Legislative Activity

The "Rural Broadband Assistance Act" amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, establishing a broadband technical assistance program. The Secretary of Agriculture will provide grants to organizations to offer broadband technical assistance and training to expand broadband access in rural communities. This assistance includes preparing applications, identifying funding sources, creating feasibility studies, and improving broadband facility management. The Act aims to support various entities, including Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofits, in developing and enhancing rural broadband infrastructure.

The "USA CAR Act" introduces a tax deduction for interest paid on loans used to purchase automobiles assembled in the United States, starting after January 1, 2025. This deduction applies to interest on debt secured by the qualified automobile, aiming to incentivize the purchase of domestically assembled vehicles.

The "Fight Fentanyl Act" amends the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998, requiring High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) to report on fentanyl trafficking investigations and any limitations in meeting their goals, while allocating \$333,000,000 annually from 2025-2030 for HIDTAs. It also increases funding for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center (CTAC) to assist law enforcement with fentanyl interdiction. The Act mandates the Attorney General to prioritize fentanyl trafficking investigations and prosecutions by providing sufficient resources, including temporary reassignment of assistant U.S. attorneys.

The "Bridging the Broadband Gap Act of 2025" allows the use of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds to provide broadband vouchers to households in areas lacking adequate broadband service. These vouchers prioritize lower-income households and are limited to unserved or underserved locations. The vouchers can be used for up to 12 months to cover equipment and service fees for satellite or fixed wireless broadband.

Recognizes Ulysses S. Grant's 203rd birthday and lauds his achievements as a military leader, president, and champion of civil rights. Celebrates the 160th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and acknowledges the work of the Land of US Grant, Inc. in preserving Grant's legacy.

The College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025 seeks to prevent discrimination in college admissions by establishing a Special Inspector General for Unlawful Discrimination in Higher Education. This inspector general would investigate allegations of discrimination based on race, review relevant federal policies, and recommend corrective actions. The bill also specifies that institutions found to be discriminating based on race would be ineligible for federal funding. Finally, the bill requires quarterly reports to Congress summarizing the activities of the Special Inspector General.

The "Expanding Appalachia's Broadband Access Act" mandates a study by the Comptroller General to assess the Appalachian Regional Commission's use of low-orbit satellites for broadband projects. This study will evaluate the effectiveness, economic impact, and cost-efficiency of using these satellites to expand broadband access in the region. The goal is to explore innovative solutions for improving connectivity and fostering economic growth in underserved Appalachian communities.

The Veterans First Act of 2025 provides $2 billion in funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for grants to states to construct or improve veteran care facilities. This funding will support nursing homes and domiciliary facilities for veterans. The funding is offset by rescinding $2 billion from unobligated funds available to the United States Agency for International Development.

The "Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to deem aliens inadmissible to the U.S. if they have defrauded the U.S. government or unlawfully received public benefits. The act also makes aliens deportable if convicted of such offenses.

The "Regulation Decimation Act" mandates that before a new regulation can be enacted, agencies must repeal at least ten existing regulations related to the new rule, to the extent practicable. For major rules, the cost of the new rule must be less than or equal to the cost of the repealed rules. The Act also requires agencies to review existing rules to identify those that are costly, ineffective, duplicative, or outdated, and the President to report to Congress on the status of rule reduction.