These legislative milestones reflect a year of significant policy shifts—balancing national defense, immigration, technology oversight, environmental stewardship, and social welfare—while also recognizing the cultural symbols that unite communities.
Over the past year, legislators worldwide have tackled everything from national security to emerging technologies and cultural symbols. In the United States, Congress approved an $895 billion defense authorization bill that includes a 14.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted members and restrictions on transgender health care under military family plans. They also passed the Laken Riley Act, mandating detention for undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes, and formally designated the bald eagle as America’s national bird after more than two centuries of unofficial status. On the innovation front, the bipartisan Building Chips in America Act became law in October 2024 to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing, while Europe adopted its landmark Artificial Intelligence Act in March 2024—the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation—to impose risk-based rules on AI systems. Environmental and social welfare measures also advanced, from reauthorizing America’s Conservation Enhancement program for vital habitat work to repealing the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination provisions in Social Security law and modernizing child welfare services under Title IV, Part B.
In December 2024, President Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, authorizing $895 billion in military spending, a 14.5 percent pay increase for junior enlisted personnel, and controversial limits on transgender health coverage under TRICARE.
The Laken Riley Act, signed in January 2025, requires detention for undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related offenses and empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government over alleged enforcement failures.
On December 18, 2024, Congress formally amended the U.S. Code to designate the bald eagle as the national bird—a correction of an oversight dating back to the Great Seal’s adoption in 1782.
October 2024 saw enactment of the Building Chips in America Act, following historic investments in domestic semiconductor facilities to strengthen the U.S. supply chain for microchips. Meanwhile, the European Union’s AI Act, adopted by the European Parliament on March 13, 2024 and endorsed by the Council in May, sets harmonized rules for AI development, transparency, and human oversight, with phased implementation starting August 2024.
The America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024, enacted December 23, 2024, renews funding and authorities for water resources, habitat restoration, and related conservation programs across the U.S.
Early 2025 legislation included repeal of the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination provisions to protect Social Security benefits for public servants, along with modernization of Title IV, Part B child welfare services to expand prevention and family support programs under the Social Security Act. Congress also passed a continuing appropriations measure in March 2025 to fund federal operations through September, avoiding a shutdown and extending key programs.
In the 2024 legislative session, at least 31 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. enacted or adopted resolutions on AI governance—covering areas such as algorithmic bias, consumer disclosures, and risk management frameworks.
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