Legislative Activity

The "Federal Grant Accountability Act" limits indirect costs for federal research awards to higher education institutions, aligning them with the average indirect costs of private research awards. It directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to determine the private research award rate annually, using existing federal guidelines. Additionally, the Act mandates a study by the Comptroller General to assess and compare indirect cost rates, including those funding administrative staff focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and requires a report to Congress with recommendations for improvement.

The "End U.N. Censorship Act" prohibits the use of federal funds to support the United Nations' iVerify tool, initiatives that label speech as disinformation, or contributions to international organizations involved in similar censorship efforts. Funds withheld will be rescinded and deposited into the Treasury's general fund.

The Hearing Protection Act aims to remove silencers from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) by treating them similarly to standard firearms under federal tax law. This legislation preempts certain state and local taxes and registration requirements related to silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal silencer registration records and updates federal marking requirements for manufacturers.

The "One Agency Act" consolidates federal antitrust enforcement by transferring the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust functions, staff, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This aims to streamline antitrust enforcement, eliminate overlap, and improve efficiency. The Attorney General is granted authority to restructure the Antitrust Division and manage ongoing investigations, consent decrees, and information gathering related to antitrust matters. The FTC is prohibited from initiating new antitrust actions without the Attorney General's approval during a transition period.