Legislative Activity

The Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025 aims to revise sentencing guidelines for fentanyl-related offenses by reducing the quantity thresholds that trigger mandatory minimum sentences for flunitrazepam and its analogues. It directs the Sentencing Commission to update its guidelines to align with these changes. Additionally, it mandates increased resources for the USPS, including chemical screening devices and personnel, to enhance the detection and interdiction of illegally imported fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

This bill amends existing regulations to include Czechia in the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for admission into the United States as E-1 nonimmigrant traders, under the condition that the Czech government provides similar trade benefits to U.S. citizens. This change would allow Czech citizens to enter the U.S. for trade purposes if U.S. citizens are afforded the same opportunities in Czechia.

The TORNADO Act aims to significantly improve the nation's ability to forecast, communicate, and respond to hazardous weather events. It establishes new offices and strategic plans to enhance the clarity and speed of public warnings, mandates a review of the tornado rating system, and refocuses key tornado research programs. Ultimately, the bill seeks to leverage better science and communication strategies to save lives and protect property from severe storms and other natural hazards.

This comprehensive bill addresses online safety for minors through two main actions: Title I establishes federal restrictions on social media platforms, banning accounts for children under 13 and prohibiting personalized content recommendations for all users under 18. Title II updates existing law to require schools receiving federal subsidies to block student access to social media platforms while using school resources. Overall, the legislation aims to fundamentally change how minors interact with social media both at home and in educational settings.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S. must include standard equipment capable of receiving AM broadcast signals within a few years of the law's enactment. This requirement aims to ensure drivers retain access to crucial emergency alerts, overriding conflicting state or local laws. The bill also directs the GAO to study the reliability of AM radio versus other emergency alert technologies in vehicles.

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.

The Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs conduct periodic reviews of the maximum coverage amounts for Servicemembers’ and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance. Beginning in 2026, these reviews must occur every five years to compare current coverage against inflation-adjusted benchmarks. The findings will be reported to Congress to help ensure that life insurance benefits remain aligned with economic changes for military families.

This joint resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of the EPA’s "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems" rule. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, rendering it without force or effect.

The Banning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act prohibits the sale or export of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, and entities controlled by these nations. This legislation aims to protect U.S. national security by ensuring that domestic emergency oil reserves are not diverted to adversarial countries.

The Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025 strengthens federal protections for the judiciary by increasing the maximum prison sentence for picketing or parading near a courthouse or judge’s residence. This legislation aims to deter intimidation and ensure the administration of justice remains free from obstruction.

The STOP MADNESS Act authorizes the President to impose economic sanctions on foreign governments that refuse to accept the repatriation of their citizens who have entered the United States unlawfully. Additionally, the bill targets foreign governments and individuals that knowingly facilitate unlawful immigration by blocking their access to the U.S. financial system. The legislation also establishes reporting requirements for the executive branch regarding the implementation and enforcement of these sanctions.

This joint resolution disapproves a Department of Homeland Security rule that would have automatically extended employment authorization and documentation for certain applicants. By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents its implementation.

The American Values Act permanently prohibits the use of federal foreign assistance and Peace Corps funding for abortion services, involuntary sterilizations, and related lobbying or research activities. This legislation codifies long-standing restrictions to ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not utilized to support or promote these practices internationally.

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 Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict birthright citizenship to individuals born in the United States who have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or an alien in lawful status serving in the U.S. armed forces. This legislation clarifies the definition of being "subject to the jurisdiction of the United States" for citizenship purposes. These changes would apply only to individuals born after the bill's enactment, preserving the status of those born previously.

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 Jamie Reed Protecting Our Kids from Child Abuse Act establishes a federal cause of action allowing individuals to sue for injuries resulting from gender-transition procedures received as minors. The bill permits lawsuits against clinics, practitioners, and affiliated institutions up to age 48 and prohibits federal funding for pediatric gender clinics and gender-transition procedures for minors. These provisions apply retroactively to procedures performed before or after the Act's enactment.

The A PLUS Act empowers states and local communities to take greater control of federal education funding by reducing administrative red tape and allowing for the consolidation of various programs. By opting into this flexibility, states can better tailor educational reforms to their specific needs while remaining publicly accountable for student achievement. The legislation ensures that states continue to uphold civil rights protections and provide transparent reporting on student progress to parents and taxpayers.

The WALL Act of 2025 appropriates $25 billion for the construction of a physical barrier along the U.S. southern border. To offset these costs, the bill implements stricter tax credit eligibility requirements, introduces new fees for ITIN filers, and mandates the use of E-Verify for certain federal benefit and housing programs. Additionally, the legislation establishes new criminal and civil penalties for unlawful entry and visa overstays.

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.