Legislative Activity

The Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts (ASPIRE) Act establishes a new grant program managed by the Secretary of Agriculture to fund specialized workforce training in agriculture. These grants will enable eligible schools to partner with industry to develop hands-on programs, internships, and technical workshops. The goal is to enhance the agricultural workforce by ensuring training directly meets industry needs and supports worker recruitment.

The Protecting Older Americans Act of 2025 amends federal law to address arbitration agreements concerning age discrimination disputes involving individuals aged 40 and older. This bill invalidates predispute arbitration agreements and joint-action waivers if the older individual chooses to pursue litigation under existing federal, tribal, or state law. Furthermore, courts, not arbitrators, are designated to decide the applicability, validity, and enforceability of these arbitration agreements for age discrimination claims.

The Protecting Young Minds Online Act mandates the Center for Mental Health Services to develop and implement a national strategy. This strategy will specifically address the impact of new technologies, such as social media, on the mental health of children. The goal is to equip local communities with the resources needed to manage these effects.

The Train More Nurses Act mandates a comprehensive review of federal grant programs supporting the nursing workforce. The resulting report must provide Congress with specific recommendations to improve these programs. Key goals include increasing nursing faculty, facilitating experienced nurses' transition to teaching, and creating clearer pathways for LPNs to become RNs.

The Safeguarding the Use of the National Guard Act (SUN Act) enhances Congressional oversight of the President's domestic deployment of National Guard and reserve forces. It requires the President to submit a detailed report to Congress within 15 days outlining the legal justification, goals, costs, and impact of any domestic deployment. This reporting requirement is waived only when reserve forces are deployed specifically following a Presidential declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act for a natural disaster.

The FORWARD Act expands eligibility for retired or disabled military personnel to contribute to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) using their military retirement or disability pay. This provision allows eligible former service members to make contributions, though these deposits will not receive any government matching funds. The relevant agencies have 180 days to establish the necessary regulations for this new option.

The Counseling for Career Choice Act updates federal education funding to strengthen career guidance and counseling programs in schools. This legislation mandates that these programs align student options with current local workforce needs and requires counselors to provide personalized planning, financial literacy awareness, and exposure to real-world experiences like apprenticeships. Furthermore, the Act encourages strong partnerships between schools and local workforce development boards to ensure students have access to up-to-date career information and support.

The Toll of Tariffs Act of 2025 mandates that the U.S. International Trade Commission conduct an urgent study on the inflationary effects of tariffs implemented via executive order since January 20, 2025. The Commission must report its findings to Congress within 60 days. This report will specifically detail the impact of these tariffs on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) and related measures.

The Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers by prohibiting grocery stores from charging "grossly excessive" prices for food items. The bill also bans stores from adjusting prices based on personal tracking data, such as facial recognition, and requires clear signage if facial recognition technology is used. Furthermore, it mandates that large physical grocery stores must use printed signs instead of electronic shelf labels for displaying prices.

The AIRFARE Act establishes a system to expedite gate passes and security access for caregivers accompanying minors or passengers needing assistance to their departing flights. This requires the TSA to create procedures allowing up to two designated helpers to walk these individuals directly to the gate. The system aims to streamline the process for family members and guardians needing to provide essential support at the airport.

The Taskforce for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams Act (TRAPS Act) establishes a new Task Force led by the Secretary of the Treasury. This diverse group, including federal agencies, industry experts, and consumer advocates, will study evolving payment scams. The Task Force is charged with developing cross-sector prevention strategies and submitting comprehensive recommendations for new laws and improved coordination to combat these fraudulent activities.

The Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025 repeals specific prior reconciliation health provisions. This bill significantly expands eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit by eliminating the 400% Federal Poverty Level income cap. It also updates the subsidy calculation formula to ensure a smoother, linear adjustment of assistance across various income levels.

The Local Farmers Feeding our Communities Act establishes a new program to support local food producers and strengthen regional food security. This initiative requires the Secretary of Agriculture to fund agreements that ensure nutritious, locally sourced food is purchased and distributed widely, prioritizing small and beginning farmers. Funds must be used to buy minimally processed local products and provide technical assistance to producers. The program is backed by mandatory funding starting in Fiscal Year 2026.

The ROTOR Act mandates a comprehensive study to investigate cancer prevalence and mortality rates among military rotary-wing pilots and aviation support personnel. This research, conducted by the Defense Health Agency in partnership with the NIH and NCI, will first compare cancer rates in these service members against the general population. If elevated rates are found, a second phase will seek to identify potential toxic exposures or environmental factors linked to helicopter operations that may be causing the increased risk.

The Educational Toy Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing or continuing any duties (taxes) on specific baby and toddler items, such as educational toys, playpens, and tricycles, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation immediately ends any existing or previously imposed similar duties on these products. The goal is to provide tax relief for essential items designed for children under three years old.

The Baby Clothing Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing new or continuing existing duties on specific baby clothing items using the authority granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation specifically protects a defined list of essential baby apparel, such as onesies, socks, and hats, from these types of emergency economic taxes. The goal is to prevent tariffs on these necessary goods.

The Keep Kids Covered Act aims to ensure children maintain continuous health coverage under Medicaid and CHIP for longer periods. This legislation extends continuous eligibility for children under age 19, significantly increasing the duration they remain covered without needing to re-enroll. Furthermore, it grants former foster youth continuous Medicaid eligibility until they turn 26.

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act of 2025 establishes a new, refundable tax credit for eligible first-time homebuyers, equal to 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $15,000. This credit is subject to income and home price phase-outs based on local median figures. Homebuyers may elect to transfer this credit directly to their mortgage lender at closing in exchange for immediate cash. The bill also includes recapture provisions requiring repayment if the home is sold within four years.

The Baby Hygiene Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing new or continuing existing import duties on essential baby hygiene items, such as diapers and wipes, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation ensures that these necessary products are not subject to emergency-related tariffs. Furthermore, it nullifies any similar taxes imposed using alternative legal authorities.

The Baby Sleep Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing new or continuing existing duties on essential baby sleep items, such as cribs, mattresses, and monitors, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation ensures that these necessary items are not subject to additional tariffs imposed through that specific executive power.