Legislative Activity

The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act mandates an independent review of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) forms sent to claimants to ensure they are clear and easy to understand. The VA Secretary must hire an outside entity to assess these forms and implement recommendations for improvement within a set timeline. Additionally, this bill slightly extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025 aims to better inform veterans about their right to free representation from recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) when filing initial VA claims. It mandates that the VA maintain and regularly update an accessible online tool for finding accredited representatives. Furthermore, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veteran pension payments.

The Chip Security Act mandates the installation of security mechanisms on advanced integrated circuit products before they are exported from the United States. These requirements aim to verify chip location, prevent diversion, and protect U.S. technological leadership. The Secretary of Commerce must also study and implement additional security features to enhance export control enforcement and national security.

This resolution commemorates the 75th anniversary of the National Science Foundation (NSF), recognizing its vital role in advancing U.S. science, engineering, and education since 1950. Congress acknowledges the NSF's foundational support for groundbreaking innovations, including the internet and advancements in medical technology. The bill reaffirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the NSF continues to lead in scientific discovery for decades to come.

This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to update the federal definition of a "motorcycle." The updated definition specifies that a motorcycle is a motor vehicle originally built with an engine, designed for a rider to sit astride a seat or saddle, and capable of speeds over 30 mph. This change ensures federal regulations align with a clearer, standardized description of what constitutes a motorcycle.

This bill officially renames Gravelly Point Park, located along the George Washington Memorial Parkway in Arlington County, Virginia, to the Nancy Reagan Memorial Park. The legislation ensures that all future federal documents, maps, and records will use the new designation.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 340 East 1st Street in Tustin, California, as the "Ursula Ellen Kennedy Post Office Building." The legislation ensures that all official government records and documents will use this new name for the specified location.

The EAGLE Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to help small, local law enforcement agencies cover the costs associated with achieving or renewing official professional accreditation. This funding is specifically designated to pay for accreditation fees, on-site assessments, and related expenses from recognized organizations like CALEA. The program is funded with $10 million for Fiscal Year 2025 to support agencies with fewer than 350 employees.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the nation's long-term fiscal health, aiming to reduce the national debt ratio to 100% of GDP by 2039. This Commission, composed of appointed members from both chambers of Congress and outside experts, must submit its final report and proposed legislation within a specific timeframe. The Act also creates an expedited, amendment-free process for Congress to consider and vote on any resulting "implementing bills."

The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to help law enforcement officers secure childcare during non-traditional hours. Administered by HHS, these competitive grants will fund local agencies to offer subsidies, start new facilities, or cover operational costs for officers. The program requires state agencies to apply and secure matching funds, with a sunset date of September 30, 2030.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically sharing a veteran's information with the DOJ for national background checks solely based on the appointment of a fiduciary. This bill prohibits the VA from classifying a veteran as a "mental defective" based only on an administrative finding of incompetence or the need for a fiduciary. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General if previously shared information based on fiduciary status is no longer valid.

The Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives (LOCOMOTIVES) Act clarifies and strengthens federal authority over emission standards for existing locomotives and engines. This legislation limits the ability of states to set their own pollution control standards for certain railroad equipment. Specifically, it expands federal preemption to cover more nonroad engines and locomotives engaged in commerce.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a recent rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Specifically, it rejects the Service's decision to list the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt as an endangered or threatened species. By disapproving the rule, Congress nullifies the listing status for this specific smelt population.

The CLEAR Skies Act establishes a new, temporary federal tax credit for the domestic production and sale of lead-free "qualified aviation gasoline" through the end of 2030. This legislation aims to incentivize the transition away from leaded aviation fuel by offering a per-gallon credit that phases down over time. Additionally, the bill mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study to investigate the price differences between leaded and unleaded aviation fuels and assess whether the new tax credit is being passed on to consumers.

The ABC-ED Act of 2025 aims to alleviate emergency department boarding and crowding by modernizing public health data systems to track real-time hospital bed capacity. It also directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to pilot programs specifically improving emergency care for older adults and those in acute psychiatric crisis. Finally, the bill mandates a study on best practices for statewide, real-time capacity tracking systems and their impact on ER wait times.

The STATES 2.0 Act aims to respect state and tribal authority by exempting marijuana activities compliant with local law from federal drug prohibitions. It mandates federal regulation of interstate cannabis commerce while establishing a new federal excise tax to cover oversight costs. Furthermore, the bill directs the FDA to respect tribal self-governance in marijuana regulation and requires a study on the effects of legalization on traffic safety.

The DISASTER Act of 2025 mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) annually report comprehensive data on all federal disaster-related spending to Congress. This report must detail spending by agency, disaster event, and type of aid provided. The goal is to increase transparency, improve future budget decisions, and identify cost-saving mitigation opportunities. The new public reporting requirement takes effect with the Fiscal Year 2027 budget submission.

The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 mandates the FDA to update federal regulations within one year, replacing references to "animal testing" with the broader term "nonclinical testing" in drug development rules. This change aligns FDA regulations with recent legislative updates, allowing for the use of modern, non-animal testing methods in drug approval processes. The interim final rule implementing these changes will take effect immediately upon publication.

This Act mandates improvements to the mental health components of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Department of Veterans Affairs' Solid Start Program. It ensures transitioning service members and new veterans receive comprehensive information on available mental health services, suicide risk, and related support resources. The Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs must jointly report to Congress on these updates within one year of enactment.

The Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act significantly increases the maximum loan amounts available to eligible small businesses under specific Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, raising the limit from $\$5.5$ million to $\$10$ million. This legislation also mandates that the SBA report annually to Congress detailing the industries and geographic areas benefiting from these enhanced loan categories. The goal is to provide greater financial resources for small businesses through SBA lending.