Legislative Activity

The Protecting American Research and Talent Act prohibits the use of federal funds for fundamental research collaborations between U.S. universities and "covered entities." Federal agencies can only waive this restriction if necessary for U.S. national security, provided the university meets strict international student enrollment caps. The bill mandates annual reporting to Congress detailing compliance and any granted waivers.

The CAP Act of 2025 eliminates the special exemption that allowed institutions of higher education to hire H-1B visa holders outside of the annual numerical cap. Under this new law, H-1B workers employed by colleges and universities will now be subject to the same annual numerical limits and lottery system as all other H-1B applicants. This change standardizes the process for foreign nationals seeking employment in higher education roles.

This bill prohibits camping on any public property within the District of Columbia, defining "camping" as establishing a temporary living space using items like tents or sleeping bags. Violators of this new ban face criminal penalties, including fines up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

The Neonatal Care Transparency Act of 2025 mandates that hospitals and obstetric providers publicly disclose their specific policies regarding life-saving care for extremely premature infants, including any minimum gestational age limits. This information must also be provided to expectant parents by their doctors at their first prenatal appointment. Hospitals and providers failing to comply with these new transparency requirements risk losing federal Medicaid and CHIP funding 180 days after the Act is enacted.

The LEAD Act of 2025 revises U.S. arms export controls for specific advanced, reusable unmanned aircraft systems. This legislation mandates that these covered drones be treated identically to manned aircraft systems under export regulations, including those related to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). The goal is to separate the export review of these sophisticated drones from that of missile technology. The President is required to update relevant regulations within 180 days to reflect this new treatment.

The HEALING Mothers and Fathers Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to allow eligible employees to take leave following the spontaneous loss of an unborn child. It also establishes new leave entitlements for federal civil service employees experiencing such a loss. Furthermore, the Act creates a new refundable personal tax credit, equivalent to the Child Tax Credit amount, for individuals who suffer a stillbirth.

The Safe Baby Formula Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study on the health effects of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead in infant formula. Following the study, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must establish clear limits for these toxic heavy metals within 90 days. This legislation aims to ensure the safety of the nation's baby formula supply.

The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 establishes funding for federal intelligence activities and mandates significant structural reforms across the Intelligence Community (IC). Key provisions include tightening security protocols, streamlining agency leadership structures, and increasing oversight on emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and biotechnology. The bill also enhances whistleblower protections and demands greater transparency regarding foreign threats, particularly from China and Russia, and the origins of COVID-19.

The Constitutional Citizenship Clarification Act of 2025 seeks to amend federal law regarding birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. It codifies existing exceptions, stating that automatic citizenship does not apply to children born in the U.S. to parents who are unlawfully present, present solely for diplomatic purposes, or engaged in hostile operations. This legislation aims to clarify that U.S. citizenship at birth is contingent upon allegiance, not solely physical location.

The Necessary Environmental Exemptions for Defense Act exempts the Department of Defense (DOD) from key environmental laws, including NEPA and the Endangered Species Act, for activities specifically certified as necessary to counter threats from China. This exemption applies retroactively and prevents judicial review of the DOD's designation or related actions. While exempt from mandated reviews, the Secretary of Defense must periodically review and update internal policies on environmental mitigation.

This resolution formally honors the Yell County Wildlife Federation for its long history of dedicated conservation work in Arkansas since 1946. It recognizes the group's significant contributions, including supporting student scholarships and leading vital habitat improvement projects. The bill serves as a commendation from Congress recognizing the Federation's service to the community and the state.

The Intelligence Community Efficiency and Effectiveness Act of 2025 enacts sweeping reforms across the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). This legislation modifies the authorities of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), restructures key centers by transferring the National Counterintelligence and Security Center to the FBI, and renames the National Counterterrorism Center. Furthermore, the bill terminates the National Intelligence University, eliminates several offices and programs, restricts the use of National Intelligence Program funds for certain entities, and bans specific Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices within the IC.

The Intelligence Community Workforce Agility Protection Act of 2025 aims to support intelligence community personnel by simplifying the tax treatment of required relocations. This bill allows intelligence community employees and appointees to utilize specific moving expense deductions when changing duty stations. Furthermore, it ensures that reimbursements for qualified moving expenses related to these official relocations are excluded from taxable income.

The No Visas for Violent Criminals Act establishes new grounds for the deportation of non-citizens convicted of certain crimes committed during protests, specifically those involving property destruction or blocking critical infrastructure. Conviction under these provisions results in the immediate cancellation of any existing visa. Furthermore, the bill mandates the swift removal of the individual from the United States within 60 days of the conviction.

The Mitigating Extreme Lawlessness and Threats Act updates federal penalties for participating in riots under U.S. Code. This legislation clarifies sentencing guidelines based on the severity of the actions committed, including specific enhancements for violence or the assault of a federal officer. The bill aims to establish a clearer and more structured system for punishing riot-related offenses.

The Bioweapon Prevention Act of 2025 prohibits federal funding for any research center or laboratory conducting agricultural research if a national from a designated "country of concern" is employed there. This measure specifically targets facilities where citizens from China, Iran, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea are involved in agricultural research. The goal is to prevent the potential misuse of agricultural science by these nations.

The Securing Energy Supply Chains Act establishes an "Energy Non-Procurement List" managed by the Secretary of Energy to blacklist entities posing risks to U.S. national or economic security, prioritizing those involved in critical materials or batteries. This Act prohibits the Department of Energy from contracting with companies that procure from or partner with entities on this new list, with limited exceptions requiring detailed reporting. Finally, the bill mandates a study to consolidate and harmonize existing federal lists of concerning foreign entities to improve consistency in government procurement.

The PILLS Act introduces two new tax incentives designed to boost domestic manufacturing of essential generic drugs and biosimilars. It establishes a production credit rewarding companies for manufacturing eligible drug components within the U.S., with bonuses for using American-sourced materials. Additionally, the Act creates an investment credit to encourage building and equipping U.S. facilities dedicated to producing these vital medicines. Both credits offer options for direct payment or transferability, ensuring their utility for businesses.

The SAFE FOOD Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study on consolidating federal food safety agencies into a single entity. The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for initiating this study within 60 days of enactment. A final report, including recommendations on whether to proceed with consolidation, must be submitted to Congress within one year.

The COUNTER Act grants the Department of Defense (DoD) expanded authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems (drones) operating outside of the United States. This legislation delegates response authority, clarifies mitigation methods like remote identification, and exempts security details regarding these operations from public disclosure. Furthermore, it limits the application of certain criminal and security laws to authorized DoD and Coast Guard activities aimed at countering these aerial threats overseas.