Legislative Activity

Sarah's Law mandates the detention of aliens who are charged with or have committed crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to gather information about victims of crimes committed by these aliens and provide them with timely updates about the alien's status and removal efforts. The law also ensures that victims' rights under other laws are protected.

The "Auto Theft Prevention Act" establishes a grant program within the Justice Department to support state and local law enforcement in combating auto theft and stolen vehicle trafficking, allocating \$30,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030. It allows grant funds to be used for purchasing equipment, hiring personnel, training, and data collection. The Act also amends existing legislation to broaden the use of COPS grant program funds for auto theft prevention efforts.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the railroad track maintenance credit from $3,500 to $6,100, adjusting for inflation after 2025. It applies to qualified expenditures starting January 1, 2024, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The HSA Modernization Act expands access to health savings accounts (HSAs) by allowing individuals with certain veterans' benefits, those entitled to Medicare Part A due to age, and those eligible for Indian Health Service assistance to contribute. It also broadens the types of health plans that qualify for HSAs, including bronze and catastrophic plans, and allows high-deductible plans to offer mental health services with no deductible for the first $500 of expenses. The Act also increases HSA contribution limits to match deductible and out-of-pocket maximums and enables the use of HSAs for qualified long-term care services. Additionally, it permits HSAs to cover medical expenses incurred up to 60 days before the HSA was established and allows both spouses to make catch-up contributions to the same HSA.

The "Empowering Law Enforcement To Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act of 2025" allows Byrne JAG funds to be used for programs that combat human trafficking. This will provide additional resources to law enforcement agencies and organizations working to fight sex trafficking.

The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" seeks to modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. It expands coverage to include all services provided by licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, not just manual spinal manipulation. Doctors of Chiropractic are required to attend an educational webinar to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. This aims to align Medicare with other healthcare systems and private insurance in recognizing the full scope of chiropractic care.

The "Qualified Immunity Act of 2025" codifies qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, protecting them from liability unless the violated right was clearly established, or no reasonable officer would have known their conduct was unlawful. It also protects employing agencies and local governments from liability if the officer acted within their employment scope. This act aims to balance accountability with the need to protect officers from harassment and liability when performing duties reasonably. The changes will take effect 180 days after enactment.

The "Saving the Civil Service Act" limits the ability to reclassify civil service positions, maintaining competitive service standards. It requires OPM approval for certain position changes and sets restrictions on the number of employees that can be moved between service types during a presidential term. Employee consent is mandated for transfers between different service schedules. The Office of Personnel Management is tasked with creating regulations to implement the provisions of this act.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making them eligible for federal services and benefits. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to verify the tribal roll and allows the Department of Interior to take land into trust for the tribe. The State of North Carolina maintains jurisdiction over criminal and civil actions, unless jurisdiction is transferred to the United States.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to support or facilitate the participation of the Russian Federation in any Group of Seven (G7) proceeding. It also blocks federal funding for reconstituting a Group of Eight (G8) that includes Russia. The goal of the bill is to restrict the Russian Federation's involvement in these international forums.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. Grants, up to $250,000, will be awarded to eligible entities like nonprofits and veteran service organizations to operate programs that meet specific standards, hire veteran peer specialists, and provide 24/7 mental health support. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will establish an advisory committee to set program standards and best practices. The bill allocates $25,000,000 over three years to carry out the program.

The FAIR PREP Act of 2025 prohibits the Treasury Secretary from preparing tax returns or refund claims, including through IRS-run electronic services, with exceptions for qualified programs like the IRS Free File Program. It defines "prepare" and "electronic tax preparation service" to clarify the scope of the prohibition, which applies to returns filed more than 30 days after enactment. The Act also restricts the Treasury Secretary from spending funds on developing or operating electronic tax preparation services without explicit authorization from a new law.

The "Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2028 to honor the women who contributed to the World War II Home Front. The coin designs will represent the legacy of these women, with input from the Rosie the Riveter Trust, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. Surcharges from the coin sales will go to the Rosie the Riveter Trust to support the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. This act ensures that the coin minting incurs no net cost to the government and recognizes the invaluable contributions of women during WWII.

The "Thin Blue Line Act" amends the US Code to include the killing or targeting of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder as a new aggravating factor for the death penalty. This applies if the victim was targeted because of their official duties or status as a public official.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 tax credit for eligible nurse preceptors working in Health Professional Shortage Areas. To qualify, preceptors must be licensed registered nurses or healthcare providers who supervise and train nursing students or new nurses for at least 200 hours annually and obtain certification verifying their hours. This credit is available from 2026 through 2032, with annual reports to Congress and a final evaluation on its effectiveness due by June 30, 2033.

The "HEADWAY Act" amends the Head Start Act to improve teacher qualifications in Early Head Start programs. It mandates that at least one teacher per classroom has a minimum credential, and other teachers are working towards a Child Development Associate credential. The act also requires Early Head Start agencies to provide mentorship and training opportunities for teachers. This aims to enhance the quality of care and education for infants and toddlers in these programs.

The "Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025" amends federal law to criminalize the act of "swatting," where false information is reported to trigger an emergency response. Those who commit swatting would face increased penalties, including fines and imprisonment, especially if serious bodily injury or death results. Additionally, individuals who engage in swatting would be liable for the costs incurred by emergency responders due to the false report.

The "National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support and Community Outreach Act" aims to support the National Law Enforcement Museum's programs for community outreach, public education, and officer safety and wellness through grants to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The act authorizes \$6,000,000 to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior for each of the first 7 fiscal years after the law is enacted. It requires annual progress reports to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds. The Act allows the Secretary to use funds to continue activities the National Law Enforcement Museum was already doing when this law was enacted.

The "REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to reinstate and enforce the Migrant Protection Protocols, as previously outlined in the 2019 Policy Guidance. This requires migrants and asylum seekers to remain in Mexico while awaiting U.S. immigration proceedings.

The "Sustainable Budget Act of 2025" establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to recommend policies for improving the medium-term fiscal situation and achieving long-term fiscal sustainability, with the goal of balancing the budget within 10 years. The President must then submit a joint resolution to Congress based on the Commission's recommendations, which Congress will consider under expedited procedures, without amendments. The act aims to address entitlement spending and the gap between revenues and expenditures.