Legislative Activity

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 modifies the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit by increasing the amount of expenses that can be claimed, adjusting the income phase-out ranges, and making the credit refundable. The bill increases the dollar limit on creditable expenses to $8,000 for one qualifying individual and $16,000 for two or more. It also adjusts the income level at which the credit begins to phase out and indexes it to inflation.

The "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act" aims to increase investment in family planning clinics by establishing the Title X Clinic Fund, managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. The fund will provide significant annual appropriations for grants, contracts, and infrastructure improvements for Title X clinics from 2026 through 2035. The act ensures that all pregnancy counseling is nondirective, offering patients comprehensive information on all options, including prenatal care, adoption, and pregnancy termination.

The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act withdraws approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and water in Minnesota's Rainy River Watershed from mining and mineral leasing activities. This withdrawal aims to protect the water quality, air quality, and overall health of the forest habitat within the Rainy River Watershed. The Forest Service Chief can permit the removal of certain materials if it does not harm the watershed. Maps detailing the withdrawn areas will be available for public inspection at the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management offices.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" allows above-the-line tax deductions for union dues and other employee-related business expenses. This amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure these deductions are not subject to certain limitations, providing tax relief for workers. These changes will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This bill aims to improve rural housing programs by streamlining processes, preserving affordable housing, and increasing homeownership opportunities in Native communities. It includes provisions for rental assistance, loan restructuring, and grants for technical assistance and community development. The bill also focuses on updating technology, improving loan accessibility, and ensuring timely application reviews for rural housing assistance. Additionally, it supports the creation of accessory dwelling units and facilitates the transfer of properties to nonprofit organizations to maintain affordable housing options.

The New Producer Economic Security Act establishes a program within the Farm Service Agency to provide grants and support to organizations that help new and underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest owners gain access to land, capital, and markets. This program aims to strengthen U.S. food systems by investing in community-led solutions, supporting farm viability, and promoting innovative land access methods. Priority is given to projects offering direct financial assistance, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainable practices. The Act authorizes necessary funding to carry out these initiatives.

The "Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025" mandates an interagency review led by the Department of Health and Human Services to identify opportunities for accelerating lung cancer research in women and underserved populations, improving access to preventive services, and developing strategic public awareness campaigns. This review will assess past research, identify knowledge gaps, and explore collaborative research opportunities. A report summarizing the review's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within two years.

The "Stop Comstock Act" amends several sections of title 18 of the United States Code and the Tariff Act of 1930 to address and restrict the distribution and importation of obscene materials. It removes references to "indecent" materials and those related to abortion or immoral use, focusing on the prohibition of "obscene" content. The Act revises language concerning commerce and importation to align with its objectives, updating references and definitions accordingly.

The "Leech Lake Reservation Restoration Amendments Act of 2025" amends the original act to transfer additional federal land in Cass County, Minnesota, to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. This includes land within the Chippewa National Forest that was previously sold without proper consent. The Act allows for land substitutions and ensures continued hunting, fishing, and recreation rights for non-Tribal members, while also mandating public engagement during implementation.

This bill revokes the federal corporate charter of the Lower Sioux Indian Community of Minnesota, effectively dissolving the tribe's status as a federally recognized corporation. This action is taken at the request of the Lower Sioux Indian Community.

The "Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act of 2025" allows transit agencies to make advance payments for bus purchases without pre-approval or performance bonds. These advance payments are capped at 20% of the total purchase order value and require a signed contract, pre-award authority, and fulfillment of existing oversight and risk assessment requirements.

This bill amends the Act of June 22, 1948, to change how the Secretary of Agriculture determines property values. It mandates the use of the highest fair appraised value, explicitly including historical values, in these determinations.

The Job Protection Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand leave eligibility. The Act reduces the employment period required for eligibility to 90 days for all employees, including federal and congressional employees. It also broadens the scope of employers subject to the Act to include those with one or more employees. These changes apply to leave taken on or after the date of the Act's enactment.