Legislative Activity

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.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

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 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.

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.

This resolution strongly supports the Abraham Accords as a foundation for broader peace and security cooperation in the Middle East. It specifically encourages the Department of State and civil society groups to promote peace and tolerance through educational reforms in partner nations. The bill advocates for expanding normalization efforts and ensuring these agreements deliver tangible security and economic benefits across the region.

The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act establishes a specific P visa pathway for temporary workers employed by traveling carnivals, circuses, and associated concession providers. This new classification ensures essential mobile entertainment staff can enter the U.S. while adhering to existing H-2B temporary worker program regulations. The law mandates that the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Labor develop and finalize the necessary rules within one year of enactment.

The CBO Scoring Accountability Act mandates that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produce annual reports for ten years following the enactment of any "major legislation." These reports must compare the actual financial impact of the law against the CBO's original estimates. If significant discrepancies occur, the CBO is required to explain the variance to Congress.

This resolution officially supports the goals of Financial Literacy Month by recognizing the widespread financial challenges facing American households. It highlights the urgent need for improved personal finance education due to low budgeting rates and high levels of household debt. The bill calls upon federal, state, and local entities to promote programs that enhance financial understanding and responsible money management.

The 1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act aims to eliminate the mandatory data collection and reporting requirements for small business loans previously established under Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Proponents argue that these regulations impose unnecessary compliance costs on lenders, potentially hindering small business access to credit. This bill repeals those specific reporting mandates to reduce regulatory burdens on financial institutions.

The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act significantly raises the resource limits for individuals and couples applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), starting in 2025. This legislation also mandates that these new resource limits will be automatically adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation. The goal is to allow SSI applicants to save more money without losing eligibility for benefits.

The No Iranian Energy Act aims to strengthen U.S. policy by explicitly targeting Iran's growing natural gas industry with sanctions. This bill amends existing law to ensure that sanctions apply to the sale, supply, or transfer of Iranian natural gas. The legislation reflects Congress's intent to restrict Iran's energy sector activities.