Legislative Activity

The "Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act" modifies the clean fuel production credit to only include fuel derived from feedstocks grown in the United States. It also excludes indirect land use emissions from lifecycle greenhouse gas emission calculations, extends the clean fuel production credit through 2034, and refines emissions factor calculations for greater precision.

The SHARE Act of 2025 allows the FBI to share criminal history records with state licensing authorities for background checks required by interstate compacts. States can only use this information for these specific background checks and must adhere to federal regulations regarding its use and dissemination. This ensures that individuals seeking licenses or privileges to work in compact member states undergo necessary criminal history screenings. The bill defines key terms to ensure consistent interpretation and implementation across states.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' support for maintaining the stepped-up basis under section 1014 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows inherited assets to be adjusted to their current market value, protecting family-owned farms and small businesses from increased taxes. It opposes any changes to the tax code that would negatively impact the ability of these businesses to pass their operations on to the next generation. The bill recognizes the importance of generational transfers for the continuation of family farms, ranches, agribusinesses, and small businesses.

This bill expresses support for designating February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week," celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

This bill transfers the responsibilities of the Food for Peace Act from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). It ensures the continuation of programs like the Famine Early Warning Systems Network and allows the Secretary of Agriculture to amend regulations and utilize existing statutory authorities to maintain program continuity. The Secretary of Agriculture will consult with the Secretary of State when carrying out authorities under title II of the Food for Peace Act.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to exclude the net value of a family farm (on which the family resides) or a small business (with no more than 100 employees and owned/controlled by the family) from consideration as an asset when determining financial need for federal student aid. This change aims to make higher education more accessible for students from family farm and small business backgrounds.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the USDA's proposed Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products rule. The rule, published on August 7, 2024, aims to reduce Salmonella contamination in raw poultry. The bill effectively blocks the USDA from finalizing or enforcing this specific framework using federal dollars.

The "Reining In Federal Licensing Enforcement Act of 2025" or the "RIFLE Act of 2025" aims to reform the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) by modifying penalties for Federal firearms licensees who commit civil violations, changing the process for license applications, and defining "willfully" in the context of firearms license violations. The bill also requires the Attorney General to reconsider denied firearm license applications based on the new rules, establish formal inspection standards, and limit the use of firearms purchaser information. Additionally, it provides opportunities to cure violations after the acquisition of a firearms business and sets standards for criminal violations of recordkeeping requirements.

This bill removes the lesser prairie-chicken from the endangered species list, preventing its future listing under the Endangered Species Act. Effectively, it excludes the lesser prairie-chicken from the protections and authority of the Endangered Species Act.

The "FAITH in Small Business Act" codifies a Small Business Administration rule ensuring faith-based organizations receive equal treatment in SBA loan and disaster assistance programs. This guarantees that these organizations are not discriminated against and can participate in SBA programs on the same basis as other eligible entities.