Legislative Activity

The REAP Modernization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) by prioritizing climate benefits and expanding eligibility to producer and rural electric cooperatives. This bill increases maximum grant and loan amounts while requiring a streamlined application process and technical assistance for applicants. It also mandates a study on dual-use energy systems that combine renewable energy and agricultural production on the same land.

The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act aims to reduce the significant burden of asthma across the United States, which disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The bill directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance asthma surveillance, education, and the development of State strategic control plans. It authorizes funding to improve the quality and reach of asthma management, focusing on reducing attacks, hospitalizations, and health disparities.

The Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act establishes new grant programs to coordinate federal, nonprofit, and private investments in rural areas. It creates the Rural Partnership Program to fund comprehensive development projects and a separate Technical Assistance Grant program to help rural organizations manage grants and plan development. Furthermore, the Act reforms the existing Rural Partners Network to streamline federal assistance and reduce administrative burdens for rural communities.

The Flood Insurance for Farmers Act of 2025 amends the National Flood Insurance Act to allow specific variances for elevating or floodproofing agricultural structures in special flood hazard zones under strict local conditions. This bill also directs FEMA to offer an optional umbrella insurance policy for property owners with multiple structures on the same property. These changes aim to provide flexibility for agricultural building standards while maintaining appropriate risk assessment for flood insurance premiums.

The Converting Our Waste Sustainably (COWS) Act of 2025 aims to expand successful manure management programs by formally defining and incentivizing "alternative manure management practices" and "composting practices" within the Food Security Act. This bill directs the USDA Secretary to establish new payment structures, prioritize applications that maximize carbon sequestration and emissions reductions, and provide technical assistance for these sustainable farming methods. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to improve environmental health, soil quality, and air quality across the nation's livestock industry.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating October 2025 as "Crime Prevention Month." It recognizes the high costs of crime and commends the efforts of law enforcement, community organizers, and others working to prevent it. The bill encourages federal, state, and local entities to invest in evidence-based prevention strategies and calls upon all citizens to participate in related public safety activities.

The Preventing Illegal Laboratories and Protecting Public Health Act of 2025 establishes new federal requirements for tracking the transfer of highly pathogenic biological agents by requiring distributors to maintain detailed sales logs. It also mandates a comprehensive, ongoing evaluation of all high-containment laboratories (BSL-3 and above) to assess national biosafety and biosecurity readiness. The bill further directs the creation of a centralized team to coordinate oversight and provide resources to state and local agencies regarding lab safety. Finally, it requires a study on establishing a national database of these high-containment facilities.

The Rural Homeownership Continuity Act of 2025 allows current homeowners with Section 502 guaranteed loans to transfer their existing mortgage to a qualified new buyer upon selling their property. This provision releases the original borrower from all future liability for the loan upon successful assumption by the new owner. The Secretary is authorized to establish rules for these transfers, including potential fees for loan servicing.

The Bridge the Gap for Rural Communities Act temporarily suspends federal payment limitations for the 2025 crop year. It also establishes an option for eligible producers to receive an advance partial payment of up to 50% of their projected 2025 covered commodity payments by the end of that year. This measure aims to provide immediate financial support to rural agricultural producers.

This resolution expresses the formal support of Congress for designating October 8, 2025, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." It serves as a non-binding statement recognizing the critical role of hydrogen and fuel cell technology in addressing energy, environmental, and economic challenges. The bill highlights the clean, efficient, and versatile applications of this technology across transportation and power generation. Ultimately, it encourages public awareness and continued American innovation in the hydrogen sector.

The Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act extends the operational deadlines for key federal programs designed to strengthen water infrastructure. Specifically, this bill pushes the expiration dates for the Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program and two Drinking Water System Resilience and Sustainability Programs from 2026 to 2031. This extension ensures continued funding and support for community projects aimed at improving water system toughness against severe weather and environmental challenges.

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve federal support for state-level stillbirth research and data collection. It authorizes grants for states to enhance surveillance, track risk factors, and build local capacity for analyzing stillbirth data, provided the information remains de-identified. Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of standardized guidelines and educational materials regarding stillbirth awareness and risk factors, developed in consultation with experts and bereaved families.

This resolution supports designating the week of September 21 through September 27, 2025, as "Gold Star Families Remembrance Week." The measure aims to officially recognize and honor the profound sacrifices made by families who have lost a loved one serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It encourages communities nationwide to observe this week through acts of service and by celebrating the lives of these fallen service members.

The Direct Seller and Real Estate Agent Harmonization Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to explicitly exclude direct sellers and qualified real estate agents from the definition of "employee." This reclassification means these workers are generally not covered by federal minimum wage and overtime protections. The bill aims to solidify the independent contractor status for these specific sales professionals.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act of 2025 allows authorized Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare professionals to prescribe and dispense controlled medications to eligible veterans via telemedicine. This provision removes the prior requirement for an initial in-person visit before prescribing these medications remotely. The VA is required to establish specific regulations detailing the process for this telemedicine delivery while ensuring compliance with existing federal drug control laws.

The SEED Act of 2025 expands the existing educator expense tax deduction to include early childhood educators. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow those working in early childhood education to deduct unreimbursed work expenses "above the line." This change applies to expenses paid for in tax years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This bill, the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2025, posthumously awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the pioneering civil rights attorney and federal judge, Constance Baker Motley. The legislation recognizes her historic achievements, including her role in *Brown v. Board of Education* and her service as the first African-American woman appointed as a federal judge. The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to strike the medal, and provisions are made for selling bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

The Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025 extends crucial federal funding for programs supporting law enforcement officers in crisis. This bill specifically reauthorizes existing support and treatment initiatives for an additional five years, running from 2025 through 2029. It ensures continued resources are available for officers needing mental health and wellness assistance.