Legislative Activity

This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code to increase the lifetime tax-free withdrawal limit for using 529 account funds to pay down student loans. Specifically, it doubles the current $\$10,000$ limit to $\$20,000$. This increased benefit for student loan repayment would take effect beginning with the 2026 tax year.

The Rescissions Act of 2025 immediately cancels previously allocated budget authority across various government accounts, primarily targeting State Department and foreign aid programs. This legislation rescinds billions of dollars designated for international organizations, global health initiatives, development assistance, and peacekeeping operations. Additionally, it cancels future funding set aside for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

The REMIT Act establishes a new 15% excise tax on electronic remittance transfers sent out of the United States. This tax is waived for verified U.S. citizens if their transfer provider agrees to IRS verification standards. To ensure U.S. citizens are not penalized, the bill creates a fully refundable income tax credit equal to the amount of the excise tax paid. The Act also imposes new, strict reporting requirements on money transfer providers starting in 2026.

The Helping Communities with Better Support Act aims to increase access to home and community-based services (HCBS) by allowing states to expand eligibility under certain conditions, provided wait times for existing recipients are not impacted. The bill also significantly increases federal transparency requirements, mandating detailed annual reporting from states on their HCBS waiver waiting lists, service delivery times, and actual hours of care provided. Finally, it directs the Secretary to issue guidance on providing up to 60 days of interim coverage while formal care plans are finalized.

The Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2025 establishes a program to create regional technology hubs across the U.S. to accelerate the development and deployment of critical defense technologies. These hubs will foster collaboration between the DoD, academia, and private industry to strengthen the defense industrial base and maintain technological superiority. The Secretary of Defense is tasked with designating at least ten geographically diverse hubs within three years to focus on emerging technologies like AI and hypersonics.

This resolution formally congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American Pope. The Senate recognizes the Pope as a global symbol of peace and justice, acknowledging his commitment to human dignity and interfaith dialogue. The measure also expresses hope for strengthening relations between the United States and the Holy See.

The Expedited Removal Expansion Act of 2025 significantly expands the Secretary of Homeland Security's discretionary authority to apply expedited removal procedures to more inadmissible aliens. This bill updates inspection rules and raises the standard of evidence required for certain determinations from "a significant possibility" to "clear and convincing evidence." The legislation centralizes decision-making power with the Secretary and streamlines references within the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The INSPECT Act establishes independent Offices of the Inspector General (IGs) for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This move creates new independent watchdogs to oversee the operations and spending of these critical public health agencies. The President is tasked with appointing these new IGs within one year of the Act's enactment. The legislation ensures that these new oversight functions are funded using existing Department of Health and Human Services resources, requiring no new appropriations.

The Easter Monday Act of 2025 establishes Easter Monday as a new official federal public holiday. This act amends federal law to designate the first Monday following the first Sunday after the spring equinox full moon as a paid day off for federal employees.

The Public Safety Free Speech Act establishes protections for covered public safety employees against employer retaliation for expressing personal views on various work-related and personal topics. This bill allows these employees to sue their employers for negative job actions, such as firing or demotion, resulting from their protected speech. However, these protections do not apply to speech made while on duty, speech advocating illegal activity, or the intentional sharing of private personal information.

The WATCH Act establishes new federal oversight for foreign laboratories receiving U.S. funding for animal research, primarily from the NIH. These labs must now undergo mandatory quarterly inspections to ensure compliance with established animal welfare standards. Failure to pass these inspections and correct deficiencies can result in the suspension or revocation of federal funding.

The Public Health Improvement Act establishes term limits for the Directors of the CDC and NIH, restricts the scope of the CDC's strategic plan, and restructures the appointment process for the CDC's advisory committee. It also clarifies the Secretary of HHS's authority to regulate communicable disease vectors and requires Congressional approval for extending public health emergencies. Finally, the Act mandates the transfer of several key public health offices from the CDC to the NIH within two years.

The "Empowering Families in Special Education Act" ensures that parents are informed of their right to include knowledgeable individuals, like service providers, in their child's IEP meetings. This notification must be provided before the first IEP meeting of each school year, empowering families to advocate effectively for their children's special education needs.

The ENABLE Act permanently extends provisions that allow for increased contributions to ABLE accounts and rollovers from 529 education savings accounts, providing ongoing financial benefits for individuals with disabilities. It amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove the expiration date for increased contributions and ensures the continuation of rollovers from 529 programs to ABLE programs indefinitely. The act also modifies retirement savings contribution definitions and repeals a paragraph from the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 to align with these changes. These amendments are effective for taxable years ending after the enactment date of this act and for distributions made after this enactment.

The "National Plan for Epilepsy Act" aims to improve the lives of individuals affected by epilepsy by establishing a comprehensive national plan. This plan will focus on preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing epilepsy through coordinated federal efforts and increased collaboration. An Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services will be created to advise the Secretary of Health and Human Services and Congress on epilepsy-related issues and to provide recommendations for improving federal programs and supporting people with epilepsy. The Act requires regular assessments and reports to track progress and ensure accountability in addressing epilepsy.

The TICKET Act mandates upfront, all-inclusive pricing for event tickets, banning speculative ticket sales where sellers do not possess the tickets. It also requires clear disclosures regarding secondary market status and establishes refund policies for canceled or postponed events. Enforcement of this Act is delegated to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

**Title I:** This bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government by revoking prior directives, terminating DEI offices, and restricting DEI-related training and activities. **Title II:** This bill restricts federal training programs from including topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and protects employees from mandatory training on these subjects. **Title III:** This bill modifies federal contracting practices by prohibiting the use of federal funds for DEI-related activities and ensuring non-discrimination in federal programs. **Title IV:** This bill restricts the use of federal grant and cooperative agreement funds for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, while exempting certain offices and institutions. **Title V:** This bill aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within federal advisory committees by outlining specific prohibitions, enforcement mechanisms, and responsibilities for agency administrators and heads to ensure compliance. **Title VI:** This bill addresses accreditation standards for higher education institutions and restricts the use of federal funds by the Secretary of Education related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. **Title VII:** This bill eliminates certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and related requirements across various federal agencies and acts. **Title VIII:** This bill focuses on the enforcement and legal standing of the Act, ensuring individuals have the right to seek justice if they believe the law has been violated, and clarifies that the law remains effective even if parts of it are deemed unconstitutional.

This resolution supports and recognizes the contributions of Catholic schools in the United States, highlighting their academic excellence, values-based education, and service to diverse communities. It acknowledges the role of Catholic schools in instilling values and serving a diverse student population while maintaining affordability. The resolution designates January 26, 2025, to February 1, 2025, as National Catholic Schools Week and supports the commitment of Catholic schools to academic excellence and community.

This resolution expresses concern over China's growing influence in Panama, particularly regarding the management of key ports, and its potential threat to the Panama Canal's neutrality and U.S. interests. It urges Panama to expel Chinese officials and terminate agreements that allow Chinese entities to manage critical infrastructure. The resolution also calls on the U.S. to utilize the Neutrality Treaty to address these threats, provide support to Panama, and explore a partnership to restore operational control of the Panama Canal, ensuring its security and freedom of navigation.

This bill reauthorizes the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness (SOAR) Training Program through fiscal year 2029. It allocates funding for the program while rescinding $20 million from the Department of Health and Human Services' Nonrecurring Expenses Fund.