Legislative Activity

Recognizes the crucial role of linemen in maintaining the nation's energy infrastructure and public safety. It also supports designating April 18, 2025, as National Lineman Appreciation Day to honor their contributions and dangerous work.

The "Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025" clarifies that student-athletes are not considered employees of their institution, conference, or association. This classification applies under any Federal or State law or regulation, ensuring that their participation in varsity intercollegiate athletics does not create an employer-employee relationship. The bill also defines key terms such as "association," "conference," "institution," and "student-athlete" to provide clarity on the scope and application of the Act.

The DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding and influence in higher education. It mandates institutions to disclose foreign gifts, contracts, and investments of concern, especially those tied to countries or entities that pose a risk to U.S. national security. The Act also requires institutions to maintain policies regarding conflicts of interest and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential ineligibility for federal student aid programs. Additionally, the Department of Education is required to maintain a public database of disclosed information and share it with relevant federal agencies.

This bill disapproves of the Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024 passed by the District of Columbia Council. Congress is reviewing the act under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act.

The "Helene Small Business Recovery Act" allows the President to waive the rule against receiving duplicate benefits from different federal programs after a major disaster or emergency, upon a Governor's request. The President can grant this waiver if it's in the public's best interest and won't lead to misuse or fraud, considering factors like cost-effectiveness, fairness, and FEMA's recommendations. The President must approve or deny the waiver within 45 days, and loans cannot be considered a duplication of assistance if all federal aid is used for disaster-related losses. This applies to major disasters declared in 2023 or 2024.

The First Responders Retirement Parity Act allows governmental pension plans to include certain firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics who work for public safety agencies under contract with a political subdivision of a State. This inclusion will not affect their status as governmental plans under the Internal Revenue Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. This change ensures that these first responders receive the retirement benefits they deserve for their service. The act applies to plan years beginning after the enactment date.

This bill permanently extends the exemption for school bus drivers from the engine compartment (under-the-hood) portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test. The Secretary of Transportation is required to collect annual reports from participating states regarding the number of drivers licensed under this exemption for six years.

The "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act" directs the Attorney General to produce a series of reports analyzing attacks against law enforcement officers, unreported aggression towards officers, and the mental health and wellness of officers. These reports will include data collection and recommendations for improving training programs, protective gear, and mental health resources for law enforcement. The goal is to provide federal resources to law enforcement and deter attacks against officers. The Attorney General will consult with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and relevant organizations, to develop these reports.

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 "Down East Remembrance Act" designates six creeks in North Carolina with new names to honor Noah Styron, Hunter Parks, Kole McInnis, Stephanie Fulcher, Jacob Taylor, and Daily Shepherd. It mandates that all federal references to these creeks be updated to reflect these new designations.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025" seeks to ensure open competition and government neutrality in federal construction projects by preventing requirements for or bans against agreements with labor organizations. It prohibits discrimination based on labor affiliation, reduces construction costs, and expands job opportunities. The Act mandates revisions to regulations and allows exemptions only in special circumstances like public health or national security threats.

The Disclose Getting Involved in Foreign Transactions (GIFT) Act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, requiring institutions receiving significant federal research funding to disclose foreign gifts and contracts from foreign sources. These institutions must maintain a policy for covered individuals to report such gifts and contracts, create a public database of disclosed information, and develop a security plan to manage potential espionage risks. The Department of Education will enforce these requirements, with penalties for non-compliance, and must maintain a single point of contact for institutions to ensure compliance. The act also mandates a study to improve interagency coordination regarding the implementation and enforcement.

The "Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025" aims to improve children's nutrition by removing obstacles that child care providers face when serving fresh fruits and vegetables. It defines "simple food preparation" as basic preparation of produce. The Act prohibits states from creating barriers to this simple preparation in child care facilities through amendments to the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990. This will allow providers to easily offer healthier food options.

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 America Works Act of 2025 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to provide exemptions from work requirements for specific individuals, including those under 18 or over 65, medically unfit individuals, and parents of young children. It also allows the Secretary to waive certain requirements in counties with high unemployment rates, based on state agency requests. Additionally, the act removes a subsection from the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023.

The DEFUND Act of 2025 terminates U.S. membership in the United Nations and all affiliated organizations, repeals existing acts that enable U.S. participation, and prohibits future funding or involvement in UN activities, including peacekeeping operations and conventions. It also revokes diplomatic immunity for UN personnel within the U.S. and requires the Secretary of State to notify the UN of these changes. The bill further prevents the U.S. from reentering the UN without Senate approval and a guaranteed right to withdraw.

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 Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.

The "Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025" permits schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to offer a wider variety of milk options, including whole milk (both flavored and unflavored, organic and non-organic), reduced-fat, low-fat, fat-free, and lactose-free milk. It specifies that milk fat from any fluid milk offered is not considered saturated fat when measuring compliance with saturated fat content limits for meals. The bill also prohibits schools from purchasing milk from China state-owned enterprises.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concerning race, color, and national origin. This aims to address rising antisemitism in educational settings. The Act clarifies that it does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change existing discrimination standards, reduce existing rights, or infringe upon First Amendment rights.