Legislative Activity

The "Protecting Prudent Investment of Retirement Savings Act" seeks to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) by modifying fiduciary duties, prohibiting discrimination in service provider selection, protecting retirement proxies, and requiring more complete information to be provided to retirement investors. The Act mandates that fiduciaries prioritize financial returns when making investment decisions for retirement plans, and it requires that service provider selections are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Additionally, the Act ensures that shareholder rights are exercised with the economic interest of the plan in mind and introduces new disclosure requirements for brokerage windows in individual account plans.

The TELL Act requires websites and mobile apps that store user data in China to disclose this fact to users, including whether the Chinese Communist Party or a Chinese state-owned entity can access the data. Knowingly providing false information in these disclosures is illegal. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce this Act, with violations treated as unfair or deceptive practices.

The "Secret Ballot Protection Act" amends the National Labor Relations Act to require that labor organizations can only be recognized or bargained with if they have been selected by a majority of employees in a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). It prohibits employers and labor organizations from circumventing this requirement. The Act also mandates the NLRB to conduct secret ballot elections to determine the continued representation by a labor organization and directs the NLRB to update its regulations to align with these changes within 6 months.

This bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to promote entrepreneurship through state workforce development boards and by including entrepreneurial skills development programs as eligible training service providers. It mandates a study on entrepreneurial skills development programs to identify successful practices and measure program outcomes. The bill also allows for demonstration projects focusing on self-employment and job creation.

The "BEAD FEE Act of 2025" aims to ensure fair and transparent fees related to broadband infrastructure deployment. It requires that any fees charged by entities receiving BEAD program grant funds for broadband infrastructure placement, construction, or modification must be competitively neutral, technology neutral, nondiscriminatory, and based on actual, direct, and objectively reasonable costs. These fees must also be publicly disclosed and clearly itemized for requesting parties, distinguishing between recurring and non-recurring costs, as well as differentiating costs based on the presence of existing infrastructure.

The "Expanding Student Access to Mental Health Services Act" amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to bolster mental health support for students. States can utilize funds to enhance mental health services, including implementing mental health first aid best practices and coordinating with local health agencies for services like telehealth. Local educational agencies must detail how funds will support mental health activities, and the act promotes the use of technology to improve and expand access to these crucial services. Technology infrastructure used for mental health services will be exempt from certain limitations.

The "Validate Prior Learning to Accelerate Employment Act" promotes skills-based hiring by encouraging states to use competency-based assessments that measure an individual's skills and knowledge. This allows individuals to earn credentials, receive educational credit, and develop employment plans based on their abilities. The act also supports employers in adopting skills-based hiring practices and integrates assessments into local training programs to help individuals find jobs and advance their careers. Ultimately, this bill aims to connect individuals with in-demand jobs by recognizing and validating their existing skills and experiences.

This bill expresses support for designating March 2025 as "National March into Literacy Month" to highlight the importance of child and adult literacy. It recognizes the efforts of students, parents, teachers, and school leaders. The bill encourages parents, schools, and all Americans to promote literacy and organize events that raise awareness about the importance of reading.

The Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2025 directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce and the FCC to identify and auction at least 2500 megahertz of spectrum between 1.3 GHz and 13.2 GHz for reallocation, including spectrum for commercial licensed and unlicensed use. It sets specific timelines for identifying spectrum, granting licenses via auction, and making spectrum available for use. The act also modernizes the Spectrum Relocation Fund by shortening congressional notification timelines and updating provisions regarding comparable capability.

This bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to regulate artificial or prerecorded voice systems generated through artificial intelligence. It includes AI-generated voices in the existing regulations for telephone solicitations, ensuring these systems adhere to the same standards as traditional prerecorded voices.

The American Science First Act prohibits the National Science Foundation (NSF) from providing grants or assistance to individuals or entities associated with Chinese communist military companies and their affiliates. This includes companies listed under Export Administration Regulations and those identified in specific defense authorization acts. The goal is to prevent NSF funding from supporting entities that pose a national security risk.