Legislative Activity

This bill ensures that states are reimbursed by the Federal Government for any state funds they use to maintain essential operations of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during a lapse in federal appropriations. It provides a mechanism for the Federal Government to pay back states that cover WIC costs during a government shutdown. This protects state budgets while keeping vital nutrition assistance running.

The Responsible Retirement of Law Enforcement Firearms Act of 2025 (RRLEF Act) amends the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to require state and local agencies to cease firearm transfers with licensed dealers flagged by the ATF. Dealers are placed on a restricted list if a significant number of their traced firearms show a "short time-to-crime." Furthermore, the Act mandates increased public disclosure of firearm tracing data by the ATF, removing previous statutory restrictions on making this information public.

The Having Overdose Protection Equipment (HOPE) Act amends existing federal grant guidelines to explicitly allow states and tribes to use funds from the 21st Century Cures Act for acquiring, stocking, and maintaining public access opioid overdose reversal kits. This legislation defines these kits as containing the necessary reversal medication and clear administration instructions. The bill aims to increase the availability of life-saving overdose reversal tools in public settings.

The AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025 streamlines defense cooperation between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This legislation eases restrictions on the export, re-export, and transfer of defense articles among the three nations, removing certain presidential authorization requirements. Furthermore, it eliminates specific certification requirements for technical assistance and manufacturing license agreements conducted within Australia or the United Kingdom. Overall, the bill aims to increase flexibility and efficiency in defense trade and technology sharing under the AUKUS partnership.

The Stop NOAA Closures Act places a temporary moratorium on the closure or restriction of access to any National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities. This freeze remains in effect until 180 days after key officials submit a required report to Congress detailing the criteria and process for any future facility changes. After the moratorium lifts, any major facility action will still require a 30-day advance notice and justification report to Congress, except in cases of immediate emergency threatening staff safety.

The Firearm Destruction Licensure Act of 2025 establishes a new federal license requirement for any business engaged in destroying firearms, excluding government agencies. Licensed destroyers must certify the use of a "covered method" when destroying firearms obtained from government entities, ensuring they are rendered permanently unusable scrap. The bill also mandates annual public reporting on destruction activities and creates a federal grant program to help local governments fund this destruction through licensed dealers.

This resolution expresses support for designating the second Saturday in June as "Veterans Get Outside Day." The goal is to encourage veterans struggling with mental health challenges like PTSD and TBI to utilize the therapeutic benefits of nature. This initiative calls for federal agencies to coordinate efforts to promote outdoor activities for veterans alongside National Get Outdoors Day.

The Reaffirming Unified Boundaries for Integrity and Oversight Act (RUBIO Act) explicitly prohibits the Secretary of State from simultaneously holding or carrying out the duties of any other Federal position. This legislation ensures the Secretary's focus remains solely on their diplomatic responsibilities. Furthermore, the Act bars the expenditure of any federal funds for dual roles held by the Secretary of State.

This resolution emphasizes the critical role of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), like blockchain, in strengthening democratic governance, protecting human rights, and increasing government transparency worldwide. It urges federal agencies to explore and support the use of DLT for secure digital identity, transparent aid distribution, and combating censorship. Ultimately, the bill calls for responsible policy development to harness DLT's potential for public good and resilient democratic systems.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the First Rhode Island Regiment, a historically significant integrated unit that fought valiantly during the Revolutionary War. The medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.