Legislative Activity

The Highway Funding Transferability Improvement Act increases the flexibility for states to manage their federal highway funds. This legislation raises the maximum percentage of designated federal-aid highway funds that a state can transfer to other approved uses from 50 percent to 75 percent. This change allows states greater autonomy in directing federal transportation dollars to meet their specific infrastructure needs.

The Secure Our Embassies Act emphasizes the critical need for enhanced security coordination among various State Department personnel responsible for protecting U.S. diplomatic missions abroad. It supports better integration between physical security, technology, and building operations staff to address complex threats. Furthermore, the bill mandates specific counterintelligence training for key security roles and requires the Secretary of State to report on plans to improve this coordination and training.

The Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must now provide abortion care, counseling, and related medication as part of the medical services offered to eligible veterans and certain other beneficiaries. This legislation formally amends existing VA health care provisions to include these reproductive health services.

This House resolution expresses the strong sense of Congress opposing any pardon, commutation, or clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. It affirms her conviction for sex trafficking and emphasizes that her continued imprisonment is necessary for justice for the survivors. The resolution serves as a formal condemnation of her heinous crimes and stands firmly with the victims.

The Afghan Adjustment Act establishes new pathways for certain Afghan nationals already in the U.S. to obtain conditional permanent resident status, contingent upon rigorous security vetting. It also creates a special referral process for at-risk Afghan allies still outside the U.S. to access the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program remotely. Furthermore, the bill extends deadlines and expands eligibility for existing Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) while mandating significant interagency coordination and reporting to Congress on processing efficiency.

The Fairness for Khobar Act of 2025 ensures that certain victims of the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing receive overdue lump sum payments. This legislation corrects past injustices where victims were denied payments due to relying on incorrect guidance from the Department of Justice. The Act mandates the Special Master to authorize these catch-up payments using designated reserve funds.

The U.S.-Taiwan Defense Innovation Partnership Act establishes a strategic partnership between the U.S. Department of Defense and Taiwan's defense agencies. This initiative aims to boost defense industry collaboration, accelerate joint research and development, and strengthen Taiwan's defense manufacturing capabilities. The partnership will focus on emerging technologies like AI, microchips, and drones to enhance security cooperation.

The Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025 aims to improve the Medicare payment system for emergency air ambulance services. This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update payment rates using newly collected cost data from providers. Furthermore, it mandates the timely finalization of data collection rules and requires the GAO to study the true operating costs of air ambulance services to inform future payment adjustments.

The Warrior Impact from Neurological and G-Force Stress Act (WINGS Act) mandates a comprehensive, long-term study by the VA to investigate the physical and mental health effects of military flight operations, particularly high G-forces, on aviators. This research will examine links between flight stress and conditions like TBI, cognitive decline, and mental health issues, comparing aviators to other service members. The bill also requires the creation of a dedicated Military Aviator Neurohealth Registry to track this data over time.

The Creating Opportunities to Thrive and Advance (COTA) Act amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to enhance career guidance services. This legislation mandates that states actively promote high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career paths, particularly those involving skilled trades. Furthermore, it requires increased public awareness campaigns for relevant Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

The Securing Infrastructure from Adversaries Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Transportation (DOT) from procuring or contracting for the use of certain foreign-made LiDAR technology identified in related defense legislation. This ban applies to purchases, contracts, and the use of federal loan or grant funds for this restricted technology, generally beginning in mid-2026. The Secretary of Transportation may only waive this prohibition if it is certified to be in the national interest of the United States. Certain safety testing and regulatory exemption activities remain exempt from these restrictions.

The Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act mandates that funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act designated for lead pipe replacement must be distributed as forgivable loans or grants. This funding is exclusively targeted toward disadvantaged communities to ensure equitable access to safe drinking water infrastructure upgrades.

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 Critical Minerals Investment Tax Modernization Act of 2025 updates tax incentives for domestic mineral production. Specifically, this bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the percentage depletion rate to 22% for the mining of rare earths and scandium. This change aims to encourage investment in the extraction of these strategically important materials.

The Biochar Research Network Act of 2025 establishes a National Biochar Research Network, managed by the USDA, to study the real-world effectiveness of biochar across various soils and climates. This network will focus on quantifying carbon sequestration, improving crop production, and developing science-backed guidance for sustainable biochar use. The goal is to provide farmers and land managers with the data needed to boost profits while enhancing soil health and climate resilience.

The GIVE MILK Act aims to address low dairy consumption among Americans, particularly children, by emphasizing milk's essential role in providing key nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D. This legislation specifically grants participants in the WIC program the direct choice of selecting their preferred type of milk—including whole, low-fat, reduced-fat, or nonfat—when receiving benefits. The Secretary of Agriculture is required to update regulations to implement this new participant choice.

The Partner with Korea Act establishes a new reciprocal temporary work visa category specifically for South Korean nationals seeking employment in specialty occupations within the United States. This program is subject to an annual cap of 15,000 principal applicants. The legislation updates immigration procedures to incorporate this dedicated visa stream, contingent upon employer attestations approved by the Secretary of Labor.

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.

This Act, the Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act, aims to accelerate housing development by modernizing and simplifying the environmental review process managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It reclassifies numerous routine housing and rehabilitation activities for faster processing under NEPA, including assistance programs and infill projects. The Secretary of HUD must annually report on the resulting administrative cost savings and increased speed over five years.

This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 through fiscal year 2030, authorizing $56 million annually for FY 2026-2030. It makes administrative updates by replacing "Council" with "Committee" throughout the Act and clarifies the system's scope to include operational oceanography measurements. Furthermore, it mandates that federal agencies develop rules to ensure data sharing between regional offices and federally funded projects with local coastal observing systems.