Legislative Activity

The "Protect and Serve Act of 2025" creates federal offenses for intentionally causing serious injury or death to law enforcement officers because of their status as officers. It sets penalties including imprisonment and fines, with increased penalties if death results or if kidnapping or attempted killing is involved. Federal prosecution requires certification from the Attorney General, based on a request from the state or if it is in the public interest to ensure substantial justice. The act defines "law enforcement officer" and "State" for the purposes of the new offenses.

The "Parity for Athletic Recreation Act" or "PAR Act" removes the restriction that prohibits bond proceeds from being used for private or commercial golf courses and country clubs. This change applies to bonds issued after the enactment of this Act. Additionally, it affects the empowerment zone employment credit and applies to empowerment zone businesses and opportunity zones.

The "World Language Education Assistance Program Act" aims to address the language skills crisis in America by establishing a grant program to create, improve, and implement world language and dual language programs in schools. These grants will support professional development for teachers, partnerships with community-based language schools, and innovative language immersion programs. The act prioritizes programs that demonstrate language proficiency growth, can be replicated, and have a sustainability plan, with the goal of equipping students with the language skills needed for a globalized world. The act authorizes \$15,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 and each subsequent fiscal year to carry out this section.

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in underserved areas of the U.S. in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It modifies requirements for foreign physicians seeking waivers, including employment protections, state waiver limits, and contract requirements. The bill also increases the number of waivers available to states and modifies immigration procedures for physicians, including allowing "dual intent" for medical graduates and clarifying national interest waivers. Finally, it requires an annual report on the Conrad State 30 J1 Visa Waiver Program.

Expresses support for strengthening public schools through community partnerships, mental health resources, and equitable funding. Aims to advance equity and excellence in public education, ensuring high-quality education for every child through evidence-based practices. Designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as Public Schools Week.

The "DOC Access Act of 2025" aims to enhance health care coverage under vision and dental plans by ensuring fair payment practices, protecting doctors' choices in labs and suppliers, and respecting state laws. It allows optometrists and dentists to charge their standard rate for non-covered services if the plan's payment is unreasonable, while ensuring they can only charge the contracted rate for dental cleanings. The bill also gives doctors more control over agreement extensions with limited benefit plans and allows them to opt out of certain provisions. Ultimately, this act seeks to balance federal guidelines with state oversight in regulating health insurance issuers and dental or vision benefit plans.

The "Erie Canal Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins to commemorate the bicentennial of the Erie Canal. These coins, which are legal tender, will be available in uncirculated and proof qualities for one year beginning January 1, 2026. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be paid to the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund, Inc. to support the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.

The "Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for blind individuals who purchase qualified access technology, such as hardware or software that converts visual information into accessible formats. The credit is capped at $2,000 per blind individual over any three consecutive tax years and will be adjusted for inflation after 2026. This credit is effective for tax years starting after December 31, 2025, and expires after December 31, 2030. It ensures that individuals cannot claim double benefits for the same expenses.

The "Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025" ensures Medicare beneficiaries can continue receiving uninterrupted physical therapy services. It allows physical therapists to utilize temporary staffing arrangements, known as "locum tenens," when the regular therapist is temporarily unavailable. This ensures Medicare payments for services provided by qualified substitute physical therapists, maintaining consistent care for patients.

The Federal Retirement Fairness Act amends title 5 of the United States Code, allowing civilian service in a temporary position after December 31, 1988, to be creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System. This change applies to current employees and Members of the United States Postal Service, and requires the Office of Personnel Management to notify eligible individuals and issue implementing regulations.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act establishes a framework for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) at the state level. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if states substantially protect these rights, and if not, the Authority will establish collective bargaining procedures. The Act aims to promote cooperation between public safety employers and employees while respecting existing state laws and prohibiting strikes and lockouts. This law does not override state laws that provide similar or stronger protections for public safety officers.

The "Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act of 2025" directs the FAA to collaborate with the National Academies to study and report on the health impacts of air traffic noise and pollution. This report will consolidate current scientific knowledge and be delivered to key government officials and congressional committees.

The "Accelerating Kids Access to Care Act of 2025" streamlines the enrollment process for out-of-state healthcare providers in Medicaid and CHIP, ensuring children under 21 have access to care from eligible providers across state lines. By reducing administrative burdens and unnecessary screening requirements, the Act aims to improve healthcare access for children while maintaining necessary safeguards against fraud and abuse. Participating providers will be enrolled for a 5-year period, and the changes will take effect three years after the Act's enactment.

The "Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for the production of rare earth magnets, incentivizing domestic manufacturing. The credit offers \$20 per kilogram for magnets made in the U.S. and \$30 per kilogram if 90% of the magnet's materials are U.S.-sourced. The credit phases out after 2034 and includes restrictions on sourcing materials from non-allied foreign nations, with some temporary exceptions. The act also allows manufacturers to elect to receive direct payments from the government in lieu of the tax credit.

The Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act allows the Secretary of Agriculture to enroll additional agricultural land in conservation agreements, even if the land is not typically eligible. This is to improve wetland wildlife habitats. It also allows for seasonally flooded agricultural uses on working cropland if it helps maintain habitat for wetland-dependent species and at least one best management practice is adopted.

Cameron's Law amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the orphan drug tax credit from 25% to 50%. This change aims to incentivize the development of treatments for rare diseases by offering greater financial support to companies through enhanced tax benefits. The adjusted tax credit will be effective for taxable years starting after the enactment of this law.

The "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, providing continued financial support to states and counties with federal lands through 2026. It extends secure payments, distribution of payments, and the authority for special projects on federal land. Additionally, it extends the Resource Advisory Committee pilot program and makes several technical corrections to the original Act.

The "Codifying Useful Regulatory Definitions Act" defines "natural cheese" to differentiate it from processed cheese products, setting standards for its composition, ingredients, and labeling. It ensures that only products meeting the defined criteria can be labeled as "natural cheese," while allowing "natural" or "all-natural" claims consistent with existing regulations. This act aims to provide clarity for consumers and consistency in labeling requirements across the country.

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 "Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act" authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women in the United States, seeking guidance from varied sources. The Act mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.