Immigration

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security titled Modernizing H–2 Program Requirements, Oversight, and Worker Protections and published on December 18, 2024. This rule modifies several regulations applicable to agricultural (H-2A) and nonagricultural (H-2B) temporary nonimmigrant workers, including by providing additional whistleblower protections for these workers, eliminating the differential treatment of nationals of countries designated as eligible, and establishing a 60-day grace period for workers after the revocation or cessation of eligible employment.

This bill designates the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 154 First Avenue East in Jerome, Idaho, as the Representative Maxine Bell Post Office.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Relocation Act or the CBP Relocation Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to relocate the headquarters of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (including the functions, personnel, and real assets of the headquarters) to Texas no later than January 1, 2026.

Transparency of Migration Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to make publicly available online certain information about individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are (1) apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and sent to a federal detention center or released into the United States, or (2) processed through an HHS facility. This information must be updated weekly and must include daily numbers, the country of origin of such individuals, and other details.

Make Transportation Authorities Accountable and Transparent Act This bill directs the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Transportation to conduct an audit of public transportation spending under certain laws (including specified coronavirus relief laws) and report to Congress.

Small Business Advocacy Improvements Act of 2025 This bill expands the primary functions and additional duties of the Office of Advocacy of the Small Business Administration to include (1) examining the role of small businesses in the international economy, and (2) representing the views and interests of small businesses before foreign governments and international entities to contribute to regulatory and trade initiatives that may affect small businesses.

Sending Evading Non-Documented Threats Home Especially Migrants Biden Accepted Carelessly and Knowingly Act of 2025 or the SEND THEM BACK Act of 2025 This bill subjects non-U.S. nationals ( aliens under federal law) who illegally entered the United States on or after January 20, 2021, to expedited removal (i.e., removal without further hearing or review). This applies even if such an individual indicated an intention to apply for asylum or expressed a fear of persecution. The bill does not apply to an individual serving in the Armed Forces as of January 1, 2025.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 107 North Hoyne Avenue in Fritch, Texas, as the Chief Zeb Smith Post Office.

This bill designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 290 NW Peacock Boulevard in Port St. Lucie, Florida, as the "Trooper Zachary Fink Post Office Building".

This bill increases from two to three the total number of U.S. district court judgeships for the District of Idaho. The President must appoint, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one additional judge for that judicial district.

State Border Security Reimbursement Act of 2025 This bill requires the federal government to reimburse eligible states for their border security expenses. To be eligible, a state must have expended more than $2.5 billion on border security and enforcement in the 10 years before this bill's enactment. If such a state provides by a certain deadline an accounting of all of its nonfederally funded border security expenses, the federal government must reimburse the full amount.

Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans Act or the SERV Act This bill requires (1) the Small Business Administration to report on the veterans interagency task force; and (2) the Government Accountability Office to report on access to credit for small businesses owned and controlled by veterans, Reservists, or their spouses.

Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act of 2025 This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a visa waiver program for nationals of certain countries to enter the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specifically, the bill expands an existing program that authorizes nonimmigrant visa waivers for nationals of certain countries to enter Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands to also authorize waivers for entry to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Under this program, DHS may provide a waiver admitting a nonimmigrant visitor for up to 45 days if the waiver does not represent a threat to the welfare, safety, or security of the United States or its territories or commonwealths.

Subterranean Border Defense Act This bill requires recurring annual reporting by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the implementation of a strategic plan to counter illicit cross-border tunnel operations. Currently, CBP is only required to report once no later than one year after the plan's development. 

This concurrent resolution establishes the day, time, and manner for counting electoral votes for President and Vice President as January 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm. The concurrent resolution provides that the results of the count shall be delivered to the President of the Senate and entered on the journals of Congress.

This resolution recognizes the historic contributions of Okinawan Americans to the United States and urges the people of the United States to honor the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to the United States.

Emergency Wildfire Fighting Technology Act of 2025 This bill requires the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to (1) jointly evaluate the container aerial firefighting system to assess its use to mitigate and suppress wildfires, and (2) report on the results of the evaluation to Congress. The system allows for the use of airdrop-capable disposable containers of water or fire retardant in order to increase the number of airlift assets available for wildfire emergencies.

This resolution provides for the House to attend the inaugural ceremonies of the President and Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2025, and, thereafter, for the House to stand adjourned until 12:00 p.m. (noon) on January 21, 2025.

Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.

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.

Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act This bill revokes the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to lease general purpose office space and instead provides for the General Services Administration to lease such space for the SEC. The bill's provisions do not affect those leases entered into by the SEC before this bill's enactment. The Government Accountability Office must (1) complete a review under which it shall update a 2016 report with respect to independent leasing authorities, and (2) report to Congress on the review.

Lead by Example Act of 2025 This bill provides that, beginning January 3, 2027, the only health care plan the federal government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff shall be health care provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). By September 15, 2025, the VA and the Office of Personnel Management shall jointly submit to Congress a plan to carry out this bill, including recommendations for any necessary legislative actions.

This bill requires naturally propagated animals (i.e., wild animals) and artificially propagated animals to be treated the same under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Specifically, distinctions between naturally propagated animals and artificially propagated animals may not be made when the federal government makes determinations under the ESA, such as determinations to designate endangered species, threatened species, or critical habitats. In addition, the bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to authorize the use of artificial propagation of animals of a species when mitigation is required under the ESA. This bill applies to all endangered or threatened species regardless of when they were listed as endangered or threatened.

Silver Cliff Community Act This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to designate ZIP Code 81249 to the area encompassing only Silver Cliff, Colorado.

Troops Before Politicians Act This bill withholds the pay of Members of Congress if active service members of the Armed Forces are not receiving pay, including as a result of a lapse in appropriations (i.e., a government shutdown). The withheld pay of Members must be deposited into an escrow account and released when the military lapse in pay ends.

Federal Employee Student Debt Transparency Act This bill requires certain executive branch employees to disclose their federal student loan debt in an annual report. The bill's requirement applies to an employee serving in a Senior Executive Service position or a position of a confidential or policy-determining nature (i.e., a Schedule C position). Covered employees must file a report detailing the principal and interest owed on loans under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan Program, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program.  The bill also requires the Office of Government Ethics to submit an annual report to Congress that contains (1) the total amount owed by all covered employees, and (2) the name of any covered employee who failed to report the required information.  

No Funding for Illegal Migrant Billboards Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from obligating or expending funds to advertise the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman or its functions to the general public. The office’s functions include investigating violations of the rights of individuals in immigration detention, inspecting immigration detention facilities, and providing assistance to individuals affected by the potential misconduct of DHS officers.

Border Wall Waste Accountability Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on the total cost of unused construction materials that were obtained for construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall from January 20, 2021, through January 20, 2025.

PPP Shell Company Discovery Act This bill requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to compile a list of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan recipients whose loans were forgiven under the program. Additionally, the IRS must compile (1) a list of such loan recipients who did not withhold payroll taxes in 2019, and (2) a list of loan such recipients for which the aggregate amount of PPP loans exceeded four times the greatest amount of wages paid by the recipient during a calendar month in 2019. The IRS must notify the Department of Justice when the lists are complete.

This bill requires federal agencies to submit zero-based budgets to the Office of Management and Budget and the congressional budget committees .  Under the bill, a  zero-based budget is a systematic budget analysis in which managers (1) examine current objectives, operations, and costs; (2) consider alternative ways of carrying out programs or activities; and (3) rank different programs or activities by order of importance. The bill also requires federal agencies to submit recommendations to reduce spending by at least 2% from the previous year's levels. The Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration are exempt from this requirement.

This bill prohibits the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) from implementing changes to the single-family home loan pricing framework for upfront fees on certain home loans, announced in January 2023. The changes revise the fee charts that provide percentage adjustments based on a borrower's credit score and other risk factors. Overall, these changes increase the percentage adjustments, with variations based on the particular risk profile of the loan.

This resolution recognizes the contribution of women serving in combat roles in the Armed Forces.

Reclaiming Congress’s Constitutional Mandate in Trade Resolution This concurrent resolution establishes a process for transferring the functions and responsibilities of the Office of the Trade Representative (USTR) from the executive branch to the legislative branch. The concurrent resolution establishes the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities and the Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities to plan for and implement the transfer. The Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Trade Responsibilities shall consist of 14 members of Congress appointed by majority and minority party leaders of the two chambers of Congress and meeting qualifications specified in the bill. The committee shall develop a plan under which the functions and responsibilities of the USTR shall be moved and provide its plan in a report to Congress within 16 months after the committee is appointed.  The bill also establishes a 21-member Congressional Advisory Board on Trade Responsibilities responsible for advising the committee in its development of the plan. Individuals meeting qualifications specified in the bill shall be appointed by the Trade Representative and majority and minority party leaders. The concurrent resolution also provides that the USTR shall provide such information and assistance the committee and the advisory board may reasonably require to carry out their activities. The transition of the USTR to the legislative branch occurs four years after the committee submits its report.

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act This bill establishes exemptions from the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for defense-related operations. First, the bill prohibits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) from designating military installations or state-owned National Guard installations as critical habitat under the ESA. It also prohibits FWS and NMFS from designating other lands, waters, or geographical areas as critical habitats if the Department of Defense (DOD) determines that the areas are necessary for military training, weapons testing, or other reasons. While DOD must submit such determinations in writing to the FWS, DOD is not required to consult with the FWS under the ESA about such determinations.  Next, the bill exempts military personnel engaged in national defense-related operations (actions or duties that DOD deems necessary to support its mission) from ESA prohibitions on (1) taking (e.g., harming or killing) of endangered species or threatened species; (2) importing or exporting such species; and (3) damaging, destroying, removing, cutting, or digging up such species. Further, the bill exempts any injury to or mortality of a threatened or endangered species that results from, but is not the purpose of, a national defense-related operation. The term military personnel means a member of the Armed Forces as well as a civilian employee or contractor of (1) DOD; or (2) any other federal agency, or any provisional authority, to the extent such employment relates to supporting the mission of DOD overseas.

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. 

This bill directs the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the Department of Justice to study the efficacy of extreme risk protection orders on reducing gun violence.

Research Security and Accountability in DHS Act This bill requires the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a department-wide policy for safeguarding research and development from unauthorized access or disclosures of sensitive information in related acquisitions. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the compliance of DHS with a 2021 presidential memorandum and related guidance that required certain disclosures about government-funded research and development (e.g., conflicts of interest involving foreign governments).

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Public Service Act or the CLEAN Public Service Act This bill excludes Members of Congress from further retirement coverage under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System following the enactment of the bill. It also prohibits further government contributions or deductions from a Member's basic pay for deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. This exclusion does not affect a Member's eligibility to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.

National Training Center for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish training and qualification standards for counter-unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as counter-drone systems. Specifically, DHS and DOJ, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, must establish standards for initial and recurrent training programs or certifications for individuals seeking to operate counter-drone detection and mitigation systems, equipment, or technology. Further, DOJ, in coordination with DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, may provide training related to counter-drone systems, including detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, disrupting, and seizing control of drones. DOJ may establish or designate one or more facilities or training centers to provide such training related to counter-drone systems.

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.

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.

No Federal Funds for Political Prosecutions Act This bill specifies that no funds or property received through equitable sharing by a state or local law enforcement agency with the authority to prosecute a criminal case may be used to investigate or prosecute a current or former President or Vice President, or a candidate for the office of President.

Improving Science in Chemical Assessments Act This bill modifies procedures related to specified chemical assessments performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Specifically, chemical hazard identification and dose response assessments must be performed by the appropriate EPA program office (they are currently performed by the Integrated Risk Information System program). Additionally, the bill requires the EPA to establish a steering committee to ensure there is no duplication of effort by relevant program offices in conducting covered assessments.

Curtailing Online Limitations that Lead Unconstitutionally to Democracy's Erosion Act or the COLLUDE Act This bill limits federal liability protection, sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection, that generally precludes providers and users of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) from being held legally responsible for content provided by a third party. Specifically, the bill removes the protection if a provider restricts access to or availability of content containing political speech because of a governmental request unless the request serves a legitimate law enforcement or national security purpose. In addition, the bill changes legal procedures for applying the protection. Currently, the protection serves as broad immunity that typically allows the early dismissal of lawsuits, thereby preempting lawsuits and statutes that impose liability for third-party content. This bill makes the protection an affirmative defense, which means the provider or user must prove that the protection applies before the lawsuit may be dismissed.

Withholding Investments from Lawless Litigators In States Act or the WILLIS Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being awarded or otherwise made available to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office in Georgia.  The bill also (1) rescinds any unobligated funds that were allocated for or otherwise made available to the office, and (2) directs the Department of Justice to require the office to reimburse the federal government for all funds that were expended for the office after January 1, 2021.

Accountability for Lawless Violence In our Neighborhoods Act or the ALVIN Act This bill prohibits federal funds from being awarded or otherwise made available to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York.  The bill also (1) rescinds any unobligated funds that were allocated for or otherwise made available to the office, and (2) directs the Department of Justice to require the office to reimburse the federal government for all funds that were expended for the office after January 1, 2022.

This joint resolution nullifies the rule titled National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for Lead and Copper: Improvements (LCRI) , which was submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency on October 30, 2024. The rule modifies the regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act to further reduce lead in drinking water, including by directing water systems to replace all lead and certain galvanized service lines under their control within 10 years.