Monthly Legislative Update: New Congress in Action – February 2025

As the 119th Congress moves forward into its second month, lawmakers continue to push critical legislation addressing national security, economic stability, healthcare, and disaster recovery. With the continuing resolution (CR) set to expire on March 31, 2025, congressional leaders are negotiating a long-term government funding bill while advancing key policy reforms. Here’s the latest on legislative activity, including updates on FEMA disaster relief, SBA EIDL funding, and other significant bills.

New Developments: Funding Updates and Appropriations Progress

1. Government Funding Negotiations Intensify

• With the March 31, 2025, deadline approaching, Congress is working toward passing a full-year appropriations package to avoid another temporary extension.

• Bipartisan negotiations focus on military spending, infrastructure projects, and social safety net programs.

• House and Senate leaders are debating potential spending caps to address the growing federal deficit while ensuring essential services remain funded.

2. FEMA Disaster Relief – Additional Funding Requested

• Lawmakers are considering an additional $5 billion in FEMA funding after an influx of major disaster declarations in January and February.

• This funding would support relief efforts for communities affected by severe winter storms, flooding, and tornadoes across multiple states.

• The Senate Appropriations Committee is expected to review the request by mid-February.

3. SBA EIDL Program Expansion

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) has reported that the $5 billion in supplemental EIDL funding approved in January is being distributed at an accelerated pace to businesses recovering from economic disruptions.

• A proposal for an additional $3 billion to extend EIDL loans to businesses still struggling post-disaster is gaining bipartisan support in the House.

• Congress is considering measures to simplify loan applications and reduce wait times for disaster-affected business owners.

Key Bills in the U.S. Senate – February 2025 Updates

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Savings Penalty Elimination Act

• The Senate Finance Committee has advanced this bill, which raises SSI asset limits to $10,000 for individuals and $20,000 for couples to allow for better financial stability among recipients.

• The bill is expected to be debated on the Senate floor later this month.

2. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Reauthorization

• Lawmakers continue to debate the renewal of FISA surveillance powers, with new amendments proposed to increase judicial oversight and limit warrantless searches on U.S. citizens.

3. Defense Appropriations Bill for FY 2025

• The Senate Armed Services Committee is reviewing a $850 billion military budget proposal, including increased spending on cybersecurity, AI-driven defense systems, and Pacific region military operations.

4. FAA Reauthorization Bill

• This bill, focused on aviation safety and infrastructure improvements, has gained momentum after recent concerns over air traffic control staffing shortages and flight safety incidents.

5. No CORRUPTION Act

• A bill to end pension benefits for convicted members of Congress has passed committee review and is awaiting a full Senate vote.

6. Fire Grants and Safety Act

• The $2.5 billion expansion for fire department grants is being debated in committee, with lawmakers proposing additional funding for wildfire response teams.

Key Bills in the U.S. House of Representatives – February 2025 Updates

1. H.R. 2670 - National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2025

• Adjustments to the NDAA include increased funding for space defense initiatives and military personnel pay raises.

2. H.R. 1513 - FUTURE Networks Act

• Lawmakers are pushing for an accelerated timeline for 6G development, citing the need for the U.S. to stay competitive in telecommunications advancements.

3. H.R. 7213 - Autism CARES Act of 2024

• This bill, which increases funding for autism research, is expected to pass the House this month, with strong bipartisan support.

4. H.R. 9468 - Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery

• A new proposal to allocate $5 billion in additional disaster relief funds to FEMA and SBA is expected to be debated before the end of February.

5. H.R. 7909 - Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act

• Discussions continue over increased penalties for violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, with Republican lawmakers pushing for stricter enforcement measures.

6. H.R. 4790 - Prioritizing Economic Growth Over Woke Policies Act

• This bill, which seeks to limit corporate activism and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing requirements, is moving to the House Financial Services Committee for markup.

7. H.R. 2 - Securing the U.S. Borders Act

• The House is debating increased border security funding, including provisions to expand border patrol hiring and implement advanced surveillance technologies.

8. H.R. 5 - Parents Bill of Rights Act

• This bill, giving parents more control over public school curricula and policies, has gained traction as House Republicans push for a nationwide vote.

9. H.R. 734 - Title IX Amendment

• House leadership is reviewing the bill that redefines sex-based discrimination protections under Title IX to focus on biological sex in education and sports policies.

10. H.R. 2530 - Nurse-to-Patient Staffing Ratios Act

• The House Committee on Health has advanced this bill, which aims to mandate minimum nurse staffing levels in hospitals and nursing facilities.

Conclusion: Legislative Priorities for March 2025

With government funding negotiations reaching a critical stage, February has been a key month for discussions on appropriations, disaster relief, and economic recovery programs.

• FEMA and SBA funding remain top priorities, with additional requests under review.

• Defense, cybersecurity, and border security funding debates continue as Congress seeks bipartisan agreements.

• Healthcare and social welfare programs are moving through committees, with potential votes expected next month.

As lawmakers prepare for crucial decisions in March 2025, these bills will shape the nation’s policy direction in the months ahead. Stay tuned for next month’s update!