Legislative Activity

The "Mandatory Removal Proceedings Act" mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security initiate removal proceedings for any alien whose visa has been revoked due to security concerns or related issues as outlined in section 237(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This act clarifies visa revocation procedures and emphasizes the Secretary's authority in such matters. There is no judicial review allowed.

The "Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025" modifies regulations for 403(b) plans under the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These modifications broaden exemptions from registration provisions for certain interests, participations, or securities related to 403(b) plans, especially those subject to Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or where the employer acts as a fiduciary, or are governmental plans as defined in section 414. The goal is to expand the types of trusts, plans, and accounts that are excluded from being defined as investment companies. It also updates a section regarding exemptions from registration requirements for securities, adding a reference to plans described in section 3(a)(12)(C)(iv) of the Act.

The "Enhancing Energy Recovery Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code to update and broaden the criteria for carbon oxide disposal, use, or utilization, including secure geological storage and enhanced oil or natural gas recovery. It adjusts the applicable dollar amount for carbon oxide disposal, setting it at $17, adjusted for inflation, with a higher rate of $36 for projects meeting specific requirements. These changes apply to taxable years starting after December 31, 2024.

The Fair Access to Banking Act aims to ensure equal access to financial services by preventing banks and credit unions from denying services to individuals or entities engaged in lawful activities based on subjective or politically motivated reasons. It sets requirements for banks with over $10 billion in assets, prohibiting them from denying services based on reputational risk and requiring them to justify denials with documented, risk-based standards. The act also allows individuals to sue financial institutions that violate these requirements, with the potential for treble damages and attorney fees awarded to successful plaintiffs. Furthermore, it restricts access to Federal Reserve lending programs and the Automated Clearing House Network for institutions that fail to comply with the Act.

**Title I:** This bill seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government by revoking prior directives, terminating DEI offices, and restricting DEI-related training and activities. **Title II:** This bill restricts federal training programs from including topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and protects employees from mandatory training on these subjects. **Title III:** This bill modifies federal contracting practices by prohibiting the use of federal funds for DEI-related activities and ensuring non-discrimination in federal programs. **Title IV:** This bill restricts the use of federal grant and cooperative agreement funds for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, while exempting certain offices and institutions. **Title V:** This bill aims to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within federal advisory committees by outlining specific prohibitions, enforcement mechanisms, and responsibilities for agency administrators and heads to ensure compliance. **Title VI:** This bill addresses accreditation standards for higher education institutions and restricts the use of federal funds by the Secretary of Education related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. **Title VII:** This bill eliminates certain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and related requirements across various federal agencies and acts. **Title VIII:** This bill focuses on the enforcement and legal standing of the Act, ensuring individuals have the right to seek justice if they believe the law has been violated, and clarifies that the law remains effective even if parts of it are deemed unconstitutional.

The "Commission to Relocate the Federal Bureaucracy Act" establishes a commission to study and recommend the relocation of certain federal agencies from the Washington, D.C., area to other parts of the United States. The commission will evaluate potential relocation sites based on factors such as financial efficiency, existing infrastructure, and community input, with the goal of transferring at least 100,000 employees of covered agencies. A report of the commission's findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within one year.

The SHOW UP Act of 2025 requires federal executive agencies to reinstate the telework policies and practices that were in effect on December 31, 2019. To expand telework beyond those pre-pandemic levels, agencies must conduct a comprehensive impact study and obtain certification from the Office of Personnel Management proving that such changes will improve mission performance and reduce operational costs.

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to remove silencers from special regulation under federal tax law, treating them similarly to standard firearms components. This bill preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners and establishes new serial number marking requirements for manufacturers.

The Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal right to transport knives across state lines, ensuring travelers are protected from conflicting state and local laws. Provided the knives are stored in accordance with specific safety requirements, individuals may transport them during interstate journeys without fear of arrest or detention. This legislation also allows individuals to assert these protections in court and provides legal recourse against authorities who violate these rights.

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.

The SHUSH Act (Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act) removes firearm silencers from the definition of "firearms" under federal law, effectively eliminating the associated $200 tax, registration requirements, and federal oversight. The bill also preempts state and local laws that impose taxes or registration on silencers and removes existing sentencing enhancements for their use in crimes.

The Disaster Mitigation and Tax Parity Act of 2025 amends the tax code to exclude state-sponsored catastrophe mitigation payments from an individual's gross income. This legislation ensures that homeowners receiving financial assistance to harden their properties against natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and earthquakes are not unfairly taxed on those funds. The provision is retroactive to the 2022 tax year, allowing eligible taxpayers to claim the exclusion on past returns.

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.

The Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act of 2025 prohibits U.S. contributions to the United Nations for assistance in Afghanistan until the Secretary of State certifies that no funds are being diverted to terrorist organizations through cash shipments. This legislation mandates strict oversight to ensure American taxpayer dollars do not inadvertently support designated global or foreign terrorist entities.

This resolution designates January 26 through February 1, 2025, as "National School Choice Week," recognizing the importance of diverse educational options (public, charter, magnet, private, online, and homeschooling). It emphasizes the role of parents in choosing the best educational environment for their children and encourages awareness of the benefits of school choice. The resolution supports celebrating educational choice and acknowledges the contributions of students, parents, teachers, and school leaders.

The Graduate Opportunity and Affordable Loans Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reform loan provisions for graduate and professional students. Starting July 1, 2025, it sets new annual and aggregate limits for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and discontinues Federal Direct PLUS Loans for graduate students. Institutions must notify students about these changes and have the authority to further limit loan amounts.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The POLICE Act of 2025 makes non-citizens deportable if they are convicted of, or admit to, assaulting a law enforcement officer or first responder. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit and publish an annual report detailing the number of individuals deported under this provision.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act aims to reduce double taxation for residents of Taiwan and the U.S. by lowering withholding rates on cross-border income and establishing clear tax residency rules. Additionally, the bill authorizes the President to negotiate a formal tax agreement with Taiwan, ensuring congressional oversight and public transparency throughout the process. This legislation seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment while ensuring reciprocal tax benefits for both nations.

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.