Legislative Activity

This resolution formally recognizes and honors Cristina M. Rodríguez on her historic appointment as the Dean of Yale Law School. It celebrates her distinguished career, academic achievements, and her significance as the first Latina to lead the institution. The resolution further encourages all legal educators to follow her example in mentoring students and upholding the rule of law.

The No Unauthorized War in Mexico Act prohibits the use of federal funds for military action in or against Mexico through the end of 2026. This restriction remains in place unless Congress formally declares war or passes a new, specific authorization that complies with the War Powers Resolution. The bill includes an exception for uses of force consistent with existing statutory authorizations under the War Powers Resolution.

This bill officially designates the week of September 15 through September 21, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the significant achievements and goals of these vital institutions across the nation. The resolution encourages public observance with appropriate activities to demonstrate support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions during Hispanic Heritage Month.

This bill, the United States International Development Corporation Chief Development Officer Act, strengthens the development mandate of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). It establishes a new Chief Development Officer role, appointed by the CEO, to focus specifically on international development policy and impact. This officer will coordinate development efforts across the DFC and with other federal agencies to ensure investments advance U.S. development interests.

The Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act of 2025 seeks to combat illegal firearms trafficking to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It transfers regulatory control of certain munitions exports from the Department of Commerce back to the Department of State. The bill also mandates comprehensive reporting, strategy development, and increased tracking of U.S. firearm exports to designated "covered countries."

The United States Development Finance Corporation Effectiveness Act aims to increase transparency and accountability for the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). This legislation mandates more detailed annual reporting to Congress regarding project performance, financial health, and alignment with U.S. strategic goals. Additionally, it requires the DFC to maintain a publicly accessible, machine-readable database detailing project-level information and development impact.

The Terrorist Watchlist Modification Review Act mandates that the FBI notify Congress within 30 days of any material changes to the policies governing the terrorist or transnational organized crime watchlists. It also requires the FBI Director to provide annual reports detailing the number and affiliations of U.S. persons on the terrorist watchlist. Furthermore, the bill ensures that relevant congressional committees can request current guidance on the use of these watchlists.

The Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen support for orphans and vulnerable children globally. This bill establishes a Special Advisor for Assistance to Orphans and Vulnerable Children within the Department of State and extends the authorization for related programs through 2030. It also adjusts the deadline for issuing necessary implementing directives.

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 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 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 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.