Legislative Activity

This Act directs the SEC to expand its support for small businesses seeking capital, with a specific focus on traditionally underrepresented groups. The SEC must now provide targeted educational materials and host outreach events for businesses owned by women or minorities, those in rural areas, or those impacted by natural disasters. Additionally, the bill mandates annual meetings between the SEC and state securities commissions to improve coordination in supporting small business capital formation.

The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act amends SEC reporting requirements for certain investment companies. This change allows these companies to exclude the indirect fees and expenses incurred from investing in an Acquired Fund, provided that Acquired Fund is a business development company. This simplifies the calculation of total "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" disclosed on registration statements.

The Protecting Private Job Creators Act addresses the application of an SEC rule (Rule 15c2-11) originally designed for stock markets to the fixed-income (bond) markets. This bill formally creates an exception, ensuring that this specific SEC regulation does not apply to quotations for fixed-income securities. This action aims to protect the vital financing mechanisms used by businesses in the debt markets.

The HUD Transparency Act of 2025 mandates that the Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must provide annual testimony to key Congressional committees. This testimony will detail efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, assess the effectiveness of HUD programs, and offer recommendations for improving efficiency and accountability. This ensures regular, direct oversight of HUD operations by Congress.

This resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all its forms. It calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such incidents and urges all sectors of society to speak out against hate.

This resolution strongly condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. It specifically honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were tragically murdered while promoting peace. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and ensuring the vigorous enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom.

The Fair Audits and Inspections for Regulators’ Exams (FAIR Exams) Act establishes strict deadlines for federal regulators to complete financial examinations and issue reports. It also creates a new, independent Board to review complaints about examination practices and allows financial institutions to appeal "material supervisory determinations" *de novo*. Furthermore, the bill mandates faster regulatory responses to requests for permission or guidance and strengthens anti-retaliation protections for institutions using appeal rights.

The Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act prohibits federal banking agencies from using "reputational risk" as a factor in supervising, examining, or rating financial institutions. This legislation aims to ensure that bank oversight focuses strictly on financial safety and soundness, rather than public perception or political considerations. Agencies must remove all references to reputational risk from their guidance and report back to Congress on their compliance within 180 days.

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025 directs the SEC to establish new rules for allowing companies to deliver required investment documents to investors electronically rather than by mail. These rules must ensure investor choice, maintain readability, and protect personal information during the transition. The legislation only changes the method of delivery, not the content or timing requirements of the regulatory documents themselves.

The Helping Startups Continue To Grow Act revises the criteria for qualifying as an Emerging Growth Company (EGC) under federal securities laws. This bill significantly raises the revenue threshold for EGC status from \$1 billion to \$3 billion. It also modifies the timeframes and simplifies the language associated with maintaining EGC exemptions following an initial public offering.

This resolution formally honors law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, specifically recognizing the 345 officers whose service ended in 2024. It reaffirms support for all active officers and emphasizes the need to ensure they have the proper resources and training to perform their duties safely. The bill serves as a formal expression of gratitude and remembrance for their ultimate sacrifice.

This resolution formally congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the 267th pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the significance of him being the first American-born Pope in the Church's history. The measure also commends his lifelong service, missionary spirit, and dedication to truth and mercy. Finally, it offers prayers for his leadership as he begins his papacy.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May 2025 as "Renewable Fuels Month." It recognizes the vital role that renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel play in reducing carbon emissions and strengthening U.S. energy independence. Furthermore, the bill highlights how these fuels benefit consumers through lower prices and provide significant economic support to rural communities.

The SALUTE Act establishes a pilot program to allow certain active-duty service members and their dependents to purchase supplemental private insurance for uncovered cancer-related medical expenses. This optional coverage will be offered through agreements with selected insurance companies, with participants paying the full premium cost. The Department of Defense must report on the program's success after three years to determine if it should become permanent.

The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen efforts against human trafficking in the U.S. It renames and prioritizes grants for schools to educate students on recognizing and preventing trafficking, including online exploitation. The bill also establishes a new program to provide comprehensive employment, education, and life skills support for survivors. Finally, it extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for key anti-trafficking and victim assistance programs through Fiscal Year 2029.

The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2025 officially recognizes accounting education as a vital component of a well-rounded K-12 curriculum. This legislation amends federal education law to ensure accounting is counted within core curriculum planning frameworks. The Act specifically directs states and districts to improve access to quality accounting programs, with a focus on increasing opportunities for underrepresented students.

The S-CAP Act of 2025 significantly increases the maximum number of shareholders a business can have while qualifying for S corporation tax status, raising the limit from 100 to 250. This change is designed to allow more small businesses to benefit from pass-through taxation. This new 250-shareholder limit will take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

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 Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates federal efforts to combat human trafficking by enhancing grant programs for schools to educate students and staff on prevention. It establishes a new program to provide comprehensive employment, education, and life skills support for survivors aged 18 and older. Furthermore, the bill extends and increases funding authorizations through Fiscal Year 2029 for critical anti-trafficking operations and housing assistance grants.