Legislative Activity

This bill expresses support for designating April 24, 2025, as "Remanufacturing Day" to recognize the economic and environmental benefits of remanufacturing. It encourages businesses, state agencies, nonprofits, schools, and individuals to participate in celebrating this day. The bill also references a 2012 ITC report, highlighting the significant job creation, production, and export value associated with the remanufacturing industry in the United States.

This bill amends the Small Business Act to allow small businesses to receive disaster loans for damages caused by prolonged power outages. These loans can be used to purchase energy resilience systems and replace spoiled food and drink. The bill defines "prolonged power outage" based on the number of affected homes and businesses, the extent of uninsured losses, and the duration of the outage.

The "House Expansion Commission Act" establishes a commission to study the potential expansion of the U.S. House of Representatives, which has been capped at 435 members since 1929, despite significant population growth. The commission will assess the impact of the current House size on representation and effectiveness, explore different methods for expansion, and consider the logistical and financial implications. It will then submit a report to the President and Congress with proposals for expanding the House and enhancing its representational role. The commission will consist of 13 members appointed by House and Senate leaders, and will terminate 90 days after submitting its report.

This bill introduces a refundable tax credit for qualified home accessibility improvements, aimed at helping individuals make their homes more accessible. The credit covers 35% of improvement expenses, with annual spending capped at $10,000 and a lifetime limit of $30,000, subject to income-based reductions. It targets individuals receiving disability or pension benefits, those with disability certifications, or individuals aged 60 and older, along with their cohabitating spouses or dependents. The bill also mandates inflation adjustments, guidance from the Treasury, IRS outreach, data sharing between agencies, and a GAO study on the credit's effectiveness.

The "Fix Moldy Housing Act" directs the EPA to study and set nonbinding national standards for mold assessment and remediation. It establishes a grant program to assist State and Tribal governments with mold issues, including licensing programs and technical assistance. Additionally, it provides grants for mold remediation in public buildings, severely impacted homes, and temporary housing for eligible individuals, prioritizing low-income households and high-risk areas.

The First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the penalty-free first-time homebuyer distribution from $10,000 to $25,000. After 2026, this amount will be adjusted for inflation. These changes are effective for distributions made after December 31, 2025.

The Healthy Affordable Housing Act establishes a grant and loan program through HUD to develop and preserve affordable housing in areas with shortages, prioritizing projects near healthcare, grocery stores, childcare, pharmacies, or public transportation. It requires HUD to survey residents to assess the perceived benefits of nearby amenities and report the findings to Congress. The bill allocates \$100 million annually from 2025 to 2029 to fund the program.

The "Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act" establishes the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, a nonprofit organization, to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology. The Foundation will foster collaboration among researchers, universities, industries, and nonprofits to boost U.S. economic security. It is governed by a Board of Directors and will support NIST through various activities, including research, commercialization, and education, and is authorized to receive and use funds to support its activities. The Foundation will develop strategic plans, publish annual reports, and adhere to strict standards of conduct and financial transparency.

The "DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act" mandates collaborative research and development between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation to advance their respective missions. This collaboration will be formalized through a memorandum of understanding, promoting data sharing, supporting research infrastructure, and fostering STEM education. A report detailing the outcomes and future opportunities of this coordination is required within two years, ensuring adherence to research security guidelines. The bill aims to improve research and development effectiveness through collaborative efforts.

The "No Penalties for Victims of Fraud Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to waive early withdrawal penalties from retirement accounts for individuals who have been victims of fraud. To qualify, individuals must provide documentation from law enforcement or a court confirming they were victims of a fraudulent act that led to the retirement plan distribution. The Secretary of the Treasury is required to issue guidance on claiming the waiver and conduct a public awareness campaign to inform people about the new protections. This amendment applies to distributions made after the enactment of this Act.

This bill designates March as Autoimmune Awareness Month to increase public knowledge of autoimmune diseases, the need for research funding, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment. It supports efforts by healthcare providers, patient advocates, and education groups to raise awareness and increase research funding for autoimmune diseases, which affect up to 50 million Americans, predominantly women.

The Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging Grant Program Act of 2025 establishes a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Transportation in collaboration with the Department of Energy, to fund projects that build, install, or upgrade wireless charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Grants will be awarded to eligible entities, including state, local, and tribal governments, with priority given to projects that promote geographical diversity, support underserved communities, and use sustainable technologies. The program aims to support the development, performance, safety, and interoperability of wireless charging technologies for various types of electric vehicles, including light, medium, and heavy-duty vehicles and public transit. An appropriation of $250,000,000 is authorized for the program.

The "Pell to Grad Act" expands Pell Grant eligibility to include certain postbaccalaureate students who have not exhausted their Pell Grant eligibility during their first bachelor's degree program. It also increases the maximum duration of Pell Grant eligibility from 12 to 16 semesters, allowing students to receive aid for a longer period of time.

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act limits access to the Treasury Department's payment systems to Treasury employees or contractors with satisfactory performance reviews and security clearances. It sets specific criteria for individuals accessing the system, including conflict of interest restrictions, training, and ethics agreements. The Act also mandates the Treasury Department's Inspector General to investigate and report to Congress on any unauthorized system use.