Legislative Activity

The Litigation Transparency Act of 2025 requires parties in civil actions to disclose the identity of any third party entitled to payment contingent on the outcome of the case, along with the relevant agreements. This disclosure aims to increase transparency in civil litigation by revealing who financially benefits from the lawsuit's outcome. Certain payments, such as loan repayments and attorney's fees, are exempt from this disclosure requirement. The Act applies to both ongoing and future court cases.

The "Unemployment Integrity Act of 2025" aims to reform unemployment compensation by requiring claimants to participate in reemployment services and interviews, and by enabling employers to report noncompliance. It also mandates a study and potential increase in random audits to improve the administration of state unemployment compensation laws. Additionally, the Act limits funds transfers for extended unemployment compensation to states that meet specific work search requirements.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 savings accounts to include expenses related to postsecondary credentialing programs. This allows 529 funds to cover costs like tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing fees for recognized programs and credentials, as defined by the bill. These changes would apply to distributions made after the bill is enacted.

The "Marc Fischer Memorial Act" aims to combat the flow of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, into Federal prisons through the mail. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to develop and implement a strategy to equip all Federal correctional facilities with the technology and processes needed to scan mail, protect staff and inmates, and ensure timely delivery of mail copies while maintaining legal mail privileges. The strategy includes assessing current practices, identifying necessary resources, and providing a budgetary proposal for implementation, with ongoing reporting to Congress on its effectiveness.

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. should resume normal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, recognizing it as an independent country. It urges the President to replace the "One China Policy," establish formal diplomatic ties with Taipei, and support Taiwan's membership in international organizations. The bill also calls for the United States Trade Representative to begin free trade agreement negotiations with Taiwan.

The "Respect State Housing Laws Act" repeals a provision in the CARES Act that restricted states' abilities to enforce their own eviction moratoriums. This change clarifies that state laws regarding evictions should be respected and not overridden by federal measures. By removing the subsection, the bill aims to restore states' authority over housing regulations and eviction processes within their jurisdictions.

This bill aims to include the Czech Republic in the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for E-1 trade visas, provided the Czech government offers reciprocal visa opportunities to U.S. citizens. This would allow Czech nationals to enter the United States for trade purposes under the E-1 nonimmigrant visa program, fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.

The "Fair Access to Banking Act" aims to prevent financial institutions from denying services to legal businesses based on subjective or political reasons. It prohibits large banks, credit unions, and payment card networks from discriminating against legal businesses and requires them to provide fair access to financial services based on impartial, risk-based standards. Financial institutions that violate these provisions may face penalties, including ineligibility for taxpayer-funded discount window lending programs and civil penalties. Individuals or businesses who are unfairly denied services can sue the financial institution in U.S. district court.

The "Cost Estimates Improvement Act" requires the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation to include the costs of servicing the public debt when preparing cost estimates for legislation. This aims to provide a more complete picture of the long-term financial implications of proposed laws.

This bill expresses support for Career and Technical Education Month, recognizing the vital role of CTE in preparing a skilled workforce for high-demand fields and contributing to economic growth. It highlights CTE's positive impact on student achievement, employability, and college readiness. The bill encourages educators, counselors, and parents to promote CTE as a valuable educational pathway.

The "American CANS Act" amends the Tariff Act of 1930, mandating that country-of-origin labels for canned agricultural products be clearly displayed on the front label or top of the can. This aims to increase consumer awareness of the source of their canned goods. The updated labeling requirements will apply to imported agricultural products 18 months after the law is enacted.

The "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025" extends increased Medicare payment support for physicians and practitioners through 2025. It increases payment rates by 6.62% for services provided from April 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. The bill also updates a section of the Social Security Act to include the years 2021 through 2025 for conforming changes.

This bill recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States through charitable activities, volunteer work, and financial support for members. It expresses the sense of Congress that these societies are a valuable support system that addresses unmet needs and generates substantial returns to the U.S. through their tax-exempt status. The bill also advocates for the continued promotion of fraternal benefit societies.

The "PROTECTS Act of 2025" prohibits federal funds from being used for gender transition procedures for individuals under 18, including surgeries and hormone therapies, with exceptions for certain medical conditions and genetic disorders. The bill defines "sex" as biologically determined male or female based on reproductive systems.

The "Defund the CFPB Act" amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to eliminate the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection's ability to request funds for the Bureau's activities, effectively setting the funding limit to $0.

The "Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act" ensures that infants born alive after an abortion receive the same medical care as any other newborn, mandating immediate hospitalization and requiring healthcare practitioners to report any failures to comply. Violators face fines, imprisonment, and potential prosecution for homicide or attempted homicide, while the mother of the child cannot be prosecuted. The bill also allows the woman who had the abortion to file a civil action against anyone who violated the act. It defines abortion and attempts at abortion, and renames "Partial-Birth Abortions" to "Abortions" in relevant sections of the U.S. Code.

The "Heartbeat Protection Act of 2025" prohibits abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, with exceptions only to save the mother's life or in reported cases of rape or incest. Physicians must check for a fetal heartbeat before performing an abortion and document the findings. Violators may face fines and/or imprisonment, but the mother cannot be prosecuted. The act does not override stricter state laws or create a right to abortion.

The "Strengthening our Servicemembers with Milk Act" mandates that the Department of Defense provide diverse milk options, including flavored, organic, and lactose-free varieties, in military dining facilities. It also prohibits the purchase of milk from entities owned or controlled by foreign adversaries.

The Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act eliminates the Federal Insurance Office and the position of its Director within the Department of the Treasury. It transfers certain responsibilities and authorities previously held by the office to other entities, such as the Secretary of the Treasury and the Board of Governors. The act also makes related amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act to reflect these changes. This bill does not repeal or limit the Secretary of the Treasury's authority over insurance-related matters.

The FAIR Act of 2025 prohibits the federal government and recipients of federal aid from discriminating or granting preferential treatment based on race, color, or national origin in federal contracts, employment, and programs. It requires federal agencies to review and update their policies to comply with the Act and allows individuals harmed by violations to sue for relief. The Act does not retroactively affect pending legal cases or existing contracts and subcontracts. It also clarifies that the Act does not alter existing immigration or nationality laws.