Education

Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to, upon receipt of an initial claim for benefits from a claimant that is not represented by an accredited person (i.e., a veterans service organization, attorney, or agent recognized by the VA), provide (1) notice that an accredited person may assist the claimant, (2) notice that a veterans service organization may represent the claimant for free, (3) information regarding a search tool to find an accredited person to assist in the filing of claims, and (4) information on how and where to report a person who is not accredited and charged a fee to assist with a claim. In its web portal, the VA must provide a warning regarding fees an agent or attorney may charge for assistance in filing benefits claims. (Under current law, fees are generally prohibited for filing an initial claim.)

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the goal of education in schools across America shall be that virtually every student in the United States achieves grade-level reading proficiency, providing them with the foundation to develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in school, work, and life.

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

This resolution recognizes the goal of education in U.S. schools as that of ensuring that virtually every student achieves grade-level reading proficiency. It also encourages state and local governments, including educational agencies, to collaborate with private organizations that offer proven literacy programs to (1) identify and implement effective solutions to address illiteracy, and (2) create adult literacy initiatives for adults with reading skills below an 8th grade level.

Empowering Families in Special Education Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Empowering Families in Special Education Act This bill establishes a notification requirement related to an individualized education program (IEP). (Generally, IEPs are individualized plans to ensure that a child with a disability receives a free appropriate public education.) Under current law, states and local educational agencies (LEAs) must convene a team to develop an IEP. The composition of the team that develops the IEP is outlined in current law and allows for other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child (including related services personnel, as appropriate) to participate in this team. This bill requires the LEA that serves the child to notify the child's parents of their right to include these other individuals with knowledge or special expertise on the child's IEP team.

African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 February 2025

Overdose RADAR Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Overdose Response Action Data for Actionable Reforms Act or the Overdose RADAR Act This bill explicitly exempts the sale of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties under federal law. It also establishes grants and expands agency efforts to treat opioid overdoses and improve related monitoring and data. Specifically, the bill exempts the sale, interstate transportation, import, or export of fentanyl test strips from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. (Fentanyl test strips are used to detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs.) Additionally, the bill allows the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide grants for trained personnel at elementary and secondary schools to administer drugs and devices for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses. The bill also expands existing SAMHSA grants to allow state, local, and tribal entities to provide training to health care providers on how to administer such drugs and devices. Also, SAMHSA may award grants to state and local entities to improve data and surveillance (e.g., postmortem toxicology testing) on opioid-related overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must temporarily award grants to municipal wastewater treatment facilities to analyze the prevalence of illicit substances (e.g., fentanyl) in wastewater.  Finally, the Office of National Drug Control Policy must issue guidance for states and localities that overdose deaths should be recorded as homicides if there is evidence that the overdose was not self-induced and intentional.

Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 This bill expands and modifies Air Traffic Control (ATC) workforce training and programs. The bill provides statutory authority for the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI) program. As background, standard AT-CTI institutions of higher education offer nonengineering aviation degrees that teach basic courses in ATC and aviation administration, and graduates complete training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Academy. Students at Enhanced AT-CTI schools are provided with equivalent FAA Academy ATC training and may be placed directly into an ATC facility. The bill establishes a grant program for schools participating in the Enhanced AT-CTI program and provides for a faculty annuity supplement for ATC instructors at participating institution of higher education. The FAA must convene an aviation rulemaking committee to review and provide recommendations on the (1) curricula of the FAA Academy, AT-CTI program, and Enhanced AT-CTI program; and (2) Air Traffic Skills Assessment exam. Based on the committee's recommendations, the FAA must initiate a rulemaking or make policy and guidance updates, with an exception. The bill authorizes funding through FY2031 for the procurement and placement at ATC facilities of Tower Simulator Systems, which are used to train air traffic controllers on airport tower operations. The bill also requires DOT to establish ATC recruitment and retention incentive programs, the FAA to support the development of mental health services training related to conditions for ATCs, and the FAA to submit a report to Congress on the status of the Airspace Non-cooperative Surveillance Radar program.

IMPACT Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Innovative Mitigation Partnerships for Asphalt and Concrete Technologies Act or the IMPACT Act This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a temporary program that supports advanced production of low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt. Specifically, the program must support research, development, and commercial application of production processes for low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt that are more cost-effective, durable, or resource-efficient (i.e., advanced production). The program must particularly focus on carbon capture technologies, energy-efficient processes, research involving novel materials, and other specified technologies and innovative processes. DOE must select entities to implement relevant demonstration projects; eligible entities include government, nonprofit, educational, and private sector entities. DOE may terminate these projects if it determines that sufficient amounts of low-emissions cement, concrete, and asphalt that are produced through advanced production are commercially available at reasonable prices. The program terminates seven years after the bill is enacted.

New Era of Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

New Era of Preventing End-Stage Kidney Disease Act This bill establishes regional centers of excellence, postgraduate fellowships, and training for health professionals relating to the diagnosis and treatment of rare kidney disease. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct various studies on rare kidney disease. Specifically, it authorizes the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to award funding to public and private nonprofit entities for establishing regional centers of excellence that will increase public awareness, conduct research, and develop resources for diagnosing and treating rare kidney diseases. A center may receive such funding for up to five years, unless extended by the institute.  The bill also requires health professions schools receiving a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Centers of Excellence program to award fellowships for training on preventing, diagnosing, and treating rare kidney disease in disproportionately impacted populations. Also, the bill expands the priorities of HRSA’s Primary Care Training and Enhancement program to include training for health care workers to care for individuals with kidney disease. Additionally, HHS must conduct several studies and report to Congress on topics such as treating rare kidney disease in disproportionately affected populations, eliminating the need for dialysis or kidney transplants, and increasing public awareness of rare kidney disease.

PREVENT DIABETES Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Promoting Responsible and Effective Virtual Experiences through Novel Technology to Deliver Improved Access and Better Engagement with Tested and Evidence-based Strategies Act or the PREVENT DIABETES Act This bill allows health care entities to provide virtual services under the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program for an additional three years. The Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program offers Medicare beneficiaries who are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes specialized training and education regarding diet, exercise, and other behavioral changes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued temporary authorization for entities participating in the program to provide these services virtually until December 31, 2027. The bill extends the authorization for virtual services until December 31, 2030.

Reforming Education for Veterans Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Recognizing January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month".

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

This resolution recognizes National Mentoring Month.

Expressing support for the designation of the week of February 24 through February 28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week".

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

This resolution supports the designation of Public Schools Week.

ALYSSA Act

United States · United States Congress · 24 February 2025

Alyssa's Legacy Youth in Schools Safety Alert Act or the ALYSSA Act This bill requires each local educational agency (LEA), as a condition of receiving federal elementary and secondary education funds, to ensure that each elementary and secondary school served by the LEA is equipped with at least one silent panic alarm for use in a school security emergency.

VETS Opportunity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 or the VETS Opportunity Act of 2025 This bill modifies which independent study programs are covered under veterans’ educational assistance benefits. The bill requires independent study programs that lead to a certificate that reflects graduation from a course of study to include regular and substantive interaction between students and instructors. The bill allows such independent study programs to be offered by any institutions of higher education, including for-profit institutions, that are approved to participate in the Department of Education’s financial assistance programs.

Supporting the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day in bringing attention to the importance of preserving linguistic and cultural heritage through education.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act This bill reestablishes an initiative in the National Security Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat espionage, theft of intellectual property and trade secrets, and threats to critical infrastructure posed by the Chinese government. A similar initiative was launched in 2018 and discontinued in 2022. Specifically, this bill establishes the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) Initiative and sets forth its objectives, including to curb spying by the Chinese Communist Party on U.S. intellectual property and academic institutions; develop an enforcement strategy for technology transfers by nontraditional collectors (e.g., researchers in labs or at universities) to Chinese individuals and entities or their agents contrary to U.S. interests; and address China-related risks arising from foreign investments in U.S. businesses and real estate. The bill further specifies that the CCP Initiative must prioritize the identification and prosecution of trade secret theft, hacking, and economic espionage; the protection of critical infrastructure in the United States; and the identification of intellectual property theft from U.S. businesses. Under the bill, the CCP Initiative terminates six years after enactment. 

Expressing support for the designation of the month of March 2025 as "National March into Literacy Month".

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

This resolution expresses support for the designation of National March into Literacy Month.

Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025 This bill establishes work requirements for adults ages 19 to 59 under Medicaid. It also extends work requirements to additional individuals under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the bill prohibits federal Medicaid payment for adults ages 19 to 59 unless these individuals (1) work at least 80 hours per month or have a monthly income that is at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 80 hours, (2) participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month, (3) engage in community service for at least 80 hours per month, or (4) participate in a combination of the aforementioned activities for at least 80 hours per month. States may choose to disenroll individuals from Medicaid if they do not meet these requirements.  The bill excludes certain individuals from these requirements, including those with disabilities, who care for children under the age of six, or who are enrolled in an educational program at least half-time.  The bill also modifies work requirements under SNAP so as to require individuals ages 56 to 60, those with children ages 6 and older, homeless individuals, and certain former foster youth to meet the work requirements for SNAP (these individuals are currently exempt from work requirements). Additionally, states may no longer request to waive work requirements for individuals in areas with high unemployment rates or that lack a sufficient number of available jobs.

A resolution designating March 7, 2025, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day".

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

This resolution designates March 7, 2025, as National Speech and Debate Education Day.

A resolution expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America Federal charter.

United States · United States Congress · 21 February 2025

This resolution supports the designation of February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Week. It also celebrates the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America (NFA), which served Black vocational agriculture students in segregated public schools until NFA and FFA became one organization in 1965. The resolution also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the federal charter for the Future Farmers of America.

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 educational assistance for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard. Specifically, the bill expands the types of activities that count towards Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include active duty, inactive-duty training, annual training duty, and full-time National Guard duty or active duty. (Generally, under current law, only federal active duty counts towards educational assistance eligibility.)

America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act This bill designates the America’s National Churchill Museum, including the Winston Churchill Memorial, located at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, as the America’s National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark. (Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave a speech titled The Sinews of Peace , also widely known as the Iron Curtain Speech, at the college in 1946.) The bill permits the Department of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements with public and private entities for the purposes of protecting historic resources at the landmark and providing educational and interpretive facilities for the public. Interior may provide technical and financial assistance to partner entities.  The bill also directs Interior to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the national significance of the landmark and to determine the suitability and feasibility of designating it as a unit of the National Park System. The study must consider alternatives to that designation for the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the landmark, and must include cost estimates associated with identified alternatives.

Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025 This bill provides for the establishment of at least seven regional wildland fire research centers to improve the understanding of wildland fire through coordinated research and development.  Specifically, the Department of Commerce, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Forest Service, must establish regional centers at institutions of higher education and land-grant colleges and universities in seven specified regions. Institutions must be selected to host regional centers through a competitive process. Among other priorities, regional centers must develop technologies and tools to understand, monitor, and predict wildland fire, test and operate models to support land management decision-making, and improve the understanding of post-fire risks (e.g., flash flooding). Regional centers must coordinate their research with one another and with other wildland fire research entities, and must make their work and data fully and openly available.  The bill also establishes a national coordination board to develop technological research priorities and science, data management, and sharing protocols in cooperation with each regional center. The national board must coordinate the activities of regional centers and other research institutions to avoid unnecessary duplication.  Further, the bill establishes an advisory board at each regional center to advise on research goals and activities, assist with dissemination of research outputs, and ensure coordination of research between regional centers and federal and state land management agencies in the relevant region.  Finally, the bill sets forth certain reporting requirements with respect to the regional centers’ progress. 

SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 20 February 2025

Supporting Access to Falls Education and Prevention and Strengthening Training Efforts and Promoting Safety Initiatives for Veterans Act of 2025 or the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 This bill addresses certain mobility and aging care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). First, the bill requires the establishment and operation of the Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for purposes of providing, evaluating, and improving VA health care services related to falls prevention. Among other duties, the office must oversee and support a national education campaign for veterans, their families, and health care providers that focuses on reducing falls and increases awareness of available benefits or services provided by the VA to reduce falls. The bill also expands membership of the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities by including the VA. The VA must issue or update directives of the VHA for facilities and providers relating to safe patient handling and mobility policies. Additionally, the VA must determine the feasibility and advisability of implementing a pilot program to provide home improvements and structural alterations to prevent falls for veterans who are eligible for such services under VA laws. Finally, the bill requires the VA to ensure certain veterans receive a falls risk assessment from a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist.

Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Parental Oversight and Educational Transparency Act This bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide additional notification to, and receive written consent from, parents of students regarding certain school activities that relate to students' privacy.  Under current law, an LEA must annually notify parents of the specific or approximate dates during the school year when specified activities involving information collection, surveys, and screenings are scheduled or expected to be scheduled. In addition to this required notification, the bill requires an LEA to directly notify a student's parent 14 days before the scheduled activity and receive written consent from the parent in order for the student to participate in the activity.

College Thriving Act

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

College Thriving Act This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to eligible institutions of higher education (IHEs) to carry out skills-for-success courses for all enrolled first-year students (including transfer students).  Skills-for-success course means a course that (1) has a low student-to-teacher ratio, (2) is not graded or is pass-fail, and (3) provides skills for success in college in specified topics (e.g., time management skills, coping with stress, and goal setting).  In awarding grants, ED must give priority to IHEs where at least 50% of all students enrolled in the most recent academic year were eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant.

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 18 February 2025

Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 This bill expands eligibility for Post-9/11 educational assistance for members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces and members of the National Guard. Specifically, the bill expands the types of activities that count towards Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include active duty, inactive-duty training, annual training duty, and full-time National Guard duty or active duty. (Generally, under current law, only federal active duty counts towards educational assistance eligibility.)

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2025

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 This bill extends and modifies the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, including by extending payments made to states and counties containing federal land through FY2026, providing for payments for FY2024 and FY2025, extending the authority of counties to initiate projects using such funds through FY2028, and extending the authority to initiate projects proposed by resource advisory committees through FY2028.

Providing amounts for the expenses of the Committee on Education and Workforce in the One Hundred Nineteenth Congress.

United States · United States Congress · 14 February 2025

This resolution provides amounts for the expenses of the House Committee on Education and Workforce for the 119th Congress.

NOMINATION OF LINDA MCMAHON TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

United States · United States Senate · 13 February 2025

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA's) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA's working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. 

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025 This bill modifies and reauthorizes various Department of Energy (DOE) programs related to quantum research and development and establishes several new, related research programs. Specifically, the bill expands the scope of DOE’s quantum information science research program to include research, development, and demonstration on quantum information science, engineering, and technology. Among other requirements, DOE must (1) establish an early-stage research and development program in high-performance quantum computing; (2) study quantum science, engineering, and technology supply chain needs; and (3) establish a university-led trainee program to address quantum workforce development needs. The bill also reauthorizes the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers and the Quantum User Expansion for Science and Technology program through FY2030. Further, the bill modifies DOE’s quantum network infrastructure program to require research related to the development of (1) quantum network and entanglement distribution protocols or applications, and (2) high-efficiency room-temperature photon detectors for quantum photonic applications. Finally, the bill establishes an instrumentation and infrastructure program to maintain U.S. leadership in quantum information science, engineering, and technology; develop domestic quantum supply chains; and provide resources for the broader scientific community. In carrying out the program, DOE must develop, design, build, purchase, and commercialize specialized equipment, laboratory infrastructure, and state-of-the-art instrumentation. In coordination with industry and institutions of higher education, DOE must support the development of quantum foundries focused on meeting the device, hardware, software, and materials needs of the scientific community and the quantum supply chain.

Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Wildfire Resilience Through Grazing Research Act This bill expands the high-priority research and extension areas at the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to include the research and development of ungulate grazing land management techniques to promote wildfire mitigation, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery. (An  ungulate is a hooved grazing mammal.)  Specifically, the bill allows USDA to provide grants to land-grant institutions for supporting the research and development of wildfire-related ungulate grazing land management techniques that improve soil health and are compatible with activities that protect against adverse environmental effects. This includes compatibility with activities that protect against the spread of invasive plant species and disease, soil erosion, water quality degradation, and watershed degradation. The grants to land-grant universities may also be used to disseminate information to public and private landowners, land managers, and livestock owners regarding these wildfire-related grazing land management techniques and compatible activities. 

Teacher and School Leader Quality Partnership Grants Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Teacher and School Leader Quality Partnership Grants Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 and expands the Teacher Quality Partnership program (which provides grants to improve the quality of teachers and enhance professional development activities). Specifically, the bill expands the program to include training and professional development opportunities for principals and other school leaders. Currently under the program, eligible partnerships must be comprised of (1) a high-need local educational agency; (2) a high-need school or early childhood education program; (3) a partner institution; and (4) certain schools, departments, or programs within a partner institution. The bill requires these partnerships, in their preparation or residency programs, to use evidence-based methods and adhere to an evaluation plan that includes comprehensive performance objectives. Additionally, the bill authorizes grants for the establishment of professional development programs for teachers who remain in the classroom while also carrying out formalized leadership responsibilities. The bill also establishes an advisory committee within the Department of Education to conduct a feasibility study that, among other things, compiles best practices for educating and training profession-ready teachers and school leaders.

Black History Matters Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Black History Matters Act This bill directs the National Museum of African American History and Culture to study and report on Black history education in public elementary and secondary schools. Among other elements, the study must (1) identify the states and local educational agencies that require (and those that do not require) Black history education as part of the curriculum taught in public elementary and secondary schools, (2) assess the quality of Black history education provided by schools, and (3) assess the types and quality of instructional material used to teach students about Black history.

Justice for All Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Justice for All Act of 2025 This bill prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or race-related characteristics in schools, businesses, federally funded programs, and other settings. It also provides statutory authority for and expands the types of civil actions that may be brought for violations. For example, the bill expands provisions under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 so as to (1) prohibit federally funded programs from discriminating based on sex or religion; and (2) prohibit public accommodations, including stores and transit services, from discriminating based on sex. The bill defines sex to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. It also expands the definition of race to include traits that have been historically associated with race (e.g., natural hair textures). The expanded definitions apply to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act (discrimination in public and private housing), and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (discrimination based on sex in federally funded educational programs). Further, the bill provides statutory authority for disparate impact or intentional discrimination claims under the aforementioned acts, as well as the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (discrimination based on age by federally funded programs) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (discrimination based on disability by federally funded programs). The bill also includes other provisions that address (1) profiling by law enforcement officers, (2) employer liability with respect to civil rights violations, (3) predispute arbitration agreements in civil rights cases, and (4) governmental immunity in suits involving constitutional violations.

Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and implement the Food is Medicine pilot program, under which the VA must provide medically tailored meals and groceries, nutrition education, and cooking classes to certain veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system. Specifically, the program is for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system who receive VA care for (1) multiple chronic conditions, or (2) maternal health and are at risk of preeclampsia or gestational diabetes. The three-year pilot program also requires the VA to (1) develop and seek to implement training programs for VA health care providers in integrating the program into the treatment plans of veterans, and (2) seek to collaborate with community-based organizations to procure locally sourced produce and expand the availability of medically tailored meals and groceries.

Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Eliminate DEI in Colleges Act This bill prohibits an institution of higher education (IHE) from receiving federal funds or participating in federal student aid programs if the IHE carries out diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Specifically, the bill requires an IHE to certify to the Department of Education (ED) that the IHE (1) does not and will not carry out any program, project, initiative, or other activity that advocates, promotes, or otherwise supports DEI; and (2) does not and will not maintain any office or other entity within the IHE that advocates, promotes, or otherwise supports DEI. Each IHE that provides the certification must, upon request, make available to ED any information necessary to verify the accuracy of the certification.  ED must publish regulations to implement and enforce the bill's provisions.  The bill establishes a process through which an IHE may appeal ED's decision to terminate the IHE's financial assistance for failure to comply with the bill's provisions.

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement. The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions. Research and development activities may include collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, biofuels and biobased products, grid modernization and security, rural technology development, and wildfire risks and prevention; developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information; supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Expressing support for the designation of February 15 through February 22, 2025, as "National FFA Week", recognizing the important role of the National FFA Organization in developing the next generation of leaders who will change the world, and celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Federal charter to Future Farmers of America.

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

This resolution supports the designation of National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Week. It also celebrates the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America (NFA), which served Black vocational agriculture students in segregated public schools until NFA and FFA became one organization in 1965. The resolution also commemorates the 75th anniversary of the federal charter for the Future Farmers of America.

Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Promoting American Patriotism In Our Schools Act This bill requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to establish, maintain, and enforce policies that require federally funded public elementary and secondary schools to display the U.S. flag, educate students about the U.S. flag, and direct students and staff to recite the Pledge of Allegiance on a daily basis. Specifically, LEAs, as a condition of receiving federal elementary and secondary education funds, must require the following activities at each school: for all students, teachers, and staff to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each school day (with an exception for religious or personal reasons); for the U.S. flag to be prominently displayed in each classroom and gymnasium; and for educational materials on the history, significance, and proper display of the U.S. flag to be incorporated into the civics or history curriculum of each grade level. The bill includes annual certification requirements. Further, the bill authorizes and directs the Department of Education to issue and secure compliance with rules or orders with respect to an LEA that fails to certify (or certifies in bad faith) compliance with the bill's requirements.

MSD Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

Measures for Safer School Districts Act or the MSD Act This bill requires each local educational agency (LEA), as a condition of receiving federal elementary and secondary education funds, to establish procedures for responding to school emergencies and for timely notifying parents of school emergencies. It also requires interior and exterior doors in schools to be reinforced.  Specifically, the bill requires each LEA to (1) develop and implement emergency response procedures covering all students, faculty, and staff at public schools under the jurisdiction of the LEA; and (2) ensure that parents and guardians receive timely notification of covered threats and emergencies (e.g., active shooter situations, bomb threats, and natural disasters) that occur on school grounds, during school transportation, or during school-sponsored activities. These emergency response procedures must meet specified criteria, including by requiring commonly used alarm system responses for specific types of emergencies. Additionally, the bill requires the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to convene a rulemaking advisory committee to review and develop findings and recommendations to require the installation or modification of interior and exterior doors in any school that receives federal funding. Further, CISA must (1) submit a report to Congress on the advisory committee's findings and recommendations, and (2) issue a final rule that requires the installation or modification of interior and exterior doors in schools to reinforce such doors. The bill authorizes the use of grants under the Homeland Security Grant Program to carry out the bill's provisions.

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act

United States · United States Congress · 13 February 2025

DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act This bill provides statutory authority for a research and development partnership between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Specifically, the bill requires DOE and NSF to enter into a memorandum of understanding to support cross-cutting and collaborative research and development that furthers the missions of both agencies. Through the partnership, DOE and NSF may conduct research in a variety of focus areas (e.g., artificial intelligence), promote multi-agency and cross-sector data sharing, support research infrastructure, and organize education and training initiatives. DOE and NSF must jointly report on their collaboration.

Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations for 2026

United States · United States House of Representatives · 12 February 2025

An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

To provide additional funding for scholarships for students at 1890 institutions, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

This bill provides specified funds to the 1890 Scholarships Program for FY2025 and each succeeding year for student scholarships. This National Institute of Food and Agriculture program provides grants to 1890 Institutions (i.e., historically Black colleges and universities that belong to the U.S. land-grant university system) for students who intend to pursue a career in the food and agricultural sciences. The bill also permanently reauthorizes the 1890 Scholarships Program. Further, the bill specifies that student scholarships include scholarships for programs leading to a bachelor or graduate degree.  

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to "Postsecondary Student Success Grant".

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

This joint resolution nullifies the rule issued by the Department of Education titled  Postsecondary Student Success Grant and published on June 7, 2024. The rule proposes priorities, requirements, and definitions for use in the Postsecondary Student Success Grant program.

Investing in Rural America Act of 2025

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Investing in Rural America Act of 2025 This bill allows Farm Credit System (FCS) institutions to make and participate in loans and commitments (and extend other technical and financial assistance) for essential community facility projects as part of the Department of Agriculture's Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. This program provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. The FCS financing and technical assistance may be provided in order to make capital available to develop, build, maintain, improve, or provide related equipment or other support for essential community facilities in rural communities (e.g., certain facilities that provide healthcare, community support, public safety, educational, or utility services). Under the bill, the financing provided by an FCS institution may not exceed 15% of the total of all outstanding loans of the institution. Further, an FCS institution must (1) offer at least one non-FCS lending institution an interest in the financing under reasonable terms and conditions acceptable to the borrower, and (2) report the offer to the Farm Credit Administration (FCA). The FCA must submit an annual report to Congress on the activities undertaken by FCS institutions under this bill, including through the partnerships between FCS institutions and other lending institutions. The FCA must post the report on the administration's website.

To prohibit the obligation or expenditure of Federal funds for disinformation research grants, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

This bill prohibits federal funding for (1) disinformation research grants, (2) the National Science Foundation (NSF) Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace grant program, and (3) programs within the NSF Convergence Accelerator grant program’s Track F: Trust and Authenticity in Communications Systems.   The Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace grant program provides grants to support research and education on various topics in cybersecurity and privacy, including cryptography, hardware security, and information integrity. The Convergence Accelerator’s Track F projects focused on tools and techniques to prevent, mitigate, and adapt to the unanticipated negative effects of, and potential manipulation of, communications systems (e.g., misinformation).

AG VETS Act

United States · United States Congress · 12 February 2025

Agriculture Grants for Veterans Education and Training Services Act or the AG VETS Act This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to provide competitive grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing and enhancing farming and ranching opportunities for veterans through education and training services. Entities eligible for the grants include cooperative extension services, land-grant colleges and universities, non-land-grant colleges of agriculture, state departments of agriculture, and nonprofit organizations.