NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 the programs and activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The bill also revises certain existing NASA programs and establishes new programs related to space exploration, research, and technology. For example, the bill directs NASA to continue its efforts to support crewed lunar landings and Mars explorations, including through partnerships with the private sector (i.e., the Moon to Mars and Artemis programs). The bill also requires NASA to maintain the capability for a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit until and beyond the retirement of the International Space Station (ISS). NASA may solicit proposals for the development of a commercial space station in low-Earth orbit. When such a station is ready, NASA must initiate an orderly transition of operations from the ISS to the commercial station. NASA must also develop a de-orbit vehicle for the eventual retirement of the ISS. ( Low-Earth orbit encompasses orbits at an altitude of 1,200 miles or less.) In addition, NASA is authorized to develop an architecture for lunar communications and navigation, and must develop a strategy to implement a standardized lunar time to support operations and infrastructure on and around the moon. NASA must also continue to conduct research relating to advanced air mobility, unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones), and hypersonic technologies. Finally, the bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on fire and emergency services at NASA launch and reentry facilities.
This bill, known as the Direct File Act of 2026, would establish a government-run online system allowing taxpayers to prepare and file their individual income tax returns for free. The legislation prohibits the Treasury Department from entering into agreements that restrict its ability to provide tax preparation or filing services, and it voids any existing contracts with such restrictions. The program would use IRS data to simplify filing, include customer support, be available in multiple languages, and allow users to file even if they are not required to. It also enables taxpayers in participating states to file state and local returns alongside their federal returns, with funding provided to states that meet certain standards.
The DISCLOSE Act of 2026 aims to increase transparency in election spending and prevent foreign influence. It expands the ban on foreign money to cover federal, state, and local elections, including ballot initiatives and judicial nominations, and criminalizes using corporations to conceal these funds. The bill mandates that organizations spending over $10,000 on campaign-related activities, such as independent expenditures or judicial nomination advocacy, disclose their beneficial owners and top donors. Additionally, it establishes new "Stand By Every Ad" disclaimers for political communications, requiring the highest-ranking official to approve the message and, for certain ads, list their top funders. These provisions directly affect non-candidate organizations, individuals involved in political and judicial nomination spending, and foreign nationals.
Debt-to-GDP Transparency and Stabilization Act This bill requires the President's annual budget and congressional budget resolutions to include (1) the ratio of the public debt to the estimated gross domestic product (GDP), and (2) the ratio of the surplus or deficit to the estimated GDP.
HR 7803, the "Save Medicare Act," renames Medicare Advantage plans to "Alternative Private Health Plan" for all federal references, including in the Social Security Act. It requires health plans to stop using "Medicare" in their titles after enactment, imposing a $100,000 civil penalty per violation. The change applies to all Part C Medicare plans and mandates a full transition by October 15, 2023, with a temporary period allowing both terms to be used during the switch. This bill directly affects private health insurers offering Medicare Part C plans and federal agencies managing Medicare programs. The policy change is solely about terminology, not benefits or coverage.
This bill reauthorizes and modernizes Trade Adjustment Assistance programs to help workers, firms, communities, and farmers affected by trade-related job losses. It extends program funding through 2033 and expands eligibility to include teleworkers, staffed workers, and public agency employees. Key provisions increase financial benefits, add new allowances for childcare and job search, require inflation adjustments to benefit amounts, and establish new outreach requirements to ensure underserved communities receive adequate support. The legislation also creates a new community assistance program providing grants for strategic economic development planning and expands technical assistance for businesses seeking adjustment support.
This bill establishes and funds four federal grant programs to support passenger ferry services across the United States from 2027 through 2031. It authorizes funding for building and upgrading ferry boats and terminals, expanding urban ferry grants, creating a modernization program for ferry fleets and shipyards, and supporting essential ferry service in rural areas. The legislation allocates hundreds of millions of dollars in total funding, with specific amounts designated for each program and fiscal year, and requires that a significant portion of rural ferry funds go to services connecting multiple rural communities.
This bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to update federal safety standards for vehicle headlamps by setting a maximum brightness limit for low beam lights. The rule must be finalized within one year of the bill's enactment and will measure light intensity in lumens or another approved unit. This change directly affects vehicle manufacturers and drivers by standardizing headlamp brightness to reduce glare on roads. The legislation aims to improve highway and two-lane road safety by limiting how bright headlights can be.
HRES 1097 is a procedural resolution requesting federal agencies to provide specific documents to the House of Representatives. It directs the Treasury and Homeland Security Secretaries to share records about how they implement an existing agreement (the "Memorandum of Understanding") for sharing taxpayer information related to non-tax criminal enforcement. The resolution specifically asks for documents concerning access to IRS systems containing taxpayer data, policies for handling such information, and any violations of privacy rules. This request does not create new law but seeks transparency about current agency practices involving sensitive taxpayer information.
This bill allows individuals to transfer funds directly from their individual retirement accounts to donor advised funds without incurring taxes. It removes a specific restriction in the Internal Revenue Code that previously prohibited this type of charitable rollover. The change applies to distributions made after the bill is enacted into law. This provision affects retirees and other account holders who wish to donate to charitable organizations through donor advised funds while maintaining tax-free status for the transfer.
The MINT Act modifies rules for federal home loan banks backing tax-exempt bonds used in community development projects. It removes a 2010 deadline for certain bond issuances and shifts safety requirements to be set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, rather than fixed standards. This directly affects community development organizations and local governments using tax-exempt bonds for housing or neighborhood revitalization. The changes apply to guarantees issued after the bill's enactment, streamlining how these bonds are secured.
This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create a program focused on researching how environmental factors, such as air pollution, chemicals, and heavy metals, may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The legislation would establish collaborative research centers at universities and medical institutions to study these environmental links, train scientists, and share findings with the public and healthcare professionals. The program includes provisions for creating a national data system and information clearinghouse to track disease patterns and environmental exposures across different communities. Funding of up to $50 million annually through 2031 is authorized to support these research efforts, with biennial reports required to Congress on progress and outcomes.
