Legislative Activity

This bill amends the National Child Protection Act of 1993, expanding background check eligibility to include contractors, employees of contractors, and individuals seeking licenses or certifications from organizations working with vulnerable populations. This ensures a broader scope of individuals undergo background checks to protect vulnerable populations.

The "Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act of 2025" allows federal law enforcement officers to purchase their service weapons when they are retired by the agency. The General Services Administration will establish a program within one year to facilitate these purchases, which must occur within six months of the firearm's retirement. Firearms will be sold at their salvage value, considering their age and condition, to officers in good standing.

The "Promptly Ending Political Prosecutions and Executive Retaliation Act of 2025" modifies the process for removing legal actions involving federal officials to a different jurisdiction, especially concerning the President, Vice President, and former holders of those offices. It establishes a clearer path for federal officials to claim immunity from state charges in federal court, presuming immunity unless proven otherwise by clear and convincing evidence. The Act also restricts the evidence courts can consider when determining immunity and ensures legal representation for federal officials in these cases. These changes apply retroactively to ongoing cases and those initiated after the Act's enactment.

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025 aims to provide legal relief to victims of trafficking by allowing them to vacate convictions or expunge arrests for certain federal offenses committed as a direct result of their trafficking. It also allows for reduced sentences for covered prisoners and enables the use of grant funds for legal representation in post-conviction relief cases. The act further establishes a "human trafficking defense," and mandates reports to Congress on the implementation and impact of these provisions. This bill seeks to address the exploitation of forced criminal activity by human traffickers and provide support and protection to survivors.

The "Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act" mandates the Secretary of Defense to deliver a report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. This report will detail the national security implications resulting from China's surveillance activities, specifically those conducted via the high-altitude balloon that was downed in U.S. airspace in February 2023, including any impact on military installations. The report will include an analysis of recovered technology and materials, identifying their origins where possible.