Legislative Activity

The "Manatee Protection Act of 2025" designates the West Indian manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, requiring its inclusion on the endangered species list. This action provides increased protections and conservation efforts for the manatee population.

The "Fentanyl is a WMD Act" mandates the Department of Homeland Security to classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. This directs the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office to treat illicit fentanyl as such, as defined in the Homeland Security Act of 2002.

The "Deport Alien Gang Members Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make alien gang members inadmissible and deportable, defining "criminal gang" as groups of 5 or more involved in criminal activities. It mandates detention for gang-affiliated aliens, makes them ineligible for asylum or temporary protected status, and requires an annual report to Congress. The Act also specifies that gang members are not eligible for parole or other relief under immigration laws, with the amendments being effective immediately upon enactment.

The FIND Act prohibits federal agencies from contracting with entities that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry. It requires federal contractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities and prohibits them from awarding subcontracts to entities that do not provide a similar certification. Violations of these clauses will result in contract termination. The act defines "discriminate" as making judgments or refusing/limiting services based on biased criteria, rather than case-by-case evaluations, empirical data, financial risk, or legal non-compliance.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 aims to increase Congressional oversight of federal regulations by requiring Congressional approval for any "major rule" (defined as having an economic impact of at least $100 million) before it can take effect. The Act also mandates federal agencies to publish detailed information supporting a rule and requires the Comptroller General to report on each major rule. It also directs the Comptroller General to study and determine the number of rules in effect, the number of major rules in effect, and the total estimated economic cost of all these rules and submit a report to Congress with the study's findings within one year of the Act's enactment.

The First Amendment Accountability Act allows citizens to sue federal employees who violate their First Amendment rights, but prevents federal employees from suing the government for actions related to their employment. Courts can award attorney's fees to the winning party, excluding the United States. The Act defines "federal employee" as any executive branch worker, excluding the President and Vice President.

The "Stopping Border Surges Act" aims to reform immigration laws related to unaccompanied alien children and the asylum process. It changes how unaccompanied children and families are processed, focusing on detention standards and eligibility for special immigrant status. The act also modifies asylum procedures, affecting credible fear interviews, application jurisdiction, and penalties for fraud, with the goal of streamlining the system and deterring abuse.

The "No Congressional Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act" prohibits federal funds from being used for congressional earmarks that benefit sanctuary jurisdictions, defined as those with laws or practices that prevent cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, with exceptions for victims and witnesses of crimes. This act will be effective starting in fiscal year 2026.