Legislative Activity

The SAWMILL Act establishes the Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program within the Department of Agriculture. This program provides loan guarantees to rural sawmills and wood-processing facilities located near federal lands needing ecological restoration. These facilities must help substantially reduce the cost of removing vegetation from high-priority federal lands. The total loan guarantees are capped at $220 million.

This act, the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, amends federal law to exempt specific less-than-lethal projectile devices from existing firearm restrictions. It clarifies that these devices, designed to avoid serious injury and firing projectiles below a certain velocity, are not classified as firearms under federal statute. This change aims to facilitate the adoption of non-lethal tools by law enforcement.

This act authorizes the transfer of approximately 7.43 acres of federal land within the Vicksburg National Military Park to the State of Mississippi. Following the conveyance, the official park boundary will be adjusted to exclude these parcels. The transferred land must be used to improve public access and enhance the visitor experience in a manner consistent with the park's mission.

The Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act of 2025 (ASAP Act) amends Medicare to cover early detection screening tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias starting in 2028. This coverage applies to FDA-cleared tests, including genomic sequencing and other equivalent diagnostic methods, designed to detect pre-symptomatic or early-stage conditions. The bill ensures these screenings are added to the list of covered medical services under Medicare.

The Pay Our Patriots Act ensures that essential personnel in the Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue to receive their full pay and allowances during a lapse in regular government funding. This funding is automatically provided from the Treasury until regular appropriations are enacted or the end of the fiscal year. The Act mandates that the relevant Secretaries must disburse these payments as if funding had been timely provided.

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025, recognizing the history of the observance from Armistice Day. It affirms the nation's deep commitment to supporting the over 15 million veterans and their families. The resolution calls upon the public to observe Veterans Day and ensure veterans continue to receive the services they deserve.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that essential firearm-related government operations continue without interruption during a federal shutdown. This legislation specifically mandates the continuation of the FBI's NICS background check system and related processing at the ATF, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. By deeming these functions essential for protecting life and property, the bill prevents delays in firearm transfers and export licensing during lapses in appropriations.

The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve the reliability and utility of U.S. fisheries data. It mandates reforms to the recreational data collection program (MRIP) by establishing an independent review process when data accuracy falls below set standards. The bill also empowers states to develop and implement their own data collection programs, shifting the federal reliance away from the MRIP baseline. Finally, it requires the establishment of a regular schedule for updating crucial fish stock assessments and promotes the use of independent, external scientific surveys in federal management decisions.

The Non-Domiciled CDL Integrity Act establishes new federal standards for states issuing Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) to individuals who do not reside in that state. This bill sets specific, strict requirements for foreign nationals seeking a CDL, including proof of lawful status and job-related visas, while also outlining distinct procedures for applicants residing in U.S. territories. The legislation mandates enhanced record-keeping and reporting by states to the Secretary of Transportation regarding these non-domiciled licenses.

This bill prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from enforcing non-compete clauses against private insurance companies participating in the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Write Your Own Program. This change ensures that these partner companies are free to sell their own private flood insurance products alongside their NFIP responsibilities. The legislation aims to foster competition between private flood insurance options and the federal program.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. It condemns political violence and calls upon all Americans to reject extremism in favor of civil debate. The bill expresses deep sympathy to his family and urges a renewal of commitment to the values of faith, family, and freedom he championed.

The Litigation Reimbursement Act mandates that federal courts must order the U.S. government to pay the attorney fees and litigation costs for defendants who are acquitted after a criminal trial. Furthermore, this bill converts the court's ability to award costs and fees to the prevailing party in covered civil cases into a mandatory requirement. This ensures that winning parties in specific criminal and civil litigation are reimbursed for their legal expenses.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." It highlights the critical economic and environmental value of estuaries, which support millions of jobs and provide vital natural protection for coastal communities. The bill aims to raise public awareness about the need to protect and restore these essential ecosystems.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

The Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends the authorization of the Digital Coast Act through 2030. This legislation mandates that all data provided under the Act must be fully and freely available once accessible. Furthermore, it explicitly expands the required data to include information on underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The Keeping Deposits Local Act modifies how reciprocal deposits held by agent institutions are calculated to ensure they are not classified as funds obtained through a deposit broker. It establishes specific tiered percentages based on an institution's total liabilities for this calculation and requires agent institutions to maintain strong CAMELS ratings. Furthermore, the bill mandates the FDIC and the Federal Reserve to conduct a comprehensive study on the performance, usage, and risks associated with reciprocal deposits, reporting their findings to Congress within six months.

The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 ensures that active duty military personnel and essential civilian support staff continue to receive their pay if Congress has not yet passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026. This act provides automatic continuing appropriations from the Treasury to prevent a lapse in military salaries due to budget delays. The funding automatically terminates once a new budget or continuing resolution is passed, or on January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

This resolution formally condemns the horrific political assassination of conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. It expresses deep condolences to his family and recognizes the bravery of the first responders at the scene. Ultimately, the measure reaffirms the fundamental American right to peaceful assembly and stands firmly against political violence.

The Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act limits how consumer reporting agencies can share a consumer's report when it is requested in connection with a residential mortgage loan. Reports can only be shared with entities directly involved in the consumer's current mortgage or those providing a firm offer of credit or insurance. The Act also mandates a study by the GAO regarding the use and impact of "trigger leads" derived from credit checks.