This bill rescinds a 2023 federal withdrawal of lands in Minnesota's Superior National Forest, allowing mining operations to resume. It requires the Secretary to complete environmental reviews for mine plans within 18 months (or 6 months for supplements) and reissues canceled mineral leases with 20-year terms plus automatic 10-year renewals. The bill directly affects mining companies operating in the forest, particularly those with canceled leases or rejected applications since 2021. It mandates issuance of new permits for surface use related to mining and prohibits judicial review of these reissued leases.
Fair Access to Banking Act This bill places restrictions on certain banks, credit unions, and payment card networks if they refuse to do business with a person who complies with the law. Restrictions include prohibiting the use of electronic funds transfer systems and lending programs, termination of an institution's depository insurance, and specified civil penalties. Banks and other specified financial institutions are allowed to deny financial services to a person only if the denial is justified by a documented failure of that person to meet quantitative, impartial, risk-based standards established in advance by the institution. This justification may not be based upon reputational risks to the institution. The bill establishes the right for a person to bring a civil action for a violation of this bill.
HJRES 33 is a congressional resolution seeking to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand the E-Rate Program to address the "homework gap" by improving school internet access. The resolution invokes a federal process (under Chapter 8 of Title 5, U.S. Code) to disapprove the FCC's specific rule, which was published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024. If passed, this resolution would prevent the FCC rule from taking effect, directly affecting the implementation of E-Rate Program upgrades for schools and libraries. The measure does not create new policy but halts an existing FCC rule through congressional disapproval.
S 383 (the JOBS Act of 2025) expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in certain short-term job training programs at eligible institutions of higher education. The bill creates a "job training Federal Pell Grant" for programs meeting specific criteria: 150-600 clock hours over 8-15 weeks, aligned with high-demand industry sectors, and leading to recognized postsecondary credentials that meet employer hiring requirements or licensure prerequisites. It also lowers the minimum Pell Grant award from 10% to 5% of the full annual amount. This directly affects students seeking career-focused training and institutions offering qualifying programs that validate industry partnerships.
The Fair Access to Banking Act (S 401) prohibits large financial institutions ($10 billion+ in assets) and payment networks from denying services to lawful businesses based on political or reputational factors, such as the type of legal business they operate. It requires banks to justify denials using objective, risk-based standards instead of category-based decisions, and mandates written explanations for denials. The law enables lawsuits against violators with treble damages and civil penalties up to 10% of service value (capped at $10,000 per violation). It directly affects major banks, payment processors, and credit unions that serve large-scale customers, ensuring fair access for businesses operating within federal law.
This bill would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies by requiring the closure of DEI offices, rescinding related executive orders (including those on racial equity and LGBTQ+ inclusion), and prohibiting federal funds from being used for DEI-related activities. It defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" as including training that asserts certain groups are inherently superior or inferior, or requiring employees to sign statements about such concepts. The bill affects all federal agencies, personnel, contractors, and grantees by banning DEI training, offices, and related activities while exempting Equal Employment Opportunity offices and disability-related programs. It also creates a private cause of action allowing individuals to sue for violations with penalties of $1,000 per violation per day.
HR 925, the "Dismantle DEI Act of 2025," would eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal government operations. The bill requires federal agencies to close DEI offices, rescind related executive orders, and prohibit the use of federal funds for DEI training, offices, or initiatives. It defines "prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice" as any activity that discriminates based on race, ethnicity, religion, biological sex, or national origin, or requires employees to complete training asserting that certain groups are inherently superior or inferior. The legislation also prohibits requiring employees to sign statements about race, ethnicity, or gender, and establishes private lawsuits for violations with potential damages of $1,000 per violation per day. This bill would directly affect federal agencies, contractors, grantees, and advisory committees receiving federal funding.
HR 951 authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce commemorative coins (gold $5, silver $1, and half-dollar) in 2028 to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Surcharges from coin sales ($35 per gold coin, $10 per silver, $5 per half-dollar) will fund the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting programs for Gold Star families, first responders, veterans, and their families. The coins must meet specific weight, size, and composition standards, with mintage limits set at 100,000 gold, 500,000 silver, and 750,000 half-dollar coins. All surcharge proceeds directly benefit the Foundation’s existing initiatives, such as mortgage-free housing and scholarships, without requiring additional federal funding.
The SHOW UP Act of 2025 requires federal agencies to return to telework policies in effect on December 31, 2019, within 30 days of enactment. Agencies cannot expand telework beyond this baseline until they submit a detailed plan to Congress and receive certification from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director, proving the expansion will improve mission performance, reduce costs, and provide adequate resources for teleworkers. This bill directly affects all federal executive agencies and their telework arrangements, mandating a study on pandemic-era telework impacts as part of the planning process. The legislation aims to standardize telework practices by requiring evidence-based changes rather than unilateral agency decisions.
S 364, titled the "Hearing Protection Act" (though it regulates firearm silencers, not hearing protection), changes federal law to treat firearm silencers like firearms for tax and regulatory purposes. It imposes a 10% federal tax on silencers (similar to firearms), preempts state laws that tax or regulate silencers beyond federal rules, and requires the destruction of existing silencer registration records within one year. The bill clarifies definitions of "firearm silencer" in federal law and modifies licensing requirements for these devices. This directly affects silencer owners, manufacturers, and state governments that previously imposed additional restrictions or taxes.
The Northern Montana Water Security Act of 2025 (HR 907) establishes a final settlement of water rights for the Fort Belknap Indian Community (Gros Ventre and Assiniboine Tribes) in Montana, confirming their rights to 20,000 acre-feet of water annually from Lake Elwell. The bill ratifies a water rights compact between the tribe and Montana, creates a process for exchanging Federal and State lands, and establishes two trust funds to support water infrastructure projects and management. It includes provisions for the tribe to manage water allocations, lease water rights, and develop infrastructure while protecting allottees' water rights through a Tribal water code. The bill provides specific funding for rehabilitation of the Fort Belknap Indian Irrigation Project and mitigation for the Milk River Project, with implementation requirements and timelines.
HR 899 would end the U.S. Department of Education by December 31, 2026, terminating its federal agency status. This bill directly affects all federal education programs and operations currently managed by the Department, such as student aid and school funding. The key mechanism is a fixed termination date, requiring the transfer of the Department's responsibilities to other federal agencies without specifying new administrative structures. The bill focuses solely on ending the agency's existence, not altering education policy or funding mechanisms.
