Legislative Activity

The CHILD Act of 2025 amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993, expanding background check requirements. It broadens the definition of "covered individual" to include contractors, employees, volunteers, and those seeking to be licensed or certified by a qualified entity, as well as those associated with entities under contract with a qualified entity. This ensures more comprehensive screening of individuals who work with or around children.

The Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, the Emerald Mounds, and the Pulcher Mounds to evaluate their national significance and determine the feasibility of designating the area as a unit of the National Park System. The study will also consider other preservation alternatives and cost estimates, and the Secretary must submit a report to Congress with the study's findings and recommendations within 3 years of funding availability.

The "Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act of 2025" amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to include comprehensive food allergy training for local food service personnel. This training will equip them with the knowledge to prevent, recognize, and respond effectively to allergic reactions in children. The goal is to create a safer environment for children with food allergies in schools and other settings where food is served.

The Protecting Employees and Retirees in Business Bankruptcies Act of 2025 aims to improve financial recoveries for employees and retirees during company bankruptcy proceedings by prioritizing wage claims and protecting retirement savings. The bill modifies bankruptcy code to require good-faith negotiation between the trustee and labor organization, prioritize job preservation, and safeguard earned benefits during corporate restructurings. It also restricts excessive executive compensation and benefits, especially in cases where companies are facing bankruptcy. Additionally, the bill protects the rights of labor organizations and collective bargaining agreements during bankruptcy proceedings.

This resolution designates April 7-11, 2025, as "National Assistant Principals Week," recognizing the crucial role assistant principals play in schools. It acknowledges their contributions to positive learning environments, student well-being, and overall school management. The resolution encourages nationwide recognition of assistant principals through ceremonies and activities.

The "Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act of 2025" aims to improve coordination among government agencies regarding patent-related issues.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to modernize and strengthen regulations for firearm dealers by enhancing security measures, mandating electronic record-keeping, increasing inspection frequency, and clarifying licensing requirements. It also repeals certain restrictions on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and increases penalties for violations of firearm laws. This act seeks to hold firearm dealers accountable, reduce illegal firearm diversion, and improve law enforcement efforts against firearm trafficking and violence. The bill also addresses background checks for employees and requires additional reporting and analysis of dealer inspections.

The American Innovation Act prioritizes and increases funding for basic science research across several key federal agencies. It authorizes significant appropriations for the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy's Office of Science, Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and NASA's Science Mission Directorate from FY2026 to FY2035, with continued increases tied to the Consumer Price Index thereafter. These funds are protected from budget sequestration and PAYGO rules, ensuring sustained investment in scientific advancement.

The "Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025" aims to retain foreign students with advanced STEM degrees in the U.S. by streamlining the visa application process and creating a pathway to lawful permanent residency for those with job offers in related fields. It mandates stricter verification and reporting for STEM student visas while also allowing STEM graduates with advanced degrees and qualifying job offers to apply for permanent residency, including their spouses and children. The act also permits foreign STEM students to obtain or extend their student visas even if they intend to seek permanent residency.

The "Helping to Encourage Real Opportunities (HERO) for Youth Act of 2025" modifies and extends the work opportunity credit to encourage the hiring of young individuals. It expands the credit to include year-round employment for youth, increases the credit amount, and introduces a new category for "disconnected youth" who face significant barriers to employment. This act aims to provide more opportunities for young people to gain valuable work experience and skills. The changes apply to individuals starting work after the enactment of this Act.

The AID Youth Employment Act aims to increase employment opportunities for youth aged 14-24 by amending the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to allocate funds for subsidized summer and year-round employment programs. The Act establishes competitive grant programs for states, local governments, Indian tribes/organizations, and community-based organizations to create or expand these employment opportunities, with a focus on both in-school and out-of-school youth, as well as those in rural and tribal areas. It also requires the Secretary of Labor to evaluate program performance and report to Congress, authorizing appropriations for these programs through 2030.

America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act designates specific areas in Utah as wilderness, providing them the highest level of federal protection to preserve their natural state, diverse ecosystems, and historical and cultural resources. The Act outlines administrative provisions for managing these wilderness areas, including land management, water rights, road setbacks, and the continuation of livestock grazing, while also protecting state and tribal rights. It ensures the preservation of these lands for future generations, balancing recreational opportunities with ecological conservation. The Act also removes the land from being subject to public use, mining, and mineral leasing, subject to valid rights existing when the Act is enacted.

The Cameras in the Courtroom Act mandates television coverage of open Supreme Court sessions, promoting transparency in the judicial process. This coverage is required unless a majority of justices find it would violate due process rights in a specific case. The bill aims to increase public access to and understanding of the Supreme Court's proceedings.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, recognizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It requires the executive branch to comply with federal court rulings, while allowing for appeals when authorized by law. The resolution reinforces the established judicial power of the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts.

This bill seeks to protect students and taxpayers by increasing transparency and accountability in higher education. It sets standards for gainful employment programs, expands borrower defense rights, and streamlines loan discharges for students affected by school closures. The legislation also enhances oversight of third-party servicers, standardizes job placement rate reporting, and prevents individuals with a history of misconduct from holding positions of authority at educational institutions. Additionally, it requires institutions to disclose detailed financial information and mandates the Department of Education to make more data publicly available.

The Baltic Security Initiative Act aims to bolster the defense capabilities of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania through increased security cooperation. Led by the Secretary of Defense, the initiative will focus on deterring Russian aggression, enhancing regional military cooperation, and improving cyber defenses. It authorizes \$350 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028, encouraging matching funds from the Baltic countries. A strategy report will be submitted to Congress, addressing security threats from Russia and China.

The Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act establishes a five-year pilot program to encourage public-private partnerships that utilize Army-owned and operated arsenals, giving preference to partners who use these arsenals and involve Department of Defense employees. This program aims to increase workload at arsenals and requires the Secretary of Defense to report to Congress on the program's progress, budget, and future workload outlook.

This resolution supports designating March 3-7, 2025, as "National Social and Emotional Learning Week" to highlight the role of social and emotional learning in academic success and well-being. It recognizes SEL's impact on students' mental health and career readiness while advocating for expanded access to SEL programs for students and teachers. The resolution also encourages federal agencies to identify opportunities to promote social and emotional learning.

This resolution condemns Russia's abduction, forced transfer, and illegal deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children since February 2022. It highlights the physical and psychological trauma inflicted on these children and their families. The resolution urges Russia to work with international organizations to ensure the swift return of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children to their families.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.