Legislative Activity

The Fireworks for Freedom Act temporarily suspends most federal and state regulations concerning the operation of fireworks displays through December 31, 2026, to encourage celebration for America's 250th anniversary. This waiver specifically excludes federal authority over manufacturing, sales, and transportation, while explicitly preserving all local government authority to permit, restrict, or prohibit displays. The Act ensures that while celebration is streamlined, safety standards and local control remain intact.

This resolution condemns state-level energy policies that restrict domestic oil production, leading to higher gasoline prices and increased reliance on foreign energy. It finds that these policies strain American families and undermine U.S. energy security and military readiness. The bill warns that similar nationwide policies would weaken the economy and national defense.

The ACCESS Act of 2026 establishes a voluntary education program to improve ADA compliance and amends the ADA to require a 60-day notice and cure period before filing lawsuits over accessibility barriers. It also directs the creation of a mediation program for architectural barrier disputes and mandates a study on digital accessibility standards. This legislation aims to promote compliance through education while streamlining the resolution of accessibility claims.

The Federal Working Animal Protection Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make individuals who harm law enforcement animals inadmissible to the United States. Additionally, the bill establishes that such individuals are subject to deportation if they have been convicted of or admit to committing these offenses.

The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program Amendment Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated, interest-bearing account within the U.S. Treasury to manage non-federal contributions for the program. This legislation streamlines the handling of state funding and clarifies the investment authority and expenditure processes for these conservation resources.

The Veterans Scam And Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, or VSAFE Act, establishes a dedicated Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This officer will centralize the VA's efforts to prevent, report, and respond to fraud and scams targeting veterans. The role includes developing guidance, promoting reporting resources, and coordinating with other federal agencies to better protect veterans and their families.

This resolution expresses the deep sorrow of the House of Representatives following the passing of Representative Doug LaMalfa of California. The House formally transmits this expression of condolence to the Senate and the family of the deceased. As a final mark of respect, the House adjourns its proceedings.

The Stuck On Hold Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implement automated systems to inform callers of their estimated wait times on customer service lines. If the wait exceeds ten minutes, callers must be offered an automated callback option. The VA is also required to issue guidance aimed at reducing average wait times to ten minutes or less.

This Act ratifies a settlement agreement to finally resolve the water rights claims of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in California. It confirms the Tribe's water right of up to 20,000 AFY of groundwater with a priority date no later than 1876/1877. The legislation also establishes a multi-million dollar settlement trust fund for tribal water projects and management, and addresses the preemption of local property taxes on possessory interests by a Tribal Tax.

The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026 provides the budgetary framework for funding all aspects of the U.S. military, including personnel compensation, day-to-day operations, and major equipment procurement. This bill allocates hundreds of billions of dollars across the services while establishing strict rules regarding spending flexibility, domestic sourcing requirements, and specific prohibitions on certain social and political programs. Overall, it funds the immediate readiness and modernization efforts of the DoD and related intelligence agencies for the fiscal year.

The DOD Entrepreneurial Innovation Act establishes a formal process for designating promising technology projects within the Department of Defense as "Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects." This designation grants selected projects special visibility and integration into the annual defense planning and budgeting process. To facilitate this, each military department must create an advisory panel, including private-sector experts, to review and recommend projects that significantly boost national security capabilities.

The Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 prohibits critical port facilities requiring federal security plans from entering into ownership, leasing, or operational contracts with entities controlled by or partially owned by China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. This measure aims to enhance national security by restricting foreign adversary influence over vital U.S. maritime infrastructure.

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to revise the permitting terms under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). It allows permits issued to states or municipalities to last up to 10 years, while limiting permits for all other entities to a maximum of 5 years. The legislation also includes minor technical corrections to existing statutory language.

The EMBER Act establishes the Southern Border Fuels Management Initiative to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and improve border security by clearing vegetation and installing fuel breaks on federal lands near the U.S.-Mexico border. It also mandates new policies to mitigate environmental degradation and wildfires caused by illegal immigration along the border. Finally, the bill requires detailed reporting to Congress on these incidents and updates a Government Accountability Office report on wildfire resource management in Border States.

The FISH Act of 2025 transfers authority over anadromous and catadromous fish species from the Secretary of Commerce to the Secretary of the Interior. It redefines anadromous and catadromous species within the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The Act allows for reconsideration of certain past administrative decisions and addresses administrative and legal details related to the transfer, ensuring continuity in existing legal documents, proceedings, and lawsuits. It also defines key terms like "function" and "office" to clarify the scope and implementation of the transfer.

The HELD Act aims to ensure cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. It withholds federal funding from states and local governments that prevent their law enforcement agencies from sharing information with or honoring detainer requests from the Department of Homeland Security regarding immigrants in custody. The goal is to facilitate the transfer of custody of these immigrants to federal authorities for potential detention or removal proceedings. The Act also allows subdivisions of a state to apply for direct funding if the state is not eligible.

This bill recognizes the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, a pivotal World War II battle, and commemorates the historic flag raisings on Mount Suribachi. It honors the U.S. and Japanese soldiers who fought, remembers those who died, and reaffirms the friendship between the U.S. and Japan. The bill encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima and today's U.S. service members.

The HEARTS Act of 2025 aims to reduce animal use in research and testing by promoting and funding alternative methods. It mandates the evaluation and utilization of non-animal methods before animal research is approved and establishes a National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing within the NIH to develop, promote, and fund these alternatives. The Act also requires federally funded research entities to report on animal use and develop plans to reduce animal numbers in research.

The "Ensuring the Safety of Our Mail Act of 2025" aims to deter mail theft by increasing the maximum penalty for offenders. This bill amends existing law to raise the potential prison sentence for mail theft from 5 to 10 years.

This bill mandates the United States Postal Service to establish a distinct ZIP code solely for Eastvale, California. This change must be implemented within 180 days of the bill's enactment.