Legislative Activity

The STEM RESTART Act establishes a new federal grant program to help unemployed or underemployed skilled workers re-enter or transition into high-demand Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) careers. These competitive grants fund small and medium-sized businesses to create structured, above-entry-level "returnships" that include on-the-job training and clear paths to full-time employment. The goal is to bridge the gap for experienced workers, particularly those in rural areas, by incentivizing companies to provide meaningful career opportunities.

This bill amends federal law to officially include Parkinson's disease in the list of illnesses presumed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities. This addition aims to simplify the process for federal firefighters and emergency responders to qualify for related benefits when diagnosed with Parkinson's.

The CIRCLE Act aims to boost domestic recycling capacity by introducing a new, temporary federal tax credit for investments in recycling infrastructure. This credit, set at 30% of qualified investment, incentivizes modernizing facilities and increasing the supply of domestically recycled materials. The bill also enhances the definition of recyclable materials to support U.S. markets against foreign competition.

The DIGNIDAD Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill that significantly overhauls U.S. immigration policy across five major divisions. Division A focuses on aggressive border security enhancements, infrastructure modernization, and increased criminal penalties for immigration offenses, while Division B establishes pathways to legal status for long-term residents who entered as children and creates a temporary protection program for others. Finally, Division C aims to improve legal immigration by reducing green card backlogs, streamlining employment and student visas, and providing new discretionary relief for family separation cases.

The Cool Corridors Act of 2025 aims to combat extreme heat and improve transportation safety by funding the installation of green infrastructure, like trees, along walking, biking, and transit routes. This legislation reauthorizes and updates the Healthy Streets program to prioritize these cooling projects in the most vulnerable and underserved communities. The Act defines "cool corridors" and establishes clear criteria for demonstration projects focused on heat mitigation and long-term maintenance.

The End the Cyprus Embargo Act lifts the existing policy that automatically denies requests to export U.S. defense articles and services to the Republic of Cyprus. Congress finds that allowing these defense sales strengthens U.S. security interests in Europe by reducing Cyprus's reliance on other nations for military equipment. This change is contingent on Cyprus meeting certain requirements and allows the President to reinstate the denial policy temporarily for national security reasons.

This bill, the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act, extends the authorization for federal funding dedicated to monitoring, assessing, and researching the Great Lakes Basin. It pushes the current funding expiration date from 2025 to the end of fiscal year 2030. This ensures continued support for vital Great Lakes protection and study programs for an additional five years.

The Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025 extends the timeline for current Sport Fish Restoration funding allocation rules until 2031 and removes the spending cap for Interstate Fisheries Commission activities. The bill also updates boating infrastructure priorities to specifically include funding for alternative marine fuel facilities for larger vessels. Finally, it significantly reduces the federal excise tax rate on portable, electronically-aerated bait containers from 10 percent to 3 percent.

The Minerals Security Partnership Authorization Act establishes a U.S. strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains through international cooperation with allies. This involves negotiating agreements to build resilient supply networks covering mining, processing, and manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance on strategic competitors. The State Department is authorized to lead U.S. involvement in the Minerals Security Partnership to identify and support commercial projects that advance these national security goals.

The Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act requires a comprehensive report on the security of current mobile service networks against cyberattacks and foreign surveillance. This report must analyze existing vulnerabilities, the adoption of strong encryption, and customer awareness of security risks. The goal is to provide Congress with an unclassified assessment of the security landscape, excluding 5G protocols.

The Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 establishes a new, federally funded program within the USGS to study the causes of sinkholes. This program is mandated to create and regularly update detailed sinkhole hazard risk maps using specific elevation data. The resulting maps and related information must be made publicly available on a dedicated website to assist community planners and emergency managers.

This Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and sell special commemorative coins for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 2034 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The coins will feature designs celebrating American athletes and the Games themselves. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins will be directed to the respective organizing committees to help fund the events and related youth sports programs. The entire program must be conducted at no cost to the U.S. Government.

The Qualified to Serve Act aims to standardize and clarify medical accession standards for individuals joining the Armed Forces. It prohibits disqualification based on certain medical conditions diagnosed before age 13, provided specific conditions regarding subsequent treatment and current fitness are met. The bill also mandates formal review and national security waiver processes for medical disqualifications and requires annual reporting on disqualifications and waivers to Congress.

The Building Civic Bridges Act establishes a new Office of Civic Bridgebuilding within the National and Community Service Corporation to promote activities that unite divided communities. This Office will manage a competitive, research-backed grant program to fund local projects focused on reducing conflict and improving social cohesion. The Act mandates that the program be implemented using only donated funds, with no new federal appropriations authorized.

This resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors the essential and dangerous work performed by these skilled professionals, especially their heroic efforts in restoring power after major disasters. The day serves to recognize their service and remember those who have lost their lives performing this vital work.

This bill reauthorizes key programs under the Kay Hagan Tick Act to combat vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease through 2030. It extends funding for the national strategy and regional centers focused on these illnesses. Additionally, the legislation continues enhanced support for local health departments to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities.

This bill mandates a comprehensive report from the Secretary of Defense detailing the current state and future potential of the U.S.-Greece security relationship. The report must specifically address basing rights, investments made under the 2021 Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, and analyze options for expanding U.S. military presence in Greece. This oversight ensures Congress is fully informed about strategic cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 aims to reform the management of wild horses and burros on federal lands by phasing out the use of helicopters in roundups over two years. This legislation mandates increased transparency through camera requirements on any remaining aircraft used during this transition. Furthermore, it directs the GAO to report on humane, non-aircraft population management alternatives and their economic impacts.

This bill reauthorizes the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program through fiscal year 2030 with an annual appropriation of \$3.5 billion. It updates the program's goals to explicitly promote the use of alternative fuels and expands eligible uses for grant funds to include infrastructure supporting alternative fuel distribution. The legislation also expands competitive grant opportunities for projects focused on increasing alternative fuel adoption.

The YALI Act of 2025 formally establishes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative to invest in emerging African leaders across sub-Saharan Africa. This legislation mandates the creation of professional development, training, and networking opportunities focused on business, civic engagement, and public administration. The bill specifically supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship and requires the establishment of regional leadership centers and online networks to foster ongoing engagement and U.S.-Africa ties.