Legislative Activity

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.

The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2025 restricts the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from issuing tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific vehicle technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. This ensures manufacturers maintain flexibility in meeting performance standards set by the EPA. The Act requires the EPA to update existing rules within two years to comply with these new limitations.

The Defending our Dams Act prohibits the use of federal funds for any study, action, or support related to breaching, changing the function of, or removing the four Lower Snake River dams. This legislation also restricts special water spillage operations at these dams without dual approval from the Secretary of the Army and the Bonneville Power Administration Administrator. The Act specifically targets the Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite Dams.

The POWER Act restricts the Secretary of the Army from breaching federally operated dams if doing so negatively impacts carbon emissions, navigation, product prices, or land use acreage. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the retirement of federally owned hydropower sources if it significantly increases electricity rates or decreases energy reliability in several Western states. Any retired generation source must have its baseload power replaced within 30 days.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that Nigeria should be designated as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe violations of religious freedom. It urges the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities, prosecute those responsible for violence, and ensure religious freedom. The resolution also calls for increased U.S. diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions on individuals and groups responsible for religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' support for maintaining the stepped-up basis under section 1014 of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows inherited assets to be adjusted to their current market value, protecting family-owned farms and small businesses from increased taxes. It opposes any changes to the tax code that would negatively impact the ability of these businesses to pass their operations on to the next generation. The bill recognizes the importance of generational transfers for the continuation of family farms, ranches, agribusinesses, and small businesses.

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 Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 aims to modernize and maintain the Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet by increasing the minimum number of fighter aircraft, requiring detailed reports on the fleet's status, prioritizing the assignment of new aircraft to existing squadrons, and preserving the Air National Guard's fighter capabilities. The act mandates the Air Force to assign at least three out of every four new advanced fighter aircraft to existing Air Force fighter squadrons and maintain at least 25 Air National Guard fighter aircraft squadrons. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of the Air Force to develop and submit an annual modernization plan for the Air National Guard's fighter fleet to Congress. The Act defines specific categories of fighter aircraft to clarify modernization efforts.

This bill aims to enhance security along the southern border by constructing roads, increasing access for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and allowing temporary placement of structures by border states. It also seeks to mitigate environmental damage on federal lands caused by illegal activities through initiatives focused on reducing trash, preventing wildfires, and remediating contamination. Additionally, the bill restricts housing options for non-citizens who have not been formally admitted into the country by preventing the use of federal funds to house these individuals on federally managed lands.

The Aviation Workforce Development Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow expenses for aviation maintenance and commercial pilot courses to be considered qualified higher education expenses for qualified tuition programs. This change applies to distributions made after the enactment of this law, aiming to support workforce development in the aviation sector.

The "Rocky Mountain Judgeship Act" authorizes the appointment of two additional district judges for Colorado and one for Idaho, pending Senate approval. It also updates the U.S. Code to reflect these changes in judicial positions. Additionally, the bill amends Title 28 of the U.S. Code to include Fort Collins as a location where court is held in Colorado.

The SAFER Voter Act seeks to eliminate the age restriction that prevents individuals under 21 from purchasing handguns and handgun ammunition from licensed federal firearms dealers. This bill would amend title 18 of the United States Code, specifically sections 922(b)(1) and 922(c)(1), to allow adults 18 and over to purchase handguns.

The GUARD VA Benefits Act establishes criminal penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assisting with claims for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation amends existing law to prohibit soliciting, contracting for, or receiving compensation for preparing or prosecuting VA benefit claims, except where explicitly authorized by other statutes.

The PAST Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the Horse Protection Act to combat the painful practice of soring in specific horse breeds. This bill increases penalties for violations, establishes stricter licensing and oversight for inspectors, and explicitly bans the use of "action devices" designed to cause unnatural gaits. The legislation aims to enhance enforcement, ensure fairer competition, and hold violators accountable through increased fines and disqualifications.

The Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act allows federal disaster aid recipients to retain and use unspent management funds for future preparedness, recovery, or mitigation activities. This change applies to grants awarded for disasters declared after the Act's enactment. Furthermore, the GAO is required to study current and historical disaster management costs to assess the appropriateness of current cost allocations.

This resolution condemns the Iranian regime for its ongoing human rights abuses, state-sponsored terrorism, and regional instability. It expresses strong support for the Iranian people's struggle for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic. Furthermore, the bill advocates for international accountability for the regime's crimes and calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees.

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," in recognition of their courageous service and crucial contributions during World War II. The medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display, honoring the 761st as the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit and their significant role in the Allied victory in Europe. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2025" freezes the wage rate for H-2A nonimmigrant workers at the level it was on December 31, 2023, through December 31, 2026. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Labor to use a primary duties evaluation when deciding the required wage for employees who perform multiple duties or tasks.

The Broadband Buildout Accountability Act exempts the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), with one specific exception. This exception pertains to 5 U.S. Code § 552, suggesting a limited allowance for information disclosure under specific circumstances within the program.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act recognizes and honors the volunteers and donors of the North Platte Canteen in Nebraska during World War II with a Congressional Gold Medal. This medal will be presented by the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate, and then displayed at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. The Act also authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.