Legislative Activity

The Hot Foods Act of 2025 removes the general federal ban on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods. This legislation clarifies that hot foods are now eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, while also setting a new rule that limits SNAP-participating retailers to deriving no more than 50% of their gross sales from these ready-to-eat hot items. The act updates existing statutes to reflect this expanded purchasing power for recipients.

The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act establishes a new 20% federal tax credit for converting eligible, older commercial buildings into affordable housing. This incentive aims to increase housing supply by requiring that at least 20% of the converted units remain rent-restricted for low-income residents for 30 years. State agencies will allocate these credits, which are subject to a national cap of $12 billion, based on approved plans prioritizing financially necessary projects.

The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act prohibits colleges and universities receiving federal funding from allowing, supporting, or paying for any event on campus that promotes antisemitism. This legislation mandates the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for enforcement. The goal is to ensure federally funded institutions do not host or endorse antisemitic activities.

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to develop and implement a comprehensive 10-year Campus Modernization Plan for the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The plan must address critical infrastructure needs, including new training facilities, updated housing, and essential utility overhauls, to support modern maritime education and national security requirements. Congress authorizes up to \$1.02 billion from the Maritime Security Trust Fund between fiscal years 2026 and 2035 to execute this modernization effort.

The Unfair Tax Prevention Act amends the Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) rules to specifically target certain U.S. companies connected to foreign tax systems operating outside their direct jurisdiction. These "foreign-owned extraterritorial tax regime entities" will now be automatically subject to BEAT, with specific exceptions removed and a portion of their cost of goods sold automatically treated as a base erosion benefit. This legislation aims to close loopholes related to complex, indirect foreign ownership structures.

The Safer Skies Act of 2025 mandates enhanced security screening for certain smaller charter and commuter air carriers that sell individual passenger seats publicly. This legislation requires these specific operations, currently exempt from TSA checkpoints, to adopt the security standards applied to larger commercial airlines. The goal is to raise the baseline security level across a broader segment of air travel operations.

The Personal Health Investment Today Act of 2025 (PHIT Act) aims to improve public health by incentivizing healthier lifestyles, particularly to combat obesity. This bill allows taxpayers to treat certain qualified sports and fitness expenses, such as gym memberships and instruction fees, as deductible medical expenses. Deductions are capped annually at \$1,000 per individual or \$2,000 for joint filers.

This resolution formally recognizes the 204th anniversary of the War of Greek Independence, celebrating the deep, shared history rooted in democratic ideals. It reaffirms the strong strategic partnership between the U.S. and Greece, highlighting Greece's vital role in security and energy stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. The bill also commends the contributions of the Greek-American community to the United States.

The John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2025 amends Medicare to specifically cover augmentation therapy for individuals with severe Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder when administered in the home. This legislation establishes new payment rules under Medicare Part B for the necessary intravenous kits and associated nursing services. The goal is to ensure qualified home infusion suppliers are reimbursed directly for providing this essential, ongoing maintenance treatment.

The Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act mandates that states implement rigorous screening for all enrolled healthcare providers. Specifically, this legislation requires states to verify that all Medicaid providers are alive by checking the federal Death Master File upon enrollment and at least quarterly thereafter. This measure aims to prevent fraudulent payments made to deceased individuals or entities.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 significantly increases humane treatment standards for dog dealers under the Animal Welfare Act. This legislation mandates specific minimum space requirements, daily exercise access, and mandatory socialization for housed dogs. Furthermore, it establishes strict limits on female dog breeding frequency and age, alongside enhanced veterinary care protocols.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue special commemorative gold, silver, and clad coins honoring the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These coins will be sold to the public, with surcharges from the sales benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Treasury must ensure that the production and issuance of these coins result in no net cost to the U.S. Government.

The Delinking Revenue from Unfair Gouging Act (DRUG Act) fundamentally reforms how Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are paid for administering prescription drug benefits, effective January 1, 2027. This legislation prohibits PBMs from receiving most revenue tied to drug prices, rebates, or discounts from third parties. Instead, PBMs may only charge a strictly defined, flat-rate "bona fide service fee" for itemized services rendered. The bill mandates that all negotiated rebates and discounts must be fully passed through to the health plan or issuer to lower prescription costs for members.

The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act aims to prevent private health insurance plans from discriminating against patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This legislation clarifies that plans cannot offer worse benefits or unfairly limit coverage for dialysis treatments compared to other medical services. Furthermore, it stops these plans from shifting the primary financial responsibility for ESRD care onto Medicare. The bill maintains existing rules ensuring fair treatment while preserving a health plan's ability to select its network of dialysis providers.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to restore and modify the asset test for Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) taxable REIT subsidiaries (TRSs). Specifically, it increases the allowable percentage for certain assets held by a TRS from 20 percent to 25 percent. This change will take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Independent Programmers Tax Incentive Act establishes a new tax credit for distributors who carry programming from qualifying independent content creators. This legislation aims to encourage broader carriage of smaller programmers by offering financial incentives to distributors like cable and streaming services. Additionally, the bill mandates the FCC to submit biennial reports to Congress regarding the distribution landscape for these independent programmers.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends the current Medicare payment structure for ground ambulance services. This change ensures continuity in how these vital services are reimbursed under existing rules. Specifically, the temporary payment pilot program is extended through 2028, preventing an immediate change in payment policy.

The Postal Police Reform Act of 2025 officially designates Postal Service police officers as federal law enforcement agents under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This legislation grants the Postmaster General the authority to establish and enforce rules for protecting Postal Service property. Violations of these new rules may result in federal fines or imprisonment up to 30 days.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to assist first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers in purchasing homes. This program offers eligible first-time homebuyers 100% financing with no down payment required. Instead of monthly premiums, borrowers pay an upfront FHA insurance premium at closing.

The Veteran Caregiver Reeducation, Reemployment, and Retirement Act aims to support family caregivers as they transition out of their roles. This bill extends medical care coverage for 180 days post-designation and mandates job assistance, including fee reimbursement and access to training resources. Furthermore, it requires the VA to study the feasibility of establishing retirement savings options and creating "returnship" programs for former caregivers.