Legislative Activity

The ATF Transparency Act aims to streamline firearm transfer and registration processes by mandating a 3-business-day review period, after which applications are automatically approved unless legal requirements are not met. The bill also establishes an administrative appeal process for applicants whose transfers are denied based on federal or state law concerns, including reimbursement for legal fees upon a successful appeal. Furthermore, it requires reports on unresolved background checks and mandates an agreement between the ATF and FBI on processing future NICS inquiries.

The Patients Before Middlemen Act aims to increase transparency and fairness in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans by regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and improving pharmacy access. The bill requires PBMs to limit their compensation to bona fide service fees and mandates extensive annual reporting on drug costs and rebates. Additionally, it establishes standards to ensure all pharmacies have fair access to Medicare networks and protects independent pharmacies.

The "Ensuring Pathways to Innovative Cures Act of 2025" modifies the Drug Price Negotiation Program by adjusting the negotiation timeline for drug prices. For 2026 and 2027, negotiation can begin 7 years post-approval. Starting in 2028, this period extends to 11 years post-approval.

The Access to Credit for our Rural Economy Act of 2025 (ACRE Act) creates a new federal tax incentive for qualified lenders. This incentive excludes interest earned on certain loans secured by rural or agricultural real property from taxable income. The goal is to encourage lending for agricultural, rural housing, and related property by reducing the cost of capital for lenders.

This bill ensures that veterans have the option to receive and submit a physical, paper copy of the VA travel reimbursement form (Form 10-3452) by mail or at any VA medical facility. It mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs must provide these physical copies upon request to accommodate veterans who cannot or prefer not to use digital submission methods. This guarantees accessible avenues for veterans seeking reimbursement for travel expenses related to their VA care.

The Falun Gong Protection Act establishes a firm U.S. policy to cease cooperation with China on organ transplantation until the practice ends. This bill mandates sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, against foreign individuals knowingly involved in forced organ harvesting in China. Furthermore, it requires a comprehensive government report detailing China's transplant practices and an atrocity determination regarding the persecution of Falun Gong.

The Farmers Freedom Act of 2025 amends the definition of "navigable waters" under federal pollution control laws. This bill specifically excludes "prior converted cropland"—farmland drained before 1985—from this definition, limiting federal jurisdiction over these agricultural areas. The Act also clarifies related terms like "abandoned" and "agricultural purpose" in this context.

This resolution designates February 27, 2025, as "Rare Disease Day" to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and support research for the thousands of rare diseases affecting millions of Americans. It acknowledges the progress made through the Orphan Drug Act and FDA approvals, while also highlighting the significant unmet needs in treatment and research for rare diseases. The resolution supports ongoing efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of 529 education savings accounts for expenses related to postsecondary credential programs. These programs include workforce training, professional certifications, and licenses. This change expands the definition of qualified higher education expenses to include tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment, and testing fees associated with recognized postsecondary credentials. The bill aims to make workforce training and professional certifications more accessible and affordable.

The "Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act" prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from implementing or enforcing minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities. It also establishes an advisory panel to assess and provide recommendations on strengthening the nursing home workforce, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and to address workforce shortages. The panel will be composed of 17 members and will submit regular reports to the Secretary and relevant committees.

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends and modifies the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in the U.S. in underserved areas in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It increases the number of available waivers, provides employment protections for participating physicians, and modifies the requirements for physicians seeking waivers, including allowing them to pursue permanent residency and extending their visas in certain circumstances. The Act also requires annual reporting on the program's usage.

The "Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025" allocates $150 million from 2025-2029 to improve public access to private lands for recreational purposes. A portion of the funds, $3 million, will be used to specifically enhance access to land covered by wetland reserve easements through agreements with state and tribal governments.

This resolution supports 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.

The "Protecting Patients from Deceptive Drug Ads Act" aims to regulate communications about prescription drugs, especially on social media, to prevent false or misleading information. It imposes penalties for deceptive endorsements by social media influencers and healthcare providers, mandates disclosure of payments for drug promotions, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide guidance on what constitutes misleading communication. The act also establishes a task force to monitor drug advertising and authorizes funding for these activities, ensuring that patients receive accurate and complete information about prescription drugs.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

The "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025" amends the Clean Air Act, modifying the process for ethanol waivers and Reid Vapor Pressure limitations, allowing for higher ethanol blends during high ozone season. It also permits small refineries to reclaim certain retired credits from 2016-2018 for future use, under specific conditions related to prior exemption petitions.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.

The "Eliminate Lavish Incentives To Electric Vehicles Act" repeals several clean energy tax credits, including those for new and used clean vehicles, qualified commercial clean vehicles, and excludes electric vehicle recharging property from the alternative fuel vehicle refueling property credit. These changes would take effect for vehicles or property purchased (or under binding contract) more than 30 days after the Act's enactment.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.