Legislative Activity

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," in recognition of their courageous service and crucial contributions during World War II. The medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display, honoring the 761st as the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit and their significant role in the Allied victory in Europe. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Protect and Serve Act of 2025" creates federal offenses for intentionally causing serious injury or death to law enforcement officers because of their status as officers. It sets penalties including imprisonment and fines, with increased penalties if death results or if kidnapping or attempted killing is involved. Federal prosecution requires certification from the Attorney General, based on a request from the state or if it is in the public interest to ensure substantial justice. The act defines "law enforcement officer" and "State" for the purposes of the new offenses.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

The "ALYSSA Act" amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require all elementary and secondary schools to install silent panic alarms for use during school security emergencies. To receive federal funding, local education agencies must equip each school with at least one panic alarm, defined as a silent security system for signaling life-threatening emergencies to law enforcement. This ensures schools have a direct and immediate way to alert law enforcement during critical situations.

The Local Radio Freedom Act expresses Congressional opposition to imposing new performance fees, taxes, or royalties on local radio stations and businesses for playing music. It argues that the current system of free airplay provides essential promotional value to artists and that new fees would threaten the financial viability of local broadcasters and the vital community services they provide.

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 "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to exclude the net value of a family farm (on which the family resides) or a small business (with no more than 100 employees and owned/controlled by the family) from consideration as an asset when determining financial need for federal student aid. This change aims to make higher education more accessible for students from family farm and small business backgrounds.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 savings accounts to include expenses related to postsecondary credentialing programs. This allows 529 funds to cover costs like tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing fees for recognized programs and credentials, as defined by the bill. These changes would apply to distributions made after the bill is enacted.

The Marc Fischer Memorial Act mandates that the Bureau of Prisons implement a comprehensive strategy to achieve 100% digital scanning of all inmate mail to interdict fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. By transitioning to digital mail processing, the Act aims to protect staff and inmates from lethal exposure, improve institutional security, and alleviate the administrative burden on correctional personnel.

The Fair Access to Banking Act prohibits large financial institutions and payment networks from denying services to law-abiding businesses based on subjective, politically motivated, or reputational criteria. The bill mandates that financial institutions use impartial, quantitative, risk-based standards to evaluate customers rather than category-based exclusions. To ensure compliance, the legislation establishes enforcement mechanisms through federal regulators and provides a legal pathway for businesses to sue for damages if they are unfairly denied access to financial services.

The "No User Fees for Gun Owners Act" prohibits state and local governments from imposing special taxes, insurance requirements, or user fees as a condition for owning, manufacturing, or transferring firearms and ammunition. The bill ensures that firearms are only subject to standard, generally applicable sales taxes, preventing discriminatory financial barriers to gun ownership.

The Drug Cartel Terrorist Designation Act directs the Secretary of State to designate four major Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. The bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress evaluating these groups against federal terrorism criteria and requires the designation of any additional cartels that meet these standards. It also clarifies that these designations do not expand asylum eligibility for individuals.

The Fighting Budget Waste Act requires the President and the Office of Management and Budget to incorporate findings from the Government Accountability Office’s reports on reducing federal fragmentation and duplication into their annual budget submissions. Additionally, the bill mandates that the OMB Director report to Congress on how these recommendations are being addressed to improve fiscal efficiency.

This resolution expresses gratitude and acknowledges the sacrifices made by Gold Shield Families, the families of fallen first responders. It honors these families of fallen police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel. The resolution directs that a copy be sent to the President and made public, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and recognized nationwide.

The Securing America’s Land from Foreign Interference Act prohibits members of the Chinese Communist Party and its affiliated entities from purchasing public or private real estate within the United States and its territories. This legislation aims to protect national interests by restricting foreign ownership of American land by the party.

The PROTECTS Act of 2025 prohibits the use of federal funds to provide, refer, or reimburse gender transition procedures—including surgeries, hormone therapies, and puberty blockers—for individuals under the age of 18. The bill includes specific exceptions for medically necessary treatments related to genetic disorders of sex development or other physical health conditions.

The Life at Conception Act declares that the constitutional right to life begins at the moment of fertilization, defining all human beings as persons from that point forward. The bill establishes legal personhood for every member of the species *homo sapiens* at all stages of development. Additionally, it explicitly prohibits the prosecution of any woman for the death of her unborn child.

The CBO Show Your Work Act mandates that the Congressional Budget Office publicly release the models, data, and computational details used to estimate the fiscal and economic impacts of legislation. By requiring transparency and replicability, the bill ensures that outside parties can independently verify CBO findings. It also establishes clear protocols for handling confidential data to maintain privacy while maximizing public access to information.

This bill recognizes the global importance of Hinduism and the positive impact of Hindu Americans on the United States. It acknowledges the rise in discrimination and hate crimes against Hindu Americans and their places of worship. The bill celebrates Hindu contributions to American society, welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans, and condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry.