Steve Cohen

Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Tennessee Valley Authority Salary Transparency Act This bill expands reporting requirements for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). TVA is a government corporation that provides electricity in Tennessee and in portions of several surrounding states. It also provides flood control, navigation, and land management services for the Tennessee River system. The bill reinstates the requirement for TVA to file an annual financial statement and report with Congress in March. (The requirement was terminated by the Federal Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995.) The bill also modifies the requirement that the report include the names, salaries, and duties of employees earning more than $1,500 a year. Under the bill, this information is only required for employees earning more than the maximum rate of basic pay for grade GS-13 of the General Schedule.

Washington, D.C. Admission Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States. The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits. The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives. The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services.  The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act This bill establishes the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans. The commission must (1) compile documentary evidence of slavery in the United States; (2) study the role of the federal and state governments in supporting the institution of slavery; (3) analyze discriminatory laws and policies against freed African slaves and their descendants; and (4) recommend ways the United States may recognize and remedy the effects of slavery and discrimination on African Americans, including through a formal apology and compensation (i.e., reparations). The commission consists of individuals from civil society and reparations organizations and individuals appointed by the President and congressional leadership; Members of Congress and governmental employees may not serve on the commission. The commission may hold hearings, subpoena witnesses and records, and contract with other entities to conduct its work. The commission must submit its final report within 18 months of its first meeting.

MEGOBARI Act

United States · United States Congress · 3 January 2025

Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act or the MEGOBARI Act This bill requires the President to impose sanctions on certain foreign persons, including Georgian government officials, who are undermining Georgia's security or stability. Specifically, the bill requires the President to impose visa-blocking sanctions and authorizes the President to impose property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person the President determines is involved with actions or policies to undermine Georgia's security or stability. Immediate family members of a sanctioned individual are also subject to these sanctions if they benefited from the sanctioned individual's conduct.  The bill also requires the President to impose visa-blocking sanctions on the following foreign persons if the President determines such persons knowingly engaged in significant acts of corruption or acts of violence or intimidation in relation to the blocking of Euro-Atlantic integration in Georgia:  any individual who served as a member of the Georgian parliament or as a senior official of a Georgian political party on or after January 1, 2014; any individual who is serving as an official in a leadership position on behalf of the Georgian government; and any immediate family member of such officials who benefited from their conduct. Additionally, for the purpose of potential imposition of sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, the President must determine whether there are foreign persons who, on or after the bill's enactment, have engaged in (1) significant corruption in Georgia, or (2) acts to undermine Georgia's security or stability.

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2025

Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act This bill prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from requiring payment from a veteran for any contraceptive item that is required to be covered by health insurance plans without a cost-sharing requirement.

Dental Care for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2025

Dental Care for Veterans Act This bill expands eligibility for veterans for dental care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Specifically, the bill makes all veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system eligible for VA-provided dental services. Currently, only veterans who have a service-connected dental issue or meet other narrow criteria are eligible for certain dental services. The bill phases in eligibility over four years based upon existing eligibility, degree of service-connected disability or other disability, prisoner of war status, award of a Purple Heart, financial need, or VA health care eligibility.

Recognizing Russian actions in Ukraine as a genocide.

United States · United States Congress · 6 January 2025

This resolution condemns Russia for committing acts of genocide against the Ukrainian people. It also calls on the United States, in cooperation with North Atlantic Treaty Organization and European Union allies, to undertake measures to support the Ukrainian government to prevent further acts of Russian genocide against the Ukrainian people.

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 7 January 2025

Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to furnish infertility treatments, standard fertility preservation services, or both to a covered veteran or partner of a covered veteran. A covered veteran is a veteran who is enrolled in the VA health care system and has infertility or is at risk of having infertility, as determined by a licensed physician. The VA may furnish up to three completed in vitro fertilization cycles that result in live birth, or 10 attempted cycles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the VA may furnish in vitro fertilization treatment using donated gametes or embryos. The VA must receive consent to furnish an in vitro fertilization cycle from the covered veteran, the partner of a covered veteran, and the third-party donor (if applicable). For purposes of paying travel expenses for treatment or services to the partner of a covered veteran, the VA must deem the partner to be a veteran receiving treatment or care. The VA must prescribe regulations related to the provision of infertility treatments and standard fertility preservation services as required by this bill. Prior to the enactment of such regulations, the VA must ensure that (1) counseling and treatment furnished under existing authority is available to a veteran and the veteran's partner, regardless of whether they are married; and (2) treatment under existing authority may be furnished using donated gametes or embryos.

Honoring the life, achievements, legacy, and public service of former President James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

This resolution honors the life, achievements, legacy, and distinguished public service of former President Jimmy Carter. The resolution also (1) acknowledges President Carter's contributions to the state of Georgia, the United States, and the world; and (2) establishes his legacy as one of the great leaders and statesmen of the United States. 

To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin for placement in the Capitol.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

This bill requires the Joint Committee on the Library to contract for and place a statue of Benjamin Franklin in the Capitol. The committee shall place the statue in a permanent public location where it is accessible during a guided tour provided by the Capitol Visitor Center. The contract must be executed by December 31, 2025, and the statue must be placed by December 31, 2026. 

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States limiting the pardon power of the President.

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment limiting the pardon power of the President. The amendment prohibits the President from granting a pardon or reprieve to himself or herself, to relatives or members of the administration, to paid campaign employees, to a person or entity for an offense motivated by an interest of any of those people, or to a person or entity for an offense directed by or coordinated with the President. The amendment also invalidates pardons issued for a corrupt purpose.

Health Care Affordability Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 This bill makes permanent temporary changes enacted by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) that generally expand eligibility for and increase the amount of the premium tax credit. Currently, eligible taxpayers may be able to claim the premium tax credit, which applies toward the cost of obtaining health insurance through health insurance exchanges. To be eligible for the premium tax credit, a taxpayer’s household income must meet or exceed 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL) and, after 2025, may not exceed 400% of the FPL (maximum income limit). For 2021-2025, the ARPA and IRA eliminated the maximum income limit, which generally expands eligibility for the premium tax credit. Further, under current law, the amount of the premium tax credit is (1) generally the plan premium (conditions apply), minus (2) the taxpayer’s household income multiplied by the applicable percentage. The applicable percentage is a specific percentage that varies depending on which of six income ranges (adjusted for inflation after 2025) the taxpayer’s household income falls within. For 2021-2025, the ARPA and IRA lowered the applicable percentages and eliminated the adjustment of the applicable percentages for inflation, which generally increases the amount of the premium tax credit. The bill makes permanent the elimination of the 400% maximum income limit, the lower applicable percentages, and the elimination of the inflation adjustment for the applicable percentages.

Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution This resolution authorizes proxy voting in the House of Representatives for a Member who has given birth or whose spouse has given birth and pregnant Members who are unable to travel safely or have a serious medical condition. Under the resolution, a qualifying Member may designate a proxy to cast a vote in a committee, the Committee of the Whole, or on the House floor; however, proxies will not be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. The proxy designation is valid for up to 12 weeks. To designate a proxy for House and Committee of the Whole votes, the Member must submit a signed and dated letter to the Clerk stating the Member’s qualifying circumstances and the name and state of the Member who has agreed to be designated as proxy. A Member who has designated a proxy according to these requirements may also designate a proxy for committee votes. To designate a proxy for committee votes, the Member must provide the committee chair and ranking minority member with a signed and dated letter specifying another member of the committee to cast a proxy vote.  The resolution further provides that a Member may revoke the proxy authorization by (1) casting the Member’s own vote; (2) recording the Member’s own presence in the House or in the Committee of the Whole; or (3) in a committee, by submitting a signed letter to the chair and ranking minority member.

Train FOOD Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Train Furtherance of Outstanding Onboard Dining Act or the Train FOOD Act This bill directs Amtrak to establish an advisory committee to provide internal review for Amtrak's implementation of the Amtrak Food and Beverage Working Group (FBWG) recommendations to improve onboard food and beverage service. The Amtrak advisory committee must submit an annual report to Congress on the status of Amtrak's implementation of each of the FBWG recommendations. The advisory committee's annual reports must be publicly available on an Amtrak website. In addition, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress describing Amtrak's progress in implementing each FBWG report recommendation.

Train EATS Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Train Establishment of Appetizing Table Service Act or the Train EATS Act  This bill requires Amtrak to provide a range of dining services to passengers on overnight routes. Specifically, Amtrak must make available (1) traditional dining (i.e., table service), to the extent practicable; and (2) an alternative food and beverage service that is more affordable than traditional dining. On each overnight route, Amtrak must offer any traditional dining capacity not otherwise used by first-class or business-class passengers to passengers in coach class for a fee. In addition, Amtrak must ensure that traditional dining on overnight routes includes (1) a healthy meal option, and (2) the option for passengers to preorder meals that satisfy their dietary restrictions. The Department of Transportation must issue any necessary regulations.

Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act

United States · United States Congress · 9 January 2025

Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act This bill prohibits federal officials and employees from taking any action, or expending any federal funds, to recognize or imply U.S. recognition of (1) Bidzina Ivanishvili, or (2) any government of the nation of Georgia that is led by Bidzina Ivanishvili or any proxies. The bill also specifies that the United States must recognize the incumbent president of Georgia prior to the October 26, 2024, elections as the only legitimate leader of Georgia. The President may declare this policy void if the chairman and co-chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission certify that Georgia has held free and fair elections.

HEADWAY Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2025

Head start Education And Development Workforce Advancement and Yield Act or the HEADWAY Act This bill allows some teachers in Early Head Start programs to teach while in the process of earning their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and completing training. Currently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must ensure that all teachers providing direct services to children and families in Early Head Start centers (1) have a minimum of a CDA credential and have been trained in early childhood development, and (2) have been trained in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development. The bill revises this requirement by requiring at least one teacher per classroom (instead of all teachers) to have a CDA credential and training. In particular, the bill requires HHS to ensure that (1) each additional teacher providing direct services to children and families is in the process of earning a CDA credential and completing training, and (2) the Early Head Start agency provides a mentor to oversee the progress and guide the work of a teacher who is in the process of earning a CDA credential and completing training.

Goldie’s Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 January 2025

Goldie's Act This bill expands enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to document and record detailed descriptions of violations of the act observed during inspections and investigations. USDA must provide a copy of all records documenting violations to state, local, and municipal animal control or law enforcement officials within 24 hours of such inspections or investigations. Inspections must be held at least once a year of each research facility, the premises of each animal dealer, and each exhibitor of animals. If violations are found during inspections, then USDA must conduct any necessary follow-up inspections until all the violations are corrected. Inspectors must confiscate or destroy in a humane manner animals found to be suffering physical or psychological harm as a result of failure to comply with the AWA. Violators are subject to civil penalties as outlined in the bill.

Paycheck Fairness Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2025

Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 5 March 2025

John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices may take effect. Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights. A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if, during the previous 25 years: 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state; 10 or more violations occurred, at least 1 of which was committed by the state itself; or 3 or more violations occurred and the state administers the elections. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years. States and political subdivisions that meet certain thresholds regarding minority groups must preclear covered practices before implementation, such as redistricting. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices. The bill authorizes DOJ to require states or political subdivisions to provide certain documents or answers to questions for enforcing voting rights. The bill outlines factors courts must consider when hearing challenges to voting practices, such as the extent of any history of official voting discrimination in the state or political subdivision.

End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025

End Oil and Gas Tax Subsidies Act of 2025 This bill repeals or limits tax deductions and credits related to oil and gas production; increases the amortization period of geological and geophysical expenses; prohibits the use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting method by certain oil companies; and expands the definition of crude oil for certain purposes. The bill repeals the tax credits for producing oil and gas from marginal wells and enhanced oil recovery, tax deduction for intangible drilling and development costs for oil and gas wells, percentage depletion, tax deduction for tertiary injectant expenses, and exception to the passive loss limitations for working interests in oil and gas property. The bill increases the amortization period for geological and geophysical expenses from two years to seven years and prohibits major integrated oil companies from using the LIFO accounting method. The bill excludes from the qualified business income tax deduction items related to oil and gas production, refining, processing, transporting, and distribution. The bill provides statutory authority for Internal Revenue Service regulations that exclude from the definition of a tax for purposes of the foreign tax credit levies imposed by foreign countries or U.S. possessions on persons that receive a specific economic benefit from the country or possession. Finally, the bill defines crude oil for purposes of the excise tax on imported petroleum and crude oil to include bitumen or bituminous mixtures or oil derived from such mixtures (including tar sands) and oil derived from kerogen-bearing sources (including oil shale).

LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025

LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 This bill modifies and expands requirements for exporting natural gas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG). Under the existing provisions of the Natural Gas Act, exporters of natural gas must obtain authorization to make such exports from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Additionally, FERC must authorize such exports if they are consistent with the public interest. The bill directs exporters of natural gas to obtain authorization from the Department of Energy (DOE) rather than from FERC. Before granting an authorization, DOE must determine that the export would not likely (1) contribute significantly to climate change; (2) materially increase energy prices or energy price volatility for U.S. consumers; or (3) create a disproportionate health or environmental burden on rural, low-income, minority, and other vulnerable communities. The bill also classifies an authorization of the exportation of natural gas as a major federal action that triggers the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Additionally, the bill terminates the categorical exclusion for exports of natural gas, and any associated transportation of LNG by marine vessels, from NEPA environmental review requirements. A categorical exclusion is a class of actions that a federal agency has determined do not significantly affect the quality of the human environment and, thus, do not require either an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement.

Combating Global Corruption Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 January 2025

Combating Global Corruption Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of State to address corruption in foreign governments. The State Department must annually publish a ranking of foreign countries based on their government's efforts to eliminate corruption. Corruption, for the purposes of the bill, is the unlawful exercise of entrusted public power for private gain, including by bribery, nepotism, fraud, or embezzlement. The bill outlines the minimum standards that the State Department must consider when creating the ranking. These considerations include, for example, whether a country has criminalized corruption, adopted measures to prevent corruption, and complied with the United Nations Convention against Corruption and other relevant international agreements. Tier one countries meet the standards; tier two countries make some efforts to meet the standards; tier three countries make de minimis or no efforts to meet the standards. If a country is ranked in the second or third tier, the State Department must designate an anti-corruption contact at the U.S. diplomatic post in that country to promote good governance and combat corruption. The State Department must also evaluate whether there are foreign persons (individuals or entities) engaged in significant corruption in all third-tier countries for the purpose of potential imposition of sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. The State Department must annually provide Congress with a list of those persons that the President has sanctioned pursuant to this evaluation, the dates sanctions were imposed, and the reasons for imposing sanctions.

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of Congressional Gold Medals to the members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team in recognition of the team's achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.

Department of Education Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Department of Education Protection Act This bill prohibits the use of appropriated funds made available to the Department of Education (ED) to decentralize, reduce the staffing level of, or alter the responsibilities or functionality of ED compared to its organization or operation on January 1, 2025.

Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 15 January 2025

Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act of 2025 This bill modifies the treatment of certain student loans in bankruptcy. Specifically, it allows private student loans to be discharged in bankruptcy regardless of whether a debtor demonstrates undue hardship. Under current law, student loans may be discharged in bankruptcy only if the loans impose an undue hardship on the debtor.

Constitutional Emoluments Protection of American Interests Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Constitutional Emoluments Protection of American Interests Act of 2025 This bill prohibits the use of federal funds (1) at any property or entity owned by, managed by, or under the control of Donald J. Trump; or (2) to enter into any new contract, grant, or cooperative agreement with such a property.

Young Americans Financial Literacy Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Young Americans Financial Literacy Act This bill requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to award competitive grants to eligible institutions for the establishment of financial literacy education programs for young people and families. An  eligible institution is a partnership among two or more of the following: an institution of higher education; a state or local government agency specializing in financial education; a nonprofit agency, organization, or association; a financial institution; or another small organization. Authorized grant funded activities shall include developing and implementing comprehensive, research based, financial-literacy education programs for young people; developing and supporting the delivery of professional development programs in financial literacy education; developing educational programs to reduce student loan default rates; and conducting ongoing research and evaluation of financial literacy education programs. The grant program shall terminate after FY2029.

Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali. There is authorized to be charged against the U.S. Mint Public Enterprise Fund such amounts as may be necessary to pay for the costs of the medals struck under this bill. Sums received from the sale of duplicate bronze medals authorized by this bill shall be deposited into that fund.

Sanction Russian Nuclear Safety Violators Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Sanction Russian Nuclear Safety Violators Act of 2025 This bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign persons who endanger the integrity or safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine or who undermine Ukrainian operational control of the power plant. The bill provides certain exceptions to such sanctions (1) to comply with international obligations, (2) to provide humanitarian assistance, or (3) for those seeking to reestablish Ukrainian operational control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Equal COLA Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Equal COLA Act This bill applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for annuities paid under the Federal Employees Retirement System that is equal to the increase in inflation, regardless of the amount of the increase. Specifically, for any year in which the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has increased over the previous year, the COLA amount shall be increased by the change in the CPI from the previous year.  Current law applies an adjustment equal to the change in CPI only if the change is 2% or less. If the change is between 2% and 3%, the adjustment is limited to 2%. If the change is more than 3%, the adjustment is limited to 1% less than the change.

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the railroad track maintenance credit.

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

This bill increases the annual limit on the tax credit for qualified railroad track maintenance expenses (also referred to as the short line railroad tax credit) and expands eligibility for claiming the credit. Under current law, the tax credit is limited each tax year to $3,500 multiplied by the sum of the number of miles of railroad track owned or leased by the taxpayer (miles owned or leased) and the number of railroad track miles assigned to the taxpayer by a Class II or III railroad (miles assigned). This bill increases the annual limit to $6,100 multiplied by the sum of miles owned or leased and miles assigned. The $6,100 amount used in the calculation of the tax credit limit is adjusted for inflation for tax years beginning after 2025. The bill also expands eligibility for the tax credit to include gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2024. Under current law, the tax credit is limited to gross expenses for maintaining railroad tracks owned or leased as of January 1, 2015.

Food Deserts Act

United States · United States Congress · 16 January 2025

Food Deserts Act This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Agriculture to reduce food deserts. Under the program, grants are provided to states for revolving funds that support the establishment and operation of grocery stores in underserved communities. Underserved communities are communities that have (1) limited access to affordable, healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, in grocery retail stores or farmer-to-consumer direct markets; and (2) a high rate of hunger, a high rate of food insecurity, or a high poverty rate. The bill requires states to use such funds for loans that support grocery stores in underserved communities, including for opening a store (excluding new construction), or supporting an existing store. In order to qualify for loans, grocery stores must meet criteria enumerated in the bill. For example, grocery stores must (1) emphasize unprocessed, healthful foods; (2) provide staple foods and a variety of raw fruits and vegetables; and (3) charge affordable prices at or below market values. Further, states must prioritize loan applications from entities that meet criteria related to hiring workers from the underserved community, providing classes or educational information about a healthful diet, sourcing food from local urban farms and gardens, and demonstrating existing supply chain relationships in the grocery industry.

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 January 2025

Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act This bill protects and preserves approximately 225,504 acres of federal land and waters in a specified area in the Rainy River Watershed of Superior National Forest in Minnesota from certain mining, such as sulfide-ore copper mining. (The area is upstream from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.) Specifically, the bill withdraws those acres from  entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws. However, the Forest Service is authorized to permit the removal of sand, granite, iron ore, and taconite from national forest system lands within such area if the removal is not detrimental to the water quality, air quality, and health of forest habitat within the Rainy River Watershed. Land or interest in land within such area that is acquired by the United States must be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill.

Close the Medigap Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Close the Medigap Act of 2025 This bill (1) expands guaranteed issue rights with respect to Medigap policies (Medicare supplemental health insurance policies), (2) eliminates certain limitations on Medigap policies for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and (3) modifies other provisions related to Medigap policies. (Guaranteed issue rights require that a policy be offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status.)

COVER Now Act

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.

Assuring Medicare’s Promise Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Assuring Medicare’s Promise Act of 2025 This bill increases the net investment tax for certain taxpayers and appropriates revenue from the net investment tax to the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund (which finances Medicare Part A). The bill also requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to issue additional guidance on the net investment tax. The bill requires individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeding $400,000 ($500,000 for joint filers and $250,000 for married individuals filing separately), estates, and trusts to pay a tax of 3.8% on the greater of their specified net income or net investment income, subject to limitations. (Under current law, individuals with a MAGI exceeding $200,000 [or $250,000 for joint filers], estates, and trusts pay a 3.8% tax on net investment income.) The bill defines specified net income by expanding the definition of net investment income to include gross income from any trade or business (unless subject to employment taxes), including interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents; include net gain from the disposition of business property; eliminate the exclusion of income from the investment of working capital; and eliminate the exception related to certain active partnership or S corporation interests. The bill also expands the net investment tax definition of a trade or business , disallows net operating losses in calculating net investment income,  includes certain foreign-sourced income in net investment income, and requires the IRS to issue guidance on the treatment of certain corporate distributions for purposes of the net investment tax.

Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 22 January 2025

Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2025 This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to health care providers for security services and other expenses related to physical security and cybersecurity.

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 23 January 2025

Restricting First Use of Nuclear Weapons Act of 2025 This bill prohibits using federal funds to conduct a first-use nuclear strike unless Congress expressly authorizes such a strike pursuant to a declaration of war. A first-use nuclear strike is an attack using nuclear weapons against an enemy without confirming that there has been a nuclear strike against the United States, its territories, or its allies.