HR 788 requires the Department of Energy (DOE) and Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish formal agreements for joint research and development (R&D) projects. This mandates that small businesses must be included in these collaborative efforts, aligning DOE and SBA missions to advance shared goals like clean energy innovation. The bill creates a two-year reporting requirement for the agencies to Congress, detailing coordination, research achievements, and future collaboration opportunities. It does not authorize new funding and ensures R&D activities comply with existing research security rules.
SRES 96 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week" to honor public education. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any specific group - it is a non-binding recognition of public schools' role in U.S. communities. The resolution includes supportive statements about public education's importance but contains no policy mechanisms or requirements. This designation is intended to raise awareness and appreciation for public schools nationwide. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect beyond the symbolic recognition.
HR 818 (the SPUR Act) updates federal tracking requirements for small business contracts. It requires agencies to report annually on new small business contract awards, specifically tracking new entrants from categories including service-disabled veteran-owned, HUBZone, women-owned, and disadvantaged-owned businesses. This change modifies existing scorecard reporting under the Small Business Act to include these new metrics and compare annual numbers. The bill is procedural, making no new spending authorizations.
HR 754, the Investing in Main Street Act of 2025, amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the minimum investment requirement for Small Business Investment Companies (SBICs) from 5% to 15% of their capital. This change directly affects SBICs, which are private investment funds licensed to provide capital to small businesses. The key provision requires SBICs to allocate a larger portion of their capital to small business investments, potentially increasing funding availability. The bill makes a concrete policy change to existing SBIC regulations without creating new programs or specifying small business outcomes.
This Senate resolution (SRES 88) designates March 7, 2025, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" to recognize the value of speech and debate programs in schools. It directly affects educational institutions, teachers, and students by encouraging schools and communities to celebrate this day. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges speech and debate education as vital for developing communication, critical thinking, and civic skills. It urges educational institutions, businesses, and the public to promote awareness of these programs. (Note: As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy impact.)
SRES 89 is a symbolic Senate resolution designating February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week." It recognizes the National FFA Organization’s role in developing student leadership through agricultural education and celebrates two milestones: the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America (a historically Black agricultural youth group) and the 75th anniversary of the Federal charter for Future Farmers of America (signed by President Truman in 1950). The resolution does not create new laws or obligations but formally expresses congressional support for these observances. It affects no specific group or policy, serving solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment.
HCONRES 11 is a procedural resolution scheduling a joint session of Congress. It directs both the House and Senate to meet in the House Chamber on March 4, 2025, at 9 p.m. to receive a message from the President. This measure affects Congress as a whole by setting a specific date and time for the session, with no substantive policy changes or direct impact on the public. It follows standard legislative procedure for presidential communications.
SRES 53 is a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the 80th anniversary of the February 19-26, 1945, Battle of Iwo Jima and the iconic U.S. flag-raising on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. It honors the service members who fought in the battle - including those who received the Medal of Honor - and recognizes the strategic importance of the victory in ending World War II. The resolution encourages public commemoration through ceremonies and events, while affirming U.S.-Japan reconciliation and honoring veterans' sacrifices. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding effect or direct impact on policy or beneficiaries.
SRES 80 is a Senate resolution introduced on February 13, 2025, expressing gratitude to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the Architect of the Capitol, the Sergeant at Arms, the Secretary of the Senate, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It specifically acknowledges their work during the January 20, 2025 inauguration of President Donald J. Trump, noting their efforts to adapt to cold weather challenges that required relocating events indoors. The resolution has no policy impact and serves solely as a ceremonial acknowledgment of their contributions to the inauguration's security and success.
HR 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act, creates a new federal crime for operating a motor vehicle while intentionally fleeing U.S. Border Patrol agents or assisting law enforcement officers within 100 miles of the U.S. border. It imposes penalties of up to 2 years in prison for the basic offense, 5-20 years if serious injury occurs, and 10 years to life if death results. The bill also makes individuals convicted of this crime inadmissible to the U.S., deportable, and ineligible for immigration relief like asylum. Additionally, it requires annual reports from the Attorney General and Homeland Security Secretary detailing arrests, charges, and penalties related to this offense.
HRES 122 is a procedural resolution that establishes rules for the House of Representatives to consider H.R. 77. It waives all points of order against the bill and its provisions, limits debate to one hour equally divided between the Judiciary Committee chair and ranking member, and allows one motion to recommit. This resolution does not change the content of H.R. 77 but streamlines the process to move the bill toward a final vote without procedural delays. It specifically addresses the consideration of H.R. 77, which aims to amend federal rules for handling "midnight rules" through en bloc disapproval resolutions.
Credit Union Board Modernization Act This bill reduces the required frequency of meetings held by the board of directors of certain credit unions. Under the bill, new credit unions and credit unions with a low soundness rating must meet monthly, as required under current law. All other credit unions must hold at least six meetings annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter.
