Legislation

I'm putting this together as a way to keep up-to-date on recent legislation. There's so much fanfare in the news but I feel like I miss a lot of important information on what laws are actually being passed. (Maybe because most of the momentous shifts in US policy seem to come from the courts and executive authority...).

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025

This bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations for federal agencies and extends various expiring programs and authorities. 

Specifically, the bill provides continuing FY2025 appropriations to federal agencies for the remainder of FY2025. It is known as a continuing resolution (CR) and prevents a government shutdown that would otherwise occur if the FY2025 appropriations bills have not been enacted when the existing CR expires on March 14, 2025. 

The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2024 levels. It also includes several additional provisions that increase or decrease funding for various programs compared to FY2024 levels. 

In addition, the bill extends several expiring programs and authorities, including

  • several public health, Medicare, and Medicaid authorities and programs;
  • the National Flood Insurance Program;
  • authorities related to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission whistleblower program;
  • the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Cybersecurity Protection System;
  • authorities for DHS and the Department of Justice to take certain actions to mitigate a credible threat from an unmanned aircraft system;
  • the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;
  • several immigration-related programs and authorities; 
  • the special assessment on nonindigent persons or entities convicted of certain offenses involving sexual abuse or human trafficking;
  • the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;
  • the authorization for the U.S. Parole Commission; and
  • the Department of Agriculture livestock mandatory price reporting program.

HALT Fentanyl Act

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act

This bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.

Under the bill, offenses involving fentanyl-related substances are triggered by the same quantity thresholds and subject to the same penalties as offenses involving fentanyl analogues (e.g., offenses involving 100 grams or more trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term).

Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for certain schedule I research.

The bill also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including

  • permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances,
  • waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and
  • allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.

Finally, the bill expresses the sense that Congress agrees with the interpretation of the Controlled Substances Act in United States v. McCray, a 2018 case decided by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. In that case, the court held that butyryl fentanyl, a controlled substance, can be considered an analogue of fentanyl even though, under the Controlled Substances Act, the term controlled substance analogue specifically excludes a controlled substance.

PATHS Act

Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act

This bill extends through FY2028 the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to use other transactions (OT) to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (OTs, in contrast to traditional procurement contracts, are exempt from many federal procurement laws and regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending this authority for research and development projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision. 

The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website.

American Music Fairness Act of 2025

American Music Fairness Act of 2025

This bill establishes that the copyright holder of a sound recording shall have the exclusive right to perform the sound recording through an audio transmission. (Currently, the public performance right only covers performances through a digital audio transmission in certain instances, which means that nonsubscription terrestrial radio stations generally do not have to get a license to publicly perform a copyright-protected sound recording.)

Under the bill, a nonsubscription broadcast transmission must have a license to publicly perform such sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board must periodically determine the royalty rates for such a license. When determining the rates, the board must base its decision on certain information presented by the parties, including the radio stations' effect on other streams of revenue related to the sound recordings.

Terrestrial broadcast stations (and the owners of such stations) that fall below certain revenue thresholds may pay certain flat fees, instead of the board-established rate, for a license to publicly perform copyright-protected sound recordings.

Kids Off Social Media Act

Kids Off Social Media Act

This bill limits children’s access to social media platforms and requires both platforms and schools to implement certain restrictions on children’s social media usage. 

Specifically, the bill prohibits social media platforms from knowingly allowing children under the age of 13 to create or maintain accounts. Platforms must delete existing accounts held by children and any personal data collected from child users. Platforms are also generally prohibited from using automated systems to suggest or promote content based on personal data collected from users under the age of 17. The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these provisions. States may also bring civil actions against platforms whose violations of these provisions have adversely affected their residents. 

Further, as a condition of receiving discounted telecommunications service under the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support (E-Rate) program, schools must enforce policies preventing the use of E-Rate-supported services, networks, and devices to access social media, and must use blocking or filtering technology to prevent such access. Schools that do not make a good faith effort to comply and correct known violations are required to reimburse any E-Rate support they received for the applicable period. Schools must also submit copies of their internet safety policies to the Federal Communications Commission for publication. 

Under the bill, social media platforms are defined as public-facing sites that function primarily as forums for user-generated content. Some categories of online platforms are explicitly excluded, including sites that provide primarily videoconferencing, emailing, or educational services.

Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act

Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act

This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Science and Technology Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan to identify, integrate, and deploy emerging and innovative technologies to improve border security operations. Such technologies may incorporate artificial intelligence, machine-learning, automation, fiber-optic sensing technology, nanotechnology, optical and cognitive radar, modeling and simulation technology, hyperspectral and LIDAR sensors, and imaging, identification, and categorization systems. 

The bill authorizes CBP to establish one or more Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies that may be used by CBP.

The plan must describe how the Innovation Teams have been implemented and also detail

  • goals and timelines for adoption of qualifying technologies,
  • metrics and key performance parameters for determining the plan's effectiveness,
  • which technologies used by other federal agencies CBP may also utilize,
  • which existing authorities CBP may use to procure technologies,
  • how CBP legacy border technology programs may be replaced,
  • the expected privacy and security impact of security-related technology on border communities, and
  • recent technological advancements in specified technologies.

CBP must provide the plan to Congress within 180 days of the bill’s enactment. The bill also requires CBP to annually report to Congress regarding the activities of the Innovation Teams.

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement Act

This bill extends from 5 to 10 years the statute of limitations for federal criminal charges or civil enforcement actions for fraud related to several unemployment insurance programs that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The extension applies to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The bill extends the statute of limitations for (1) criminal charges related to fraud, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud; and (2) civil actions involving false claims. However, the bill does not apply to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the applicable statute of limitations expired before the date of the bill's enactment.

Additionally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Department of Labor for anti-fraud and program integrity activities.  

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)

Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.

Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.

DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.

DOT’s authority to issue the rule expires 10 years after the bill’s enactment. 

Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM broadcast stations relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies.

 

Securing the Cities Improvement Act

Securing the Cities Improvement Act

This bill makes changes to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office's (CWMD's) Securing the Cities program, which seeks to detect nuclear or radiological materials to prevent terrorist attacks and other events posing a risk to cities in the United States.

Specifically, the bill requires the CWMD to establish performance metrics and milestones for the program and to track performance against them.

Also, under current law, in carrying out the Securing the Cities program, the CWMD may only partner with cities that are high-risk urban areas, which are designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under a different program. Instead, the bill requires the CWMD to designate the jurisdictions it may partner with for the program, and the designations must be based on the capability and capacity of the jurisdiction relating to preparedness and response, as well as the relative threat to, vulnerability of, and consequences for, such jurisdiction regarding terrorist attacks and other high-consequence events utilizing nuclear or radiological materials.

Additionally, within two years of enactment of the bill, the CWMD must submit a report to Congress regarding participation in the Securing the Cities program, the establishment of metrics and milestones, performance against such metrics and milestones, and plans for any changes to the program.

Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act

Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act

This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using appropriated funds to procure a battery produced by certain entities, particularly six specific companies owned and operated in China. This prohibition begins on October 1, 2027.

The bill allows DHS to waive the prohibition if DHS assesses in the affirmative that (1) the batteries to be procured do not pose a risk to U.S. national security, data, or infrastructure; and (2) there is no available alternative to procure batteries that are of similar or better cost and quality and that are produced by an entity not specified in this bill.

DHS may also waive the prohibition upon a determination that the batteries to be procured are for the sole purpose of research, evaluation, training, testing, or analysis.

The bill requires DHS to notify Congress within 15 days after granting a waiver under this bill.

The bill also requires DHS to report to Congress on the anticipated impacts associated with carrying out this bill, including with respect to specified agencies of DHS.

SHIELD Against CCP Act

Strategic Homeland Intelligence and Enforcement Legislation to Defend Against the CCP Act or the SHIELD Against CCP Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to form a working group tasked with duties related to countering terrorist, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security threats posed to the United States by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The working group must assess and annually report on current DHS efforts to counter the CCP’s (1) use of the U.S. immigration system, (2) economic and trade practices, and (3) support for illicit financial activity and trafficking controlled substances. The working group must terminate seven years after its establishment.

DHS must additionally carry out research and development on technologies and techniques for enhancing its security and situational awareness to these threats.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the implementation of this bill.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize an individual who is awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces to transfer unused Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to a family member, and for other purposes.

This bill authorizes certain Purple Heart recipients to elect to transfer to one or more eligible dependents (e.g., a spouse or child) unused portions of such recipients’ entitlement to Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance. This authority specifically applies to veterans who are awarded the Purple Heart for service in the Armed Forces occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and who have been discharged or released from active service.

Under the bill, the total number of months of entitlement transferred by a Purple Heart recipient may not exceed 36 months. Additionally, the Purple Heart recipient may modify or revoke any unused portion of the transferred entitlement by submitting written notice to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD).

A transferred entitlement may not be treated as marital property or marital assets in divorce or other civil proceedings.

The death of the Purple Heart recipient must not affect the use of the entitlement by the individual who receives the transferred entitlement.

In the event of an overpayment of educational assistance, the Purple Heart recipient and the transferee of the entitlement must be held jointly and severally liable for the amount.

The bill requires the VA and DOD to coordinate to facilitate the transfer of entitlements under the bill.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish qualifications for the appointment of a person as a marriage and family therapist, qualified to provide clinical supervision, in the Veterans Health Administration.

This bill establishes eligibility requirements for the appointment of an individual in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as a marriage and family therapist who is qualified to provide clinical supervision. In order to be appointed as a marriage and family therapist in the VHA who is qualified to provide clinical supervision, a person must hold an appropriate master’s degree, be licensed or certified, and (1) be authorized to provide clinical supervision in the state they are licensed in, or (2) be designated as an approved supervisor by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

SANE Act of 2025

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals Act of 2025 or the SANE Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to employ at each of its hospitals and urgent care facilities at least one sexual assault nurse examiner or a health care provider who is qualified to conduct a sexual assault forensic examination.

The bill also provides that after examining an individual for sexual assault, a VA health care provider must verbally refer the individual to mental health care services furnished by the VA in a VA hospital or by a non-VA provider under the Veterans Community Care Program if the wait time for services at a VA hospital exceeds 30 days.

In providing such duties related to sexual assault care, the VA must ensure that there is no reduction in, or negative effect on, the patient care responsibilities otherwise carried out by its employees.

Of inquiry requesting the President and directing the Secretary of the Treasury to transmit, respectively, certain documents to the House of Representatives relating to the Department of Government Efficiency's access to the Treasury payment systems and confidential taxpayer information.

This resolution requests that the President provide (and directs the Department of the Treasury to provide) to the House of Representatives all communication related to

  • access to or use of the Treasury payment system by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Elon Musk, or any member of his team;
  • access to or use of confidential tax returns or tax return information by DOGE, Elon Musk, or a member of his team; and
  • any screenshots taken of the data or records in the Treasury payment system by DOGE, Elon Musk, or a member of his team. 

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024.

The rule requires operators and lessees conducting oil and gas exploration or development on the Outer Continental Shelf and that are seeking BOEM approval for such activities to also provide BOEM with an archaeological report for the area of potential effects. The report must identify potential archaeological resources (material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest) on the sea floor. The rule modified regulations that only required such a report when a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area. 

Fix Our Forests Act

Fix Our Forests Act

This bill establishes requirements for managing forests on federal land, including requirements concerning reducing wildfire threats, expediting the review of certain forest management projects, and implementing forest management projects and other activities.

Specifically, the bill (1) designates certain firesheds at high risk for wildfires as fireshed management areas; (2) directs the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Geological Survey to jointly establish an interagency Fireshed Center that is responsible for duties related to assessing and predicting fire, including maintaining a fireshed registry on a publicly accessible website that provides interactive geospatial data on individual firesheds; and (3) makes other requirements related to reducing wildfire.

Next, the bill expedites the review of certain forest management projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and exempts certain activities from NEPA review. It also establishes intra-agency strike teams to accelerate the review and any interagency consultation processes under NEPA, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Historic Preservation Act. It also limits consultation requirements concerning threatened and endangered species under the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act of 1976. Finally, it limits litigation involving fireshed management projects and limits remedies that courts may provide.

Additionally, the bill supports reducing community wildfire risks, carrying out forest restoration and stewardship activities (including watershed protection and restoration), conducting biochar demonstration projects, advancing technologies to address forest wildfires, and assisting wildland firefighters and their families.

American Music Fairness Act

American Music Fairness Act

This bill establishes that the copyright holder of a sound recording shall have the exclusive right to perform the sound recording through an audio transmission. (Currently, the public performance right only covers performances through a digital audio transmission in certain instances, which means that nonsubscription terrestrial radio stations generally do not have to get a license to publicly perform a copyright-protected sound recording.)

Under the bill, a nonsubscription broadcast transmission must have a license to publicly perform such sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board must periodically determine the royalty rates for such a license. When determining the rates, the board must base its decision on certain information presented by the parties, including the radio stations' effect on other streams of revenue related to the sound recordings.

Terrestrial broadcast stations (and the owners of such stations) that fall below certain revenue thresholds may pay certain flat fees, instead of the board-established rate, for a license to publicly perform copyright-protected sound recordings.

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2025

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a process to vet applicants for certain funding programs that support affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas, including rural communities.

Specifically, the FCC must conduct a rulemaking to develop a vetting process for applicants seeking funding under high-cost universal service programs for the deployment of a broadband-capable network and the provision of supported services over the network. The FCC must require applications for such funding to document each applicant’s technical, financial, and operational capabilities related to the proposed deployment, as well as a reasonable business plan. 

The FCC must evaluate applications against reasonable and well-established standards and must consider each applicant’s history of compliance with the requirements of other government broadband funding programs. After the rulemaking is finalized, funds may only be awarded to applicants that satisfy the standards established therein. 

Finally, the FCC must set financial penalties for applicants that default in some manner during the evaluation process before they are authorized to begin receiving support.  

Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act of 2025 or the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025

This bill modifies personnel action procedures regarding certain employees and executives of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

The bill authorizes the VA to remove from civil service, demote, or suspend VA employees that are supervisors or managers if the VA determines by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of such individual warrants such action. This authority does not apply to certain appointees or individuals in their probationary or trial period.

Supervisors or managers who are subject to a removal, demotion, or suspension under this bill are entitled to (1) advance notice of the action and supporting evidence, (2) representation by an attorney or representative, and (3) grieve the action in accordance with an internal grievance process.

The bill also provides protections from removal, demotion, or suspension for supervisor or managers who are whistleblowers or are seeking corrective action for an alleged prohibited personnel practice such as discrimination.

The bill also modifies the procedures to remove, demote, or suspend VA employees or senior executives based on performance or misconduct, specifically by requiring the VA to determine by substantial evidence that the performance or misconduct of the individual warrants such removal, demotion, or suspension. Such procedures must apply retroactively, beginning on the date of enactment of the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (June 23, 2017).

PASTURES Act

Protecting Agricultural Spaces Through Effective Ranching Strategies Act or the PASTURES Act

This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior from imposing penalties on livestock owners for grazing on certain public lands. 

Under the bill, covered lands are National Forest System lands, lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or public lands (1) on which grazing is allowed by a permit or lease on or after the date of the bill's enactment and is then subsequently prohibited, and (2) that border private property.

Specifically, the departments may not impose a penalty on an owner of livestock (including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, and goats) for grazing on covered lands that do not have a fence to prevent grazing.

The bill specifies that USDA or Interior, depending on the covered land, is responsible for any expense related to the construction or maintenance of a fence for the prevention of grazing by livestock.

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish infertility treatments, standard fertility preservation services, or both to a covered veteran or partner of a covered veteran. A covered veteran is a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and has infertility or is at risk of having infertility, as determined by a licensed physician.

The VA may furnish up to three completed in vitro fertilization cycles that result in live birth, or 10 attempted cycles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the VA may furnish in vitro fertilization treatment using donated gametes or embryos.

The VA must receive consent to furnish an in vitro fertilization cycle from the covered veteran, the partner of a covered veteran, and the third-party donor (if applicable).

For purposes of paying travel expenses for treatment or services to the partner of a covered veteran, the VA must deem the partner to be a veteran receiving treatment or care.

The VA must prescribe regulations related to the provision of infertility treatments and standard fertility preservation services as required by this bill.

Prior to the enactment of such regulations, the VA must ensure that (1) counseling and treatment furnished under existing authority is available to a veteran and the veteran's partner, regardless of whether they are married; and (2) treatment under existing authority may be furnished using donated gametes or embryos.

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue a rule requiring AM radio capabilities to be standard in all new passenger vehicles. (AM radio is often used to deliver emergency alerts and news and entertainment programming; some newer vehicles do not include AM equipment.)

Specifically, this bill applies to passenger vehicles (1) manufactured in the United States for sale in the United States, imported into the United States, or shipped in interstate commerce; and (2) manufactured after the rule's effective date. The rule must require all such vehicles to have devices that can receive signals and play content transmitted by AM stations or digital audio AM stations installed as standard equipment and made easily accessible to drivers.

Prior to the rule's effective date, manufacturers that do not include devices that can access AM radio as standard equipment (1) must inform purchasers of this fact through clear and conspicuous labeling, and (2) may not charge an additional or separate fee for AM radio access.

DOT may assess civil penalties for any violation of the rule. The Department of Justice may also bring a civil action to enjoin a violation.

The rule, including DOT’s authority to enforce it, must expire 10 years after the bill’s enactment. 

Further, the Government Accountability Office must study and report on the dissemination of emergency alerts to the public, including by conducting an assessment of AM radio relative to other Integrated Public Alert and Warning System communication technologies.

 

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission titled Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program and published on August 20, 2024. The rule permits schools and libraries participating in the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support program (E-Rate) to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots and associated mobile connectivity service for off-premises use by students, school staff, and library patrons. Under the rule, E-Rate participants must implement acceptable use policies that require hotspots to be used primarily for educational purposes.  

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment".

This joint resolution nullifies the Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment rule published by the Department of Energy (DOE) on October 9, 2024. Under the rule, DOE modified its regulations on the energy efficiency of certain types of consumer products (e.g., washing machines and dishwashers) and industrial equipment (e.g., computer room air conditioners). Specifically, it modified certification requirements, labeling requirements, and enforcement provisions for these products and equipment to (1) align reporting requirements with currently applicable energy conservation standards and test procedures, and (2) provide DOE with the information necessary to determine the appropriate classification of products for the application of standards. 

Water Rights Protection Act of 2025

Water Rights Protection Act of 2025

This bill limits the transfer of water rights from water users to the Department of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

First, the bill prohibits Interior and USDA from conditioning the issuance or renewal of land use or occupancy agreements (e.g., permits and leases) on the transfer of any water right to the United States. Next, it prohibits Interior and USDA from requiring water users, including Indian tribes, to acquire water rights in the name of the United States as a condition of the issuance or renewal of a land use or occupancy agreement. Finally, it prohibits Interior and USDA from conditioning or withholding the issuance or renewal of land use or occupancy agreements on (1) limiting the date, time, quantity, location of diversion or pumping, or place of use of a state water right beyond any applicable limitations under state water law; or (2) modifying the terms and conditions of groundwater withdrawal, guidance and reporting procedures, or conservation and source protection measures established by a state.

Interior and USDA must also ensure that federal action imposes no greater restriction or regulatory requirement than under applicable state water law.

Further, Interior and USDA must not take actions that adversely affect state authority in permitting water usage or in adjudicating water rights.

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

Caring for Survivors Act of 2025

This bill increases the monthly rate of dependency and indemnity compensation payable to surviving spouses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Dependency and indemnity compensation is a monthly payment made to eligible survivors (i.e., spouses, parents, or children) of (1) certain veterans who died as a result of a service-connected condition; (2) service members killed while on active military duty or active or inactive duty for training; or (3) veterans who did not die from a service-connected condition, but were totally disabled by a service-connected disability for a certain period of time.

The bill also (1) reduces, from 10 years to 5 years, the period of time that certain veterans must have been rated totally disabled due to a service-connected disability in order for a survivor to qualify for benefits; and (2) specifies the amount that is payable to survivors of veterans who were rated totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death.

Sergeant Ted Grubbs Mental Healthcare for Disabled Veterans Act

Sergeant Ted Grubbs Mental Healthcare for Disabled Veterans Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish care or services under the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) to an eligible veteran with a service-connected mental disorder not later than five days after the veteran seeks care for such disorder. Current law requires the VA to establish access standards for furnishing hospital care, medical services, or extended care services under the VCCP to veterans who are (1) enrolled in the VA health care system, or (2) not enrolled but are in the 12-month period following their discharge from service and meet other requirements (e.g., having a service-connected disability).

Under the bill, the VA must modify its access standards for furnishing such care and services under the VCCP to require the provision of care or services not later than five days after an eligible veteran with a service-connected mental disorder rated at 50% or more seeks treatment for such disorder.

Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025

Foreign Medical Program Modernization Act of 2025

This bill expands eligibility for care under the Foreign Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by removing certain eligibility requirements. The program authorizes the VA to furnish care and services to veterans abroad (i.e., outside any state) for the treatment of service-connected disabilities or as part of a Veteran Readiness and Employment rehabilitation program. The bill expands eligibility for care by removing the requirement that a veteran have a service-connected disability or be participating in a rehabilitation program.

The bill also requires the VA to update its payment system to allow for reimbursements through electronic fund transfer.

Under the bill, the VA must assess the feasibility and implications of contracting with an appropriate non-VA entity to build a network of non-VA entities to provide hospital care and medical services abroad under the Foreign Medical Program.

Food Deserts Act

Food Deserts Act

This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts. Under the program, grants are provided to states for revolving funds that support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities. Underserved communities are communities that have (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger, a high rate of food insecurity, or a high poverty rate.

The bill requires states to use such funds for loans that support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for opening a store (excluding new construction), or supporting an existing store.

In order to qualify for loans, grocery stores must meet criteria enumerated in the bill. For example, grocery stores must (1) emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; (2) provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; and (3) charge affordable prices at or below market values.

Further, states must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria related to

  • hiring workers from the underserved community,
  • providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet,
  • sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, and
  • demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.

VA CPE Modernization Act

Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act or the VA CPE Modernization Act

This bill modifies the program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses certain full-time health care professionals for continuing professional education expenses.

Under current law, only board-certified physicians and dentists are eligible for such reimbursement. The bill expands the program to require reimbursement for various specified full-time health care professionals (e.g., registered nurses) and increases the amount available for a physician or dentist. Additionally, the bill removes the requirement that an individual be board-certified to receive reimbursement.

The VA may adjust the amount of the reimbursement, so long as the adjustment does not result in a reimbursement of less than $2,000 per year for each specified position.

Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act

Veterans Affairs Transfer of Information and Sharing of Disability Examination Procedures With DOD Doctors Act

This bill addresses the sharing of medical information and disability examination procedures between the Departments of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA). It requires that if a member of the Armed Forces who is required to receive a physical examination upon separation from active duty has or is believed to have a medical condition that may make the member eligible for veterans' disability compensation and benefits, the examination must be performed by a VA-certified health care provider.

If the condition is discovered during the physical examination and the examining health care provider is not VA-certified, the examination must be completed by a VA-certified provider.

An eligibility determination made as part of such an examination shall be binding on the VA and be used as the basis for assigning the member's disability rating.

The VA and DOD shall jointly establish a system to share data and maintain the medical and personnel records of Armed Forces members and veterans.

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct an epidemiological study and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) in veterans who served in the Vietnam theater of operations during the Vietnam era. The study must identify the rate of incidence of cholangiocarcinoma in such veterans and in U.S. residents.

The bill also requires the VA to track and report on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma using the Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Additionally, the VA must periodically submit follow-up reports to Congress regarding the epidemiological study and information collected from the cancer registry regarding the prevalence of bile duct cancer.

No Welfare for the Wealthy Act of 2025

No Welfare for the Wealthy Act of 2025

This bill requires all households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to meet the program's income and asset requirements.

Federal requirements generally provide two pathways for SNAP financial eligibility. A household may meet program-specific federal eligibility requirements, which include both income eligibility and an asset test. A household may also be automatically or categorically eligible for SNAP based on eligibility for or receiving cash benefits from other specified low-income assistance programs (e.g., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF]). Under this categorical eligibility, households that already meet financial eligibility rules in a program like TANF are not required to go through another financial eligibility determination in SNAP.

Further, a majority of states also provide broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), a policy that makes most households with an income below a certain threshold categorically eligible for SNAP. Under BBCE, these states typically make households categorically eligible through receiving or being authorized to receive a minimal non-cash TANF benefit or service (e.g., a pamphlet). A state may set its own BBCE financial eligibility requirements for a household so long as the income requirement is below a certain level. A state's requirements do not have to match SNAP program-specific eligibility requirements. For example, most states that provide BBCE do not have an asset test for SNAP eligibility.

The bill requires all SNAP households, including those that qualify under categorical eligibility, to meet the SNAP program's income and asset requirements. These requirements take effect one year after the bill's enactment and do not apply to certification periods that begin before the effective date.

Action Versus No Action Act

Action Versus No Action Act

This bill limits the scope of an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) conducted under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for forest management activity on certain public lands to only the following two alternatives: (1) the effects of the forest management activity, and (2) no action.

The bill applies to any EA or EIS prepared by the Forest Service or the Department of the Interior for a forest management activity on public land that is suitable for timber production and that

  • occurs on land designated as an insect and disease treatment area under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003,
  • is developed through a collaborative process,
  • is proposed by a resource advisory committee, or
  • is covered by a community wildfire protection plan.

In the case of the alternative of no action, the Forest Service or Interior must consider whether to evaluate

  • the effect of no action on forest health, potential losses of life and property, habitat diversity, wildfire potential, insect and disease potential, and timber production; and
  • the implications of a resulting decline in forest health, loss of habitat diversity, wildfire, or insect or disease infestation on potential losses of life and property, domestic water supply in the project area, wildlife habitat loss, and other economic and social factors.

Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act

Saving Seniors Money on Prescriptions Act

This bill establishes reporting requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) under the Medicare prescription drug benefit and Medicare Advantage, particularly relating to the prices of prescription drugs.

Specifically, PBMs must (1) disclose certain information underlying cost performance measurements (e.g., exclusions and terms), and (2) report to prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors (and to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services upon request) an itemized list of prescription drugs that were dispensed during the previous year and related data about costs, claims, affiliated pharmacies, and other specified information. PDP sponsors may audit PBMs to ensure compliance with this bill's requirements and must annually certify their compliance; PBMs are responsible for any associated civil penalties for violations.

In addition, the Government Accountability Office must study federal and state reporting requirements for health plans and PBMs with respect to prescription drug price transparency and recommend ways to streamline these requirements.

Physicians for Underserved Areas Act

Physicians for Underserved Areas Act

This bill modifies how a hospital's residency positions are redistributed after it closes for purposes of graduate medical education payments under Medicare.

Under current law, if a hospital with an approved medical residency program closes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must redistribute the hospital's residency positions to other hospitals in the following order: (1) hospitals in the same core-based statistical area as the closed hospital, (2) hospitals in the same state as the closed hospital, (3) hospitals in the same region of the country as the closed hospital, and (4) other remaining hospitals. In order to receive the additional positions, hospitals must demonstrate a likelihood of filling the positions within three years.

The bill removes the requirement that the CMS prioritize hospitals in the same region of the country as the closed hospital. It also requires hospitals to demonstrate a likelihood of (1) starting to use the positions within two years, and (2) filling the positions within five years.

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act

This bill establishes a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund for state and local emergency response groups.

Upon a declaration by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that a hazardous train event has occurred, the FRA must immediately award at least $250,000 from the emergency fund to one or more eligible groups (e.g., law enforcement agencies and fire departments). Additional amounts may be awarded, but may not exceed $3 million per hazardous train event. The FRA may declare a hazardous train event has occurred following a derailment or crash involving a train carrying hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or other materials that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment.

Costs associated with a response to a hazardous train event that are eligible for reimbursement include (1) replacing damaged or contaminated equipment, (2) overtime pay for firefighters or law enforcement officers, and (3) retroactively covering these types of incurred costs after the event date.

The FRA must also (1) establish annual fees for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials by rail that have total annual collections of at least $10 million, and (2) deposit the fees into the reimbursement fund.

Further, the Department of Transportation must issue regulations requiring railroads that transport hazardous materials by train to provide county and local emergency response groups with (1) advance warning of the train's load and timing, and (2) real-time location information on the train when it enters and exits the community's service area.

SAP Act of 2025

Supporting All Producers Act of 2025 or the SAP Act of 2025

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to solicit input from maple industry stakeholders with respect to the research and education priorities of the maple industry for the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer). Specifically, the bill amends Acer to require USDA to consider the information provided through consultation with the maple industry when making program grants.

The bill also extends the program's authorization through FY2030.

As background, Acer provides competitive grants to states, tribal governments, and research institutions to support their efforts to promote the domestic maple syrup industry through activities associated with, among other things, the promotion of (1) research and education related to maple syrup production, and (2) natural resource sustainability in the maple syrup industry.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 42) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 61) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Rubber Tire Manufacturing"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 11) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

People CARE Act

People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE Act

This bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested programs for potential reform.

Under the bill, means-tested programs are those designed to provide assistance to low-income individuals, including, for example, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The commission is generally directed to review all federal means-tested programs with the exception of certain specified programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and certain veterans’ benefits programs.

The commission is directed to identify and evaluate potential changes to federal means-tested programs, such as consolidation with other programs, delegation of certain functions to states, and the establishment of gradual benefit reductions tied to increases in beneficiaries’ income. The commission is also directed to consider changes that would allow caseworkers to identify all of the appropriate programs for individuals and families. The commission must establish a website through which members of the public may submit suggested reforms for consideration. 

The commission is to be comprised of eight members, with an equal number of members appointed by the majority and minority parties.  

At the conclusion of its term, the commission must report to Congress with its findings and proposed legislation implementing any recommended changes. Congress must consider the legislation under expedited procedures.

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act

This bill requires states participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject applicants to substance abuse testing or screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.

Specifically, states administering these programs must determine whether an adult applicant for benefits has been arrested for a drug-related offense within the past five years. Applicants who have been arrested for such an offense must be tested for at least one controlled substance and must test negative to receive benefits. Applicants who have not been arrested for such an offense must be screened (via an interview, questionnaire, or other instrument) for risk of substance abuse. Applicants determined to be at high risk for substance abuse must be tested for at least one controlled substance and must test negative to receive benefits. Applicants who are determined not to be at high risk do not have to undergo testing. 

Applicants who test positive for a controlled substance at any point during this process are ineligible for benefits for one year, until they complete a treatment program, or until they test negative for the substance, whichever is later. 

Family members and households of individuals disqualified from receiving benefits under these provisions may generally continue to receive support.

States that fail to enforce these provisions are subject to reduced federal funding for these programs the following fiscal year. 

Healthy SNAP Act of 2025

Healthy SNAP Act of 2025

This bill amends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to redefine the foods eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.

Under the bill, SNAP benefits may not be used for soft drinks, candy, ice cream, or prepared desserts, such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products.

Further, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must designate by regulation foods and food products to include in the SNAP definition of the term food. USDA must consider food and products that (1) based on nutrition research, contain nutrients lacking in the diets of people in the United States; and (2) promote the health of the population served by SNAP, based on relevant nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. USDA must also, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that the fat, sugar, and salt content of the food and food products are appropriate. At least every five years, USDA must review and amend the list.

In addition, prepared meals purchased with SNAP benefits must have nutritional values consistent with standards developed by USDA for the list of food and food products.

A state agency may substitute different foods for food USDA designated under this bill, with USDA approval, so long as the foods are nutritionally equivalent; this is permitted to allow for different cultural eating patterns.

Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act

Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act

This bill provides statutory authority for guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that expands the types of preventive care that may be offered under a high deductible health plan (HDHP) without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold.

Under current law, to be considered health savings account-eligible, an HDHP must have a deductible above a certain minimum threshold amount, which is adjusted annually. However, an HDHP may cover certain types of preventive care without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold. 

The IRS issued guidance expanding the types of preventive care that may be covered by an HDHP without requiring a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum threshold to include

  • angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors for individuals with congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease;
  • anti-resorptive therapy for individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia;
  • beta-blockers for individuals with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease;
  • blood pressure monitors for individuals with hypertension;
  • inhaled corticosteroids and peak flow meters for individuals with asthma;
  • insulin and other glucose lowering agents, retinopathy screening, glucometers, and hemoglobin A1c testing for individuals with diabetes;
  • international normalized ratio testing for individuals with liver disease or bleeding disorders;
  • low-density lipoprotein testing for individuals with heart disease;
  • statins for individuals with heart disease or diabetes; and
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for individuals with depression. 

The bill provides statutory authority for the IRS's guidance. 

Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025

Brownfields Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill extends through FY2030 and modifies the Brownfields Program under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). The Brownfields Program is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants and technical assistance to states, communities, tribes, and other entities to assess, clean up, and reuse contaminated properties.

First, the bill expands eligibility for Brownfields Program resources to tax-exempt organizations defined under section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code, which are organizations that are not organized for profit and do not provide net earnings to private shareholders or individuals (e.g., chambers of commerce).

Additionally, the bill

  • increases to $1 million the maximum grant amount that the EPA may provide for brownfield remediation per site,
  • removes the 5% cap that a grant recipient may use for administrative costs,
  • reduces the cost-sharing requirement for grant recipients from 20% to 10%,
  • requires the EPA to waive cost-sharing requirements for grant recipients located in small communities or disadvantaged areas,
  • authorizes the use of grants by a state or Indian tribe for the implementation of a response program,
  • modifies the criteria used to rank grant applications by requiring the consideration of whether the applicant has a plan to engage a diverse set of local groups and organizations that represent the views of the local community directly affected by the proposed brownfield project, and
  • requires the EPA to report on and update application ranking criteria and the approval process.

Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025

Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025

This bill requires revisions to acquisition regulations related to information systems vulnerabilities for certain federal contractors. The revisions apply to contractors whose contract is at or above the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 in most cases) or that use, operate, manage, or maintain a federal information system on behalf of an agency. 

Under the bill, the Office of Management and Budget must review the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and recommend updated contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs. (Such programs establish processes for identifying, reporting, and mitigating information system vulnerabilities discovered by security researchers, software developers, and others.) The recommendations must include requirements to ensure that such contractors implement vulnerability disclosure policies consistent with guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Council must review these recommendations and update the FAR as necessary to incorporate requirements for such contractors to receive information about potential security vulnerabilities in contractor information systems used in performance of contract.

The Department of Defense (DOD) must conduct a similar review and update of regulations with respect to the DOD Supplement to the FAR.

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from entities in the oil and gas sector if their emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions".

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule titled Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions and published on November 18, 2024. The rule outlines compliance requirements under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program. Under the program, the EPA collects an annual charge on emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases from the oil and gas sector if the emissions exceed specified waste emissions thresholds.

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2025, sets forth budgetary levels for FY2026-FY2034, and provides reconciliation instructions for legislation that increases or decreases the deficit by specified amounts. 

The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2025-FY2034 for

  • federal revenues,
  • new budget authority,
  • budget outlays,
  • deficits,
  • public debt,
  • debt held by the public, and
  • the major functional categories of spending.

It also recommends levels and amounts for Social Security and Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses for the purpose of budget enforcement in the Senate.

The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct several House and Senate committees to report legislation that will increase or decrease the deficit over FY2025-FY2034 by specified amounts. The committees must submit the legislation to the applicable congressional budget committee by March 7, 2025. 

(Under current law, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.)

In addition, the resolution establishes reserve funds that allow certain adjustments to committee allocations and other budgetary levels to accommodate (1) reconciliation legislation, and (2) legislation that would not increase the deficit over FY2025-FY2034. The resolution also exempts reconciliation legislation that complies with this resolution from various budget points of order.

Finally, the resolution sets forth budget enforcement procedures that address issues such as adjustments to committee allocations and the budgetary treatment of the discretionary administrative expenses for the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. 

Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

Wounded Knee Massacre Memorial and Sacred Site Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to complete all actions necessary to place approximately 40 acres of land in Oglala Lakota County, South Dakota, into restricted fee status for the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Restricted fee status refers to land that is owned by a tribe or tribal member but is subject to restrictions by the United States against alienation (i.e., sale or transfer) or encumbrance (e.g., liens, leases, or rights-of-way) by operation of law.

The bill requires the land to be held and maintained as a memorial and sacred site, as outlined by the document titled Covenant Between the Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and dated October 21, 2022. Further, it prohibits commercial development and gaming activity on the land.

Drought Assistance Improvement Act

Drought Assistance Improvement Act

This bill modifies access to two Farm Service Agency (FSA) administered programs: the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) and the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP).

The bill modifies the LFP to allow for one monthly payment when a county has four consecutive weeks of a D2 rating (severe drought) and two payments for eight consecutive weeks of D2. Currently, one payment is available for eight consecutive weeks of D2. As background, LFP makes payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses on drought-affected pastureland, including cropland planted specifically for grazing.

The bill also expands coverage under ELAP for losses caused by adverse weather or drought. The bill includes under ELAP the loss of a crawfish harvest due to adverse weather or drought. As background, ELAP provides payments to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish as compensation for losses due to disease, adverse weather, feed or water shortages, or other conditions that are not covered under other programs.

The FSA must establish ELAP documentation standards for (1) collecting data, (2) the production of crawfish, and (3) defining loss conditions due to drought.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management relating to "Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) titled Protection of Marine Archaeological Resources and published on September 3, 2024.

The rule requires operators and lessees conducting oil and gas exploration or development on the Outer Continental Shelf and that are seeking BOEM approval for such activities to also provide BOEM with an archaeological report for the area of potential effects. The report must identify potential archaeological resources (material remains of human life or activities that are at least 50 years old and that are of archaeological interest) on the sea floor. The rule modified regulations that only required such a report when a BOEM regional director has reason to believe that an archaeological resource may be present in the lease area. 

Dairy Farm Resiliency Act

Dairy Farm Resiliency Act

This bill updates the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

As background, the DMC program was enacted in the 2018 farm bill to support dairy operations by allowing producers to buy a guaranteed margin for their milk production. The margin is the difference between the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) national all milk price and a calculated feed cost, which provides producers optional risk protection on price and feed costs.

The bill updates the current requirements that a participating dairy producer have an established milk production history with USDA's Farm Service Agency. Specifically, the bill requires that a dairy operation's production history for DMC be based on the most recent three-year history and be recalculated every five years.

The bill also increases Tier I margin coverage for annual milk production to 6 million pounds or less (currently 5 million pounds or less) and Tier II margin coverage to over 6 million pounds (currently over 5 million pounds).

Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act

Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into a contract to evaluate the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program.

Under the program, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service works in coordination with the Texas Animal Health Commission to combat the spread of cattle fever ticks, which can spread a serious cattle disease called bovine babesiosis or cattle fever.

Specifically, USDA must enter into a contract to review and report on the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program with a (1) land-grant college or university, or (2) non-land-grant college of agriculture.

The review must include an evaluation of the program's (1) effectiveness with respect to preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne illnesses in cattle; and (2) benefits, and the burdens of compliance, to cattle producers.

The review must also evaluate the treatment protocols developed and implemented under the program.

Further, the review must evaluate the federal and state funds allocated to support the program for the most recent fiscal year.

 

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025

Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025

This bill generally prohibits school athletic programs from allowing individuals whose biological sex at birth was male to participate in programs that are for women or girls.

Specifically, the bill provides that it is a violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 for federally funded education programs or activities to operate, sponsor, or facilitate athletic programs or activities that allow individuals of the male sex to participate in programs or activities that are designated for women or girls. (Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities, including in public elementary and secondary schools and in colleges and universities.) Under the bill, sex is based on an individual's reproductive biology and genetics at birth.

HALT Fentanyl Act

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act

This bill permanently places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.

Under the bill, offenses involving fentanyl-related substances are triggered by the same quantity thresholds and subject to the same penalties as offenses involving fentanyl analogues (e.g., offenses involving 100 grams or more trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term).

Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for certain schedule I research.

The bill also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including

  • permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances,
  • waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and
  • allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.

Finally, the bill expresses the sense that Congress agrees with the interpretation of Controlled Substances Act in United States v. McCray, a 2018 case decided by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. In that case, the court held that butyryl fentanyl, a controlled substance, can be considered an analogue of fentanyl even though, under the Controlled Substances Act, the term controlled substance analogue specifically excludes a controlled substance.

A joint resolution terminating the national emergency declared with respect to energy.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency relating to energy declared by the President on January 20, 2025, in Executive Order 14156.

The executive order states that the supply of and infrastructure for energy in the United States is insufficient to meet the country's needs. It defines energy as crude oil, natural gas, lease condensates, natural gas liquids, refined petroleum products, uranium, coal, biofuels, geothermal heat, the kinetic movement of flowing water, and critical minerals. 

The executive order directs the heads of executive departments and agencies to use available emergency and other authorities to take certain actions to address this topic, including approving development of domestic energy resources, expediting the completion of authorized energy infrastructure (particularly in the Northeast, West Coast, and Alaska), and pursuing the use of emergency permitting provisions under certain environmental regulations.

The executive order also directs the Department of Defense to conduct an assessment of its ability to acquire and transport energy resources (particularly in the Northeast and West Coast), and invokes emergency military construction authority to address any vulnerabilities identified in the assessment.

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025

Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025

This bill revises requirements for milk provided by the National School Lunch Program of the Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Currently, schools participating in the program must provide milk that is consistent with the most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans; USDA regulations require milk to be fat-free or low-fat and allow milk to be flavored or unflavored. The bill modifies these restrictions and instead permits schools to offer students whole, reduced-fat, low-fat, and fat-free flavored and unflavored milk. The milk that is offered may be organic or nonorganic. Further, USDA may not prohibit a participating school from offering students any of these milk choices.

Further, schools currently must provide a substitute for fluid milk, on receipt of a written statement from a licensed physician, for students whose disability restricts their diet. Under the bill, a parent or legal guardian may also provide the written statement.

In addition, schools currently participating in the program must provide meals that meet certain nutrition requirements; USDA regulations require that the average saturated fat content of the meals offered must be less than 10% of the total calories. Under the bill, fluid milk is excluded from the saturated fat content calculation; milk fat included in any fluid milk provided by the program must not be considered saturated fat for the purposes of measuring compliance with USDA regulations.

Finally, the bill prohibits schools participating in the program from purchasing or offering milk produced by Chinese state-owned enterprises.

Insure Cybersecurity Act of 2025

Insure Cybersecurity Act of 2025

This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to establish a working group on cyber insurance policies. Under the bill, these are defined as policies that offer coverage for losses, damages, and costs incurred due to cyberattacks and related incidents.

The working group is directed to analyze and address issues in the cyber insurance market facing both insurers and their customers. Specifically, the working group must develop information for customers on how to effectively evaluate policy options, and for insurers on how to clearly communicate with customers regarding policy provisions.

Additionally, the working group is directed to analyze and explain in layman’s terms

  • terminology commonly used in cyber insurance policies, including terminology used to include or exclude coverage for losses from cyber incidents;
  • how common policy provisions correspond to cyber incidents and potential responses, including ransomware and potential ransom payments; and
  • constraints faced by insurers in covering higher losses in cyber risk areas, such as reputational damage and loss of intellectual property.

At the conclusion of the working group's term, NTIA must publish and disseminate informative resources for cyber insurance stakeholders, including any recommendations formulated by the working group.  

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

This concurrent resolution establishes the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2025, sets forth budgetary levels for FY2026-FY2034, and provides reconciliation instructions for legislation that increases or decreases the deficit and increases the statutory debt limit by specified amounts. 

The resolution recommends levels and amounts for FY2025-FY2034 for

  • federal revenues,
  • new budget authority,
  • budget outlays,
  • deficits,
  • debt subject to limit, 
  • debt held by the public, and
  • the major functional categories of spending.

The resolution includes reconciliation instructions that direct 11 House committees to submit legislation that will increase or decrease the deficit over FY2025-FY2034 and increase the statutory debt limit by specified amounts. The committees must submit the legislation to the House Budget Committee by March 27, 2025. 

(Under current law, reconciliation bills are considered by Congress using expedited legislative procedures that prevent a filibuster and restrict amendments in the Senate.)

In addition, the resolution establishes a reserve fund that allows certain adjustments to committee allocations and other budgetary levels to accommodate reconciliation legislation.

The resolution also requires the maximum deficit increase permitted by the reconciliation instruction for the House Ways and Means Committee ($4.5 trillion in the resolution) to be reduced if the proposals submitted by certain committees do not achieve a total of at least $2 trillion in net deficit reduction (or increased if more than $2 trillion in deficit reduction is achieved). 

Finally, the resolution sets forth budget enforcement procedures that address issues such as adjustments to committee allocations and the budgetary treatment of the discretionary administrative expenses for the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. 

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act

No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act

This bill imposes immigration-related penalties on certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who are involved with terrorism or attacks against Israel.

Under this bill, members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad or Hamas or individuals who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel may not be admitted into the United States.

The bill also expands an existing admissions bar against officers, representatives, and spokespersons of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Under this bill, all PLO members are barred from admission into the United States.

The bill also prohibits any non-U.S. national who participated in or otherwise facilitated the October 7, 2023, attacks from seeking any immigration-related relief or protections, including (1) protection from being deported to a country where the individual's life or freedom would be threatened, or (2) asylum in the United States.

The Department of Homeland Security must annually report to Congress the number of individuals found to be inadmissible or deportable due to their participation in or facilitation of the attacks.

Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 20) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters"; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 35) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems: Procedures for Facilitating Compliance, Including Netting and Exemptions"; and providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 14) establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act

This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement.

A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system.

The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act

Disabled Veterans Housing Support Act

This bill excludes compensation received for a military service-connected disability from a veteran's income when determining eligibility for assistance under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The CDBG program provides grants to urban communities for development activities focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.

Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on how service-connected disability compensation is treated when determining eligibility for all programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This includes identifying instances where the treatment of such compensation is inconsistent with the requirement under this bill.

China Exchange Rate Transparency Act of 2025

China Exchange Rate Transparency Act of 2023

This bill requires the U.S. Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to use the voice and vote of the United States to advocate for increased exchange rate transparency from China.

Some areas of focus for this advocacy are (1) Chinese exchange rate arrangements, including any indirect foreign exchange market intervention through Chinese financial institutions or state-owned enterprises; (2) enhanced multilateral and bilateral surveillance by the IMF; and (3) stronger consideration of China's performance as a responsible stakeholder in the international monetary system when evaluating quota and voting shares at the IMF.

The requirements of the bill expire seven years and 30 days after the date of the bill's enactment or earlier if China meets certain conditions regarding its exchange rate policies.

Chinese Currency Accountability Act of 2025

Chinese Currency Accountability Act of 2025

This bill requires the United States to oppose, absent specified conditions, any increase in the weight of Chinese currency (i.e., the renminbi) in the basket of currencies (currently, a set of five currencies, each with different weightings) used to determine the value of Special Drawing Rights. Special Drawing Rights are international reserve assets created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries' official foreign exchange reserves.

Specifically, the Department of the Treasury must instruct certain U.S. officials at the IMF to oppose any such increase unless Treasury has certified that China is in compliance with certain standards and international agreements, including that (1) China is in compliance with all general obligations of members of the IMF, (2) China has not been found to have manipulated its currency in the preceding 12 months, and (3) China adheres to the rules and principles of the Paris Club and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits. 

Laken Riley Act

Laken Riley Act

This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) who have been arrested for burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The bill also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement.

Under this bill, DHS must detain an individual who (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting.

The bill also authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a

  • decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody;
  • failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews;
  • failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country;
  • violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or
  • failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States.

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.

This bill directs the Forest Service to convey specified property to Gila County, Arizona, upon the county's submission of a written request for such conveyance. The property, identified as the Gila County Area, consists of approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land located in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.

The county must use the land for the purposes of serving and supporting veterans. If any land conveyed under this bill ceases to be used for such purpose, all right, title, and interest in and to the land shall revert to the United States, at the discretion of the Forest Service.

The conveyance must be made with a quitclaim deed and without consideration (value, such as payment, provided in exchange for the property).

The Forest Service must not be required to provide any covenant or warranty for the land and improvements conveyed to the county under such conveyance.

As a condition of the conveyance, the county must pay all the costs associated with the conveyance, including any (1) surveys, (2) environmental analysis or resource survey required under federal law, and (3) analysis required to comply with certain provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act.

9/11 Memorial and Museum Act

9/11 Memorial and Museum Act

This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to award to the nonprofit organization that operates the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York, New York, a one-time grant to be used solely for the purposes of the operation, security, and maintenance of the memorial and museum.

As a condition of receiving the grant, the organization must

  • provide for free admission to all facilities and museums associated with the memorial and museum for active and retired members of the Armed Forces, individuals who were registered first responders to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and family members of victims of such attacks;
  • provide for dedicated free admission hours for the general public at least once a week; and
  • allow for annual federal audits of its financial statements.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act

This bill takes specified lands and easements in Monroe County, Tennessee, into trust for the use and benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These lands include the Sequoyah Museum, the Chota Memorial, the Tanasi Memorial, and land to provide support for these properties and cultural programs.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) maintains its right to carry out river control and development on these lands, including temporarily and intermittently flooding certain lands. The bill specifies the structures that may be constructed with the TVA's written consent on certain lands subject to flooding. Additionally, the TVA must be compensated for lost hydropower capacity from future development of these lands.

Further, the bill specifies that the United States is not liable for loss or damage resulting from certain activities, such as the permanent flooding of adjacent lands.

In addition, the bill outlines the TVA's continuing responsibilities, including those related to environmental remediation.

Finally, the bill prohibits gaming on these lands.

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Federal Communications Commission titled Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program and published on August 20, 2024. The rule permits schools and libraries participating in the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support program (E-Rate) to purchase discounted Wi-Fi hotspots and associated mobile connectivity service for off-premises use by students, school staff, and library patrons. Under the rule, E-Rate participants must implement acceptable use policies that require hotspots to be used primarily for educational purposes.  

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025

Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025

This bill removes the requirement that Alaska Native village corporations must convey lands to Alaska to be held in trust for future municipal governments. 

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) requires all Alaska Native village corporations that receive land under the ANCSA to convey certain lands to the existing municipality in the village or, if no municipality exists, to Alaska in trust for any municipality that may be established in the future. This bill removes the requirement for conveyance. Additionally, the bill allows village corporations to regain title to the lands held in trust by dissolving the trust through formal resolution by the village corporation and the residents of the Native village.

Obligatory Meaningless Copyright 2025

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