Legislative Activity

This bill prohibits members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks and other financial instruments during the Member's term in office. There are exceptions for assets owned before the term began or those held in qualified blind trusts. Violators are subject to civil fines.

The "CEASE Act" amends the Small Business Act to limit the number of for-profit small business lending companies (SBLCs) authorized to make loans to no more than 16 at any time. This aims to prevent an excessive number of SBLC entrants.

The "Time to Choose Act of 2025" aims to prevent conflicts of interest by prohibiting U.S. federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms that simultaneously work for certain foreign entities, including China and Russia. It requires consulting firms to certify they do not have contracts with these foreign entities and establishes penalties for false information, while allowing for waivers in cases of national security interest. The Act defines specific foreign entities and consulting services to ensure clarity in its application. No additional funding will be allocated to implement this act.

Eric's Law addresses instances where a jury is unable to reach a unanimous decision regarding sentencing in death penalty cases. It mandates that the court impanel a new jury to determine sentencing. Should the second jury also fail to reach a unanimous agreement, the court is required to impose a sentence other than death.

The "Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act" requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct an independent assessment of its claim forms to improve clarity and organization. A federally funded research center will lead the assessment, consulting with various stakeholders, and provide recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary must then implement these recommendations, where legally compliant, within a set timeframe to make the forms more user-friendly for veterans.