Legislative Activity

The Afghan Adjustment Act establishes new pathways for certain Afghan nationals already in the U.S. to obtain conditional permanent resident status, contingent upon rigorous security vetting. It also creates a special referral process for at-risk Afghan allies still outside the U.S. to access the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program remotely. Furthermore, the bill extends deadlines and expands eligibility for existing Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) while mandating significant interagency coordination and reporting to Congress on processing efficiency.

This resolution commends the heroic efforts and courageous response of the Coast Guard, specifically Air Station Corpus Christi and the crew of CG-6553, following catastrophic flooding in central Texas. It specifically honors the crew for successfully executing dangerous rescues amid severe weather and recognizes the broader Coast Guard deployment. Furthermore, the resolution extends gratitude to all federal, state, local responders, and volunteers who aided in the disaster relief efforts.

The Cutting LNG Bunkering Red Tape Act clarifies that transferring Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to a ship for marine fuel is generally not considered an "export" under the Natural Gas Act. This exemption applies regardless of the vessel's flag, provided the refueling occurs within U.S. waters. The bill aims to streamline the process for using LNG as ship fuel within the United States.

The Securing our Border Act reallocates existing federal funds to significantly enhance border security infrastructure, primarily by mandating 100% nonintrusive scanning at all land ports of entry and funding construction of the southwest border wall system. The bill also authorizes new financial incentives, including signing and retention bonuses, for Customs and Border Protection agents. Finally, it mandates stricter processing for individuals arriving from contiguous territories, requiring detention or immediate return while asylum claims are reviewed.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.

The LIFT Act of 2025 aims to accelerate the integration of advanced drone technology into U.S. airspace. It mandates rapid rulemaking for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations and requires the use of Artificial Intelligence to streamline waiver determinations. Furthermore, the Act establishes a pilot program to support local governments in launching electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) operations and prioritizes the integration of domestically manufactured drones.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 505 East 9th Avenue in Amarillo, Texas. The building will now be known as the "Mayor Jerry H. Hodge Post Office Building." This designation requires all official records and documents to use the new name for this specific location.

This bill establishes the United States-Israel PTSD Collaborative Research Act to foster scientific partnerships between the two nations. It creates a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Defense, to fund joint research projects between U.S. academic or non-profit entities and Israeli institutions specializing in PTSD treatment. The goal is to advance new and improved methods for diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

This bill, the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments, updates the fee structure and authority for the FDA to collect and use user fees to fund activities related to Over-the-Counter (OTC) monograph drugs through fiscal year 2030. It modifies definitions, adjusts the assessment and payment timelines for facility fees, and extends the program's authorization. The legislation also includes minor technical updates regarding drug development advice and sets sunset dates for certain provisions.

The SAVES Act establishes a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to award grants to nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to eligible veterans. These grants, up to $\$2,000,000$ each, will fund the training and provision of service dogs for veterans with qualifying conditions like PTSD or TBI. The bill also extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments until February 2033.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act strictly prohibits the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to individuals. This legislation prevents the Fed from developing, testing, or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, Congress asserts that any authority to create such a digital asset must explicitly come from Congress itself.

The Cooper Davis and Devin Norring Act mandates that electronic communication and remote computing service providers must report to the Attorney General within 60 days upon gaining actual knowledge of illegal activity involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, or counterfeit prescription drugs. This legislation outlines specific reporting requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and privacy protections that limit monitoring and data retention. The Act also requires the Attorney General to issue an annual public report detailing the statistics of these reports.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to otherwise qualified applicants solely based on their involvement in the firearms industry. This legislation ensures that businesses defined as "firearm entities," their affiliates, or trade associations are not unfairly rejected for SBA loans or guarantees. The Act clearly defines these terms to prevent discrimination against businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, or servicing firearms and related accessories.

This resolution formally condemns the violent attack on the U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, on July 7, 2025. It expresses support for the injured agents and reaffirms Congress's strong backing for the dedicated men and women of the Border Patrol. The bill emphasizes that such violence against law enforcement is unacceptable and undermines national security efforts.

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act addresses significant delays in obtaining death certificates for veterans who die from natural causes, often due to VA medical staff delays. This bill mandates that VA medical providers must certify a veteran's death within 48 hours or allow the local medical examiner to step in. Furthermore, the VA must annually report on its compliance with this new timely certification requirement.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act generally prohibits federal agencies from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting or fishing. Exceptions are allowed only for specific federal units where scientific data proves lead use is causing wildlife decline, and the restriction aligns with state law or policy. This legislation aims to maintain traditional hunting and fishing practices across most federal domains.

The Defend Girls Athletics Act mandates that elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions must certify compliance with Executive Order 14201 regarding biological fairness in women's sports to receive federal funding. This certification must be renewed annually for K-12 districts and by July 1st for colleges and universities. Failure to comply or report results in the immediate requirement to return unobligated federal funds and ineligibility for future federal financial assistance until compliance is restored.

This resolution officially commends Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic actions during the devastating central Texas floods of July 2025. It specifically recognizes him for personally rescuing 165 individuals and coordinating triage efforts under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, the bill extends deep gratitude to all federal, state, and volunteer responders who risked their lives during this major natural disaster.

This bill, the No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act, declares that any final pandemic agreement resulting from the World Health Organization's negotiations must be treated as a formal treaty. This ensures that the United States cannot implement such an agreement without receiving the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate. Furthermore, the policy of the United States is established to fully support Taiwan's participation in the WHO.

The Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply Act (MAPS Act) mandates the expansion and regular review of the Essential Medicines List to include drugs critical for national security threats. The bill requires comprehensive risk assessments and mapping of the supply chains for these essential medicines to identify vulnerabilities in sourcing raw materials and manufacturing. Finally, the Secretary of Health and Human Services must report annually to Congress on supply chain mapping progress, identified risks, and efforts to strengthen domestic production capabilities.