Legislative Activity

The "Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act" permanently authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide financial assistance for supportive services to very low-income veteran families in permanent housing, ensuring continued support for this vulnerable population. This act amends existing legislation to include a permanent appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, solidifying the commitment to assisting veterans in need.

The "Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2025" aims to combat transnational criminal organizations' use of social media and online platforms for illicit activities like narcotics and human trafficking. It mandates a joint assessment by the Department of Homeland Security, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of State on how these organizations use online services for recruitment and illegal operations. The Act further requires a joint strategy to counter these recruitment efforts through enhanced cooperation, intelligence analysis, and outreach, while ensuring the protection of civil rights and liberties. No additional funds will be allocated to implement this law.

The "No Tax on Tips Act" allows an above-the-line tax deduction for up to $25,000 in qualified tips for workers in traditionally tipped occupations, excluding higher-income earners. It also extends the employer social security tax credit to include beauty service establishments, aiming to reduce the tax burden on tipped workers and incentivize accurate tip reporting. This goes into effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The MACH Act allows NASA to establish the "Making Advancements in Commercial Hypersonics Program" to facilitate testing opportunities for high-speed aircraft technologies, while ensuring alignment with existing research roadmaps and collaboration with other agencies like the Department of Defense and the FAA. The Act requires NASA to develop a strategic plan and submit regular reports to Congress on the program's activities and progress. It also prohibits NASA from collaborating with entities or countries of concern on these technologies.

The "Saving the Civil Service Act" limits the ability to reclassify civil service positions, maintaining competitive service standards. It requires OPM approval for certain position changes and sets restrictions on the number of employees that can be moved between service types during a presidential term. Employee consent is mandated for transfers between different service schedules. The Office of Personnel Management is tasked with creating regulations to implement the provisions of this act.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the railroad track maintenance credit from $3,500 to $6,100, adjusting for inflation after 2025. It applies to qualified expenditures starting January 1, 2024, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The BRAVE Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a patient outreach system. This system will inform veterans, particularly those who have experienced traumatic events, about available mental health resources and care services. The goal is to ensure veterans are aware of and can access the mental health support they may need.

The "Skills Investment Act of 2025" renames and expands Coverdell education savings accounts into "Coverdell lifelong learning accounts" to cover a broader range of skill development and educational expenses. It modifies age restrictions and contribution rules, introduces a new tax credit for employers contributing to employee accounts, and allows beneficiaries to deduct contributions made to their accounts. These changes aim to promote lifelong learning and workforce development.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. Grants, up to $250,000, will be awarded to eligible entities like nonprofits and veteran service organizations to operate programs that meet specific standards, hire veteran peer specialists, and provide 24/7 mental health support. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will establish an advisory committee to set program standards and best practices. The bill allocates $25,000,000 over three years to carry out the program.

The "Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025" ensures veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities can receive hospital care and medical services outside of the United States. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide care that meets U.S. standards, including FDA-approved medications, and mandates direct deposit for reimbursements. The Act also directs the VA to modernize its digital services by allowing digital submission and tracking of required forms, and requires a report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these changes.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 tax credit for eligible nurse preceptors working in Health Professional Shortage Areas. To qualify, preceptors must be licensed registered nurses or healthcare providers who supervise and train nursing students or new nurses for at least 200 hours annually and obtain certification verifying their hours. This credit is available from 2026 through 2032, with annual reports to Congress and a final evaluation on its effectiveness due by June 30, 2033.

The TRUST in Congress Act mandates that members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children place covered investments, such as securities and commodities, into qualified blind trusts within a specified timeframe. These trusts must remain in place until 180 days after the member leaves office, ensuring that investment decisions are made without the member's knowledge or influence. Members must certify their compliance or declare the absence of covered investments, with these certifications being made public. An exception is provided for spouses or dependent children whose primary income is derived from a covered investment.

The "HEADWAY Act" amends the Head Start Act to improve teacher qualifications in Early Head Start programs. It mandates that at least one teacher per classroom has a minimum credential, and other teachers are working towards a Child Development Associate credential. The act also requires Early Head Start agencies to provide mentorship and training opportunities for teachers. This aims to enhance the quality of care and education for infants and toddlers in these programs.

The Goldie's Act seeks to strengthen the USDA's enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by mandating annual inspections, requiring humane treatment of suffering animals, and imposing significant penalties for violations. It ensures transparency through mandated sharing of violation records and sets firm guidelines for determining penalties based on the severity and frequency of violations. The Act also enables legal action to recover unpaid penalties and penalizes the disobedience of "cease and desist" orders.

The "National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act" aims to support the National Law Enforcement Museum's programs for community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The act authorizes \$6,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for each of the first 7 fiscal years after the law is enacted. It requires annual progress reports to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds. The Act allows the Secretary to use funds to continue activities the National Law Enforcement Museum was already doing when this law was enacted.

The Disaster Reforestation Act modifies the rules for deducting casualty losses of uncut timber due to fire, storm, theft, or other casualties. Taxpayers can deduct losses based on the difference between the timber's appraised value before the loss and its salvage value, with specific appraisal and reforestation requirements. The definition of "other casualties" includes losses from wood-destroying insects or invasive species, or severe drought. It applies to timber held for sale in a trade or business that is not a passive activity for losses sustained in taxable years beginning after the enactment of this Act.

The "Health Care Affordability Act of 2025" expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals and families to qualify for financial assistance. The bill adjusts the premium tax credit calculation, providing a sliding scale based on income to ensure affordability. These changes will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The "Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025" amends federal law to criminalize the act of "swatting," where false information is reported to trigger an emergency response. Those who commit swatting would face increased penalties, including fines and imprisonment, especially if serious bodily injury or death results. Additionally, individuals who engage in swatting would be liable for the costs incurred by emergency responders due to the false report.

The CAREERS Act amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand workforce training programs in rural areas. It broadens the definition of eligible institutions, emphasizes career pathway programs and industry partnerships, and prioritizes grants for these initiatives. The act supports various rural industries and requires reporting on program outcomes, with funding extended through 2030.

The "Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act" prohibits the U.S. from recognizing any Georgian government led by Bidzina Ivanishvili or his associates, and requires the U.S. to actively discourage other countries from recognizing such a government. It authorizes sanctions and measures to combat corruption and foreign influence in Georgia, while affirming recognition of the current Georgian President until free and fair elections can be held. The Act restricts U.S. officials and funds from actions implying recognition of an Ivanishvili regime, and can be revoked if Georgia restores its constitution and democratic processes.