Legislative Activity

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from requiring firearms retailers to use a unique Merchant Category Code (MCC) that singles them out. This ensures that credit and debit card transactions for firearms and ammunition are treated the same as general retail purchases. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing this prohibition and reporting annually to Congress on compliance efforts.

The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act introduces a new aggravating factor for federal death penalty consideration. This factor applies when an individual who is illegally present in the U.S. is convicted of killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a United States citizen. This measure aims to provide justice for victims of crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that health plans cover medically necessary diagnosis and treatment for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must apply to outpatient and inpatient care, including necessary dental and orthodontic support, unless the procedure is purely cosmetic. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) recent rule aimed at closing the "Homework Gap" using the E-Rate Program. By invoking the Congressional Review Act, Congress is formally rejecting the FCC's specific plan to extend E-Rate funding for student home internet access. Consequently, the FCC's rule, published on November 29, 2024, will not take effect.

The FARMER Act of 2025 modifies federal crop insurance by increasing premium support for certain whole-farm revenue or yield protection plans. It also raises the government subsidy percentage for the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and adjusts its coverage level calculations. Finally, the bill mandates a study on expanding the SCO to cover areas larger than 1,400 square miles.

This resolution affirms the official U.S. position that the only acceptable outcome of any nuclear deal with Iran is the complete dismantlement and destruction of its entire nuclear program. It mandates that any future peaceful nuclear cooperation must require Iran to cease all domestic uranium enrichment and submit to stringent, unconditional international verification protocols. Ultimately, the bill asserts that the U.S. must never permit Iran to gain the capability to produce a nuclear weapon.

The PELL Act of 2025 establishes the new Workforce Pell Grant to provide federal aid for short-term, high-demand workforce training programs. To qualify, these programs must be approved by the Governor and meet strict criteria regarding length, employer alignment, credentialing, and performance metrics. This new grant aims to support students pursuing credentials that lead directly to employment while ensuring credits are transferable to further education.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends critical Medicare payment provisions for ambulance services. This bill delays the expiration of special payment rules for "super rural" areas until January 1, 2028, while also implementing temporary payment increases for both super rural and standard ground ambulance services during that transition period. The goal is to ensure continued financial stability and access to essential ground ambulance care.

This resolution officially supports the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, observed from May 6 through May 12, 2025. It recognizes the vital contributions of nurses as frontline healthcare providers and patient advocates. The measure encourages the public to observe the week with appropriate events honoring the nursing profession.

The Overtime Wages Tax Relief Act introduces a new federal income tax deduction of up to $\$10,000$ for qualifying overtime compensation earned by workers. This deduction is available to both itemizers and non-itemizers, though it phases out for taxpayers with a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeding $\$100,000$. The changes, which require updates to tax forms and withholding procedures, will take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The MOMS Act aims to support mothers and unborn children through three main areas: establishing a federal resource website, Pregnancy.gov, to connect expecting and new mothers with local services. It also creates grant programs to fund organizations that support carrying pregnancies to term and expand access to prenatal/postnatal telehealth care. Finally, the Act mandates that states establish and enforce child support obligations on behalf of unborn children upon the mother's request.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The Universal Savings Account Act of 2025 establishes new tax-advantaged savings vehicles called Universal Savings Accounts (USAs). These accounts allow individuals to save money with tax-exempt growth, subject to annual contribution limits that begin at \$10,000 for 2025 and adjust for inflation. Generally, distributions from a USA are not taxed as income, though specific rules apply to rollovers and inherited accounts. The legislation sets forth detailed requirements for account trustees, investment restrictions, and penalties for excess contributions.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025 (LIT Act) primarily makes technical updates to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act concerning general service lamps. This involves renumbering definitions and updating cross-references throughout the relevant sections of the law. The bill also officially cancels several previous Department of Energy rules related to energy conservation standards for these lamps.

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.

The Water Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2025 updates requirements for community water systems regarding security and resilience planning. It revises the timeline for mandatory risk assessments to focus on the period between 2026 and 2031. Furthermore, the Act mandates that security training and materials must specifically address preparation for and response to cyberattacks.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits life, disability, and long-term care insurers from denying coverage or increasing premiums solely because an individual is a living organ donor. The bill also clarifies that organ donation surgery qualifies as a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for both private and federal employees. Finally, it mandates the Department of Health and Human Services to update educational materials regarding the risks, benefits, and insurance implications of living donation.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

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.

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.