Legislative Activity

The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025 allows the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to permit electrical utilities to remove trees and vegetation near power lines on federal lands, without requiring a separate timber sale. Revenue from the sale of removed materials, minus transportation costs, goes to the respective Secretary. This act aims to enhance the safety and reliability of electrical infrastructure on National Forest System and Bureau of Land Management lands.

This bill encourages states to adopt a Law Enforcement Bill of Rights, protecting law enforcement personnel during investigations and prosecutions related to their duties. It ensures rights such as self-defense, legal recourse against assault, protection from harassment, and legal representation. The bill also condemns calls to defund the police and encourages dialogue between law enforcement and communities to improve public safety.

This resolution designates May as "National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month" to raise public awareness, promote early treatment, and support research for this prevalent and costly disease. It highlights the significant impact of bladder cancer, especially among veterans, and the importance of early diagnosis for improved survival rates. The resolution encourages communities, research institutions, and individuals to actively participate in raising awareness and supporting those affected by bladder cancer.

The Taiwan International Solidarity Act clarifies that U.N. Resolution 2758 did not address Taiwan's representation and directs the U.S. to advocate for Taiwan's role in international organizations. It also encourages allies to resist China's efforts to undermine Taiwan's relationships and requires a report on China's attempts to diminish Taiwan's international presence. The Act reinforces U.S. opposition to changing Taiwan's status without the consent of its people.

The Falun Gong Protection Act aims to combat forced organ harvesting in China by imposing sanctions on individuals involved in the practice. It requires the President to identify and sanction those who participate in involuntary organ harvesting, blocking their assets and denying them entry into the U.S. The Act also mandates a report on organ transplant practices in China, including the persecution of Falun Gong practitioners, and promotes international collaboration to address these issues.

The Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to reissue misused benefits to veterans or their successors and to recover misused funds from fiduciaries. Recovered funds will be paid to the beneficiary or their successor, and the bill outlines procedures for payment in the event of the beneficiary's death. The total reissued amount is capped at the total misused benefit amount, and the VA will establish methods for determining negligence in misuse cases, without requiring a determination for each instance.

The "PFAS Alternatives Act" aims to promote firefighter safety by funding research and development of next-generation, PFAS-free turnout gear. It establishes a grant program for eligible entities to develop and test safer alternatives, and mandates training programs for firefighters on the proper use and maintenance of the new gear. The Act allocates \$25 million annually for research and \$2 million annually for training, and requires a report to Congress on the progress of these initiatives.

The BASIC ACT, or "Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit Act," increases the advanced manufacturing investment credit from 25% to 35%. It also extends the credit period, changing the expiration date from December 31, 2026, to December 31, 2030. These changes are effective for property placed in service after the enactment of this act.

The "Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2025" amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to include prohibitions on the unpermitted incidental taking of migratory birds, establishes a permit program for such taking, and creates a fund for migratory bird recovery and conservation efforts. It authorizes civil penalties for violations, directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a research program, and requires regular reports to Congress on the conservation status of migratory birds.

This bill implements the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels by authorizing conservation measures such as habitat restoration, invasive species management, and regulation of human activities that impact these birds. It prohibits unauthorized harm to albatrosses and petrels, establishes a permitting process for certain activities, and outlines penalties for violations, while also promoting international cooperation and aligning U.S. law with global conservation efforts. The legislation designates specific federal offices to oversee conservation efforts, mandates regular reporting to Congress, and ensures collaboration among federal agencies. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect albatross and petrel populations and their habitats through coordinated domestic and international actions.

The "Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act" aims to enhance financial literacy among servicemembers and their families regarding the protections offered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It mandates that servicemembers receive comprehensive training on consumer financial protections, especially concerning interest rate limits. The bill also requires that servicemembers are notified of their SCRA benefits upon entering military service or being called to active duty and requires financial institutions to apply the maximum interest rate reduction to all debts incurred before military service and provide multiple avenues for submitting necessary documentation.

The Public Service Worker Protection Act amends the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to include state, federal, and local governments as employers, thereby extending OSHA protections to public service workers. This change ensures that public employees receive the same workplace safety standards and protections as those in the private sector. The Act will take effect 90 days after enactment for most entities, and 36 months after enactment for states without an approved state plan.

This resolution acknowledges the 50th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon, honoring the Vietnamese American community's contributions to the U.S. and their pursuit of freedom and democracy. It recognizes the sacrifices of the South Vietnamese and U.S. militaries during the Vietnam War, while reaffirming the U.S. commitment to human rights and freedom for all, including in Vietnam. The resolution encourages Americans to remember Black April and celebrate the Vietnamese American community.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the enforcement of animal welfare regulations by clarifying inspection authority, prohibiting unlicensed animal dealing, and granting the Attorney General greater power to prosecute violations, including seeking penalties, seizing animals, and obtaining warrants. It also mandates collaboration between the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to share information on repeat offenders. This act enhances the ability to penalize and prevent mistreatment of animals under the Animal Welfare Act.

The STOP Health Threats Act aims to improve public health by providing grants to local governments to train local enforcement officers on identifying and addressing public health threats arising from building code violations. These grants will support the development and implementation of training programs, fostering partnerships and coordination among various organizations to enhance the officers' ability to recognize and respond to such threats effectively. Priority will be given to areas where public health threats have been identified.

The PFAS-Free Procurement Act of 2025 prohibits federal agencies from purchasing items like nonstick cookware, furniture, and carpets treated with PFAS, PFOA, or PFOS. The Act prioritizes the procurement of items that do not contain PFAS. This law applies to contracts entered into 6 months after the enactment of the Act.

The Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2025 aims to streamline the process for eligible Ukrainian nationals to gain lawful permanent resident status in the United States. It allows the Secretary of Homeland Security to adjust the status of Ukrainians who were paroled into the U.S. after February 20, 2014, or to join family members already in the U.S., provided they meet certain vetting and admissibility requirements. The Act also provides protections for battered spouses and prohibits charging fees for application-related processes, while exempting those granted adjusted status from certain immigration quota limitations.

The "Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025" aims to accelerate lung cancer research in women and underserved populations by directing the Department of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, to conduct an interagency review. This review will identify opportunities to improve access to preventive services, and promote strategic public awareness and education campaigns. A report summarizing the review's findings and recommendations will be submitted to Congress within two years.

This bill expresses support for National Fentanyl Awareness Day and its mission to increase awareness of the dangers of fake pills laced with fentanyl, particularly among young people and families. It highlights the alarming statistics surrounding fentanyl-related deaths and the prevalence of counterfeit pills, while also applauding law enforcement efforts to combat the issue. The bill encourages utilizing existing powers to stop the spread of these pills and supports the official designation of National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

The "Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Reauthorization Act" amends the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Act of 2018, compelling the disclosure of all federal, state, and local government records related to civil rights cold cases to inform the public. It allows the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board to reimburse state and local governments for expenses related to transmitting civil rights cold case records to the Archivist for inclusion in the Collection. Additionally, it extends the Review Board's tenure from 7 to 11 years.