Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses strong support for recognizing October 2025 as Filipino American History Month. It celebrates the rich history, culture, and significant contributions of Filipino Americans across all sectors of U.S. society. The bill also calls for renewed efforts to study and educate the public about this vital, yet often overlooked, part of the American story.

The Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act establishes a "Foreign Ally Shipping Registry" to allow vessels from allied nations to participate in U.S. coastwise trade under specific conditions. This Act grants the Secretary of Transportation authority to issue renewable authorizations for qualified allied vessels to carry merchandise between U.S. points. Furthermore, it exempts documented U.S. vessels from certain duties when receiving repairs in shipyards located in countries listed on this new registry.

This bill amends the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to establish new grant programs aimed at boosting tourism in Native American communities. It authorizes various federal agencies, including the BIA and OIA, to award grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. The legislation authorizes $35 million in funding for these grant activities over five fiscal years (2025–2029).

This bill establishes the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The program mandates the creation of trained teams in every region dedicated to the rapid detection, control, and eradication of invasive species on and near National Wildlife Refuge lands. These teams will coordinate efforts with neighboring landowners and agencies, focusing on prevention and habitat restoration. Funding is authorized through fiscal year 2030 to support these critical conservation efforts.

The Energy Transitions Initiative Authorization Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to help remote, island, and Tribal communities build more resilient and reliable local energy systems. This initiative will provide federal funding, up to 90% of project costs, for eligible entities to deploy renewable energy infrastructure like solar, wind, and microgrids. The program emphasizes local partnership and will undergo annual oversight and auditing by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).

This bill authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event celebrating the birthday of King Kamehameha I. The designated date for this celebration is June 8, 2025. Any necessary event preparations must adhere to the regulations established by the Architect of the Capitol.

The Pacific Partnership Act formally establishes the U.S. commitment to strengthening its comprehensive policy toward the Pacific Islands region, emphasizing peace, security, and prosperity. It mandates the President to develop and submit a detailed "Strategy for Pacific Partnership" to Congress by 2026 and 2030, outlining diplomatic, economic, and security goals. Furthermore, the bill enhances coordination with allies on aid delivery and grants the Pacific Islands Forum diplomatic immunities. Finally, it requires enhanced reporting from the State Department on transnational issues affecting the region.

This bill establishes a new dedicated position within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to exclusively assist small businesses in setting up and navigating Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). This expert will provide guidance on compliance, valuation, and resource connection for businesses interested in employee ownership. The Act also mandates annual reporting to Congress detailing the assistance provided and offering recommendations for improving the ESOP process. Funding is authorized as necessary, with a specific initial appropriation of $500,000 for the first fiscal year.

The Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act establishes a comprehensive federal strategy to enhance U.S. diplomatic engagement with Indigenous Peoples worldwide. It creates a new Office for Indigenous Affairs, led by a Senate-confirmed Coordinator reporting to the Secretary of State, to oversee this effort. The legislation mandates the development of a five-year international strategy, requires specialized training for Foreign Service Officers, and establishes an advisory commission to guide policy.

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 Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025, or Saving NEMO Act, establishes strict federal prohibitions against the taking, importing, or exporting of designated "covered coral reef species." This designation primarily applies to marine reef species listed under CITES Appendix II, with exceptions made for scientifically approved breeding programs or specific research permits. Violators face significant civil penalties, up to six months in jail for knowing violations, and up to two years for those in the import/export business.

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.

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 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.

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 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 "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.