Legislative Activity

**Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 Summary:** This bill aims to expand and improve the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program by updating state allocation formulas, reforming tenant eligibility requirements, and modifying credit eligibility rules. It also focuses on increasing affordable housing opportunities for Native Americans and in rural areas. Additionally, the bill updates terminology in the Internal Revenue Code to replace "low-income" with "affordable" when referring to housing tax credits, and promotes data sharing and discourages discriminatory land use policies to enhance transparency and effectiveness.

This resolution recognizes April 14, 2025, as World Quantum Day, celebrating the importance of quantum information science and technology. It acknowledges quantum physics' role in current technologies and its potential for future breakthroughs. The resolution supports reinforcing STEM education to prepare students for careers in quantum technologies. It encourages schools to observe World Quantum Day with activities that teach students about quantum physics and engage them in STEM.

The "National Biotechnology Initiative Act of 2025" aims to bolster national security, economic productivity, and competitiveness by establishing a coordinated federal approach to biotechnology. This initiative directs the President to implement a comprehensive strategy involving multiple federal agencies, an interagency committee, and a dedicated National Biotechnology Coordination Office. The Act focuses on advancing research and development, streamlining regulations, enhancing biosecurity, developing the workforce, promoting bioliteracy, and fostering international partnerships in biotechnology. It also authorizes appropriations to support the initiative and mandates regular reporting and strategy development.

This resolution supports National Safe Digging Month and encourages contacting 811 before any digging project to protect underground utilities. It highlights that failure to contact 811 is a major cause of damage to these lines, often due to landscaping work. The resolution urges homeowners, excavators, and damage prevention groups to promote safe digging practices and educate the public about the importance of using the 811 service.

The "Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act" prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from providing financial assistance to individuals or businesses convicted of financial misconduct or making false statements related to COVID-19 pandemic loans and grants. This restriction applies to associates of small businesses, including officers, directors, and owners with significant equity, and extends to the businesses themselves. Disaster loans under section 7(b) are exempt from this prohibition, and existing government contracts are not affected.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act" seeks to ensure open competition on federal and federally funded construction projects by preventing requirements or prohibitions related to agreements with labor organizations. It promotes federal government neutrality in labor relations, aims to reduce construction costs, and expands job opportunities, especially for small and disadvantaged businesses. The Act allows exemptions only in special circumstances, such as threats to public health or national security, but not based on labor disputes.

The Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act enhances U.S. trade laws to counteract unfair trade practices by foreign countries. It strengthens the ability of the International Trade Commission to address successive instances of unfair trade, expands countervailing duty authority, and prevents duty evasion. The Act also counters currency undervaluation and sets clear guidelines for implementation and applicability.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

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 BARCODE Efficiency Act requires the IRS to use barcode scanning and optical character recognition technology to convert paper tax returns and correspondence into electronic formats, with exceptions reported to Congress. This aims to improve the efficiency of processing tax returns and correspondence. The changes will be implemented at different times depending on the type of return or correspondence, starting with individual income tax returns.

The STRATEGIC Minerals Act aims to secure the U.S. supply chain of critical minerals and rare earth elements by authorizing the President to negotiate and enter into free trade agreements with countries that meet specific requirements. It sets negotiating objectives to reduce trade barriers, improve international trade rules, and foster economic growth while promoting sustainable practices and protecting worker rights. The Act also expands the definition of "domestic source" under the Defense Production Act to include businesses in free trade agreement countries, subject to restrictions on foreign ownership and ties to entities of concern, and requires the Secretary of Defense to determine mineral supply deficiencies. The Act seeks to ensure a stable and secure supply of minerals essential for advanced technology, economic growth, and national security.

The "Small Business Technological Act of 2025" amends the Small Business Act, enabling the Small Business Administration to provide loans for modern business software and cloud computing services. These loans will help small businesses improve operations, manage resources, and utilize AI-powered tools. The act clarifies that it does not authorize loans for research and development.