Legislative Activity

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 establishes a national standard for carrying concealed handguns across state lines. This act allows individuals legally permitted to carry in their home state to carry concealed in any other state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. The law does not override private property restrictions or prohibitions on government property, but it provides protections and legal recourse for those traveling in compliance with the new federal standard.

This bill, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act, aims to improve attorney retention at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. It specifically allows non-supervisory attorneys at the Board to be promoted up to the GS-15 pay grade. This change is intended to enhance career opportunities for these essential legal professionals.

The Pakistan Democracy Act establishes a U.S. policy to support democracy, free elections, and the rule of law in Pakistan. It mandates sanctions against General Asim Munir unless specific democratic benchmarks are met, such as the end of military rule and the release of political detainees. Furthermore, the Act authorizes visa bans against Pakistani officials knowingly involved in undermining democracy or persecuting political detainees. The President retains limited waiver authority for these sanctions under specific national interest conditions.

The Independent Programmers Tax Incentive Act establishes a new tax credit for distributors who carry programming from qualifying independent content creators. This legislation aims to encourage broader carriage of smaller programmers by offering financial incentives to distributors like cable and streaming services. Additionally, the bill mandates the FCC to submit biennial reports to Congress regarding the distribution landscape for these independent programmers.

The Air America Act of 2025 recognizes the sacrifices of former Air America employees who served the U.S. Government between 1950 and 1976. This Act authorizes a one-time monetary award, up to $40,000 plus potential additional amounts, for qualifying service members or their survivors. The CIA Director is responsible for administering these payments, which are capped at a total of $60 million, and establishing the application procedures. Decisions made by the Director regarding these awards are final and not subject to judicial review.

The Restore Protections for Dialysis Patients Act aims to prevent private health insurance plans from discriminating against patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). This legislation clarifies that plans cannot offer worse benefits or unfairly limit coverage for dialysis treatments compared to other medical services. Furthermore, it stops these plans from shifting the primary financial responsibility for ESRD care onto Medicare. The bill maintains existing rules ensuring fair treatment while preserving a health plan's ability to select its network of dialysis providers.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 restricts the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific vehicle technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. This ensures manufacturers maintain flexibility in meeting performance standards set by the EPA. The Act requires the EPA to update existing rules within two years to comply with these new limitations.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to assist first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers in purchasing homes. This program offers eligible first-time homebuyers 100% financing with no down payment required. Instead of monthly premiums, borrowers pay an upfront FHA insurance premium at closing.

The Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Program Act of 2025 establishes a new Medicare payment system that pays providers a single, set rate for an entire episode of radiation therapy care, rather than paying for individual services. This program aims to incentivize high-quality, efficient care while achieving cost savings for Medicare. It also includes specific provisions to support patient access, such as a health equity bonus for addressing transportation insecurity. Finally, the bill exempts the savings generated by this new payment structure from standard Medicare budget neutrality adjustments.

The Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025 ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from requiring or penalizing bidders based on union agreements. This legislation aims to keep federal agencies neutral in labor relations while promoting cost savings and opening opportunities for all businesses. Exceptions to this neutrality rule are strictly limited to specific public health, safety, or national security emergencies.

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA pilot grant program to improve recycling access, focusing specifically on underserved communities. These competitive grants will fund infrastructure projects, such as building transfer stations or expanding curbside service, using a "hub-and-spoke" model. Priority is given to projects located far from existing materials recovery facilities, with grants ranging from $\$500,000$ to $\$15$ million.

The Block Organ Transplant Purchases from China Act of 2025 bans federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance, from covering organ transplants performed in China or involving organs not sourced through the U.S. network, effective January 1, 2026. Healthcare providers who knowingly perform these "prohibited organ transplants" face criminal penalties and substantial civil fines. The law aims to stop the funding and performance of transplants utilizing organs obtained through unethical or non-transparent means.

The Crucial Communism Teaching Act mandates the development of a high school civic education curriculum focused on the history and dangers of communism. This curriculum must detail the death toll caused by communist regimes and highlight ongoing human rights abuses. The Act also requires the creation of "Portraits in Patriotism" oral history resources featuring victims of oppressive political systems.

The Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of 2025 secures the existing state-run dredge and fill material permitting programs for Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida, preventing the EPA from unilaterally withdrawing approval for these specific programs. It establishes a 90-day transition period for Florida permitting authority and clarifies the process for approving future state programs similar to these established ones. Essentially, the bill locks in the current cooperative federalism structure for wetland permitting in these three states.

The Credit for Caring Act of 2025 establishes a new, non-refundable federal income tax credit for working family caregivers who incur significant expenses caring for a relative with long-term care needs. Eligible caregivers can claim a credit equal to 30% of qualified expenses exceeding \$2,000, up to a maximum annual credit of \$5,000. The bill specifies detailed requirements for the care recipient's needs, the types of allowable expenses, and includes income phase-out limits for claiming the benefit.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that Nigeria should be designated as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe violations of religious freedom. It urges the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities, prosecute those responsible for violence, and ensure religious freedom. The resolution also calls for increased U.S. diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions on individuals and groups responsible for religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

This bill supports the designation of April 5, 2025, as "Barth Syndrome Awareness Day" to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and promote research for this rare and life-threatening genetic disorder. It recognizes the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, while also acknowledging the role of the Orphan Drug Act and the importance of patient perspectives. The bill aims to advance research, develop new treatments, and improve regulatory pathways for ultra-rare diseases like Barth syndrome.

This Act authorizes the creation and sale of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The coins will feature designs honoring the victims and first responders, with the phrase "Never Forget" required on at least one design. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins will be donated to support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The Treasury must ensure the entire coin program results in no net cost to the Federal Government.

Tyler's Law mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the frequency, cost, and impact of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Secretary must issue guidance on whether routine fentanyl testing should become standard practice for overdose patients. This guidance will also address staff training regarding existing drug test panels and the long-term health implications of such testing.

The BAH Restoration Act aims to restore the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover 100% of service members' housing costs. This will be done by amending title 37 of the United States Code, ensuring that the monthly BAH is equivalent to the determined monthly cost of adequate housing based on pay grade, dependency status, and location. The Secretary of Defense will determine the specific housing costs in each area.