Legislative Activity

The "Credit Union Board Modernization Act" amends the Federal Credit Union Act to reduce the frequency of board of directors meetings for well-managed federal credit unions. New federal credit unions are required to meet monthly for the first five years, while those with strong ratings must meet at least six times annually after the initial period. Credit unions with lower ratings will still be required to meet monthly.

The "Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act" repeals the inclusion of Social Security benefits in gross income for taxable years beginning after the enactment date. It also appropriates funds to the Social Security Act and the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974 to offset any reduction in transfers caused by this repeal. The Act expresses Congress's preference against using tax increases to fund these provisions.

The "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the appointment of a fiduciary to manage their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judicial authority determines the veteran poses a danger to themselves or others.

The "Alternatives to PAIN Act" aims to improve access to non-opioid pain management for Medicare Part D beneficiaries starting in 2026. It eliminates the standard deductible and places qualifying non-opioid pain management drugs on the lowest cost-sharing tier. The bill also prohibits the use of step therapy and prior authorization requirements for these drugs, ensuring quicker access to alternative pain relief options.

The "Supporting Made in America Energy Act" mandates the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a minimum number of oil and natural gas lease sales annually for both onshore and offshore lands, including specific requirements for the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska regions. It extends the moratorium on oil and gas leasing in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico until December 31, 2035, and sets deadlines for preparing subsequent oil and gas leasing programs. The Act also restricts the President's authority to pause or impede Federal energy mineral leasing processes without congressional approval.

The "Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act" eliminates an administrative fee charged under the Mineral Leasing Act, which will likely increase the amount of revenue states receive from mineral leasing on federal lands. It also makes necessary technical and conforming changes to other related laws, such as the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 and the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982, to reflect the elimination of this fee.

This resolution designates February 2025 as "Career and Technical Education Month" to recognize the vital role of CTE in preparing students for high-demand, skilled careers. It highlights the importance of workforce training in meeting modern economic needs and encourages educators, parents, and administrators to promote CTE as a valuable and respected educational pathway.

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to permanently set the number of U.S. Supreme Court justices at nine. If ratified by three-fourths of the states within seven years, this amendment would constitutionally mandate the current size of the Court.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, originally set to expire after 2025, to encourage investment in low-income communities. The bill also adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025 and provides alternative minimum tax relief for credits on qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024. These changes aim to incentivize ongoing investment in economically distressed areas.

The Wildfire Intelligence Collaboration and Coordination Act of 2025 establishes a Wildfire Intelligence Center within the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior to improve the study, planning, coordination, and implementation of solutions for wildfire management. The center will facilitate collaboration and information sharing among federal and state agencies, tribal entities, academia, and the private sector, and provide real-time, science-based analytical services and decision support for all phases of fire management. A governing board with representatives from various federal agencies will administer the center, and an executive director will be appointed to manage daily operations and engage with the private sector. The center aims to enhance wildfire risk assessment, prediction, and response capabilities through improved data, technology, and coordination.

The "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency and accountability in federal agency rulemaking by requiring congressional approval for major rules with significant economic impact (over $100 million). It establishes procedures for congressional review and approval or disapproval of both major and non-major rules, mandates the publication of guidance documents, and sets expiration dates for major rules. The Act also requires agencies to conduct retrospective reviews of existing rules and includes a regulatory budget to control the costs of regulations. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study the number and economic impact of existing rules.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to update and broaden the criteria for carbon oxide disposal, use, or utilization, including secure geological storage and enhanced oil or natural gas recovery. It adjusts the applicable dollar amount for carbon oxide disposal, setting it at $17, adjusted for inflation, with a higher rate of $36 for projects meeting specific requirements. These changes apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2024.

The TORNADO Act aims to significantly improve the nation's ability to forecast, communicate, and respond to hazardous weather events. It establishes new offices and strategic plans to enhance the clarity and speed of public warnings, mandates a review of the tornado rating system, and refocuses key tornado research programs. Ultimately, the bill seeks to leverage better science and communication strategies to save lives and protect property from severe storms and other natural hazards.

The "Critical Water Resources Prioritization Act of 2025" amends the Endangered Species Act to allow exemptions for water management agencies to meet critical human water needs, such as drinking water and emergency services, if certain conditions are met. These conditions include implementing water conservation measures, exploring alternative water sources, and minimizing impacts on affected species. The Secretary of Interior can grant exemptions for up to 180 days, with possible renewals, and must report annually to Congress on all exemptions and their impacts. This act aims to balance essential human water needs with the protection of endangered species.

**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 joint resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of the EPA’s "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems" rule. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, rendering it without force or effect.

The Emergency Fuel Reduction Act of 2025 aims to accelerate wildfire prevention by streamlining the environmental review process for hazardous fuel reduction projects on high-risk federal lands. By creating new categorical exclusions under NEPA, the bill facilitates the rapid removal of fire hazards near communities and critical infrastructure. Additionally, the legislation promotes forest health and the protection of threatened or endangered species habitats.

The Fair Access to Banking Act aims to ensure equal access to financial services by preventing banks and credit unions from denying services to individuals or entities engaged in lawful activities based on subjective or politically motivated reasons. It sets requirements for banks with over $10 billion in assets, prohibiting them from denying services based on reputational risk and requiring them to justify denials with documented, risk-based standards. The act also allows individuals to sue financial institutions that violate these requirements, with the potential for treble damages and attorney fees awarded to successful plaintiffs. Furthermore, it restricts access to Federal Reserve lending programs and the Automated Clearing House Network for institutions that fail to comply with the Act.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to remove silencers from special regulation under federal tax law, treating them similarly to standard firearms components. This bill preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners and establishes new serial number marking requirements for manufacturers.