Legislative Activity

The First Time Homeowner Savings Plan Act increases the penalty-free withdrawal limit from retirement accounts for first-time homebuyers from $\$10,000$ to $\$25,000$. This higher limit takes effect for withdrawals made after December 31, 2025. Furthermore, the bill mandates that this new $\$25,000$ threshold will be adjusted annually for inflation starting in 2027, using 2025 as the baseline year.

The Healthy Affordable Housing Act establishes a new HUD grant and loan program to fund the creation or preservation of affordable housing units. These units must be located in areas identified as needing affordable housing and near essential community resources like health centers, grocery stores, or public transit. The program prioritizes projects near multiple amenities and includes requirements for reporting on resident benefits and amenity access over a ten-year period.

The Fix Moldy Housing Act mandates a study by the EPA and the National Academies to determine conditions and best practices for mold assessment and remediation. Based on these findings, the EPA will develop national guidelines for mold standards within two years. The Act also establishes grant programs to help State and Tribal governments license professionals and fund the assessment and cleanup of mold in public buildings and severely impacted homes. Funding is authorized from fiscal year 2026 through 2030 to support these efforts.

This bill establishes a new, refundable tax credit for taxpayers who make qualified accessibility improvements to their homes for a disabled or elderly resident. The credit equals 35% of eligible expenses, subject to annual and lifetime spending caps. Eligibility and the credit amount are subject to income phase-outs, and the improvements must directly assist a "qualified individual."

The Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act establishes the private, nonprofit Foundation for Standards and Metrology. This Foundation will work with NIST to advance measurement science and technical standards to boost the U.S. economy and speed up technology commercialization. It will be governed by an independent Board of Directors and must develop a plan to become financially self-sustaining within five years.

The DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act mandates formal collaboration between the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation on critical research and development projects. This partnership requires joint activities in key scientific areas, including quantum information, advanced computing, and materials science, utilizing competitive, merit-reviewed processes. The Act also directs the agencies to support workforce development and report back to Congress on their coordination efforts and achievements.

The No Penalties for Victims of Fraud Act allows individuals who have been victims of fraud to withdraw funds from most retirement accounts without incurring the standard 10% early withdrawal penalty. To qualify, victims must provide documentation from law enforcement or a court proving the fraud led to the withdrawal. The Act also mandates that the Treasury Department issue clear instructions and launch a public awareness campaign about this new penalty waiver.

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.