Legislative Activity

The HOPE for Haitian Prosperity Act of 2025 strengthens trade benefits for Haiti by extending preferential duty treatment until 2037 and increasing annual labor compliance reviews focusing on wages and working conditions. The bill also mandates the U.S. Trade Representative to provide targeted technical assistance aimed at increasing and diversifying Haitian exports to the United States. These measures seek to enhance Haiti's economic competitiveness while ensuring adherence to core labor standards.

The Quiet Communities Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis caused by noise pollution by reestablishing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Noise Abatement and Control. This office will be tasked with researching noise impacts, supporting state and local noise control efforts through technical assistance and grants, and conducting a specific study on aircraft noise. The Act authorizes \$25 million annually through Fiscal Year 2030 to fund these critical national noise reduction initiatives.

The Federal Receivership Fairness Act grants courts the authority to determine the tax liability of a receivership estate, streamlining the resolution of tax disputes during court-supervised asset management. This allows the appointing court to settle federal, state, and local tax issues owed by the estate, with specific exceptions for previously adjudicated matters. The bill outlines procedures for receivers to request tax determinations and clarifies the government's waiver of sovereign immunity regarding these rulings.

The Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act mandates strict requirements for federal law enforcement regarding the use of body-worn and in-car cameras, including when they must be activated and how footage must be retained and disclosed. The bill explicitly prohibits the use of facial recognition or other biometric surveillance technology on these recording devices. Furthermore, it establishes procedures for officer review of footage after serious incidents and mandates a GAO study on federal officer training.

This resolution terminates the President's August 11, 2025, declaration of a crime emergency in the District of Columbia. Congress asserts that the President lacks the legal authority under the D.C. Home Rule Act to take operational control of the Metropolitan Police Department. Furthermore, the bill notes that local violent crime rates have been declining significantly.

The Taskforce for Recognizing and Averting Payment Scams Act (TRAPS Act) establishes a new Task Force led by the Secretary of the Treasury. This diverse group, including federal agencies, industry experts, and consumer advocates, will study evolving payment scams. The Task Force is charged with developing cross-sector prevention strategies and submitting comprehensive recommendations for new laws and improved coordination to combat these fraudulent activities.

The Advancing Gun Safety Technology Act establishes a pilot program to fund small businesses developing innovative technologies designed to prevent accidental or unauthorized firearm use. Through grants managed by the Attorney General, the program aims to accelerate the development and commercial readiness of safety features like smart guns and advanced locking mechanisms. Up to $10 million is authorized for this initiative in Fiscal Year 2026.

The Sustaining Our Democracy Act establishes a new federal program to provide annual grants to states for improving election administration, security, and accessibility, managed by a newly created Office of Democracy Advancement and Innovation. This funding is supported by a dedicated ten-year Trust Fund to ensure stable resources for election infrastructure upgrades. The bill imposes strict rules on how states can use the money, including prohibitions against purchasing insecure voting machines or restricting basic voter support. If states fail to comply, the federal Director can bypass state government to fund local election subdivisions directly.

The Gun Violence Prevention Research Act of 2025 authorizes $50 million annually for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct or support research on firearms safety and gun violence prevention. This dedicated funding is authorized for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2031. This new allocation is separate from and in addition to any existing CDC research funding.

The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act repeals an outdated ban that prevented Medicaid from making payments to certain healthcare providers. This legislation ensures that these previously prohibited entities will now be reimbursed for medical services rendered between the enactment of the original ban and the passage of this Act. In short, it restores payment eligibility and retroactively covers past services.

This bill mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a comprehensive system for tracking and reporting all instances where U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are detained or removed during immigration enforcement actions. The system requires quarterly reports to Congress detailing these incidents, including those involving individuals transferred from other law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the bill requires DHS to create a formal process allowing detained or removed individuals to submit proof of their citizenship or permanent resident status.

The EACH Act of 2025 aims to ensure equal access to abortion coverage by requiring all federally funded health programs and facilities to cover abortion services. This legislation prohibits federal interference with state or private insurance coverage of abortion and repeals Section 1303 of the Affordable Care Act. Ultimately, the bill seeks to eliminate financial and insurance barriers to abortion care, particularly for low-income individuals relying on programs like Medicaid.

This proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate immunity from criminal prosecution for federal officials, including the President, based on their official duties. It also explicitly prohibits the President from issuing a self-pardon for any federal crimes. If ratified, these changes would take effect immediately.

The Supporting Upgraded Property Projects and Lending for Yards (SUPPLY) Act establishes a new federal insurance program, managed by HUD, to specifically back second mortgages used for financing the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This legislation also directs the FHFA to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase and securitize these newly insured ADU construction loans, subject to risk oversight. The goal is to increase the availability of financing for property owners looking to add secondary housing units.

The Stop NOAA Closures Act places a temporary moratorium on the closure or restriction of access to any National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facilities. This freeze remains in effect until 180 days after key officials submit a required report to Congress detailing the criteria and process for any future facility changes. After the moratorium lifts, any major facility action will still require a 30-day advance notice and justification report to Congress, except in cases of immediate emergency threatening staff safety.

The Saving Lives and Taxpayer Dollars Act aims to ensure that U.S. foreign assistance commodities, such as food and medicine, are delivered to those in need rather than being destroyed. This legislation mandates that aid supplies must be distributed before they expire or spoil, thereby maximizing the humanitarian impact of U.S. aid. Furthermore, it establishes strict reporting requirements to track and prevent the waste of these vital resources. The bill highlights that effective foreign aid supports global health, strengthens the U.S. economy, and benefits American agriculture.

The Gun Safety Incentive Act aims to promote responsible firearm ownership by establishing voluntary best practices for safe storage developed by the Attorney General. It mandates clear safe storage warnings on newly manufactured firearms and expands existing federal law to require safe storage information for all firearm purchases, including rifles and shotguns. Furthermore, the Act establishes a grant program to help states and Tribes distribute free safe storage devices and creates a tax credit for businesses selling these devices.

The Protecting Federal Employee Rights to Personnel Files Act of 2025 ensures current and former federal employees have a right to easily access their official personnel records. The bill mandates that agencies must provide electronic and physical copies of these files within seven days upon request for current employees. Furthermore, separating employees will automatically receive their file within seven days of their departure.

The Child Care for Working Families Act establishes comprehensive federal programs to ensure access to high-quality, affordable child care and universal preschool for young children. The legislation creates an entitlement program for child care, mandates that provider reimbursement rates cover actual costs and ensure living wages for staff, and establishes free, universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Additionally, it provides dedicated funding to stabilize childcare providers and extend the operating hours and compensation for Head Start staff.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states and tribes implement and train personnel on Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which allow courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill also updates federal law to prohibit firearm possession by anyone subject to a qualifying ERPO that was issued after due process. Furthermore, it mandates that these ERPOs be recognized and enforced across state and tribal jurisdictions.