Legislative Activity

The "ESOP Funding for SBA Position Act of 2025" establishes a position within the Small Business Administration to assist small businesses in creating employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). This position will advise businesses on ESOP creation, compliance, and funding, and will coordinate with other organizations to provide tailored assistance. The SBA Administrator must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the activities and impact of this position. The act authorizes $500,000 for the fiscal year of enactment to fund this initiative.

This bill allows Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center to be used on June 8, 2025, for an event celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I. The Architect of the Capitol will oversee the physical preparations for the event.

The Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act directs the President to develop a 5-year international strategy to promote diplomacy and engagement with Indigenous peoples worldwide, and establishes an Office for Indigenous Affairs, headed by a Coordinator, to oversee and coordinate the federal government's related activities. It also establishes an Advisory Commission on Indigenous Peoples within the Department of State to recommend best practices for diplomacy with international Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, the Act mandates training for foreign service officers on engaging with Indigenous communities near their assigned posts.

This bill supports designating April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month" to recognize the importance of native plants to the environment and the economy. It acknowledges the critical role of native plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and providing other environmental benefits. The bill also recognizes the decline in native plant species and the need for conservation efforts.

The Saving NEMO Act of 2025 aims to protect marine reef species by designating certain species for protection and prohibiting their take, import, or export. It establishes exceptions for scientific, breeding, and management purposes, provided destructive collection practices are avoided. The Act enforces these provisions through civil and criminal penalties, rewards for information on violations, and citizen suits. It defines key terms related to marine reef conservation and sets an effective date for implementation.

The Hawaii Native Species Conservation and Recovery Act of 2025 establishes a grant program to fund projects aimed at conserving and recovering native Hawaiian species. This program will provide financial assistance to eligible entities for initiatives focused on combating invasive species, addressing climate change impacts, restoring habitats, and enhancing scientific capacity. The Act prioritizes collaboration among federal and state agencies, Native Hawaiian organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure effective conservation efforts. It also requires annual reporting to Congress on the program's implementation and authorizes \$30,000,000 in appropriations for the program for each of the first 10 fiscal years after enactment.

The Filipino Veterans Family Reunification Act of 2025 exempts from immigrant visa limits individuals eligible for visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act, provided they have a parent who naturalized under specific sections of law related to Filipino veterans who served during World War II. This exemption aims to facilitate the reunification of families of Filipino veterans who served with the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

The "Noncontiguous Shipping Reasonable Rate Act of 2024" aims to regulate shipping rates for goods transported to and from noncontiguous areas of the United States, such as Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. It amends existing law to define a reasonable rate as one that is within 10% of a comparable international ocean rate index recognized by the Federal Maritime Commission. This adjustment seeks to ensure fair pricing in these essential trade routes.

The American Seabed Protection Act prohibits the issuance of licenses or permits for commercial mining activities on the deep seabed and Outer Continental Shelf, with exceptions only for scientific research. The Act requires a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to assess the environmental impacts of such mining activities. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress, including assessments of potential impacts on ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, and alternatives to seabed minerals.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024 modifies regulations for foreign freight vessels operating in noncontiguous trade, such as between the U.S. mainland and Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. It allows foreign vessels meeting specific criteria to transport goods in these trades under certain conditions, including documentation and adherence to labor standards. The Act also includes provisions related to jurisdiction in injury or death cases, participation in compensation plans, and compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, it sets requirements for non-U.S. citizens irregularly engaging in domestic coastwise trade.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Competition Act exempts certain noncontiguous trade from coastwise laws if specific conditions are not met. The exemption applies unless at least three independent owners operate coastwise-qualified vessels on the route, each transporting at least 20% of the goods volume. This aims to foster competition in shipping to noncontiguous areas.

This bill expresses the United States' concerns regarding deep seabed mining and its potential risks to marine environments. It calls for a moratorium on permitting deep seabed mining and exploration in international areas until a comprehensive regulatory framework, based on scientific understanding and consensus, is established by the International Seabed Authority. The bill directs the President to advocate for this moratorium and oppose financial support for deep seabed mining until certain conditions regarding regulations and environmental protection are met and certified to Congress.

The "Boosting Long-term US Engagement in the Pacific Act" or "BLUE Pacific Act" aims to establish a comprehensive U.S. strategy for the Pacific Islands, focusing on strengthening partnerships, promoting regional stability, and supporting sustainable development. It directs the President to develop a detailed partnership strategy, encourages increased staffing and strategic communication, and enhances coordination with allies. The Act authorizes various programs to improve public health, education, media freedom, and workforce development, while also addressing peace and security through institutional strengthening and transnational crime prevention. Additionally, it focuses on resource and economic development, environmental and disaster resilience, ocean and environmental sustainability, and enhanced technology and connectivity, with significant funding allocated to support these initiatives.

The Hawaii Invasive Species Protection Act mandates preclearance quarantine inspections for all items traveling to or from Hawaii to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. These inspections, conducted by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, will target high-risk species and agricultural materials on people, luggage, and cargo at departure points. The Act also allows for the seizure of prohibited items and requires the collection of fees to cover inspection costs.

The "Affordable Shipping for All Act" ensures fair shipping rates by preventing shipping services from charging higher fees to or excluding shipments to noncontiguous U.S. areas like Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This act mandates that shipping costs to these areas must be the same as within the contiguous United States for products valued under $10,000. By standardizing shipping costs, the bill aims to provide economic parity for residents and businesses in these regions.

The "Sustainable Budget Act of 2025" establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to recommend policies for improving the medium-term fiscal situation and achieving long-term fiscal sustainability, with the goal of balancing the budget within 10 years. The President must then submit a joint resolution to Congress based on the Commission's recommendations, which Congress will consider under expedited procedures, without amendments. The act aims to address entitlement spending and the gap between revenues and expenditures.