Legislative Activity

The Baltic Security Initiative Act establishes a new program to deepen U.S. military cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to deter Russian aggression and implement NATO strategy. This initiative will focus on long-term projects like enhancing air defense, improving cyber resilience, and developing regional military capabilities. The Secretary of Defense must submit a strategy outlining these efforts and is authorized $350 million annually from FY2026 through FY2028 to support the program.

The Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act moves TSA personnel from their special management system into the standard federal employee system under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by a set deadline. This transition aims to grant TSA employees the same workplace protections and benefits as other federal workers while ensuring current pay and service time are protected. The bill also mandates several reviews by the Comptroller General and requires consultation with employee representatives regarding the implementation process. Finally, it preserves existing anti-strike laws and addresses specific concerns for Federal Air Marshals.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to help first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers purchase homes. This program offers qualifying first-time homebuyers the potential for a zero down payment mortgage. A key feature is the elimination of monthly mortgage insurance premiums, though an upfront premium will still be charged.

The Stop Comstock Act aims to modernize and streamline federal laws concerning obscene materials. This legislation removes outdated and overly broad language, such as "indecent" and "immoral," from various sections of the U.S. Code and the Tariff Act. The bill focuses on technical clean-up to clarify existing statutes regarding the distribution and importation of materials.

The NCAA Accountability Act of 2025 establishes mandatory due process requirements for major athletic associations during investigations and disciplinary actions, ensuring fairness through defined timelines, formal notices, and arbitration rights for member schools. The Act grants the Attorney General enforcement authority, including the power to levy significant civil penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, covered associations must submit annual reports detailing enforcement actions to the Attorney General and state Attorneys General. This legislation protects member institutions from losing privileges simply for exercising the rights granted under this new law.

The Stop Predatory Investing Act targets large-scale single-family rental property owners who own 50 or more homes. This legislation disallows these "disqualified owners" from deducting interest paid on loans for these rental properties and bans them from claiming standard depreciation deductions. Exceptions allow for interest and depreciation deductions only if the property is sold to an individual owner-occupant or a qualified affordable housing nonprofit.

The Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025 establishes a \$100 billion federal grant program to provide downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-generation and first-time homebuyers who meet specific income limits. Funds will be distributed to states and eligible entities to help qualified buyers purchase primary residences using eligible mortgage loans. Recipients must complete mandatory housing counseling, and assistance generally must be repaid proportionally if the home is vacated within five years.

The Medicare Dental, Hearing, and Vision Expansion Act of 2025 significantly broadens Medicare coverage by adding comprehensive benefits for dental, hearing aids, and routine vision care starting in 2027. This legislation establishes new fee schedules, payment rules, and utilization limits for these services under Medicare Part B. Furthermore, the bill includes a five-year phase-in plan (2026–2030) to gradually incorporate the cost of the new dental coverage into the standard Part B premium calculation for enrollees aged 65 and older.

The Preventing Child Labor Exploitation in Federal Contracting Act aims to strengthen accountability by requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to certify annually that they have not violated child labor laws. The bill increases civil penalties for child labor violations, mandates training for relevant federal staff, and requires the GAO to study contractor compliance. Companies found in violation and failing to implement corrective actions may be suspended from receiving federal contracts for at least four years.

This concurrent resolution expresses support for recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff for their essential care, courage, and dedication, particularly in light of increasing restrictions on abortion access. It affirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and patients' right to access care without fear of violence or criminalization. The resolution condemns actions that limit abortion access and expresses a vision for a future where everyone has full access to necessary care without penalty or stigma.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act aims to provide reinstatement eligibility for federal employees who are veterans and were unfairly removed from their civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the date the Act is signed into law. This legislation also mandates that Executive agencies regularly report to Congress on the number and reasons for any veteran dismissals during the specified period.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly restrict the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens in immigration custody. It mandates immediate testing for pregnancy upon intake and establishes a strong presumption against detention unless extraordinary, case-by-case public safety risks are proven. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and requires comprehensive medical care, including reproductive health services, alongside detailed public reporting on detention statistics and restraint incidents.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states and tribes implement laws allowing for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill mandates specific due process protections for individuals subject to these orders and ensures that any issued ERPO is recognized and enforced across all states and tribes. Furthermore, it updates federal law to prohibit firearm possession by anyone subject to a qualifying court order and requires that these orders be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, coolers, and loose-fill packaging starting January 1, 2028. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is tasked with defining terms and enforcing the ban, issuing written warnings for initial violations followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The law also grants the Administrator the authority to establish necessary regulations and allows states to take over enforcement duties under specific conditions.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

This resolution supports designating March 3-7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to highlight the role of social and emotional learning in academic success and well-being. It recognizes SEL's impact on students' mental health and career readiness while advocating for expanded access to SEL programs for students and teachers. The resolution also encourages federal agencies to identify opportunities to promote social and emotional learning.

This bill aims to reform mining practices on federal lands by setting royalties on mineral extraction, introducing stricter permitting and environmental regulations, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines. It requires mining operators to pay annual fees and royalties, obtain permits for mineral activities, and provide financial assurances for land reclamation. The bill also prioritizes the protection of sensitive lands and mandates tribal consultation before mineral activities begin. These changes are intended to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and ensure fair compensation for the use of public lands.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 establishes new minimum fleet sizes for the Air Force's fighter aircraft inventory and delays the enforcement date for these higher requirements until 2030. The bill mandates strict quarterly reporting on new aircraft procurement and distribution, while prioritizing the assignment of new, advanced fighters to existing operational squadrons. Furthermore, it places a freeze on reducing the number of Air National Guard fighter squadrons through 2030 and requires an annual plan to ensure the Guard's fleet recapitalizes at the same pace as the active force.