Legislative Activity

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 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.

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 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 joint resolution disapproves and nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems. The resolution utilizes the Congressional Review Act to prevent the rule's implementation.

The "Protecting Our Supreme Court Justices Act of 2025" increases the maximum prison sentence from 1 to 5 years for anyone who tries to influence a judge, juror, witness, or court officer by picketing or parading near a courthouse.

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 "Banning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act" prohibits the Secretary of Energy from exporting or selling petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, North Korea, Russia, Iran, or any entity controlled by these countries or the Chinese Communist Party, with a waiver option for national security interests. The Secretary must issue a rule to carry out this section within 60 days of enactment.

The "STOP MADNESS Act" allows the President to impose economic and financial sanctions on foreign governments and individuals who obstruct the repatriation of their citizens unlawfully present in the U.S. or who facilitate unlawful immigration into the U.S. The goal of the act is to protect national security by penalizing those who resist repatriation efforts or knowingly support unlawful immigration. The President is required to report to Congress on actions taken under this act, and is able to waive sanctions if it is in the interest of national security.

The American Values Act seeks to permanently enact provisions that prevent foreign aid from being used to fund abortions, involuntary sterilizations, or related biomedical research as methods of family planning. It also prohibits lobbying for or against abortion with foreign aid funds and ensures that the Peace Corps Act aligns with these restrictions.

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 WALL Act of 2025 allocates $25 billion for constructing a physical barrier on the southern border. It offsets this spending by tightening eligibility requirements for tax credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit, requiring E-Verify for federal benefits and housing programs, and increasing fines for illegal entry and visa overstays.

The "Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, clarifying who is considered a U.S. citizen at birth. It affirms that individuals born in the U.S. are citizens if born to parents who are citizens, lawful permanent residents, or aliens in lawful status serving in the armed forces. This clarification applies prospectively and does not impact the citizenship status of those born before the Act's enactment.

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 Stop Funding Global Terrorists Act of 2025 restricts U.S. funding to the United Nations for Afghanistan assistance unless the Secretary of State certifies that no U.S. funds are used for cash shipments by the United Nations into Afghanistan, and that no specially designated global terrorist organizations or foreign terrorist organizations receive funds from these shipments. The Secretary can revoke this certification if found inaccurate, with notification to relevant congressional committees. The bill defines key terms like "foreign terrorist organization" and "specially designated global terrorist organization" to ensure clarity in its application.

The "A PLUS Act" allows states to submit a declaration of intent to the Secretary of Education to consolidate certain federal education funds, excluding those under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to improve academic achievement. States must ensure transparency and accountability in the use of these funds, focusing on enhancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged students. The Act limits administrative expenses and requires equitable participation of private schools in funded activities. This aims to provide states and local communities more flexibility in deciding how to improve academic achievement and implement education changes.

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 "Jamie Reed Protecting Our Kids from Child Abuse Act" establishes a federal tort allowing individuals who underwent gender-transition procedures as minors to sue pediatric gender clinics, medical practitioners, and affiliated institutions for damages resulting from physical or mental harm. It defines "gender-transition procedures," specifies liable parties, and sets a 30-year statute of limitations from the individual's 18th birthday to file a lawsuit. The bill also prohibits federal funding for pediatric gender clinics, affiliated institutions, and gender-transition procedures performed on minors, and applies retroactively, regardless of when the procedures occurred.

The "Main Street Tax Certainty Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make the deduction for qualified business income permanent. This is achieved by eliminating the expiration date for this deduction. This change provides long-term tax certainty for small businesses.

The Veterans Health Care Freedom Act establishes a pilot program within the Department of Veterans Affairs, allowing eligible veterans to choose their healthcare providers, including both VA and non-VA facilities. This program requires veterans to select a primary care provider to coordinate their care but allows them to choose any specialist within the covered care system. After four years, the bill makes these conditions on healthcare provider choice permanent, enabling veterans to receive care at any VA facility, regardless of their Veterans Integrated Service Network. The pilot program will be carried out using existing Veterans Health Administration funds.