Legislative Activity

The Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act aims to update FEMA's approach to handling disasters, particularly those involving extreme heat and cold. It establishes a panel to review and modernize the definition of disaster "incident periods" to better account for slow-onset and complex weather events. Furthermore, the bill expands funding eligibility for mitigation projects focused on extreme heat and mandates comprehensive studies and new guidance to integrate extreme temperature preparedness across all FEMA operations.

The Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere (NURSE) Act establishes a federal grant program to help eligible local educational agencies hire more full-time registered nurses in public schools. These competitive demonstration grants prioritize high-need districts that currently lack adequate nursing staff. The goal is to address significant student health needs, including chronic conditions and mental health support, by increasing on-site nursing presence. Recipients must show a plan for long-term funding, as the federal share of costs decreases over the grant period.

The Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act of 2025 aims to modernize federal drug policy by repealing a specific, outdated provision within the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998. This action removes an existing statutory requirement to streamline current drug control strategies. The bill focuses on updating the legal framework guiding national drug policy.

The "DHS Special Events Program and Support Act" formally establishes a special events program within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess and provide security support for certain pre-planned events that are not designated as National Special Security Events. This program allows federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial officials to request a special event rating to receive security and situational awareness support from DHS. The Act mandates annual reports to Congress on the program's activities and periodic assessments to ensure its effectiveness, as well as directs research and development of technologies to enhance security at mass gatherings.

The Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025 seeks to amend federal gun laws by banning devices and modifications that significantly increase the rate of fire of semiautomatic firearms, effectively treating them like machineguns. The bill specifically prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of such accessories and modified firearms after 120 days of enactment. Existing owners of previously modified firearms must register them under the National Firearms Act within that same timeframe to legally keep them.

The Armenian Genocide Education Act establishes a program managed by the Librarian of Congress to develop and share educational resources combating denial of the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide. This initiative will create online materials, train educators, and encourage the integration of accurate history into school curricula. The Act authorizes $2 million annually for five years to support these educational efforts aimed at promoting awareness and preventing future atrocities.

The Housing Vouchers Fairness Act directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to allocate an additional \$2 billion annually to public housing agencies (PHAs) serving high-growth areas. This targeted funding aims to address the increased demand for affordable housing in localities that experienced significant population booms between 2012 and 2022. The assistance is specifically designed to help eligible PHAs close the gap between their current voucher funding and their actual need.

The Shifting Limits on Thresholds Act of 2025 (SLOT Act) revises the federal tax reporting requirement for slot machine winnings. Under this act, businesses will only need to file an information return for slot machine payouts of **$5,000 or more** per single play, effective after December 31, 2025. Furthermore, this $5,000 threshold will be automatically adjusted annually for inflation starting in 2027.

The Democracy in Design Act seeks to ensure that the design of public buildings aligns with the "Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture" of 1962. It mandates the Administrator of General Services to issue regulations and establish minimum design standards for public buildings based on these principles. This will be done through a process that includes public input.

The "Discriminatory Gaming Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates excise taxes on wagering, as specified in Chapter 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This repeal is effective for taxable years starting after December 31, 2024.

The Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act requires the Secretary to get consent-based agreements from the Governor of the state, affected local governments and Indian tribes, and any neighboring local government through which nuclear waste will be transported before using funds from the Nuclear Waste Fund for repository activities. These agreements must be written, signed, and binding, and can only be changed with the consent of all parties.

This bill officially designates the peak of Frenchman Mountain in Nevada as Maude Frazier Mountain. It mandates that all U.S. laws, maps, regulations, and documents will now refer to the peak by its new name, Maude Frazier Mountain.