Legislative Activity

The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act of 2025 aims to accelerate conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by establishing new partnership initiatives and streamlining existing programs like CREP. The bill creates a "turnkey" pilot program to make riparian buffer installation effortless for landowners and enhances workforce development for agricultural sciences. Additionally, it grants the NRCS special authority to quickly hire technical experts and transfers regulatory oversight for certain invasive Chesapeake Bay catfish from the USDA to the FDA.

The Protect Our Probationary Employees Act allows certain federal employees involuntarily separated during a specific timeframe to avoid restarting their probationary period upon rehire. If rehired into a similar role, their remaining probationary time will be calculated by subtracting previously served time from the new job's full requirement. This provision is designed to credit time already served before separation and will expire in 2029.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act aims to provide reinstatement eligibility for federal employees who are veterans and were unfairly removed from their civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the date the Act is signed into law. This legislation also mandates that Executive agencies regularly report to Congress on the number and reasons for any veteran dismissals during the specified period.

Tyler's Law mandates a federal study to evaluate the current practices, costs, and patient impacts of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Department of Health and Human Services will issue guidance advising hospitals on whether to make fentanyl testing a routine procedure. This aims to improve overdose care by ensuring comprehensive substance identification.

The Patients Before Middlemen Act aims to increase transparency and fairness in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans by regulating Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and improving pharmacy access. The bill requires PBMs to limit their compensation to bona fide service fees and mandates extensive annual reporting on drug costs and rebates. Additionally, it establishes standards to ensure all pharmacies have fair access to Medicare networks and protects independent pharmacies.

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act aims to lower childcare costs for families and incentivize employers to offer benefits. It significantly expands the employer tax credit for providing childcare and increases the tax-free exclusion amount for employee Dependent Care Assistance Programs (DCAPs). Furthermore, the bill introduces a new, refundable tax credit for working families based on their household and dependent care expenses.

The Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025 establishes the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site at Public School 103 in Baltimore, Maryland, where Marshall attended elementary school. The Beloved Community Services Corporation will continue to own and manage the School and serve as the management entity for the Historic Site, with the National Park Service providing technical and financial assistance. This act aims to preserve and interpret Justice Marshall's historic contributions as an affiliated area of the National Park System, without authorizing the Secretary of Interior to acquire the School or assume financial responsibility for its operation.

The "Critical Minerals Security Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of the Interior to regularly report to Congress on the state of global critical mineral and rare earth element resources, including identifying resources controlled by foreign entities of concern. It also requires establishing a process for U.S. individuals to notify the government when divesting stock in foreign critical mineral operations, and directs the development of a strategy to collaborate with allied countries on advanced mining and processing technologies. The goal is to ensure the U.S. and its allies have secure access to these critical resources.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 expands access to mental health evaluations, refines the criteria for healthcare provider credentialing, and clarifies enrollment calculations for the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program. It also adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026-2090, ensuring adequate resources for the program by considering enrollment numbers and increasing funding by 7% annually, with a possible 25% increase in 2026. Finally, the Act mandates a report to Congress on the program's long-term budget needs and potential funding adjustments.

The "Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act" mandates an annual report to Congress detailing license applications, enforcement actions, and authorization requests for exporting controlled items to entities in specific countries of concern. This report includes applicant details, item descriptions, end-user information, application decisions, and enforcement activity outcomes. The goal is to enhance transparency over export activities while safeguarding sensitive information from public disclosure.

The "Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act" streamlines the Medicaid and CHIP enrollment process for out-of-state providers, allowing them to furnish services to individuals under 21 more efficiently. By reducing excessive screening and enrollment requirements, the bill aims to improve access to care for children. Enrolled providers will have a 5-year enrollment period, and the changes will take effect three years after enactment.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month, acknowledging the historical injustices and significant contributions of African Americans to the United States. It recognizes Black History Month as a time for reflection, commemoration, and learning from the past. The resolution encourages the celebration of Black History Month and emphasizes the importance of moving forward as a united nation with liberty and justice for all.

The "Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude broadband grants from gross income. This exclusion applies to grants from programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program and other federal and state broadband initiatives. It prevents grantees from receiving a double benefit by disallowing deductions or credits for expenditures covered by these grants and requires a reduction in the property's adjusted basis by the grant amount. This change is effective for taxable years ending after March 11, 2021.

The "Rural Historic Tax Credit Improvement Act" enhances the rehabilitation tax credit for buildings in rural areas, offering a 40% credit for affordable housing projects and a 30% credit for other qualified projects. It defines "rural area" and "affordable housing project," sets a $5,000,000 limit on qualified rehabilitation expenditures, and allows taxpayers to transfer these credits. The bill also eliminates the basis adjustment for the rehabilitation credit for applicable rural projects.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, recognizing the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. service members involved. It acknowledges the battle's significance in securing victory in the Pacific during World War II and honors the reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The resolution also encourages Americans to remember and honor the veterans of Iwo Jima.

The Stop Antiabortion Disinformation (SAD) Act aims to prevent deceptive advertising related to reproductive health services, particularly concerning abortion and contraception. It empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate and enforce this prohibition, including the ability to bring civil actions against violators, with significant financial penalties for non-compliance. The Act also mandates regular reporting to Congress on enforcement activities.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

This bill designates the General George C. Marshall House in Virginia as an affiliated area of the National Park System to promote awareness of George C. Marshall, Jr.'s historical significance. The George C. Marshall International Center will manage the affiliated area, with the Secretary of the Interior authorized to provide technical and financial assistance. This designation does not grant the Secretary of Interior authority to acquire property or assume financial responsibility for the house's operation.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.