Legislative Activity

The Public Access to Defibrillation in Transportation Facilities Act of 2025 aims to increase the availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public transportation settings. The bill expands federal grant programs to allow funds to be used for purchasing AEDs and developing emergency response plans at these facilities. Furthermore, it directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue recommendations and guidelines for AED deployment and emergency planning at interstate transportation facilities. This legislation seeks to improve response times to sudden cardiac arrest in areas frequented by the public.

The Guaranteed Uninterrupted Access to Retiree Disbursements Act (GUARD Act) ensures the Social Security Administration (SSA) has necessary funding for its administrative expenses in fiscal year 2026, even if regular appropriations are delayed. This legislation mandates that the SSA must continue all required functions, including responding to Congress, during any lapse in appropriations. The goal is to guarantee uninterrupted access to retiree disbursements.

The Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 ensures that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue without interruption if Congress fails to pass the full Department of Agriculture budget by October 1, 2025. This legislation authorizes automatic funding from the Treasury to maintain benefit payments. Furthermore, it guarantees that any benefits missed due to a funding lapse will be paid retroactively once the bill is enacted.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating a specific week in October 2025 as "Careers in Energy Week." It aims to honor the vital contributions of the energy workforce and highlight the numerous rewarding career opportunities available across the sector. Furthermore, the bill encourages educational partnerships to promote necessary skills and prepare the future workforce for the evolving energy industry.

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost federal support for organic agriculture. It establishes a new Initiative to coordinate and expand USDA organic research efforts while increasing funding for the existing Organic Research and Extension Initiative through 2030. The bill also creates dedicated funding for research focused on the transition to organic farming and mandates a comprehensive economic impact study of the organic sector.

The Keep the Heat On Act of 2025 ensures that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) continues to provide vital energy assistance to vulnerable households during a federal government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation authorizes the Treasury Department to immediately release necessary funds to maintain LIHEAP payments at the same rate as the previous fiscal year. The goal is to prevent disruptions in energy assistance for low-income families during periods of lapsed appropriations.

The Water Preservation and Affordability Act of 2025 mandates the prioritization of "resource preservation techniques"—such as water reuse and rainwater management—in all federally funded water infrastructure projects. This legislation updates grant agreements and loan fund requirements to ensure these environmentally innovative methods are adopted for repairs, replacements, and expansions. Furthermore, the bill increases funding authorizations for both the Wastewater Efficiency Grant Pilot Program and the Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program through 2031.

The "If You See It, Squish It Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to launch a national awareness campaign about the invasive spotted lanternfly. This campaign must include public service announcements encouraging the public to kill any lanternflies they encounter. The goal is to educate citizens on the threat this pest poses to local agriculture.

The Protect Your PIN Act of 2025 updates existing law to ensure local law enforcement receives dedicated funding to combat identity theft. This bill specifically amends the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 to include identity theft within the scope of eligible cybercrime grants. By defining identity theft for grant purposes, the Act broadens how federal funds can be used to investigate and prosecute these crimes at the local level.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. It condemns political violence and calls upon all Americans to reject extremism in favor of civil debate. The bill expresses deep sympathy to his family and urges a renewal of commitment to the values of faith, family, and freedom he championed.

The GRID Power Act directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to rapidly update rules governing how new power plants connect to the electric grid. This legislation mandates that FERC prioritize and streamline the interconnection process for dispatchable power projects that demonstrably improve grid reliability and resilience. The goal is to ensure that necessary, dependable power sources can connect quickly while maintaining public input and regular review of the new procedures.

The No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act amends the tax code to clarify and expand the definition of "qualified overtime compensation." This change ensures that overtime pay earned above a standard rate, whether mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act or agreed upon beforehand with an employer, is treated favorably for tax purposes. The goal is to incentivize and reward workers for putting in extra hours.

The Small Business Health Options Awareness Act of 2025 mandates that the Small Business Administration (SBA) actively inform small businesses about Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). This outreach must be conducted through established channels like Small Business Development Centers and the SBA's regular communications. The goal is to ensure small employers are aware of this specific health benefit option.

The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 establishes a mechanism to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains operational during a lapse in appropriations. If Congress fails to pass a budget, the FAA can draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to continue existing programs and projects at the previous year's spending rate. This temporary funding lasts until a new budget is enacted or for a maximum of 30 days, whichever comes first. This measure aims to prevent disruptions to critical aviation services during government shutdowns.

The SHINE for Autumn Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve federal support for state-level stillbirth research and data collection. It authorizes grants for states to enhance surveillance, track risk factors, and build local capacity for analyzing stillbirth data, provided the information remains de-identified. Furthermore, the bill mandates the development of standardized guidelines and educational materials regarding stillbirth awareness and risk factors, developed in consultation with experts and bereaved families.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

The Nitazene Control Act of 2025 permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes (2-Benzylbenzimidazole opioids) as Schedule I controlled substances. This action is taken due to their extreme danger, high potential for abuse, and role in fatal overdoses across the country. By scheduling the entire chemical class at once, the bill aims to proactively stop the emergence of new, dangerous analogs. This permanent scheduling subjects nitazenes to the strictest federal controls, mirroring those applied to fentanyl.

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 ensures that essential Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, including law enforcement and critical support staff, continue to receive pay and allowances during a government shutdown. This automatic funding remains active until a new budget is passed or until January 1, 2027. The goal is to maintain critical national security operations even without full appropriations.

The Bipartisan Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program Expansion Act increases the federal share of grant funding for certain public safety activities from 50% to 60%. This change aims to reduce the financial burden on states for purchasing essential equipment. Additionally, the Act authorizes $60 million annually for this program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.