Legislative Activity

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 amends title 38 of the U.S. Code to modify the process and oversight of agents and attorneys who assist veterans with initial and supplemental benefit claims. It mandates increased transparency, including public lists of accredited representatives and warnings about fees, and sets guidelines for fee agreements, including caps and installment options. The Act also expands the grounds for disciplinary actions against agents and attorneys and requires reviews and reports to ensure effective implementation and oversight. Finally, the bill extends certain limits on pension payments.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 300 Macedonia Lane in Knoxville, Tennessee, as the "Reverend Harold Middlebrook Post Office Building." It mandates that all references to this facility in any legal or official documents of the United States will now refer to it by this new name.

The "Fight Fentanyl Act" amends the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998, requiring High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) to report on fentanyl trafficking investigations and any limitations in meeting their goals, while allocating \$333,000,000 annually from 2025-2030 for HIDTAs. It also increases funding for the Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center (CTAC) to assist law enforcement with fentanyl interdiction. The Act mandates the Attorney General to prioritize fentanyl trafficking investigations and prosecutions by providing sufficient resources, including temporary reassignment of assistant U.S. attorneys.

The "PROTECT the Second Amendment Act" ensures that residents of federally assisted rental housing are not prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms within their dwelling or while transporting them in common areas. This applies to housing programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Agriculture. The bill aims to protect the Second Amendment rights of tenants in federally subsidized housing.

The "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" aims to combat the rise in organized retail theft and related crimes by amending Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include provisions that target the theft, fraud, and illegal redistribution of goods. It also establishes an "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts, share information, and track trends related to organized retail crime. The center will work to support training and technical assistance to combat organized retail crime and organized supply chain crime. Finally, the Act requires the evaluation of existing federal programs to identify ways to expand support for state, local, and tribal law enforcement.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 aims to increase affordable housing options by updating state housing credit formulas, refining tenant eligibility rules, and improving credit eligibility and determination. This includes adjusting income verification processes, modifying student occupancy rules, and protecting domestic abuse victims. The bill also focuses on Native American and rural assistance by addressing housing needs in Indian areas and streamlining income eligibility for rural projects. Additionally, it revises rules for exempt facility bonds and renames the "low-income housing tax credit" to the "affordable housing tax credit" while encouraging data sharing and discouraging discriminatory land use policies.

The White Oak Resilience Act aims to restore and enhance white oak populations and upland oak habitats across the United States through collaborative efforts between federal, state, tribal, and private entities. It establishes initiatives for research, restoration pilot programs on federal lands, and a grant program to support white oak regeneration. The Act also addresses tree nursery shortages and promotes sustainable forest management practices to improve white oak resilience and ensure a sustainable supply of seedlings.

This bill recognizes and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10, 2025. It acknowledges the Marine Corps' distinguished history, readiness, and role as a premier fighting force. The bill also encourages Americans to celebrate the anniversary through various activities and community engagement.

The "Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" enables individuals with valid concealed carry permits or the legal right to carry concealed firearms in their home state to do so across state lines, provided they are not federally prohibited from possessing firearms and carry a valid photo ID. This law respects private and state/local government restrictions on firearms, protects individuals from unwarranted arrest, and allows legal action for violations of these rights. It also permits concealed carry in National Parks and other federal lands open to the public and clarifies that handguns include magazines and ammunition.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The REDI Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, allowing student loan deferment for borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs. During this deferment, principal payments are not required, and interest will not accrue on the loan.

The "Protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms Act of 2025" prevents the President and the Department of Health and Human Services from using national emergencies or public health emergencies to enact gun control measures. It also amends the Stafford Act to ensure that disaster relief efforts do not infringe on Second Amendment rights related to firearms, ammunition, and accessories.

The "Pay Our Troops Act of 2025" ensures that members of the Armed Forces, essential Department of Defense civilians, and contractors continue to receive pay and allowances during periods when regular funding is disrupted. This act provides necessary appropriations to cover these costs for fiscal year 2025. The Act's provisions will terminate upon the enactment of regular appropriations, a continuing resolution that provides funding for the same purpose, or on January 1, 2026.

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.

The "Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025" ensures that Coast Guard members receive equitable pay and benefits compared to other branches of the Armed Forces. During a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse, the bill guarantees continued pay for Coast Guard military members, qualified civilian and contract employees, death gratuities, funeral travel, and basic housing allowance for dependents of Coast Guard members who die on active duty. This funding continues as long as Department of Defense funding is available, up to two weeks after a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse begins. The bill affirms the Coast Guard as a military service and aims to provide financial security to its members during funding uncertainties.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, effective from the date of enactment. It adjusts gift tax calculations by setting the lifetime gift exemption at $10,000,000, with inflation adjustments after 2011. The Act also includes transitional rules for applying certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code during the enactment year.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster the defense relationship between the United States and Israel through joint initiatives and increased cooperation. It establishes programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. The act also mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "National Right-to-Work Act" amends both the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to protect an employee's right to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It eliminates the possibility of mandatory union membership or dues payments as a condition of employment, ensuring that employees cannot be forced to join or support a union against their will.

The "Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act" prevents payment card networks from assigning a unique merchant category code to firearm retailers. The Attorney General is responsible for enforcing the Act, investigating complaints, and reporting to Congress. This law overrides state and local laws regarding merchant category codes for firearm retailers and does not establish a private right of action.