This is a non-binding resolution (HRES 206), not a legislative bill. It expresses the House's support for preserving the "stepped-up basis" tax provision (Section 1014 of the Internal Revenue Code), which allows heirs to reset the tax cost basis of inherited assets like farmland or business equipment to their current market value. The resolution cites that 98% of farms and 19% of businesses are family-owned, noting that eliminating this provision could increase taxes for 66% of midsized farms. It specifically urges opposition to new taxes on family farms and small businesses but does not change any tax law or policy.
American Teacher Act This bill establishes grants to increase the minimum salary of public elementary and secondary school teachers. It also authorizes a national campaign regarding the value of the teaching profession. First, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award four-year grants to state educational agencies (SEAs) and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies to establish a minimum annual salary of $60,000 (to be adjusted annually for inflation) for these teachers. Second, the bill directs ED to award grants to eligible SEAs to provide cost-of-living adjustments to the annual base salary of teachers. Finally, the bill authorizes ED to carry out a national campaign to (1) increase awareness about the importance of teachers and the value of the teaching profession, (2) encourage secondary school and college students to consider teaching as a professional career, and (3) diversify the pool of individuals who enter the teaching profession.
The Feed Our Families Act of 2025 ensures SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits continue for 90 days during the first government funding lapse in a fiscal year. It appropriates emergency funds from the Treasury to cover SNAP operations for the initial 90 days of a lapse in discretionary appropriations for the program. These funds are held in reserve and can only be used to maintain SNAP program services during that period. The bill directly affects millions of low-income households relying on SNAP benefits by preventing immediate disruptions during early government shutdowns.
This bill mandates that all new $20 U.S. currency printed after December 31, 2028, must prominently feature Harriet Tubman's portrait on the front. It requires the Treasury Secretary to release a preliminary design for this updated $20 bill by December 31, 2026. The bill directly affects the U.S. Treasury Department, codifying a 2016 announcement to feature Tubman on the $20 note (replacing Andrew Jackson) and ending a historical pattern where no woman had appeared on U.S. paper money.
This bill (S 884) requires the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to provide firearm buyers with denial reasons and appeal rights if a background check (NICS) blocks a transfer. It mandates that ATF must make a decision on transfer applications within 3 business days, automatically approving the transfer if they miss the deadline. Buyers who successfully appeal a denial can receive reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees. The bill also requires reports on unresolved background checks and a formal agreement between ATF and the FBI to improve NICS processing. (Based on Sections 2, 3, and 4 of the bill text.)
This bill provides federal grants to public or nonprofit health care providers serving minority, low-income, or medically underserved communities to expand maternal and infant health services. It specifically funds prenatal, postnatal, and postpartum care while requiring grantees to offer culturally appropriate services and limit administrative costs to 10% of grant funds. Priority is given to organizations led by or located within the communities they serve, aiming to reduce racial and economic disparities in care access and health outcomes. The funding is authorized for fiscal years 2026-2030, with grantees required to coordinate with other federal maternal health programs to avoid duplication.
HR 1940, the Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2025, removes a federal excise tax on indoor tanning services. It directly affects tanning salons and businesses providing these services by eliminating the tax they previously paid. The bill repeals Chapter 49 of the Internal Revenue Code, which imposed the tax, and the change takes effect for services provided after the bill becomes law. This is a straightforward tax repeal with no new requirements or funding mechanisms.
This bill authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for actor James Earl Jones to recognize his career achievements in theater and film. It directs the Treasury Secretary to strike a gold medal bearing his name, which will be presented to his son, Flynn Earl Jones, following Jones' passing. The bill also permits the sale of bronze duplicates to cover costs. As a ceremonial honor with no policy changes, it does not affect legislation or government operations.
This bill ensures that U.S. Border Patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who remain on duty during a government shutdown receive their salaries. It appropriates funds from the Treasury for fiscal year 2025 to cover their pay during any shutdown period beginning after the bill's enactment. The provision specifically applies to CBP personnel who are not furloughed under standard shutdown protocols. It directly affects federal workers in CBP’s Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations during government funding gaps.
HR 1954, the "Do No Harm Act," amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to clarify that RFRA does not override specific federal laws protecting against harm. It explicitly exempts provisions related to anti-discrimination (like the Civil Rights Act), workplace protections (wages, leave, collective activity), child safety, and healthcare access from RFRA's requirements. The bill ensures RFRA cannot be used to challenge government programs or contracts that provide these essential protections. It also clarifies that RFRA applies only to disputes involving government as a party, not private disputes between individuals. This change preserves existing legal safeguards while modifying RFRA's scope.
This bill ensures military personnel, civilian Defense workers, and supporting contractors continue receiving pay during government funding gaps in fiscal year 2025. It provides temporary funding from existing Treasury reserves to cover salaries for active-duty troops, reservists, Defense civilians, and contractors supporting military operations until Congress passes a full budget or by January 1, 2026. The measure directly affects all active-duty service members, reserve components, and their civilian/contractor support staff across the military. It does not create new policies but guarantees uninterrupted pay during budget implementation delays.
This resolution formally censures Representative Al Green (D-TX) for disrupting President Trump's address during a joint session of Congress on March 4, 2025. It requires him to appear in the House chamber for the public reading of the censure resolution, which states his actions violated decorum rules and brought disrepute to Congress. As a procedural resolution, it does not enact policy changes but serves as a formal reprimand for conduct during a congressional session.
