Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the formal disapproval by Congress of the "Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024," a law recently passed by the District of Columbia Council. By passing this measure, Congress is effectively vetoing the D.C. Council's insurance regulation change, preventing it from taking effect.

The First Responders Retirement Parity Act allows certain firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics employed by qualifying public safety agencies to participate in governmental pension plans. This ensures that these essential emergency response providers are treated similarly to other government employees under various federal retirement and benefit rules. The Act clarifies that including these specific providers will not jeopardize the tax status of the governmental pension plan.

This bill permanently extends the existing exemption allowing qualified school bus drivers to skip the engine compartment portion of the commercial driver's license (CDL) skills test. It mandates the Secretary of Transportation to maintain this specific "under-the-hood" inspection waiver indefinitely. States utilizing this permanent exemption must still submit annual reports on the number of drivers licensed under it for the next six years.

The Helene Small Business Recovery Act grants the President the authority to waive federal rules prohibiting the duplication of disaster benefits upon a Governor's request. This allows small businesses and individuals to receive necessary aid even if they have other forms of assistance, provided it is in the public interest and avoids waste, fraud, or abuse. Importantly, this waiver authority cannot be denied based on the applicant's income level and applies to major disasters declared in 2023 or 2024.

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 establishes a national standard for carrying concealed handguns across state lines. This act allows individuals legally permitted to carry in their home state to carry concealed in any other state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. The law does not override private property restrictions or prohibitions on government property, but it provides protections and legal recourse for those traveling in compliance with the new federal standard.

The Down East Remembrance Act officially designates several specific creeks with new, permanent names recognized by the U.S. government. This legislation assigns names like Noah Styron Creek and Hunter Parks Creek based on precise geographic coordinates. Moving forward, all federal records and documents must use these newly established official names for the designated waterways.

The Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025 ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from requiring or penalizing bidders based on union agreements. This legislation aims to keep federal agencies neutral in labor relations while promoting cost savings and opening opportunities for all businesses. Exceptions to this neutrality rule are strictly limited to specific public health, safety, or national security emergencies.

This bill, the Generating Retirement Ownership through Long-Term Holding Act, allows individual investors to defer paying taxes on capital gain dividends from mutual funds if those dividends are automatically reinvested into more fund shares. Taxes on these deferred gains are only due when the investor sells the shares or upon death. This provision aims to encourage long-term investment in mutual funds by providing immediate tax relief on reinvested earnings.

The Disclose GIFT Act mandates that certain colleges and universities establish clear policies and public databases for faculty and staff to disclose financial ties, gifts, and contracts exceeding specified thresholds with foreign sources. Institutions must actively manage potential espionage risks associated with these foreign relationships. Failure to comply with these new disclosure and enforcement rules can result in significant financial penalties and potential loss of eligibility for federal student aid programs.

The SPEED for BEAD Act amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to streamline broadband deployment grants. It renames the "Equity" program to "Expansion," allows funds for workforce development, and permits removal of high-cost locations from project areas. The act also prohibits certain conditions related to labor, climate change, and network management, and ensures consideration of all broadband technologies.

The Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025 aims to improve child nutrition by simplifying regulations that hinder the serving of fresh foods. This bill prohibits states from creating barriers that prevent licensed and exempt child care facilities from performing simple food preparation, such as washing and cutting fruits and vegetables. By streamlining these rules, the Act seeks to support providers and encourage healthier eating habits for children.

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 Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in underserved areas of the U.S. in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It modifies requirements for foreign physicians seeking waivers, including employment protections, state waiver limits, and contract requirements. The bill also increases the number of waivers available to states and modifies immigration procedures for physicians, including allowing "dual intent" for medical graduates and clarifying national interest waivers. Finally, it requires an annual report on the Conrad State 30 J1 Visa Waiver Program.

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 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 Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 expands milk options available to students in the National School Lunch Program by allowing schools to offer organic or non-organic whole milk. This legislation provides greater flexibility for schools in providing fluid milk choices while maintaining accommodations for students with special dietary needs. Importantly, the saturated fat content of these offered milk options will not count toward the meal's overall saturated fat limits.

The "No Kill Switches in Cars Act" repeals a section of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The repealed section required the Department of Transportation to create a rule mandating that all new cars have advanced drunk and impaired driving prevention technology. This bill prohibits the government from requiring car manufacturers to install kill switches in vehicles.

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.