HR 2799, the Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025, prohibits the sale, possession, and modification of devices that increase the firing rate of semi-automatic firearms to mimic machine guns (commonly called "bump stocks"). It specifically bans manual, power-driven, or electronic devices designed to speed up firing, as well as modified firearms that achieve this effect. Owners of pre-existing modified firearms must register them within 120 days of the law's enactment, with exemptions for government entities and firearms already lawfully modified and registered before the bill passes. The bill does not restrict standard semi-automatic firearms or require registration of unmodified guns.
This bill expands Medicare coverage to include audiology services provided by qualified audiologists without requiring a physician referral or supervision. Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare will pay 80% of the standard rate for these services, which include hearing and balance assessments and treatment. It specifically allows audiologists to legally provide these services under state law, as long as they are covered if provided by a physician. The bill does not expand the types of services covered beyond those already payable under Medicare as of December 31, 2026.
The Resilient Coasts and Estuaries Act of 2025 establishes a new Coastal and Estuarine Resilience and Restoration Program to protect and restore coastal areas with ecological, recreational, or community value. The program prioritizes lands threatened by development, that can be restored to enhance ecosystem function, or that benefit vulnerable communities facing coastal hazards like sea level rise. It requires the designation of at least five new National Estuarine Research Reserves within eight years and authorizes $47 million annually for 2025-2029 to support these efforts. The bill also creates new requirements for public access to protected lands and establishes a graduate research fellowship program focused on coastal management. This legislation directly affects coastal communities, conservation organizations, and federal agencies managing coastal zones under the Coastal Zone Management Act.
This bill prohibits federal funding for military parades in Washington D.C. primarily intended to celebrate a person's birthday, specifically referencing President Trump's 79th birthday on June 14, 2025 (coinciding with Army Day). It cites concerns about excessive costs ($92 million to military, $21 million in public safety expenses), potential damage to city infrastructure, and the lack of reimbursement for local costs. The bill encourages alternative birthday celebrations (like cake or golf) and humorously notes Congress extends birthday wishes via USPS, while affirming public funds should serve national well-being, not personal glorification.
HR 2753, the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act of 2025, is a procedural bill that would prevent Congress from using budget reconciliation to cut Medicaid or SNAP benefits. It amends the Congressional Budget Act to block reconciliation bills or amendments that reduce Medicaid enrollment/benefits (under Social Security Act Title XIX) or SNAP eligibility/benefits (under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008). This rule would apply until January 20, 2029, and only affects the budget reconciliation process, not the programs themselves. The bill does not change current benefit levels or eligibility rules for Medicaid or SNAP recipients.
HR 1793, the Veterans Readiness and Employment Transparency Act of 2025, requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve access to vocational rehabilitation services for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill mandates a dedicated VA hotline, updated regional office websites with contact details, and requires VA counselors to hold monthly staff Q&A sessions and provide in-person briefings at local educational institutions (or virtual briefings for institutions over 150 miles away). It also requires the VA to submit an annual report detailing the number of veterans requesting, receiving, and being denied extensions to their rehabilitation program periods. These provisions directly affect veterans using VA vocational rehabilitation programs and VA regional office staff responsible for delivering those services.
HR 1423, the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025, expands GI Bill benefits to National Guard members who serve on full-time National Guard duty or active duty under Title 32. It removes previous exclusions by counting this service toward eligibility for Post-9/11 educational benefits, just like active-duty service. The change applies retroactively to service performed since September 11, 2001, allowing affected veterans to access benefits they were previously denied. This policy adjustment directly affects National Guard members who completed qualifying full-time duty since 2001.
S.1329, the PEER Support Act, establishes formal standards for peer support specialists in mental health and substance use recovery. It defines the profession (requiring lived experience and certification), mandates the federal government to create a new occupational category for these specialists by 2026, and creates an Office of Recovery within SAMHSA to support workforce development and best practices. The bill also requires a federal report analyzing state criminal background check policies for peer specialists and recommending ways to reduce barriers to certification. This legislation directly affects peer support specialists, state certification agencies, and federal agencies like SAMHSA, aiming to professionalize the field and improve access to recovery support services.
The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 gradually increases the federal minimum wage from $9.50 to $17.00 per hour over six years, with future annual increases tied to median wage growth. It eliminates the separate lower minimum wage for tipped workers (currently $2.13/hour base), requiring employers to pay the full minimum wage to all tipped employees starting in 2031. The bill also ends the special $4.25/hour starting wage for workers under 20, phasing it out by 2030. Additionally, it prohibits new special wage certificates for disabled workers under Section 14(c) and requires their phaseout by 2030, while providing transition support for affected employers and workers.
S 1336, the "Jobs in the Woods Act," creates a federal grant program to support forestry workforce training in underserved rural communities. It provides funding for eligible entities (like nonprofits, tribes, local governments, and colleges) to develop training programs in areas meeting specific criteria: nonmetropolitan, low-income, small-population communities with reliable broadband access. Grants range from $500,000 to $2 million per award for up to 4 years, with priority given to programs addressing aging forestry workforces and youth migration, and partnerships with schools. The program is authorized to receive $10 million annually from 2025 through 2029.
This bill requires U.S. federal agencies to assess Hong Kong's role in potential money laundering and sanctions violations. Within 180 days, the Treasury Secretary must determine if Hong Kong qualifies as a "jurisdiction of primary money laundering concern," and within 360 days, State, Treasury, and Commerce must report on Hong Kong's role in facilitating exports to sanctioned countries like Russia and Iran, and whether China's security laws hinder Hong Kong financial institutions from following U.S. anti-money laundering standards. The bill directly affects U.S. agencies responsible for implementing financial regulations and Hong Kong's financial institutions operating under U.S. sanctions regimes. It mandates specific reviews but does not impose new penalties or alter existing laws.
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. The Federal Labor Relations Authority will determine if states' laws "substantially provide" these rights, and if not, the federal standards will apply to affected workers. The bill guarantees rights like forming labor organizations, negotiating wages and working conditions, and resolving disputes through mediation or arbitration, while prohibiting strikes that would disrupt emergency services. Existing collective bargaining agreements and units are protected from the bill's implementation.
