Legislative Activity

The PARTNER Act grants the President the authority to extend specific privileges and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act to several key international bodies. This legislation specifically targets the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), CERN, the Pacific Islands Forum, the Caribbean Community, and the African Union Mission. Ultimately, the bill standardizes the legal status and protections afforded to these organizations, aligning them with other international groups the U.S. cooperates with.

The Sunshine on Solar Lending Act aims to increase transparency in consumer loans used to finance solar energy systems. It amends the Truth in Lending Act to mandate clear disclosure of all associated third-party and dealer fees within these financing transactions. Furthermore, the bill prohibits mandatory arbitration clauses in solar financing contracts. These new disclosure requirements will apply to all solar financing deals established on or after the Act's effective date.

The Head Start for Our Future Act updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 by replacing the term "literacy training" with "child development and early learning" when describing eligible community services. This change explicitly ensures that Head Start and Early Head Start programs are recognized under this section of the law. The bill aims to better reflect the comprehensive nature of early childhood education services.

The Strengthening Science Through Diplomacy Act of 2025 grants the President the authority to extend special legal privileges and immunities to CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research). This action would align CERN's legal status in the U.S. with that of other international organizations with which the United States cooperates. The President will determine the specific terms and conditions of this extension.

The PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 grants the President the authority to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This change amends the International Organizations Immunities Act to recognize ASEAN similarly to other international organizations. Such status would be granted contingent upon U.S. participation in ASEAN through treaty, law, or funding.

The Strengthening US-Caribbean Partnership Act grants the President the authority to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This action would align the treatment of CARICOM with that afforded to other recognized public international organizations. The bill aims to formally enhance the diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Caribbean region.

This resolution demands that the Secretary of State provide Congress with a comprehensive report on human rights practices in El Salvador within 30 days. The report must detail credible allegations of abuses, including torture, forced disappearances, and denial of due process. It must also outline the specific actions the U.S. government has taken to address these issues and assess the risk of U.S. security assistance supporting rights violations.

This resolution is an official request, or "inquiry," demanding that the President and the Secretary of State immediately transmit all records related to U.S. international agreements with El Salvador and the transfer and detention of individuals to that country. The required documents must cover all relevant communications and materials created on or after January 20, 2025. This information is being sought by the House of Representatives to review compliance with U.S. law regarding foreign agreements and funding.

The Postal Service Clusterbox Responsibility Act establishes new rules for the maintenance of certain historically maintained, privately-owned cluster mailbox units. This legislation requires the Postal Service to continue upkeep on qualifying older units, provided the owner applies and grants permission. The Act also creates a dedicated, permanent fund to cover the costs associated with maintaining these specific mailboxes.

This bill reaffirms the United States' commitment to respecting Mexico's sovereignty and international law, while also discouraging unauthorized military interventions. It asserts that using military force against cartels or other entities in Mexico without Mexico's consent or Congressional approval could be considered an act of war and an infringement upon constitutional powers. The bill emphasizes continued U.S.-Mexico collaboration to combat crime, violence, and drug trafficking through existing partnerships.

The "Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025" aims to combat the arming of cartels by banning .50 caliber rifles, allowing lawsuits against gun manufacturers who knowingly sell to prohibited individuals, and prohibiting firearm sales to significant foreign narcotics traffickers. It also expands reporting requirements for multiple firearm sales to include rifles.