Legislative Activity

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The TRACE Act mandates that all newly manufactured firearms include a second, hidden serial number, either internally or visible only under infrared light. It also extends the retention period for instant criminal background check records to 180 days and requires licensed dealers to conduct regular physical inventories of their firearms. Finally, the bill removes several past budgetary limitations placed on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

This resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' grave concern over the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza, alongside the plight of hostages. It urgently calls on the Administration to use all diplomatic tools to secure the release of all hostages. Furthermore, the bill demands the immediate delivery and secure distribution of essential humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 repeals key provisions of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This legislation allows federal gun trace information to be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil lawsuits and administrative hearings. The bill aims to provide victims of gun violence with greater access to relevant data in legal proceedings.

The Family Vaccine Protection Act formally establishes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) into law, requiring all its vaccine recommendations to be based on the preponderance of the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence. This legislation mandates strict procedures for the CDC Director to adopt or reject ACIP advice, including notifying Congress if a recommendation is rejected. Furthermore, the Act requires that any changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program's injury table must also be supported by strong scientific evidence.

The Complete Streets Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program to ensure public roads are designed safely for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers of all ages and abilities. This requires states to create competitive programs offering technical assistance and construction grants to local entities that adopt formal Complete Streets policies. The law mandates the creation of federal design standards that must be incorporated into future federally funded road construction and reconstruction projects, with specific requirements for accessibility and safety improvements. Furthermore, states must commit a portion of their existing federal highway funds to support these new Complete Streets initiatives.

The VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2025 (VALID Act) aims to increase awareness of VA loan options among homebuyers. It requires lenders to include comparative information about potential VA loan terms on standard FHA disclosure forms. Furthermore, the Act mandates that the Uniform Residential Loan Application include a prominent question regarding the applicant's military service.

The SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act aims to modernize how the FDA evaluates sunscreen active ingredients by prioritizing consumer safety through scientifically sound evidence, including real-world data and alternatives to animal testing. This legislation directs the FDA to finalize long-pending rules for over-the-counter sunscreen ingredients, emphasizing their role in skin cancer prevention. Furthermore, it mandates annual public reporting to Congress on the progress of implementing these new testing standards and reviewing ingredient applications.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It highlights the devastating scale of gun violence in the U.S., recognizing the thousands of annual deaths and injuries across all demographics. The bill encourages Americans to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote increased awareness and community action regarding gun safety.

This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating May 2025 as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) Awareness Month. The designation aims to bring national attention to the serious, progressive brain disease that currently has no cure. By raising awareness, the bill seeks to support patients, improve diagnosis, and boost research efforts for better treatments.

The MARSHALS Act fundamentally restructures the United States Marshals Service (USMS), moving its organization entirely into the judicial branch. This bill establishes that the Director and all U.S. Marshals will be appointed by the Chief Justice, subject to oversight from a new Board. The legislation also clarifies the USMS's authority to protect federal judicial personnel and outlines specific conditions under which the Service can assist the Department of Justice.

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act mandates that the Secretaries of State and Defense map critical global ports and report on any efforts by the People's Republic of China to gain influence over them. This legislation requires a detailed study assessing the national security and economic risks posed by Chinese control of these strategic locations. The resulting report must include a proposed strategy for securing trusted investment and protecting these vital maritime assets from foreign influence.

The Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act of 2025 establishes fixed, non-renewable 18-year terms for all future Supreme Court Justices, with appointments staggered every two years. This legislation also outlines a process for phasing out current Justices upon the confirmation of new appointees. Finally, it grants the Chief Justice the authority to temporarily fill sudden vacancies below the standard nine-justice level using a randomly selected retired Justice.

The DEFIANCE Act of 2025 establishes a federal civil cause of action against the creation, possession with intent to share, or sharing of nonconsensual intimate digital forgeries, often known as deepfakes. This legislation updates existing law to specifically address image-based sexual abuse created through AI or digital manipulation, regardless of whether the image is labeled as fake. Victims can sue for significant statutory damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief to stop the spread of the harmful content. The Act ensures that this new federal standard does not preempt or limit stronger existing State or Tribal laws.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025 directs the SEC to establish new rules for allowing companies to deliver required investment documents to investors electronically rather than by mail. These rules must ensure investor choice, maintain readability, and protect personal information during the transition. The legislation only changes the method of delivery, not the content or timing requirements of the regulatory documents themselves.

The Clinical Trial Modernization Act aims to increase diversity and accessibility in medical research by funding outreach to underrepresented populations. It updates anti-kickback laws to allow sponsors to cover participant expenses and provide necessary digital health tools to encourage enrollment. Furthermore, the bill exempts up to \$2,000 annually in payments received by participants from federal income tax.

This bill amends Medicare to require cognitive impairment screening during the Annual Wellness Visit and the Initial Preventive Physical Examination. It mandates the use of specific, approved screening tools to detect potential issues like Alzheimer's disease early. The goal is to ensure timely diagnosis, allowing patients and caregivers to access necessary planning and support services sooner.

The Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act establishes a new federal grant program to provide operating support for high-quality public transit services. This funding is specifically targeted to improve mobility and environmental outcomes, with a requirement that the majority of funds benefit underserved communities or areas of persistent poverty. The Act also increases the federal share for rural transit operating assistance up to 80%.

The Empty Lots to Housing Act streamlines the process for transferring federally funded, unneeded real property to local entities or qualified private developers. This transfer is contingent upon the recipient agreeing to long-term affordability requirements for the resulting housing. Specifically, at least 40% of new units must be affordable for low-income families, with a portion reserved for extremely low-income households.