Legislative Activity

The HIDTA Enhancement Act reauthorizes funding for High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs) through 2030, mandating specific reporting on fentanyl trafficking and associated challenges. It increases funding for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center to support law enforcement efforts against fentanyl and directs the Attorney General to prioritize fentanyl trafficking prosecutions by providing additional resources. The bill allocates $333,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025 through 2030 for HIDTAs.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act ensures that funds reimbursed to the National Guard Bureau by states or territories are directly returned to the specific budget account that covered the initial expense. These returned funds are strictly limited to being used for the repair, maintenance, or replacement of the military assets involved. This guarantees that reimbursement money directly supports the readiness of the equipment used by the National Guard.

The Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act completely eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax (AMT) for corporations, effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. For non-corporate taxpayers, the bill updates the tentative minimum tax calculation with new tiered tax rates of 26% and 28%. This legislation also makes necessary technical adjustments across the Internal Revenue Code to remove references to the repealed corporate AMT structure.

The "Dangerous Viral Gain of Function Research Moratorium Act" prohibits federal research grants to higher education institutions or research institutes that conduct gain-of-function research on certain organisms. Gain-of-function research is defined as research that genetically alters an organism to change or enhance its biological functions, potentially increasing infectivity, transmissibility, or pathogenicity. This prohibition extends to research that could pose a threat to national security, public safety, or the health of humans, animals, or livestock. The specified organisms include influenza viruses, coronaviruses, agents or toxins on the Select Agents and Toxins List, or any synthetic construct of such.

The "Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act" streamlines the Medicaid and CHIP enrollment process for out-of-state providers, allowing them to furnish services to individuals under 21 more efficiently. By reducing excessive screening and enrollment requirements, the bill aims to improve access to care for children. Enrolled providers will have a 5-year enrollment period, and the changes will take effect three years after enactment.

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the EPA from enforcing stricter emission standards in the rubber tire manufacturing industry.

The "No American Land for Communist China Act" aims to safeguard U.S. national security by preventing Chinese government entities and businesses with significant Chinese government ownership from purchasing real estate near sensitive federal lands, including those managed by the Departments of Interior, Defense, Agriculture, and Energy, as well as Indian country. The President is tasked with enforcing this prohibition.

The "CATCH Fentanyl Act" mandates pilot projects to evaluate advanced technologies, including AI, for detecting contraband, illegal drugs, weapons, and human smuggling at U.S. land ports of entry. These projects aim to enhance inspection efficiency, reduce wait times, and improve existing detection equipment. The Act requires reports to Congress on the effectiveness, impacts on privacy and civil liberties, and recommendations for implementing new technologies, while forbidding new funding appropriations.

The "Broadband Buildout Accountability Act" shields the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), with a specific exception for 5 U.S. Code § 552, to balance transparency and program efficiency.

The "Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025" changes the appointment process for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons. Going forward, the President will appoint the Director with Senate approval, similar to other high-ranking officials in the Department of Justice, for a single 10-year term. The Director will report directly to the Attorney General.

This resolution designates March 7, 2025, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day" to recognize the importance of speech and debate in education. It highlights the role of educators in developing crucial communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. The resolution encourages schools, businesses, and communities to celebrate and promote speech and debate education.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The "DEFUND Act of 2025" terminates U.S. membership in the United Nations and its affiliated bodies, repealing key acts such as the United Nations Participation Act of 1945. It prohibits U.S. contributions to the UN, participation in peacekeeping operations, and revokes diplomatic immunity for UN personnel. The bill also withdraws the U.S. from the World Health Organization and any UN conventions, while barring future reentry into the UN without Senate approval.

The "Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025" restricts U.S. funding to the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until China is no longer considered a developing country under the Montreal Protocol and is included in Annex I of the UN Framework Convention. This bill aims to address what the Act describes as unfair advantages China receives in international environmental agreements.

The Postal Processing Protection Act broadens existing protections for post offices to include any Postal Service facility involved in acceptance, processing, shipping, delivery, or distribution that supports one or more post offices. This bill amends section 404(d) of title 39, United States Code, to reflect this change.

The LEOSA Reform Act amends the Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 to allow qualified law enforcement officers and retired officers to carry concealed firearms in school zones. It also modifies the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2004, clarifying its relationship with other federal laws, updating firearms proficiency requirements for retired officers, and including magazines in the definition of ammunition. Additionally, the Act permits qualified current and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms in certain federal facilities.

The "Returning SBA to Main Street Act" mandates the Small Business Administration (SBA) to relocate at least 30% of its headquarters employees outside the Washington metropolitan area, ensuring employee pay aligns with their new duty station's locality. The Act also requires a corresponding 30% reduction in the Administration's headquarters office space and enhanced reporting to Congress regarding employee distribution and telework arrangements. This bill prioritizes geographic diversity and in-person customer service, while also ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, recognizing the valor and sacrifice of the U.S. service members involved. It acknowledges the battle's significance in securing victory in the Pacific during World War II and honors the reconciliation between the United States and Japan. The resolution also encourages Americans to remember and honor the veterans of Iwo Jima.

This resolution urges the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under UNSCR 2231 due to Iran's repeated violations of the JCPOA and advancements in its nuclear program. It condemns Iran's non-compliance and the support it receives from Russia and China. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports sanctions to curb Iran's nuclear and missile programs. It calls for the E3 to act before the expiration of the snapback option in October 2025.

This resolution expresses gratitude to the various groups and individuals involved in ensuring the success of the Presidential Inauguration, including the Joint Congressional Committee, Architect of the Capitol, law enforcement, emergency personnel, and volunteers. It recognizes their hard work, professionalism, and adaptability in overcoming challenges to maintain safety and security. The resolution also thanks the families of those involved for their support and encourages Americans to acknowledge their vital role in the inauguration's success.