Legislative Activity

The "Cartel Marque and Reprisal Authorization Act of 2025" grants the President authority to commission private individuals or groups to seize cartel members and their assets outside the U.S. through letters of marque and reprisal. This aims to combat cartels that pose a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. A security bond is required to ensure operations adhere to the terms of the letter. The term "cartel" refers to organizations designated in a specific executive order or defined as transnational criminal organizations.

The UAP Transparency Act mandates the declassification and public release of all U.S. government documents related to unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) within 270 days. It requires the President to oversee and report on the progress of this declassification to Congress. This aims to increase transparency and public access to information regarding UAPs.

The "Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal for Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds, honoring his courageous actions during World War II when he saved approximately 200 Jewish-American soldiers from Nazi persecution by defying direct orders to segregate them. This medal recognizes Edmonds' extraordinary heroism and will be presented to his son or next of kin. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to commemorate his bravery.

The BLOCK Act repeals several Elementary and Secondary Education Act grant programs, replacing them with block grants to states starting in fiscal year 2026. The amount of the block grants will match the amount the state received in fiscal year 2025 under the repealed programs. This change aims to provide states with more flexibility in using federal education funds. "State" is defined as the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

The SANE Act of 2025 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to employ at least one sexual assault nurse examiner at each of its hospitals and urgent care facilities or contract with other qualified health care providers to conduct sexual assault forensic examinations. Following an examination, the health care provider must verbally refer the individual to mental health care services offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary must ensure these new responsibilities do not negatively impact the existing patient care duties of Department employees. It also defines "sexual assault nurse examiner" and "sexual assault forensic examination" as defined in section 304(a) of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004.

The Trailer Safety Improvement Act aims to improve trailer safety by creating trailer safety programs. These programs will focus on preventing unsafe trailer use and educating the public on safety equipment and maintenance. The goal is to reduce accidents related to improperly loaded or maintained trailers.