Legislative Activity

The Mobilizing Against Sanctuary Cities Act mandates that the Attorney General annually identify state and local jurisdictions that fail to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement requests, such as honoring detainers. Jurisdictions deemed non-compliant will immediately lose eligibility for all federal financial assistance for at least one year. Funding will only be restored after the Attorney General certifies that the area has corrected its non-compliance.

The Northern Border Security and Staffing Reform Act addresses critical staffing shortages within Customs and Border Protection (CBP), particularly along the northern border. It mandates an immediate hiring push to counteract anticipated mass retirements and current personnel deficits. Furthermore, the bill updates threat analysis requirements to specifically focus on staffing projections, retirement risks, and local recruitment strategies for northern ports of entry.

The Border Operations Service Medal Act establishes a new military decoration, the Border Operations Service Medal, to recognize service members and federal employees involved in designated national security operations along the U.S.-Mexico border starting January 2025. This medal will be awarded to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve members who participated in these specific border security efforts. The Secretary of Defense is tasked with designing and implementing the medal within 60 days of the Act's enactment.

The Save America’s Rural Hospitals Act is a comprehensive bill designed to stabilize and strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure across the nation. It achieves this by permanently enhancing Medicare payment structures for rural hospitals, reducing regulatory burdens, and establishing new grant programs to foster innovative care delivery models. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to ensure the financial viability of these essential providers and improve access to care for rural beneficiaries.

The VA Loan Informed Disclosure Act of 2025 (VALID Act) aims to increase awareness of VA loan options among homebuyers. It requires lenders to include comparative information about potential VA loan terms on standard FHA disclosure forms. Furthermore, the Act mandates that the Uniform Residential Loan Application include a prominent question regarding the applicant's military service.

This resolution officially designates the Friday before Memorial Day as **National Poppy Day** to honor U.S. veterans. It recognizes the poppy as a long-standing symbol of remembrance for those who died in service, inspired by World War I. The bill encourages all citizens to wear a red poppy on this day to show appreciation for our fallen service members.

The RAVES Reporting Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study and guidance on converting abandoned rural factories and military bases into modern space-related manufacturing facilities. This report, led by the Secretary of Defense, must detail the costs, economic impact, workforce needs, and potential funding sources for these conversions. The goal is to revitalize rural areas by positioning them as key hubs for the growing aerospace industry.

This bill grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to waive the required matching funds for recipients of grants under the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. This change allows the Secretary discretion in awarding funds without requiring the recipient to contribute their own matching capital. The waiver applies to grants awarded on or after the date the law is enacted.

The Patriots Over Politics Act creates a special, limited window for certain service members separated for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine between August 2021 and January 2023 to transfer their unused VA education benefits to an eligible dependent. This transfer option is available for 90 days following the bill's enactment. If transferred to a child, the benefit use is contingent upon the service member having completed at least six years of service.

The No Wrong Door for Veterans Act reauthorizes and improves the VA's suicide prevention grant program, enhancing emergency care coordination for veterans in crisis. It also expands VA medical coverage to include prosthetics used for sports and recreational activities. Finally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veteran pension payments.

The STOP Screwworms Act mandates the establishment of facilities to rear and release sterile New World screwworm flies in high-risk areas to combat infestations. The Secretary of Agriculture must build these modular facilities within 180 days of enactment and provide annual public reports on the threat and control efforts. The bill authorizes up to $300 million to fund these necessary actions.

This bill seeks to formally reject a recent rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning new energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By invoking congressional disapproval, the legislation immediately cancels the DOE's proposed efficiency standards. In essence, Congress is overriding the DOE's attempt to implement these specific new regulations for tankless gas water heaters.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act establishes stricter penalties for certain non-citizens who commit murder in the United States. If an inadmissible or deportable alien is convicted of first-degree murder, they will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Similar enhanced sentencing, including life imprisonment, applies to those convicted of second-degree murder under these specific immigration grounds.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the nation's long-term fiscal health, aiming to reduce the national debt ratio to 100% of GDP by 2039. This Commission, composed of appointed members from both chambers of Congress and outside experts, must submit its final report and proposed legislation within a specific timeframe. The Act also creates an expedited, amendment-free process for Congress to consider and vote on any resulting "implementing bills."

The Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians Restoration Act of 2025 officially recognizes the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, confirming their status as a federally recognized tribe. This Act makes the Tribe and its members eligible for all federal services and benefits available to recognized tribes. Furthermore, it mandates the Secretary of the Interior to take specified lands in western Michigan into trust for the benefit of the Tribe. The legislation ensures that this recognition does not diminish any existing rights the Tribe may hold.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically sharing a veteran's information with the DOJ for national background checks solely based on the appointment of a fiduciary. This bill prohibits the VA from classifying a veteran as a "mental defective" based only on an administrative finding of incompetence or the need for a fiduciary. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General if previously shared information based on fiduciary status is no longer valid.

The Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives (LOCOMOTIVES) Act clarifies and strengthens federal authority over emission standards for existing locomotives and engines. This legislation limits the ability of states to set their own pollution control standards for certain railroad equipment. Specifically, it expands federal preemption to cover more nonroad engines and locomotives engaged in commerce.

The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated Office of Falls Prevention within the VA to centralize and standardize all efforts to reduce falls among veterans. This office will set care standards, oversee national education campaigns, and promote research into evidence-based prevention programs. The Act also mandates specific falls risk assessments and prevention services for veterans in VA nursing homes and updates requirements for extended care services.

The Community Services Block Grant Improvement Act of 2025 aims to strengthen federal efforts to combat poverty by updating the core goals and operational rules of the Community Services Block Grant program. The bill revises definitions, sets a specific annual funding authorization through Fiscal Year 2032, and tightens requirements for state plans and local agency governance, including mandating tripartite boards. Ultimately, these changes seek to ensure grant funds are effectively used by local entities to promote the self-sufficiency of low-income individuals and families.