Legislative Activity

The "HALT Fentanyl Act" permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, streamlining research registration processes while maintaining controls. It also updates penalties for trafficking, importing, and exporting fentanyl-related substances, treating them similarly to fentanyl analogues. Additionally, the Act addresses technical errors in previous legislation and mandates the Attorney General to issue rules for implementation.

The "Growing and Preserving Innovation in America Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate a scheduled decrease in the deduction for foreign-derived intangible income. This change maintains the deduction at a higher level, supporting companies that generate income from intellectual property developed and used abroad. The act is effective immediately upon enactment.

The New Markets Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025 permanently extends the New Markets Tax Credit, which incentivizes investment in low-income communities. It removes the credit's expiration date and adjusts the credit amount for inflation after 2025. The act also provides alternative minimum tax relief for qualified equity investments made after December 31, 2024.

The "Marc Fischer Memorial Act" aims to combat the flow of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, into Federal prisons through the mail. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to develop and implement a strategy to equip all Federal correctional facilities with the technology and processes needed to scan mail, protect staff and inmates, and ensure timely delivery of mail copies while maintaining legal mail privileges. The strategy includes assessing current practices, identifying necessary resources, and providing a budgetary proposal for implementation, with ongoing reporting to Congress on its effectiveness.

The CARGO Act of 2025 prohibits the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from funding research or programs involving live animals outside of the United States. This bill addresses concerns over the lack of oversight and potential mistreatment of animals in foreign research projects funded by American taxpayers. The Act ensures that NIH funding for animal research is restricted to projects conducted within the U.S. and its territories.

The "Safe Passage on Interstates Act of 2025" aims to prevent the obstruction of interstate highways. It establishes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for individuals who knowingly disrupt traffic flow or endanger vehicles on these highways. Increased penalties are applied if emergency vehicles are obstructed or if a death occurs as a result of the obstruction.

The "Preventing SBA Assistance from Going to China Act" amends the Small Business Act to prevent businesses with significant ties to the People's Republic of China from being classified as a small business. A business is ineligible if it is based or incorporated in China, or if more than 25% of its voting stock is owned by Chinese citizens or entities. This ensures that SBA assistance is not directed towards businesses affiliated with the Chinese government.

The "Fair Access to Banking Act" aims to prevent financial institutions from denying services to legal businesses based on subjective or political reasons. It prohibits large banks, credit unions, and payment card networks from discriminating against legal businesses and requires them to provide fair access to financial services based on impartial, risk-based standards. Financial institutions that violate these provisions may face penalties, including ineligibility for taxpayer-funded discount window lending programs and civil penalties. Individuals or businesses who are unfairly denied services can sue the financial institution in U.S. district court.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concerning race, color, and national origin. This aims to address rising antisemitism in educational settings. The Act clarifies that it does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change existing discrimination standards, reduce existing rights, or infringe upon First Amendment rights.

The "Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2025" mandates that pasteurized orange juice must have a minimum of 10.0% orange juice soluble solids by weight, excluding added sweeteners. This act revises existing standards for pasteurized orange juice, but allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modify these standards in the future.

The "250 Years of Service and Sacrifice Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Department of Treasury to mint coins in 2028 to recognize the nation's semiquincentennial and honor 250 years of American service and sacrifice. The coins include gold, silver, and clad coins, with designs representing American service and sacrifice. Surcharges from the sale of these coins will benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, supporting their programs for Gold Star families, first responders, and veterans. The Act ensures that the coin minting does not create any net cost to the government.

The Small LENDER Act amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to ease the burden of new small business lending data collection rules. It provides financial institutions with a three-year compliance period, followed by a two-year safe harbor from penalties. The act defines "financial institution" as one originating at least 500 small business credit transactions in each of the previous two years, and "small business" as one with $1,000,000 or less in gross annual revenue.

The "No User Fees for Gun Owners Act" prohibits state and local governments from imposing taxes, fees, or insurance requirements on firearm or ammunition ownership and commerce. Regular sales taxes are permitted if applied at the same rate as other goods and services. This bill aims to protect gun owners and businesses from discriminatory financial burdens.

The "Educational Choice for Children Act of 2025" establishes federal tax credits for individuals and corporations who contribute to scholarship granting organizations that provide scholarships for eligible students to attend elementary and secondary schools. It sets a volume cap on the total amount of credits that can be claimed and prioritizes allocation on a first-come, first-served basis. The act also exempts these scholarships from gross income and protects the autonomy of scholarship organizations and non-public schools from government control.

The Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act imposes sanctions on individuals and their families who assist the International Criminal Court (ICC) in investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting "protected persons," which include U.S. citizens, military personnel, government officials, and citizens/residents of U.S. allies not consenting to the ICC. It requires the President to block the property of those who aid the ICC, deny them entry into the U.S., and rescinds any funds for the ICC. The bill allows for waivers of these sanctions if vital to U.S. national security and termination of sanctions if the ICC ceases action against protected persons.

The "Sustainable Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Services in the Home Act" expands access to in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services by allowing them to be delivered via telehealth, including designating a patient's home as a provider-based location. It broadens originating sites for telehealth services and waives geographic requirements for in-home cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish standards for designating a patient's home as a provider-based organization, aligning with the Hospital Without Walls program.

The "Semiconductor Technology Advancement and Research Act of 2025" or "STAR Act of 2025" incentivizes domestic semiconductor design by adding qualified semiconductor design expenditures to the advanced manufacturing investment credit. This includes a 25% tax credit for these expenditures, covering in-house and contract design expenses for semiconductor design conducted in the United States. This credit aims to boost innovation and development in semiconductor technology. The credit will terminate for construction beginning or expenditures made after December 31, 2036.

This resolution expresses gratitude and acknowledges the sacrifices made by Gold Shield Families, the families of fallen first responders. It honors these families of fallen police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the President and made public, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and recognized nationwide.

The "Main Street Tax Certainty Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the deduction for qualified business income. This removes the previous expiration date, providing long-term tax certainty for eligible businesses. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

This bill expresses support for designating January 26 - February 1, 2025, as "National School Choice Week" to recognize the importance of diverse K-12 education options and the role of parents in choosing the best learning environment for their children. It encourages raising awareness about the benefits of educational choice and congratulates those involved in education.