Legislative Activity

The Investments in Innovation Act of 2025 aims to boost investment in small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. It modifies Small Business Administration (SBA) leverage calculations for certain investment companies, effectively excluding the cost of these specific equity investments from debt limits. This incentive is contingent upon investment companies committing at least 50% of their investments to these disadvantaged businesses.

The Pipeline Safety Engagement Act of 2025 renames the existing Community Liaison Services within the Office of Pipeline Safety to the **Office of Public Engagement**. This new office will be responsible for actively reaching out to the public, industry, and governments to promote pipeline safety practices and ensure information is accessible. The Department of Transportation must also report to Congress on the implementation of these changes within 18 months.

The Capital for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2025 establishes a new pilot loan program to address the unique upfront capital needs of new farmers and ranchers. This program offers specialized development loans, up to $100,000, with flexible repayment terms (3-10 years) for long-term business investments. Borrowers must also receive mandatory training in farm and ranch management.

The Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2025 authorizes $50 million annually for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct or support research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. This dedicated funding is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031. This new allocation is separate from and in addition to any existing CDC research funding.

The Cool Corridors Act of 2025 aims to combat extreme heat and improve transportation safety by funding the installation of green infrastructure, like trees, along walking, biking, and transit routes. This legislation reauthorizes and updates the Healthy Streets program to prioritize these cooling projects in the most vulnerable and underserved communities. The Act defines "cool corridors" and establishes clear criteria for demonstration projects focused on heat mitigation and long-term maintenance.

This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to lower the eligibility requirements for spouses of active duty service members. It reduces the required length of employment from 12 months to just 90 days for these military spouses to qualify for job-protected leave. This change ensures military families can access necessary leave more quickly during active duty periods.

The Reproductive Health Travel Fund Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help cover the logistical costs associated with accessing abortion services. This funding is specifically designated for travel, lodging, childcare, and other support services for individuals, but explicitly excludes payment for the procedure itself. Priority for these grants will be given to established community organizations that assist people living in states with abortion bans or heavy restrictions. The Act also includes provisions to protect grant recipients and users from state or local interference related to the funded activities.

The Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act waives the standard three-month state residency requirement for lawful permanent resident spouses of active-duty military members stationed in the United States when applying under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This change ensures that military spouses are not penalized by typical state residency waiting periods. The bill aims to streamline the application process for those married to service members stationed domestically.

The MIDWIVES for Service Members Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program to test the integration of certified midwife services within the TRICARE health program for military families. This initiative aims to assess the quality, cost-effectiveness, and patient satisfaction of utilizing these providers for maternal and infant care. Following the pilot, the Secretary of Defense will report findings to Congress and may recommend making the program permanent.

The Local Food Recycling and Regenerative Opportunities Act establishes a new federal tax credit for individuals who divert residential food waste from landfills. This credit covers 30% of the costs for purchasing qualifying food recycling appliances and subscribing to organic waste collection services. The measure aims to incentivize household-level food waste management through financial benefits, which expire after 2031.

The Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program managed by the National Science Foundation. This program is designed to increase the participation and retention of women, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Funds will support activities such as mentoring, internships, and outreach aimed at addressing documented gaps in STEM education and the workforce. Congress has authorized $15 million annually for this initiative from 2026 through 2030.

The Expanding Access to Fertility Care for Servicemembers and Dependents Act amends the TRICARE program to guarantee comprehensive coverage for assisted reproductive services for active-duty service members and their dependents. This new benefit ensures access to treatments like IVF and embryo storage, regardless of the cause of infertility or the service member's duty-related status. The legislation removes previous barriers to coverage based on service-connected injuries, sexual orientation, or marital status.

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 mandates a periodic review to ensure that the automatic maximum life insurance coverage under SGLI and VGLI keeps pace with inflation. Starting in 2026, the Secretary must review the current coverage amount every five years against an inflation-adjusted benchmark based on the Consumer Price Index. This process provides Congress with regular guidance on maintaining the real value of these benefits for servicemembers and veterans.

The Abortion Data and Outreach to Unlock and Leverage Abortion Support Act, or Abortion DOULAS Act, directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the benefits and impact of non-clinical abortion doula care. This study must examine how doula support affects patient well-being and the quality of care received. The resulting report will offer recommendations to Congress and states on how to improve access to and potentially cover abortion doula services through Medicaid.

The BAH Restoration Act aims to restore the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover 100% of service members' housing costs. This will be done by amending title 37 of the United States Code, ensuring that the monthly BAH is equivalent to the determined monthly cost of adequate housing based on pay grade, dependency status, and location. The Secretary of Defense will determine the specific housing costs in each area.

The Care Across Generations Act aims to improve care for both children and older adults by establishing a competitive grant program. These grants will be awarded to long-term care facilities to operate or contract with qualified child care facilities and coordinate activities between the two. Grant recipients must evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and report their findings, which will then be used to inform policy recommendations to Congress. This act seeks to foster multigenerational connections and provide comprehensive care solutions.

The Health Equity and Rare Disease Act of 2025, or HEARD Act of 2025, aims to improve health equity in the research, diagnosis, and treatment of rare diseases, particularly within minority populations. It directs the NIH and CDC to expand research, data collection, and awareness campaigns, while also promoting diversity in clinical trials and healthcare professions. The act also establishes grant programs for physician training and support for Tribal epidemiology centers, and requires reports to Congress on federal efforts and Medicare barriers. Finally, the act aims to address disparities in access to care and improve outcomes for individuals with rare diseases.

The "Equal and Uniform Treatment in the Military Act" seeks to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation within the Department of Defense. It ensures that all members of the Armed Forces have the right to serve and advance based on merit, fitness, capability, and performance. The bill defines key terms such as "gender identity" and "sex" to provide clarity and protect individuals from discriminatory practices. This act aims to promote equality and inclusion in the military, ensuring that service members are judged solely on their ability to meet occupational standards.

The Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Buffalo Soldier regiments, recognizing their dedicated service to the United States. Following the award ceremony, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research. The Secretary of the Treasury is permitted to create and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal. Funds from the sales will be deposited back into the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

The Flight 293 Remembrance Act establishes a program to support the families of service members who died in non-combat military plane crashes dating back to 1984. This initiative requires the creation of a public database listing those lost in these operational losses. Furthermore, the program mandates dedicated assistance, including a specific point of contact, to help affected families navigate and access all available benefits and support services.