Legislative Activity

The Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act amends federal carjacking law by modifying the required mental state for the offense, replacing a specific intent requirement with the standard of "knowingly." Additionally, it clarifies the circumstances under which a death resulting from the act constitutes an enhanced offense.

This bill reauthorizes key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs established under the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to combat marine plastic pollution. Specifically, it extends the authorization for these infrastructure programs combating plastic waste through the year 2030.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress recognizing the strategic value of the long-standing partnership between the United States and India, founded on shared democratic values and mutual interests. It highlights the deep cooperation across defense, technology, counterterrorism, and economic ties. The bill encourages the expansion of this relationship to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025, recognizing the history of the observance from Armistice Day. It affirms the nation's deep commitment to supporting the over 15 million veterans and their families. The resolution calls upon the public to observe Veterans Day and ensure veterans continue to receive the services they deserve.

This resolution condemns the severe, ongoing persecution and mass killing of Christians in Nigeria by terrorist groups and militants. It criticizes the Nigerian government for failing to protect its Christian citizens and for enforcing blasphemy laws. Finally, Congress stands ready to support decisive action, including sanctions, to end this existential threat and calls for direct humanitarian aid to victims.

The Promoting Classical Learning Act of 2025 mandates that all U.S. Military Service Academies accept the Classic Learning Test (CLT) as an admissions option alongside the SAT and ACT. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to administer the CLT to all eleventh-grade students in their respective schools. This legislation aims to broaden testing options for prospective service members and introduce classical assessments in federal secondary education.

This bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Battle of Normandy. The medal will be presented to his next of kin before being permanently displayed at The Citadel Museum. The Treasury Secretary is also authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

This resolution commends President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe and ongoing religious freedom violations. It details extensive violence against religious minorities, primarily Christians, by extremist groups and highlights the Nigerian government's failure to act. The bill calls for specific U.S. foreign policy actions, including conditioning aid and imposing targeted sanctions on responsible individuals and groups.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that essential firearm-related government operations continue without interruption during a federal shutdown. This legislation specifically mandates the continuation of the FBI's NICS background check system and related processing at the ATF, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. By deeming these functions essential for protecting life and property, the bill prevents delays in firearm transfers and export licensing during lapses in appropriations.

This resolution expresses the official support of Congress for designating the week of October 19 through 25, 2025, as "National Chemistry Week." It recognizes the vital role chemistry plays in daily life, innovation, and economic growth. The bill specifically encourages public education about chemistry and promotes STEM career paths for students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

The SAFE Drivers Act mandates that all applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or learner's permit must pass a standardized English proficiency test approved by the FMCSA. This requirement applies immediately upon the bill's enactment for all new and renewing applicants. States are responsible for administering the test, and failure to comply with these new federal oversight rules may result in the withholding of federal highway funding.

This bill authorizes the striking and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Donald J. Trump in recognition of his alleged extraordinary peacemaking efforts globally. Congress specifically cites several purported international peace deals and ceasefires secured by the former President as justification for this high honor. The Act also outlines the process for creating and selling bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The No Budget, No Pay Act mandates that Members of Congress will not receive their salary if they fail to pass both the budget resolution and all regular appropriations bills by the start of the new fiscal year on October 1st. Pay will be withheld for every day after October 1st until both requirements are met. Furthermore, this legislation explicitly prohibits any retroactive pay for the period during which Congress was non-compliant. The provisions of this Act are set to take effect on February 1, 2027.

The Retirement Investment Choice Act aims to permanently establish the rules set forth in Executive Order 14330 into federal law. This action codifies the executive order, which focuses on democratizing access to alternative assets within 401(k) retirement plans. By enacting this into statute, the bill ensures these investment options remain available to plan participants regardless of future executive actions.

This resolution urges the Director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately reevaluate the safety of all chemical abortion drugs based on recent independent studies. It highlights concerns that expanded access, including mail distribution, may increase risks of abuse and serious complications. The measure specifically calls for the FDA to publicly release a comprehensive safety review incorporating real-world complication data.

The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the reliability and utility of U.S. fisheries data. It mandates reforms to the recreational data collection program (MRIP) by establishing an independent review process when data accuracy falls below set standards. The bill also empowers states to develop and implement their own data collection programs, shifting the federal reliance away from the MRIP baseline. Finally, it requires the establishment of a regular schedule for updating crucial fish stock assessments and promotes the use of independent, external scientific surveys in federal management decisions.

This resolution designates September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day" to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Impact Aid program. The program provides essential financial assistance to local school districts that educate students living on tax-exempt federal property. This recognition underscores Congress's continued commitment to ensuring quality education for federally connected students.

The Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act establishes new federal standards for states issuing Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) to individuals who do not reside in that state. This bill sets specific, strict requirements for foreign nationals seeking a CDL, including proof of lawful status and job-related visas, while also outlining distinct procedures for applicants residing in U.S. territories. The legislation mandates enhanced record-keeping and reporting by states to the Secretary of Transportation regarding these non-domiciled licenses.

This act authorizes the creation and issuance of a new circulating and numismatic $2.50 coin to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The bill mandates specific historical designs for the initial release, continuing a tradition from the 150th anniversary celebration. The Treasury Secretary is given authority over the production, alloy, and future designs, with a goal for the coins to be available by July 4, 2026.

The Catastrophic Specialty Hospital Act of 2025 establishes a new, separate Medicare payment system for hospitals specializing in complex, long-term care for catastrophic injuries like spinal cord or acquired brain injuries. To qualify, hospitals must meet strict criteria regarding patient focus, continuum of care, volume, out-of-state patient draw, and research commitment over a three-year period. This designation grants these specialized facilities an exemption from standard Medicare payment rules for three-year renewable terms.