Legislative Activity

The FULL HOUSE Act aims to reinstate a specific rule for deducting gambling losses under the Internal Revenue Code. This change limits the deduction of wagering losses to the exact amount of a taxpayer's gambling winnings, preventing deductions for net losses. This provision is set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The COURSE Credit Act mandates that the Department of Education collect and report data on how colleges award credit for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams on the College Scorecard website. Furthermore, the bill requires participating colleges and universities to publicly post detailed information about their specific AP and IB credit policies on their websites. This aims to increase transparency regarding how these standardized exam scores translate into college credit.

The Thomas M. Conway Veterans Access to Resources in the Workplace Act mandates that employers prominently display a state-specific notice detailing veterans' benefits. This notice, developed by the Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, will include critical resources like the Veterans Crisis Line. The goal is to ensure veterans in the workplace have easy access to vital federal and state benefit information.

The Porch Pirates Act of 2025 establishes new federal criminal penalties for stealing or interfering with packages delivered by private or commercial carriers across state lines. This legislation asserts Congress's authority to extend protections against package theft to items shipped via services like FedEx or UPS, mirroring existing protections for the U.S. Postal Service. The bill specifically targets the theft of delivered packages before the recipient takes physical possession.

This act requires the President to certify that proposed offshore wind projects in the North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic will not interfere with military readiness, radar, or sonar systems. If certification is impossible, the President must halt threatening projects. Furthermore, the DOD Inspector General must conduct a comprehensive study and report on the impact of these projects on military operations and existing review processes.

This bill officially renames Newark Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, to the "Donald M. Payne, Jr. Transit Center at Newark Penn Station." It mandates that all future federal references to the station must use this new designation.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and financial processors from creating or requiring special merchant category codes specifically for firearm retailers. This legislation aims to prevent the singling out of businesses that sell firearms, ammunition, or related components through transaction coding. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcement and reporting annually to Congress on the law's implementation.

The NFIP Extension Act of 2026 officially extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This legislation ensures the NFIP continues to operate by pushing its expiration date from September 30, 2023, to September 30, 2026. The bill also includes a provision to ensure this extension takes effect even if enacted after September 30, 2025.

The Farmers to Families Act establishes a grant program to increase the purchase of local agricultural products by recipients of federal nutrition assistance programs like WIC. It expands where WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits can be used to include local food sources and requires the USDA to facilitate EBT access for these purchases. The Act also creates a Technical Assistance Center to help farmers and markets comply with new regulations and accept federal nutrition benefits.

The ESTUARIES Act amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to officially add the Mississippi Sound to the National Estuary Program and extends the program's funding authorization through fiscal year 2031. However, the bill places specific restrictions on the EPA Administrator regarding the use of funds to implement this addition during fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This ensures that the expansion of the program is contingent upon specific funding levels in the near term.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The EAT Healthy Foods from Local Farmers Act establishes a new federal grant program to help states purchase nutritious, culturally relevant foods directly from eligible small businesses. These foods will then be distributed to people in need through local food banks and pantries. The legislation aims to improve food access, strengthen local supply chains, and create economic opportunities for underserved farmers and producers. It also mandates the USDA to create an internal working group to align all departmental procurement with these goals.

The Bus Operator Safety and Security Act mandates that new fixed-route buses purchased with federal funds, meeting specific size and lifespan criteria, must be equipped with a protective barrier around the operator's workstation. This barrier must fully enclose the area without obstructing the driver's line of sight. This requirement can be waived if the relevant labor union agrees to the waiver for the specific bus purchase.

This act restricts executive bonuses at certain electric utilities starting in 2025. Bonuses are only permitted if the utility's rate increases do not exceed the rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). If allowed, the bonus amount is capped at 25% of the median compensation of non-executive employees. Bonuses paid in violation of these rules will be forfeited and distributed directly back to the utility's customers.

The CommonGround for Affordable Health Care Act extends enhanced premium tax credits for Marketplace health insurance through 2026, while also establishing strict new penalties and verification processes to combat fraud by agents and brokers in health insurance exchanges. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant new transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D plans. Finally, it extends the 2026 open enrollment period and creates a fast-track legislative process for future premium tax credit reform bills.

The Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act aims to lower healthcare costs by extending and enhancing premium tax credits for Marketplace insurance through 2027. It also institutes strict new anti-fraud measures and verification processes for agents and brokers enrolling consumers in Exchange plans. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant transparency and accountability requirements on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in Medicare Part D and mandates a full pass-through of rebates in certain private health plans. Finally, it expands access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for certain Exchange enrollees.

The Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025 mandates the continuation and enhancement of federal anti-trafficking programs specifically for children. This law requires key Justice Department and Health and Human Services offices to implement recommendations from a 2023 Government Accountability Office report. Furthermore, the responsible office must establish measurable performance goals for these programs and report on their progress to Congress.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

This act requires federally funded health centers to install baby changing tables in their public restrooms as a condition of receiving a grant. These tables must be safe and sanitary, with exceptions for restrooms not open to the public or where clear signage directs patrons to an accessible alternative on the same floor. The law authorizes specific funding to help centers cover installation costs, with a five-year phase-in period for existing facilities.

This resolution strongly condemns the Iranian government for its ongoing, state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i religious minority, which violates international human rights laws. It documents systematic abuses, including economic restrictions, denial of education, and arbitrary arrests, noting that these actions may constitute a crime against humanity. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned Bahais and urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to condemn these violations and impose sanctions on responsible officials.