Legislative Activity

The Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 addresses the funding and administration of the federal bankruptcy system. This bill primarily increases the compensation for Chapter 7 trustees to address decades of stagnant pay while adjusting various bankruptcy fees to ensure the U.S. Trustee System remains self-funded. Additionally, it extends the term limits for certain temporary bankruptcy judge offices.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The LIHEAP Staffing Support Act establishes minimum staffing requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure effective program administration. It mandates a baseline of at least 20 dedicated employees, with limits on contractor usage during normal operations. Furthermore, the bill requires an emergency staffing boost to at least 30 employees within 45 days of declaring an energy crisis.

The CLOUD Aircraft Act mandates the Department of Defense (DoD) to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility and cost of equipping all military fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground collision detection systems. This study, conducted in coordination with the FAA, must specifically address aircraft operating frequently in busy domestic airspace. The Secretary of Defense is required to report the findings and recommendations to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The Expanding Seniors Access to Mental Health Services Act aims to improve mental health care access for seniors under Medicare. This bill separates clinical social worker services from standard skilled nursing facility payments, ensuring they are billed distinctly. Furthermore, it expands Medicare coverage for clinical social workers to include health and behavior assessment and intervention services, effective January 1, 2026.

The Weather Workforce Improvement Act aims to strengthen the National Weather Service's ability to provide accurate and timely forecasts critical for public safety. It grants the NWS Director temporary direct-hire authority to quickly fill essential, public safety-related staffing vacancies. Furthermore, the bill mandates regular workforce assessments and reports on employee health and morale, particularly concerning shift work.

The Flexible Acquisition of Software Technology (FAST) Act grants the Secretary of Defense new authority to streamline how the Department of Defense (DoD) purchases and modifies software and data to support its artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This allows the DoD to acquire necessary technology through flexible methods, such as Software as a Service (SaaS) and Data as a Service. The Secretary must establish new regulations to govern these modernized procurement practices for AI technology.

The AI Training Extension Act of 2025 expands mandatory Artificial Intelligence (AI) training across the executive branch to include a wider range of federal employees, such as those in data, technology, and management positions. This legislation shifts the responsibility for establishing and overseeing the comprehensive AI training program to the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA). The required curriculum will now cover the science, benefits, and risks of AI, ensuring employees understand its proper development and deployment within the government. Finally, the bill renames the original training act to the broader "Artificial Intelligence Training Act."

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

The Expanding Access for Online Veteran Students Act aims to increase financial support for veterans pursuing education entirely online. This bill eliminates the current 50% cap on the monthly housing stipend for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients enrolled more than half-time in distance learning programs. If enacted, this change would allow these students to receive the full monthly housing allowance rate, effective for terms beginning on or after August 1, 2025.

The Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2025 mandates that direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid must disclose the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for a 30-day supply, provided the cost exceeds $35. This aims to increase consumer awareness of drug pricing, as current advertising practices often drive demand for expensive, newly approved medications without providing cost transparency. Failure to comply with this new disclosure requirement will result in significant civil monetary penalties.

The Public Land Search and Rescue Act establishes a new federal grant program to support search and rescue operations conducted on remote federal lands managed by the Department of the Interior or Agriculture. This program prioritizes funding for high-visitation areas, covering up to 75% of eligible costs for equipment, maintenance, and direct rescue activities. Eligible recipients include state and local entities with existing legal authority and proven capability to perform these specialized remote rescues.

The Tiananmen Massacre Transparency and Accountability Act aims to counter the Chinese Communist Party's ongoing cover-up of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. The bill establishes a U.S. policy to fight censorship, punish officials involved in human rights abuses and transnational repression, and protect critics within the United States. It also directs the Librarian of Congress to create public exhibits commemorating the massacre and the stories of survivors.

The NSF and USDA Interagency Research Act mandates that the National Science Foundation and the Department of Agriculture coordinate and conduct joint research and development activities. This collaboration will focus on critical areas such as agricultural biology, food security, rural revitalization, and the application of advanced technologies like AI and robotics in farming. The Act also supports related infrastructure, workforce development, and educational initiatives, requiring a report to Congress detailing coordination efforts within two years.

This resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' grave concern over the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza, alongside the plight of hostages. It urgently calls on the Administration to use all diplomatic tools to secure the release of all hostages. Furthermore, the bill demands the immediate delivery and secure distribution of essential humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Heroes Owning and Materializing Equity (HOME) Act of 2025 aims to improve VA home loan processes for veterans. It mandates clearer guidance for lenders on veteran residual income and establishes voluntary financial counseling options. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to create a database of pre-adapted homes for sale and mandates proactive outreach to veterans residing in U.S. Territories regarding their benefits.

The No Corporate Crooks Act prohibits individuals convicted of specific financial and white-collar crimes (such as fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion) while serving as a CEO from being appointed to positions within the executive branch. This legislation aims to prevent corporate executives convicted of serious offenses from holding government roles. Any individual found in violation of this restriction must be immediately removed from their executive branch service.

The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act aims to modernize how the FDA evaluates sunscreen active ingredients by prioritizing consumer safety through scientifically sound evidence, including real-world data and alternatives to animal testing. This legislation directs the FDA to finalize long-pending rules for over-the-counter sunscreen ingredients, emphasizing their role in skin cancer prevention. Furthermore, it mandates annual public reporting to Congress on the progress of implementing these new testing standards and reviewing ingredient applications.

The Bridge Protection Act establishes new federal requirements for owners of older bridges over navigable waters seeking federal funding. These owners must conduct vulnerability assessments against ship or barge collisions using the AASHTO Method II. If a bridge is deemed high-risk, owners must implement a mitigation plan or risk losing future federal grants for that structure. The Act also creates a dedicated grant program to help fund these necessary safety assessments and physical improvements.

The Interactive Federal Review Act aims to modernize and accelerate environmental reviews for major federally funded highway projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It mandates the Department of Transportation to encourage the use of interactive digital platforms and 3D models, or "digital twins," in the review and public engagement process. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes funding applications that commit to using these advanced digital tools to improve efficiency and transparency.