Legislative Activity

This resolution formally recognizes and honors the enduring legacy and vital contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the nation. It reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to supporting these essential institutions that drive economic growth and produce a disproportionate number of professionals in critical fields. The measure serves as a strong statement celebrating HBCUs as centers of excellence and opportunity.

The Hot Foods Act of 2025 removes the general federal ban on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods. This legislation clarifies that hot foods are now eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, while also setting a new rule that limits SNAP-participating retailers to deriving no more than 50% of their gross sales from these ready-to-eat hot items. The act updates existing statutes to reflect this expanded purchasing power for recipients.

The School Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (SIFIA Act) establishes new tax-credit bonds to finance the construction and upgrades of qualified school facilities. These bonds require that financed projects be net-zero energy buildings developed through public-private partnerships. The Act sets a total issuance cap of \$10 billion, with specific allocations reserved for rural projects. Holders of these bonds receive a refundable tax credit based on the bond's annual credit amount.

The Rural Veterinary Workforce Act aims to encourage more veterinarians to serve in underserved rural areas by making participation in certain loan repayment or forgiveness programs more financially appealing. This bill amends the tax code to exclude amounts received through qualifying state or federal veterinary student loan repayment programs from being counted as taxable income. This tax benefit applies to amounts received for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Protecting Taxpayer Resources Act restricts the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from assigning its functions to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) personnel. Before any such assignment can occur, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) must formally determine that the IRS staff are adequately trained and that the assignment will not interfere with the IRS's core tax administration mission. This determination must be published in the Federal Register to take effect.

The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act establishes a new 20% federal tax credit for converting eligible, older commercial buildings into affordable housing. This incentive aims to increase housing supply by requiring that at least 20% of the converted units remain rent-restricted for low-income residents for 30 years. State agencies will allocate these credits, which are subject to a national cap of $12 billion, based on approved plans prioritizing financially necessary projects.

This bill, the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, aims to modernize U.S. trade law by eliminating outdated provisions. Specifically, it repeals Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. This action removes an old, unilateral tariff authority from the books.

The No Hungry Kids in Schools Act establishes a new statewide community eligibility option for schools starting July 1, 2025. This option allows states to ensure all schools receive full federal reimbursement for 100% of meals served by covering any funding gaps with non-federal money. By opting in, states can eliminate the minimum participation threshold and calculate eligibility based on the entire statewide student population.

The Reclaim Trade Powers Act focuses on streamlining U.S. trade law by eliminating outdated presidential authority. Specifically, this bill repeals Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which granted the President powers related to balancing international payments. This action reclaims and modernizes existing trade statutes.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit the use of cell phone jamming systems within jails and prisons. This legislation specifically permits state and federal correctional facilities to deploy jamming technology to block communications involving inmates or contraband devices. Any facility using these systems must adhere to strict operational limits, ensure state funding for state-run systems, and coordinate with local public safety officials beforehand.

This resolution expresses strong Congressional support for designating March 2025 as "Music in Our Schools Month." It highlights the cultural importance and proven academic and social benefits of music education for all students. The bill specifically calls attention to disparities in access to quality music programs, particularly for students in underserved communities.

This resolution supports the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the severe impact of this common, painful condition. It recognizes the urgent need to reduce the long diagnostic delays and significant personal and economic burdens caused by endometriosis. The bill encourages public education, better provider training, and continued commitment to research for improved treatments and a potential cure.

The Collegiate Housing and Infrastructure Act of 2025 permits qualifying charities to provide grants to college social or athletic organizations specifically for collegiate housing and infrastructure projects without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. This legislation clarifies that such grants remain eligible for donor deductions, provided the housing primarily serves full-time students. The Act specifically excludes funding for physical fitness facilities from these provisions.

The Raise the Age Act of 2025 generally prohibits Federal Firearms Licensees from selling certain semiautomatic centerfire rifles or shotguns capable of holding magazines over five rounds to anyone under 21, with exceptions for qualified military or government personnel. The bill also maintains the existing minimum age of 18 for general firearm purchases, excluding the newly restricted categories. Finally, it mandates that the FBI Director report on the operational procedures of its public access line within 90 days of enactment.

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for his extraordinary heroism while serving in the Navy during World War II. The legislation specifically bypasses existing time limitations to recognize his valor at Pearl Harbor, where he saved lives and bravely manned a machine gun. Congress finds that Miller deserves the nation's highest military honor despite historical limitations on recognizing African American service members.

The Paycheck Fairness Act significantly strengthens federal equal pay protections by broadening definitions of sex discrimination, tightening employer defenses against pay disparities, and increasing penalties for violations. It also prohibits employers from using salary history in hiring decisions and mandates new data collection by the EEOC to better enforce anti-discrimination laws. Furthermore, the bill establishes new training and outreach programs to combat systemic wage bias.

This bill officially ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment, declaring it a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically removes any previously imposed deadlines for state ratification. If three-fourths of the states have approved the amendment, this law confirms its official status regardless of past time constraints.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends the current Medicare payment structure for ground ambulance services. This change ensures continuity in how these vital services are reimbursed under existing rules. Specifically, the temporary payment pilot program is extended through 2028, preventing an immediate change in payment policy.

The Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act of 2025 makes permanent a significant tax benefit for motorsports entertainment complexes. This legislation ensures these large venues can continue to use an accelerated 7-year recovery period for depreciating their building costs. By removing the previous expiration date, the Act provides long-term financial certainty for the industry.

The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act aims to prevent private health insurance plans from discriminating against patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This legislation clarifies that plans cannot offer worse benefits or unfairly limit coverage for dialysis treatments compared to other medical services. Furthermore, it stops these plans from shifting the primary financial responsibility for ESRD care onto Medicare. The bill maintains existing rules ensuring fair treatment while preserving a health plan's ability to select its network of dialysis providers.