Massachusetts Congressional Bills

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5988: CORRUPT Act

The CORRUPT Act (HR 5988) amends the Federal Tort Claims Act to create an exception for claims brought by the President of the United States or their spouse, child, sibling, or in-law during the President's term in office. This means the government would not be subject to standard tort claims procedures if the President or a covered relative sues for damages. The bill directly affects the President and immediate family members by removing a legal avenue to seek compensation from the federal government for torts. The key mechanism is adding a new exception to the Federal Tort Claims Act, specifically shielding these individuals from the usual legal process for suing the government.

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5940: Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025

HR 5940, the Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025, prohibits the implementation of the Medicare WISeR model (described in a July 2025 federal notice). The bill specifically blocks the Secretary of Health and Human Services from using the WISeR model, which would have required prior authorization for certain medical services under Medicare. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries and healthcare providers who would have been subject to the model's requirements. The key provision is a clear ban on implementing WISeR or any substantially similar payment model, preventing changes to Medicare's service authorization process. The bill does not create new programs but stops a specific proposed Medicare policy change.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Suzan K. DelBene (D) · 47 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5938: Innovation Fund Act

The Innovation Fund Act establishes a competitive grant program providing up to $200 million annually (2027-2031) to local governments and tribes that have demonstrably increased housing supply. Eligible entities - such as cities, counties, or tribes with proven housing growth - can use funds to implement specific initiatives like reforming zoning rules (e.g., reducing parking requirements, allowing denser housing), streamlining permitting, or using tax incentives to expand affordable housing options. The grants require applicants to show how projects address community housing needs and improve affordability, with priority given to innovative approaches that increase housing supply. The bill explicitly prohibits federal preemption of local zoning laws and focuses on supporting existing local housing strategies rather than mandating new policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5975: Appraisal Modernization Act

HR 5975, the Appraisal Modernization Act, creates a formal process for home buyers to challenge mortgage appraisals they believe are flawed or discriminatory. It requires lenders to review consumer requests for reconsideration within 60 days, providing clear procedures for submitting evidence and requiring lenders to order a new appraisal at their expense if the original report has material flaws. The bill also mandates a 240-day feasibility study by the government to assess creating a public database consolidating appraisal data from major housing agencies like FHA and VA, aiming to improve transparency in home valuation practices. This legislation directly affects homebuyers, lenders, and appraisers by establishing new accountability standards for appraisal quality and access to valuation data.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5965: Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

HR 5965, the Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act, expands work-study eligibility for veterans pursuing education or rehabilitation programs at least half-time (instead of the current three-quarter-time requirement). The bill creates a 5-year pilot program allowing veterans to receive a work-study allowance from the VA while studying part-time, directly affecting veterans enrolled in qualifying programs. It requires the VA to submit annual reports tracking participation rates, four-year degree attainment, and full-time VA employment outcomes for participants. The law modernizes existing VA work-study rules without altering benefit amounts or creating new funding streams.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5950: Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025

This bill ensures continuous funding for SNAP (food assistance) and WIC (nutrition program for mothers/children) during government funding gaps. It authorizes emergency Treasury funds to cover SNAP/WIC benefits and reimburse states for costs if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations for the Department of Agriculture by September 30, 2025. The funding covers missed payments retroactively from September 30, 2025, through the bill’s enactment date, and continues until either regular appropriations pass or September 30, 2026. It directly affects low-income households relying on these programs and state agencies administering them during funding lapses.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Jahana Hayes (D) · 101 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5973: Stop Excessive Force in Immigration Act of 2025

This bill, HR 5973, requires federal immigration enforcement personnel to follow strict limits on force use, including proportional application, mandatory de-escalation efforts, and prohibitions on equipment like flash bangs or rubber bullets except for specific public safety threats. It mandates body-worn and vehicle cameras for all operations, with footage retained for one year (three years for force incidents or complaints), and grants affected individuals the right to inspect recordings. The law also requires annual training on force policies, First Amendment compliance, and racial bias avoidance, while demanding detailed quarterly reports to Congress on force usage, assaults on agents, and equipment approvals. These provisions directly affect all federal immigration agents conducting enforcement actions, aiming to increase transparency and accountability during operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

Scott H. Peters (D) · 112 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5951: No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act

HR 5951, the No Nuclear Testing Without Approval Act, requires the U.S. President to obtain Congressional approval before conducting any explosive nuclear testing. It applies directly to the executive branch and Congress, mandating a 180-day notice period and detailed justification for testing - either in response to foreign nuclear activity or due to a "technical need" (e.g., safety, reliability, or performance issues with nuclear weapons). Congress must pass a joint resolution approving the testing, requiring a two-thirds vote in the Senate for both scenarios. The bill does not ban testing but changes the process to ensure legislative oversight, with specific timelines and procedural rules for congressional consideration.

in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

HR 5962: To authorize the Department of Justice and the Department of State to provide law enforcement and intelligence technical assistance, training, capacity building, and advisory support to the Government of Ukraine to achieve the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, and for other purposes.

This bill authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of State to provide Ukraine with law enforcement technical assistance, training, and advisory support focused on recovering forcibly transferred Ukrainian children and addressing related abductions. Key provisions include training in biometric identification, open-source intelligence, and secure communications; medical and psychological rehabilitation services for affected children; and coordination with NGOs and Ukrainian authorities to investigate and prosecute cases. The assistance directly supports Ukraine’s government, child protection services, and the children themselves who were abducted or forcibly transferred by Russia. Reports to Congress detail funding, assistance types, and efforts to align international sanctions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 6, 2025

SJRES 90: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress.

SJRES 90 is a joint resolution directing the removal of U.S. military forces from Venezuela when their actions lack congressional authorization. It requires the President to withdraw troops unless Congress has declared war or passed a specific authorization for military force against Venezuela. The resolution applies to all current military operations in Venezuela not covered by existing congressional approval. It includes an exception allowing military action for self-defense against imminent attacks.

Tim Kaine (D) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 6, 2025

SRES 486: A resolution condemning the suggestion by President Donald J. Trump that criticism of him is "illegal," reaffirming the fundamental importance of free speech, and declaring that criticism of the President is not only lawful but essential to democracy in the United States.

This non-binding Senate resolution condemns President Trump's November 1, 2025, social media claim that criticism of him (specifically referencing comedian Seth Meyers' commentary) is "illegal." It reaffirms that the First Amendment protects criticism of the president and urges Trump administration officials to avoid using regulatory or enforcement powers (like FCC actions) to punish critics. The resolution specifically references Trump's prior attacks on late-night comedians and FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's threats against broadcasters.

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 6, 2025

S 3146: Restoring Access for Detainees Act

S 3146 (Restoring Access for Detainees Act) would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide immigration detainees in DHS custody with specific communication services. It mandates 200 free monthly minutes for calls to family or legal representatives, unlimited free minutes for communications with legal entities (like courts, immigration officials, or the UN Refugee Agency), and private communication opportunities with lawyers or oversight officials during initial detention and location changes. The bill also prohibits facilities from restricting legal call duration or monitoring protected communications, while requiring clear public policies on call timing and location. This directly affects detained immigrants seeking legal assistance or family contact during immigration proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Massachusetts Congressional Bills

Bill results