Legislative Activity

The "RESILIENCE Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow utility companies to reduce their adjusted financial statement income by the amount of depreciation and repair/maintenance deductions taken on public utility property. This applies to property that the utility company owns and is treating as depreciation on their financial statements. This change is applicable for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This bill expresses Congressional support for designating April 24-29, 2025, as "Small Businesses in For-Hire Transportation Week" to recognize the vital role these businesses play in the economy and communities. It acknowledges their significant contributions to employment, transportation, and support for vulnerable populations. The bill also recognizes the Transportation Alliance for its support of small business entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the bill aims to highlight the importance of these businesses in providing essential transportation services and fostering economic growth.

The "Small Business Transportation Investment Act of 2025" directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to establish a pilot program allowing certain small businesses that provide ground transportation services to purchase vehicles through the GSA's Federal supply schedules. These businesses can purchase up to 50 vehicles per year for use in their services, with stipulations on usage, resale, and donation of a portion of the vehicles to local nonprofits. The GSA must report to Congress on the program's progress and impact. The pilot program will expire three years after enactment.

The "Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates the federal excise tax on indoor tanning services. This bill removes Chapter 49 from the Internal Revenue Code, effectively repealing the tax. The repeal is applicable for services provided after the bill's enactment.

The "Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act" introduces a tax credit for capturing qualified methane from mining activities, incentivizing the reduction of methane emissions. This credit applies to facilities that begin construction before January 1, 2036, and capture at least 2,500 metric tons of CO2e methane annually, provided the captured methane is used for energy or injected into a pipeline. The goal is to promote the use of methane capture equipment and reduce the release of methane into the atmosphere from mining operations. These provisions are effective for qualified methane captured after December 31, 2024.

The "Saving Gig Economy Taxpayers Act" restores the previous, higher reporting threshold for third-party payment processors, requiring them to report users' income to the IRS only if it exceeds $20,000 and involves more than 200 transactions. This change is retroactive to the American Rescue Plan Act and also introduces a de minimis rule for backup withholding, applicable from 2025, to reduce unnecessary tax reporting for gig workers and small online sellers.

The ARCH Act extends Medicare-dependent hospital (MDH) and Medicare low-volume hospital (LVH) payments through fiscal year 2031, ensuring continued financial support for rural hospitals. It also mandates a GAO report to Congress analyzing rural hospital classifications and recommending improvements for financial sustainability and healthcare access in rural areas.

The "Hospice Recertification Flexibility Act" extends Medicare telehealth flexibilities for hospice care through December 31, 2027, with certain limitations after January 1, 2026, based on location, provider oversight, and proper enrollment. It also mandates the use of specific modifiers or codes on hospice claims to identify when recertifications of hospice care eligibility are conducted via telehealth starting January 1, 2026.

The "Strengthening Cooperation and Security in the Middle East Act" requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to develop a report and strategy to expand membership in the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA). This includes analyzing CSIPA's strategic benefits, its role in responding to regional threats, and ways to enhance cooperation in security, commerce, science, and technology. The Act aims to strengthen regional alliances and counter threats in the Middle East through increased participation in CSIPA.

The SAFE Act amends the Social Security Act to include physical and occupational therapy benefits in Medicare annual wellness visits and initial preventive physical exams starting in 2026 for individuals determined to have fallen in the previous year. It mandates that these individuals receive falls risk assessments, fall prevention services, and outpatient therapy services. Additionally, the Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit annual reports to Congress on falls experienced by individuals aged 65 and older.

The "United States Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act" aims to bolster U.S. trade competitiveness and economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific region. It directs the International Trade Commission to investigate the impact of Indo-Pacific trade agreements on U.S. competitiveness and establishes an independent commission to develop a comprehensive trade strategy for the region. The goal is to counter China's growing influence, promote American values, strengthen the U.S. economy, and enhance supply chain resilience. The commission will develop a comprehensive trade strategy for the region to ensure continued U.S. economic and geopolitical leadership.