Legislative Activity

The Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025 modifies federal securities laws to update exemptions for 403(b) retirement plans. This legislation clarifies requirements under the Investment Company Act, the Securities Act, and the Securities Exchange Act. The changes generally condition these exemptions on the employer taking on specific fiduciary responsibilities regarding the selection and approval of investment options offered to participants.

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 Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act reinstates and removes limitations on the federal income tax deduction for personal casualty losses resulting from unexpected events like fires or floods. This legislation also extends the deadline for taxpayers to file claims for refunds related to these casualty loss deductions for past tax years. These changes apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.

The AGRITOURISM Act establishes a new Office of Agritourism within the Department of Agriculture, led by a dedicated Director. This office is tasked with promoting and supporting farm-based tourism activities across the nation. The goal is to boost rural economies by helping agricultural businesses diversify through educational, recreational, and direct-sale opportunities.

The Pathways to Policing Act establishes the Law Enforcement Hiring Support Grant program to help agencies recruit new officers. This grant money can be used for recruitment campaigns and developing programs that support candidates facing barriers to entering law enforcement. The Act prioritizes funding for agencies seeking to increase diversity and hire candidates connected to the communities they will serve. Additionally, it mandates a national marketing effort to encourage diverse individuals to pursue careers in policing.

The BELO'S Act, or Benefits that Endure for Lifetimes Of Service Act, expands eligibility for free lifetime passes to federal recreation lands. This change grants passes to qualifying survivors who receive specific federal death benefits related to military service members who have died. The bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to include these eligible survivors.

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 Healthy Dog Importation Act establishes new federal requirements for bringing live dogs into the United States, mandating advance electronic health documentation, vaccinations, and permanent identification for most imports. This law defines key roles like "Importer" and sets specific age and permitting requirements for dogs intended for transfer or sale after arrival. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with creating detailed regulations within 18 months to enforce these health and documentation standards, while also outlining specific exceptions for returning pets and working dogs.

The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated federal Trust Fund, financed by an increase in the corporate tax rate, to support water infrastructure and affordability programs nationwide. The bill mandates a comprehensive EPA report analyzing water affordability, civil rights compliance, and public participation in water planning. It also significantly increases funding for household water well systems and revises state revolving loan fund rules to expand eligible projects, including lead line replacement and PFAS contamination cleanup. Finally, the Act creates new job training grants for the water sector and enhances drinking water assistance for colonias.

This resolution supports designating May 10, 2025, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It highlights the severe mental health disparities and lack of access to care within AANHPI communities. The bill encourages federal agencies to improve culturally and linguistically appropriate services to better address the unique needs of these diverse populations.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

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 No Hezbollah In Our Hemisphere Act directs the Secretary of State to pressure Western Hemisphere nations to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and crack down on its criminal and financial networks. The bill mandates an assessment to identify any region operating as a "terrorist sanctuary" for such groups. If a sanctuary is designated, the President can revoke the visas of foreign officials connected to that area, subject to national security waivers.

The Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2025 exempts discharges resulting from the use of Forest Service-approved products for fire control and suppression from certain federal water pollution permit requirements. This change streamlines firefighting operations by removing unnecessary permitting hurdles for using approved suppression agents. The Act also includes technical updates to related environmental statutes.

This bill, the Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act of 2025, establishes coverage and payment pathways for FDA-cleared Prescription Digital Therapeutics (PDTs) under Medicare Part B starting in 2026. It mandates the Secretary to develop payment methodologies based on private payer rates and requires manufacturers to report utilization and pricing data to ensure fair reimbursement. Furthermore, the Act expands Medicaid's authority to cover these software-based medical treatments when prescribed to beneficiaries.

The Defense Workforce Integration Act of 2025 aims to streamline the transition of separating service members into civilian Department of Defense (DoD) roles, particularly for those medically disqualified from service. It also establishes a new program to connect medically ineligible individuals with career opportunities in the defense industrial base and related national security sectors. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Navy inform separating personnel about career opportunities within the Military Sealift Command. The DoD must report to Congress within one year on the implementation of these integration and information-sharing provisions.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 declares that practices attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for payment constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice. Citing professional consensus on the ineffectiveness and harm of such "conversion therapy," the bill prohibits its provision and advertising. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the law allows both the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to file civil actions against violators.

This bill mandates the Treasury Secretary to determine if Hong Kong should be designated as a jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern. Furthermore, it requires the State Department to report on Hong Kong's role in facilitating violations of U.S. export controls and sanctions against adversaries like Russia and Iran. The report must also assess the impact of Hong Kong's National Security Law on financial compliance.

This bill establishes new procedures for the IRS when errors occur in payroll tax filings made by third-party payors, such as Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). It clarifies the responsibility for resulting tax liabilities or penalties based on whether the payor relied on erroneous information provided by the employer. The legislation aims to fairly allocate responsibility between the employer and the third-party payor when mistakes happen during tax certification and filing.

The Precision Agriculture Loan Program Act of 2025 establishes a new federal loan program to help crop and livestock producers finance the purchase of modern precision agriculture technology. These loans, capped at $500,000 per borrower with a 12-year repayment term, aim to increase efficiency and reduce waste through the adoption of tools like GPS guidance and variable-rate application systems. The Secretary of Agriculture must also report annually to Congress on loan distribution, producer demographics, and estimated environmental benefits achieved.