Legislative Activity

This bill designates a portion of Sumner Row Northwest in Washington, D.C., as "Alexei Navalny Way" to honor the Russian political activist and his fight for democratic freedoms. It requires the District of Columbia to erect street signs with the new designation near the Russian Ambassador's residence, symbolizing solidarity with the Russian people who are fighting for fundamental freedoms. Congress finds that the Putin administration has been involved in repressing people, assassinating political opponents, and committing human rights abuses. Alexei Navalny fought against corruption in Russia and was allegedly murdered by the Putin regime.

The "Department of Energy Quantum Leadership Act of 2025" amends the National Quantum Initiative Act to establish and expand quantum information science research, development, and demonstration programs within the Department of Energy. It directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct research, provide training, engage with industry, and develop strategic plans related to quantum technology, allocating specific funding for these activities. The bill also establishes a Quantum Instrumentation and Foundry Program, updates the National Quantum Information Science Research Centers, and enhances programs related to quantum networking and user expansion, all with the goal of maintaining U.S. leadership in quantum information science and technology. It also prohibits funds from being used by institutions with Confucius Institutes or for quantum research activities with foreign countries or entities of concern.

The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act of 2025 aims to support rural hospitals by allowing states to waive certain distance requirements for critical access hospital designation, enabling more rural hospitals to qualify for this status based on community need and service expansion. It also directs a study on Medicare payment systems for rural hospitals to ensure financial sustainability and access to care, and requires a transition plan for Critical Access Hospitals to transition to new payment models within 10 years. This act is designed to prevent hospital closures in underserved rural areas by providing financial relief and updated payment structures.

The SECURE Firearm Storage Act aims to reduce gun theft from federally licensed firearms businesses by requiring them to secure firearms with hardened steel rods or locked safes/vaults when the premises are closed. It also mandates secure storage for paper records of firearm inventory and transactions and allows the Attorney General to set additional security requirements. Non-compliant licensees will face civil penalties, license suspension, or revocation.

The "Caring for All Families Act" amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to expand the definition of family to include domestic partners, in-laws, adult children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, and other individuals with close family-like relationships. It also allows employees to take additional leave for parental involvement in school or community organizations, and to attend to family medical needs or the care of elderly individuals with close family-like ties. These provisions apply to both private-sector and federal employees, ensuring broader access to family and medical leave for caregiving and family wellness purposes.

The "Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025" prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of .50 caliber rifles, with exceptions for government use and rifles lawfully possessed before the Act. It also creates an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, allowing lawsuits against gun manufacturers or sellers who knowingly sell firearms in violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. Additionally, the bill prohibits firearm sales to significant foreign narcotics traffickers and includes rifles in multiple firearm sales reporting requirements.

The "Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2025" aims to support youth mentoring programs by establishing a competitive grant program for eligible organizations. These grants will fund initiatives that help young people develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills, explore careers, and prepare for the workforce through mentoring and other support services. The act prioritizes programs serving high-need youth and requires grantees to report on outcomes while protecting student privacy. Additionally, the Department of Labor is directed to study mentoring programs to identify best practices and evaluate the effectiveness of the grant program.

This bill, the "Halt All United States Investments in Venezuela's Energy Sector Act of 2025," prohibits U.S. investment in Venezuela's energy sector until the U.S. President certifies that the Maduro regime recognizes the legitimate results of the July 28, 2024, election and has transferred power to a democratically elected government. The President can waive the prohibition if it is vital to U.S. national security. The Secretary of the Treasury will implement the measures and can impose penalties for violations.