Legislative Activity

The SAFE KIDS Act addresses national security concerns by invalidating surrogacy agreements between U.S. surrogates and prospective parents from designated "foreign entities of concern." This legislation voids such contracts and imposes penalties on surrogacy brokers who facilitate these arrangements. The bill ensures that custody decisions for children born under these void agreements are based solely on the child's best interests under state law.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

This bill officially designates January 9, 2026, as "National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers nationwide. It also establishes National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15th) to commemorate officers who have died in the line of duty. The legislation encourages the President to issue annual proclamations recognizing these days and calls for flags to be flown at half-staff on Memorial Day.

The Respect State Housing Laws Act aims to clarify federal housing regulations by amending the CARES Act. Specifically, this legislation removes Section 4024(c) from the CARES Act.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and financial processors from creating or requiring special merchant category codes specifically for firearm retailers. This legislation aims to prevent the singling out of businesses that sell firearms, ammunition, or related components through transaction coding. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcement and reporting annually to Congress on the law's implementation.

This resolution affirms the U.S. House of Representatives' recognition of Gibraltar as a British Overseas Territory, respecting the democratic wishes of its citizens to remain under British sovereignty. It highlights Gibraltar's long-standing strategic importance to U.S. security interests, particularly its military facilities. The bill emphasizes that the views and rights of the people of Gibraltar must be central to any future discussions about its status.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities to designate an essential caregiver who can provide support and companionship. This legislation ensures that these caregivers maintain in-person access to residents even during public health emergencies when general visitation is restricted. By establishing clear protocols and an appeals process, the bill aims to prevent the harmful effects of isolation and ensure residents continue to receive vital care and advocacy.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

This bill, the Pharmacists Fight Back in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act, establishes new rules for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) administering prescription drug benefits for federal employees. It mandates specific reimbursement rates for pharmacies and prohibits PBMs from engaging in anti-competitive practices like steering patients to affiliated pharmacies. The legislation also institutes civil monetary penalties and potential debarment for PBMs that fail to comply with these new requirements.

This bill establishes new federal requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D and Medicaid plans, effective in 2027. It mandates specific payment standards for pharmacies, requires PBMs to pass manufacturer rebates directly to patients and plan sponsors, and strictly prohibits steering patients toward specific pharmacies. Additionally, the legislation enhances transparency by expanding drug price reporting requirements for all types of pharmacies within the Medicaid program.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 300 Macedonia Lane in Knoxville, Tennessee. The facility will now be known as the Reverend Harold Middlebrook Post Office Building. This designation will be used in all future federal references to the building.

This bill expands the definition of an "energy community" to qualify for increased tax credit rates for renewable electricity production and clean electricity investment. Specifically, it broadens eligibility to include non-metropolitan statistical areas. This change aims to encourage clean energy development in a wider range of geographic locations.

The Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone Calls Act of 2025, or the DO NOT Call Act, establishes new criminal penalties for willful violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). This legislation also significantly increases the civil fines associated with providing inaccurate caller ID information. These measures aim to deter illegal and unwanted telemarketing and robocalls.

This act establishes the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project, a five-year pilot program to reduce veteran suicide rates. The initiative will implement the Zero Suicide Institute's curriculum across five selected VA medical centers, including one serving rural veterans. The program focuses on intensive staff training, policy development, and rigorous data collection to evaluate effectiveness. Annual reports will track progress and compare outcomes against other VA facilities.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

The Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 seeks to formally prohibit the operations of the Muslim Brotherhood and its affiliates within the United States by applying existing anti-terrorism restrictions. This legislation mandates the Secretary of State to annually report on all Muslim Brotherhood branches globally, leading to the imposition of sanctions by the President on those entities. Furthermore, the bill establishes immigration consequences, including visa cancellation, for members of the organization.

This act establishes a permanent, fixed Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding allocation for Tennessee beginning in fiscal year 2026, based on its 2015 allotment. The funding amount will increase annually based on the consumer price index. Furthermore, the bill designates Tennessee as a "low DSH state" for all fiscal years after 2026.

The Equal Representation Act of 2025 mandates the inclusion of a citizenship question on the decennial census starting in 2030. This legislation requires that the population counts used for apportioning seats in the House of Representatives and determining electoral votes exclude non-citizens. The bill ensures that representation is based solely on the count of U.S. citizens within each state.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

This resolution recognizes the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir during the Korean conflict and designates December 1, 2025, as Chosin Few Day. It honors the courage and sacrifice of the United States and allied forces who fought in extreme conditions against overwhelming odds. The bill commemorates the successful evacuation from Hungnam and reaffirms the nation's lasting gratitude to all who served.