Legislative Activity

The "Tax Fairness for Survivors Act" exempts from federal income tax any monetary awards from settlements related to sexual assault or sexual harassment claims. This exemption also applies to social security, railroad retirement, unemployment taxes, and wage withholding. This change applies to taxable years starting after the enactment of this law.

The Local Radio Freedom Act expresses Congressional opposition to imposing new performance fees, taxes, or royalties on local radio stations and businesses for playing music. It argues that the current system of free airplay provides essential promotional value to artists and that new fees would threaten the financial viability of local broadcasters and the vital community services they provide.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, effective from the date of enactment. It adjusts gift tax calculations by setting the lifetime gift exemption at $10,000,000, with inflation adjustments after 2011. The Act also includes transitional rules for applying certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code during the enactment year.

The REPLACE Act requires the President to waive fees for individuals needing to replace critical documents, such as passports and licenses, after a major disaster. It also directs the Secretary of State and the Director of USCIS to post notices about the availability of these waivers and submit annual reports to Congress on the number of waivers granted and associated costs.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs accurately represent the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic and Latino communities, seeking guidance from diverse sources. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

This resolution designates February 15–22, 2025, as "National FFA Week" to honor the National FFA Organization’s vital role in cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders. It celebrates the organization’s commitment to personal growth and career readiness while commemorating the 90th anniversary of the New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the FFA’s federal charter.

The Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025 amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to ensure payment and performance security for construction projects receiving federal assistance. It allows the Secretary of Transportation or the Administrator to consider state or local laws mandating payment and performance security as fulfilling this requirement if they cover at least 50% of the construction contract. If state or local laws don't apply or meet the 50% threshold, adherence to federal bond requirements under 40 U.S.C. 3131(b)(1) and (2) is required.

The "More Homes on the Market Act" increases the tax exclusion for profit from the sale of a primary residence, raising it to $500,000 for single filers and $1,000,000 for married couples filing jointly. These amounts will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2025. This change encourages homeowners to sell their properties, thereby increasing the availability of homes on the market.

The SASS Act, or "Single Application for School Safety Act," streamlines the grant application process for school safety initiatives. It directs the Attorney General to establish a single application for grants authorized by the COPS Director and the BJA Director. The COPS and BJA Directors will also provide technical assistance to grant applicants.

The "Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act" prioritizes uninterrupted healthcare for veterans. It amends the Veterans Community Care Program to specifically consider continuity of care when making decisions about veterans' healthcare services. This ensures veterans can maintain consistent relationships with healthcare providers and receive seamless, ongoing treatment.

The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 expands milk options available to students in the National School Lunch Program by allowing schools to offer organic or non-organic whole milk. This legislation provides greater flexibility for schools in providing fluid milk choices while maintaining accommodations for students with special dietary needs. Importantly, the saturated fat content of these offered milk options will not count toward the meal's overall saturated fat limits.

The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes in rural areas by establishing programs to train healthcare providers in obstetric emergency care, provide funding for necessary equipment and workforce development, implement teleconsultation programs, and study the challenges facing rural obstetric units. The Act authorizes grants for training, equipment, and telehealth programs, and requires a study on rural maternity ward closures and patient transport patterns.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster the defense relationship between the United States and Israel through joint initiatives and increased cooperation. It establishes programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. The act also mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The Investing in Rural America Act of 2025 amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971, enabling Farm Credit System institutions to finance essential community facilities in rural areas, with a limit of 15% of their total outstanding loans. These institutions must offer participation in financing to other domestic lenders, especially community banks, and report these offers to the Farm Credit Administration. The Farm Credit Administration will then provide an annual report to Congress on these activities. This amendment aims to support rural development by leveraging the resources of the Farm Credit System.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 expands public safety officer benefits to include deaths and disabilities caused by exposure-related cancers, presuming that certain cancers diagnosed within 15 years of service are line-of-duty injuries if the officer served for at least 5 years. It defines "exposure-related cancer" and allows for updates to the list based on medical evidence, while also permitting individuals to petition for additions. The Act also clarifies "line of duty action" and applies retroactively to claims dating back to January 1, 2020, with a three-year window for filing claims based on these amendments.

The "Countering Online Radicalization and Terrorism Act" directs the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, to conduct annual assessments on how terrorist organizations use foreign cloud-based messaging apps to threaten the United States. These assessments will analyze terrorist recruitment and radicalization, examine the use of online payment features to support terrorist financing, and provide recommendations to counter these threats. The goal of the act is to evaluate and address the national security risks associated with terrorist groups using these applications, while also ensuring compliance with legal, privacy, and civil rights protections.

The "Semiconductor Supply Chain Security and Diversification Act of 2025" aims to diversify the semiconductor supply chain within the Western Hemisphere by offering diplomatic and financial support to participating countries. This includes supporting international negotiations, improving regulatory environments, and enhancing market integration for semiconductors. The Act also allows the United States International Development Finance Corporation to support semiconductor projects in upper-middle and high-income Western Hemisphere countries, under specific conditions certified by the President. This diversification effort supports both U.S. economic and national security interests, aligning with investments made under the CHIPS and Science Act.

The "PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends funding for research on preterm births and infant care through 2029. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency working group to address premature birth issues and mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on preterm births, including cost analysis, risk factor identification, and best practices for prevention and treatment. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 24 months.

The Credit Union Board Modernization Act updates federal requirements for board of directors meetings, moving away from a mandatory monthly schedule. Under this bill, meeting frequency will be determined by a credit union’s age and its financial performance ratings, allowing high-performing institutions greater operational flexibility while maintaining oversight for newer or lower-rated credit unions.

The "Medicaid Primary Care Improvement Act" allows states to use Medicaid funds for direct agreements with healthcare providers, including value-based care models and direct primary care arrangements. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to gather input and issue guidance to states on implementing these arrangements. Additionally, the Act mandates a report to Congress analyzing state contracts with independent physicians and the quality/cost of care in direct primary care arrangements within Medicaid. This aims to improve primary care access and quality within the Medicaid program without altering existing cost-sharing or limiting medical assistance.