Chris Van Hollen

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections.

The amendment grants Congress and the states the power to implement and enforce this amendment by legislation. They are allowed to distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.

Honor Farmer Contracts Act of 2025

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to unfreeze funding for agreements and contracts and prohibits USDA from closing certain offices and service centers without notifying Congress in advance.

Specifically, USDA must (1) unfreeze funding for, and implement, all agreements and contracts entered into by USDA prior to the bill's enactment; and (2) pay all related past due amounts owed by USDA as rapidly as possible.

Further, the bill prohibits USDA from canceling a signed agreement or contract with a farmer or an entity providing assistance to farmers (unless the farmer or entity is not in compliance with the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract).

Finally, the bill prohibits USDA from closing Farm Service Agency county offices, Natural Resources Conservation Service field offices, or Rural Development Service Centers without providing written notice and a justification to Congress at least 60 days before the closure.

This resolution celebrates the successes of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women and the contributions they have made in the United States. The resolution also recognizes the importance of providing for the safety and upholding the interests of these women.

This resolution supports federal investment in public K-12 schools, affirms that the Department of Education (ED) plays a vital role in the public education system, and states that public education funding should not be diverted (e.g., through the use of vouchers) to privately run K-12 schools.

The resolution also condemns any executive or legislative action to (1) dismantle or relocate ED or any of its major offices; or (2) reduce federal funding for public education, block federal grants for education, or transfer funding burdens for education to state and local governments.

District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025

This bill appropriates FY2025 local funds to the District of Columbia for programs and activities included in the District's Fiscal Year 2025 Local Budget Act of 2024.

Under current law, Congress is required to approve the District's annual budget. This bill approves the budget and allows the District to spend local funds for programs and activities that are included in the budget at the rates specified in the budget.

This joint resolution terminates the national emergency declared by President Donald J. Trump on February 1, 2025, which imposed an additional 25% tariff on most imports from Canada (except for Canadian energy or energy resources, which have an additional 10% tariff).

Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025

This bill establishes a grant program through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for states and other entities to provide qualifying assistance to low-income, first-generation home buyers in purchasing their first homes. Qualifying assistance includes assistance for mortgage down payments, mortgage closing costs, reduction of mortgage interest rates, subsidies for shared equity homes, or for certain modifications to a home to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Grant amounts are generally limited to the greater of $20,000 or 10% of the purchase price of the home. HUD may increase the cap for socially and economically disadvantaged homebuyers or for purchases in high-cost areas.

The bill also establishes grant requirements regarding home buyer income, types of housing, homeowner occupancy, types of mortgages, and home buyer counseling.

This bill permanently reauthorizes the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, an independent federal agency within the executive branch that coordinates the federal response to prevent and end homelessness.

Tariff Transparency Act of 2025

This bill requires the U.S. International Trade Commission to investigate and report to Congress on the impact of additional tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. (President Donald J. Trump issued executive orders on February 1, 2025, to impose an additional 25% tariff on most imports from Canada and Mexico. These tariffs applied to all imports, except for Canadian energy or energy resources, which have an additional 10% tariff.)

Specifically, the report must assess (1) the impact of these tariffs on consumer prices; (2) the impact of any retaliation (e.g., retaliatory tariffs and export restrictions) imposed by Canada and Mexico on U.S. consumers, small businesses, farmers, and ranchers; and (3) the impact of the threat of tariffs and associated uncertainty with respect to the trade relationship between the United States, Canada, and Mexico on U.S. businesses.