resolution establishes the expedited procedural path for the House to consider and vote on three separate items. It sets up fast-track consideration for disapproving two Department of Energy rules regarding energy conservation standards for walk-in coolers/freezers and commercial refrigeration units. Additionally, it provides the rules for swiftly debating and voting on a bill to strengthen disclosure requirements for foreign gifts and contracts at institutions of higher education.

The IMPACT Act establishes a new research and development program to make U.S. cement, concrete, and asphalt production cleaner, more competitive, and less polluting. This initiative mandates the creation of a five-year strategic plan focusing on carbon capture, alternative fuels, and material efficiency. The program will also support real-world demonstration projects and provide technical assistance to help bring these advanced, low-emissions technologies to market.

The DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act mandates that the Secretaries of Energy and Agriculture formally collaborate on joint research and development projects benefiting both departments. This collaboration will focus on critical areas like smart technology, biofuels, water-energy connections, and grid modernization, utilizing competitive, merit-based processes. The Secretaries must establish a formal agreement and report to Congress within two years detailing their coordination efforts and technical achievements.

The Cost-Share Accountability Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Energy must regularly report on instances where it waives cost-sharing requirements for specific projects. These detailed reports must be submitted quarterly to relevant Congressional committees and simultaneously made available to the public. This ensures transparency regarding the use of the Secretary of Energy's waiver authority.

This bill provides funding for various government operations through fiscal year 2025, adjusting funding levels for numerous agencies and programs. It also extends several critical public health programs, including community health centers and Medicare provisions, and delays Medicaid payment reductions to hospitals serving low-income patients. Additionally, the bill extends the deadlines for several programs related to commodity trading, cybersecurity, and fentanyl regulation.

This joint resolution nullifies the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's rule on the Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its enforcement or implementation.

This bill disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The rule outlined compliance procedures, netting, and exemptions, but will no longer be implemented.

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.

This bill outlines the procedures for the House of Representatives to consider resolutions and bills related to IRS digital asset regulations, CARES Act amendments regarding unemployment fraud, and continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2025. It establishes debate times, waives certain points of order to expedite the process, and includes provisions for amendments and motions. Additionally, it exempts certain days from being counted towards the consideration of a joint resolution related to the national emergency declared on February 1, 2025.

The "Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act" requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan for identifying and implementing new technologies like AI and advanced sensors to enhance border security. This plan includes assessing current technology efforts, integrating new technologies into standard programs, and evaluating the impact on border communities' privacy and security. The Act also authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to maintain Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for border security, and it mandates regular reports to Congress on these teams' activities and technological advancements.

The "Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act" mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a department-wide policy protecting sensitive research and development from unauthorized access. It also requires a report from the Comptroller General on DHS's compliance with National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM33) and related federal research security guidelines. Finally, the Secretary of Homeland Security must brief relevant committees on the development of these safeguarding policies.

The Subterranean Border Defense Act mandates annual reports on efforts to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations.

This bill censures Representative Al Green of Texas for disrupting the President's address to Congress on March 4, 2025. It condemns his actions and orders him to appear before the House of Representatives to receive a formal reprimand. During this time the Speaker of the House will publicly read the resolution of censure.

This bill streamlines the House's process for considering three joint resolutions: one disapproving the Department of Energy's energy conservation standards for appliances, another regarding the EPA's emission standards for rubber tire manufacturing, and a third concerning the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's rule on protecting marine archaeological resources. It waives certain procedural rules and sets time limits for debating each resolution.

The "Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2025" mandates the Postmaster General to establish regulations for collecting, tracking, and publicly reporting deaths and injuries from traffic crashes involving vehicles transporting mail. Postal Service employees and contractors must report any traffic crash resulting in injury or death within three days, with detailed information about the incident. The Postal Service will maintain an internal database and issue an annual public report summarizing statistics and trends, while protecting personal privacy. Contractors failing to report crashes within the deadline will face penalties.

The "Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act" mandates a review by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget of federal procurement practices, specifically assessing the impact of the "lowest price technically acceptable" selection process on national security. A report on the review's findings must be submitted to the House and Senate committees within 180 days.

The Rural Small Business Resilience Act ensures individuals in rural areas have full access to disaster assistance provided by the Small Business Administration. It requires the SBA to provide targeted outreach and marketing to individuals in rural areas to increase awareness of available disaster assistance. The SBA must complete these actions within one year. The bill also makes a technical correction to the Small Business Act.