Legislative Activity

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

The JOBS Act of 2025 expands Federal Pell Grant eligibility to include students enrolled in high-quality, short-term career and technical education programs. By supporting training that leads to industry-recognized credentials, the bill aims to better align postsecondary education with the needs of high-demand job sectors. Additionally, the legislation lowers the minimum Pell Grant threshold to increase financial aid accessibility for students pursuing these career-focused pathways.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests starting in 2028. This legislation establishes a formal coverage and payment framework for these innovative blood-based tests while ensuring they complement, rather than replace, existing cancer screening protocols.

This resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the vital role school counselors play in students' academic, social, and emotional development. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges students face and the importance of adequately supporting school counseling programs. The resolution encourages Americans to participate in events that highlight the importance of school counselors in helping students succeed.

The Charitable Act renews and expands tax incentives for charitable giving by allowing individuals who do not itemize deductions to claim a deduction for charitable contributions during the 2026 and 2027 tax years. Under this provision, non-itemizers can deduct contributions up to one-third of their standard deduction amount. Additionally, the bill removes specific accuracy-related penalties associated with these deductions.

The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. It empowers state attorneys general to sue the Department of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State if they believe the state or its residents are harmed by violations of immigration enforcement or visa granting. The bill aims to ensure that these aliens are detained throughout their removal proceedings and to provide states with legal recourse against perceived failures in federal immigration enforcement.

This resolution supports the observation of National Trafficking and Modern Slavery Prevention Month in January 2025 to raise awareness and opposition to these crimes. It recognizes the global scale of human trafficking, the vulnerability of specific populations, and the need for a coordinated effort to prevent trafficking, support victims, and prosecute offenders. The resolution encourages collaborative initiatives and a victim-centered approach to combat human trafficking and modern slavery.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act makes the 20% pass-through business deduction permanent by removing its scheduled expiration date. This legislation ensures that owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations can continue to benefit from this tax relief indefinitely.

The Protect and Serve Act of 2025 establishes a new federal crime for knowingly assaulting law enforcement officers and causing serious bodily injury. This legislation allows for federal prosecution in cases involving interstate commerce or federal officers, with penalties ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment depending on the severity of the offense. Federal intervention is strictly regulated, requiring written certification from the Attorney General to ensure the necessity of federal involvement.

The Protecting Students on Campus Act of 2025 strengthens Title VI enforcement by mandating increased transparency, public awareness campaigns, and standardized reporting of discrimination complaints at institutions of higher education. The bill requires colleges to prominently display civil rights resources and mandates annual audits of institutions with high rates of discrimination complaints. Additionally, it increases federal oversight through regular Congressional briefings and reforms the Department of Education’s complaint-handling processes.

The Standing Against Houthi Aggression Act mandates that the Secretary of State designate Ansarallah (the Houthis) as a foreign terrorist organization. Additionally, the bill requires the President to impose targeted sanctions on the group and its affiliates within 90 days of enactment.

The Dismantle Iran’s Proxy Act of 2025 mandates that the President designate Ansarallah (the Houthi movement) as a foreign terrorist organization and impose targeted sanctions on its leadership and affiliates. The bill further requires the administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and degrade the group's offensive capabilities. Additionally, it mandates a formal report on how Ansarallah’s actions obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid in Yemen.

The Advancing FASD Research, Services and Prevention Act (or "FASD Respect Act") updates federal programs to provide a more comprehensive approach to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This legislation expands research, improves diagnostic and support services, and establishes Centers of Excellence to build capacity for prevention and care at the state and tribal levels.

The Wildland Firefighters Congressional Gold Medal Act honors the courage, sacrifice, and essential service of the nation’s wildland firefighters. This legislation authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded collectively to these frontline responders in recognition of their dedication to protecting our communities and natural resources. The medal will be housed at the National Interagency Fire Center, with bronze duplicates made available for public purchase.

The Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team in recognition of their historic victory. This legislation honors the team’s extraordinary achievement, which served as a defining moment in American sports and a source of national inspiration during the Cold War. The medals will be permanently displayed at three prominent institutions dedicated to Olympic and hockey history.

The Supporting All Producers (SAP) Act extends the Acer Access and Development Program through 2030, ensuring continued support for the maple syrup industry. The bill also mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture consult with industry stakeholders to better align grant funding with research and education priorities.

The **Skinny Labels, Big Savings Act** protects generic drug and biosimilar manufacturers from patent infringement lawsuits when they "carve out" specific patented uses from their product labeling. By establishing a legal safe harbor for these "skinny labels," the bill aims to accelerate the market entry of lower-cost alternatives without infringing on method-of-use patents.