Legislative Activity

The Farmers Freedom Act of 2025 amends the definition of "navigable waters" under federal pollution control laws. This bill specifically excludes "prior converted cropland"—farmland drained before 1985—from this definition, limiting federal jurisdiction over these agricultural areas. The Act also clarifies related terms like "abandoned" and "agricultural purpose" in this context.

The "WHO is Accountable Act" prohibits federal funds from being used to rejoin or contribute to the World Health Organization (WHO) unless the Secretary of State certifies that the WHO has met specific reform criteria. These criteria include ensuring the WHO is free from political influence (particularly from the Chinese Communist Party), is transparent and accountable, and focuses on its core mission without engaging in politically charged issues. The Act also requires the WHO to grant observer status to Taiwan and ensure its directives are not legally binding on U.S. citizens.

The "Farm and Food Cybersecurity Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct biennial risk assessments of cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities within the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector, in coordination with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. It also mandates annual crisis simulation exercises for five years to evaluate and improve the preparedness of government and private sectors in responding to food-related emergencies and cyberattacks. The Act aims to enhance cybersecurity and resilience in the agriculture and food sector, protect food safety, and ensure national security. It authorizes \$1,000,000 to be appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out these activities.

The "Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2025" adds the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to address transactions involving agricultural land, biotechnology, and industry. It mandates the Committee to review agricultural land transactions involving foreign entities from countries of concern like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran, as identified by the Secretary of Agriculture. This ensures scrutiny of foreign investments in U.S. agriculture that could pose national security risks. The requirements terminate for a covered country once it is removed from the list of foreign adversaries.

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 "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 Bureau of Land Management Mineral Spacing Act modifies permitting requirements for oil and gas leases under the Mineral Leasing Act when the federal government owns a minority of the mineral rights in a drilling unit or when wells on non-federal land access federal mineral estates. It limits the Secretary of the Interior's authority to require permits to drill, bonds, land access, mitigation, or surface reclamation approvals in certain situations. The Act requires lessees to notify the Secretary of the Interior when submitting state drilling permits and provide access agreements for inspections. This act does not apply to Indian lands and does not affect royalty payments.

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 North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The "Chemical Tax Repeal Act" repeals excise taxes on specific taxable chemicals and substances listed under subchapters B and C of Chapter 38 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This repeal is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

The "POSTAL Act" prevents the U.S. Postal Service from closing or downgrading processing and distribution centers if doing so would leave a state without one. A processing and distribution center is defined as a central mail facility that distributes mail, provides mail preparation instructions, dispatch schedules, and sorting plans, and is a sectional center facility, a general mail facility, or a dedicated mail processing facility without a station or branch. The term "State" includes a State or the District of Columbia.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

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.

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.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, ensuring consistent enforcement against antisemitism in federally funded programs. This bill aims to increase awareness and improve the safety of Jewish communities by codifying the use of the IHRA definition. The Act does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change harassment standards, reduce existing rights, or diminish First Amendment rights.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in logistical transactions of Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemical products. It mandates the President to block the property of sanctioned individuals and entities within the U.S. and deny them U.S. visas, with potential waivers based on national interest. The Act also establishes an Interagency Working Group to coordinate and enhance the enforcement of sanctions against Iran, and encourages the formation of a multilateral contact group with similar countries to coordinate international enforcement of sanctions against Iran. Finally, the Act amends the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 to include identifying individuals or entities involved in activities that violate or evade sanctions under the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025.

The "National Right-to-Work Act" aims to protect individual employees' rights to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It amends the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to eliminate mandatory union membership or fees as a condition of employment. This ensures that employees cannot be forced to join or contribute to a union against their will. The changes apply to agreements made or renewed after the Act's enactment.

The "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture from banning or regulating lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting and fishing. An exception is allowed in specific areas where lead is scientifically proven to be the primary cause of wildlife population decline, but any restrictions must align with state laws or have the approval of the state's fish and wildlife department. The reasoning for any such prohibition or regulation must be published in the Federal Register.