Legislative Activity

This resolution formally recognizes and honors the 250th birthday of the United States Army, celebrating its 250 years of service, valor, and dedication to defending American freedom. Congress expresses deep appreciation for the Army's history, its commitment to core values, and its current readiness to meet any future global challenge. The resolution encourages the American public to observe this significant anniversary with appropriate ceremonies.

The Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to significantly enhance U.S. weather forecasting, research, and public safety capabilities. It mandates that public safety be the absolute top priority for NOAA, authorizes funding for modernization across computing and radar systems, and establishes new programs to improve forecasts for severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes. Furthermore, the legislation focuses on integrating commercial data, improving risk communication through social science, and enhancing predictions crucial for agriculture and water management.

The Support for Quantum Supply Chains Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to enhance its role in strengthening the domestic quantum technology supply chain. This legislation mandates NIST to accelerate the development of critical quantum technologies within the U.S. through new public-private partnerships. The goal is to boost domestic production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign sources for essential quantum components.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves key federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation shifts the authorization window for several demonstration projects to run from 2026 through 2030. It also specifically broadens the scope of reentry demonstration projects to explicitly fund substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery services and reentry housing. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal support for vital reentry, education, and substance abuse collaboration initiatives through the end of the decade.

The Chip Security Act mandates the installation of security mechanisms on advanced integrated circuit products before they are exported from the United States. These requirements aim to verify chip location, prevent diversion, and protect U.S. technological leadership. The Secretary of Commerce must also study and implement additional security features to enhance export control enforcement and national security.

The Healthy Dog Importation Act establishes new federal requirements for bringing live dogs into the United States, mandating advance electronic health documentation, vaccinations, and permanent identification for most imports. This law defines key roles like "Importer" and sets specific age and permitting requirements for dogs intended for transfer or sale after arrival. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with creating detailed regulations within 18 months to enforce these health and documentation standards, while also outlining specific exceptions for returning pets and working dogs.

The Protecting American Farmland Act prohibits federal agencies from funding solar energy projects that convert prime farmland. Furthermore, the bill eliminates several key federal tax credits—including the residential clean energy credit and various production/investment credits—for solar energy facilities constructed on land defined as prime farmland. These restrictions apply to projects placed into service after the law's enactment date.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

The Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives (LOCOMOTIVES) Act clarifies and strengthens federal authority over emission standards for existing locomotives and engines. This legislation limits the ability of states to set their own pollution control standards for certain railroad equipment. Specifically, it expands federal preemption to cover more nonroad engines and locomotives engaged in commerce.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital and dangerous work performed by power linemen who maintain our electrical infrastructure and ensure public safety. It highlights their crucial role as first responders, often working in hazardous conditions after disasters. Furthermore, the resolution supports the designation of April 18, 2025, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day" to formally honor their service.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act aims to combat sophisticated, cross-border criminal organizations driving massive increases in retail and supply chain theft. This bill updates federal laws regarding stolen goods and money laundering to strengthen enforcement tools against these groups. Furthermore, it establishes a new federal Coordination Center within Homeland Security to share intelligence and coordinate efforts between federal, state, and private sector partners. The legislation recognizes that these theft rings often fund other serious criminal activities, threatening national security and the economy.

The Stephen Hacala Poppy Seed Safety Act addresses the danger of poppy seeds contaminated with high levels of opiates like morphine, which have led to accidental overdoses and deaths. This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish mandatory safety limits for these contaminants in poppy seeds sold commercially. Seeds exceeding these limits will be deemed adulterated and banned from interstate commerce. Furthermore, the Act clarifies that contaminated poppy seeds are not exempt from regulation under the Controlled Substances Act.

The SHORT Act aims to reform federal firearms regulations by redefining what constitutes a "firearm" for tax purposes, largely excluding antique or collector's items. It eliminates disparate federal treatment for short-barreled rifles and shotguns used lawfully and preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons. Furthermore, the bill mandates the destruction of certain existing federal registration and transfer records related to defined firearms.

This resolution officially designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to honor the significant contributions of women across all sectors of U.S. agriculture. It recognizes women as vital producers, leaders, and mentors who drive economic success and support the next generation in farming. The bill encourages the public to celebrate and support the essential role women play in ensuring the nation's food supply and global trade.

This resolution formally recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in 2025. Congress is honoring the Corps' long history, core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and its consistent readiness to defend the nation. The bill encourages the public to join in celebrating this significant milestone and acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all Marines.

This bill, the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, mandates the replacement of the current NWSChat instant messaging system with a modern, commercially available, public cloud-hosted solution by October 1, 2027. The new system must meet standards for scalability and usability. Funding for this upgrade, up to \$3 million annually from 2026 to 2029, will be sourced from the existing NWS Operations, Research, and Facilities budget.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 18, 2025, as "National Agriculture Day." It recognizes and celebrates the significant impact of agriculture as a leading industry in the United States.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand eligibility for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). This change allows employers to claim the tax credit for hiring qualified military spouses. A qualified military spouse is defined as someone certified as being married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to James Earl Jones, honoring his contributions to the United States and his work promoting inclusion in film and theatre. The Secretary of the Treasury will create the gold medal, and bronze duplicates will be made available for sale to the public.

This bill expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25 crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. It recognizes the impact on Wichita, Kansas, and acknowledges the cooperation of officials in responding to the tragedy and assisting the families. The bill also commends the heroic actions of first responders and emergency services personnel.