Legislative Activity

The "Closing the Bump Stock Loophole Act of 2025" outlaws devices that accelerate a semi-automatic firearm's firing rate or simulate machine guns. It redefines "semi-automatic firearm" and requires current owners of affected devices to register them. There are exceptions for governmental entities, and lawful transfers of registered devices are permitted.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if state laws substantially provide these rights; if not, the Authority will administer collective bargaining procedures in those states. The act outlines specific rights and procedures, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while also addressing enforcement and exceptions. This law aims to ensure that public service workers have the ability to negotiate for fair wages, hours, and working conditions.

This bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President in Executive Order 14257 on April 2, 2025. The termination is enacted as per section 202 of the National Emergencies Act.

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The "Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act" mandates a study on the prevalence of cholangiocarcinoma in Vietnam War veterans, comparing cancer rates and demographics to the general U.S. population. The study, conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the CDC, will inform Congress on potential actions needed to address any identified issues. Additionally, the bill extends the limitation of certain pension payments to December 31, 2031.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' view that paraprofessionals and education support staff are critical to schools and deserve fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. It advocates for livable wages, affordable healthcare, paid leave, professional development, safe working environments, and a voice in school policies for these essential employees. The resolution also encourages employers to engage in good faith negotiations and refrain from actions that undermine workers' rights during labor disputes. This resolution does not override any existing collective bargaining agreements that provide more favorable terms for paraprofessionals and education support staff.

The Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act aims to rectify past errors by establishing a program to identify and properly mark the graves of deceased Jewish members of the Armed Forces buried in military cemeteries outside the U.S. with markers that do not reflect their religion. The American Battle Monuments Commission will manage the program, contracting with a nonprofit organization to identify the servicemembers and contact their families. The program is authorized to receive $500,000 per year for 10 fiscal years.

The "No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act" aims to eliminate tax deductions for employer expenses used to influence employees' decisions regarding unionizing and collective bargaining. It defines "labor organization activity" broadly, encompassing elections, disputes, and collective actions. The bill mandates detailed reporting of such activities, with significant penalties for non-compliance, and directs the Treasury Secretary to issue implementing guidance. This would apply to expenses incurred more than 240 days after the bill's enactment.

The Trade Review Act of 2025 requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of imposing or increasing import duties, including justifications and potential impacts. Any such duty will expire after 60 days unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval. Congress can also disapprove and nullify a duty through a joint resolution of disapproval. This act excludes antidumping and countervailing duties and establishes expedited procedures for congressional review.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and financial institutions that facilitate arms transfers or provide support to Russia from North Korea for use in Russia's war in Ukraine. It broadens the scope of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 to include material support for Russia's war as a sanctionable activity. The Act also requires the President to regularly report to Congress on North Korea's assistance to Russia and the U.S. strategy to counter such support.

The "Making Insulin Affordable for All Children Act" aims to lower insulin costs for individuals aged 26 and under with private health insurance. Beginning in 2026, private health plans must cover selected insulin products without a deductible and cap the cost-sharing at $35 per 30-day supply or 25% of the negotiated price, whichever is lower. This ensures that young people have affordable access to this life-saving medication.

The STABLE Act of 2025 establishes a regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, limiting issuance to approved entities and setting standards for reserves, transparency, and risk management. It defines key terms, outlines the approval process for stablecoin issuers, and grants supervisory and enforcement powers to federal regulators, while also allowing state-regulated entities to operate under certain conditions. The act also includes customer protections, interoperability standards, a temporary ban on endogenously collateralized stablecoins, and directs studies on the broader digital asset landscape. Finally, the act clarifies that payment stablecoins are not to be considered securities under existing securities laws.

The PEACE Act aims to enhance understanding of the Abraham Accords and other normalization agreements with Israel within the U.S. Department of State. It mandates training for diplomats and personnel, establishes fellowships and exchanges, creates an advisory board, and requires a comprehensive strategy and reporting to Congress. This act seeks to promote Middle East peace and stability through education and strategic diplomatic engagement.

The IDEA Full Funding Act aims to increase federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It authorizes and appropriates specific funding levels for IDEA, excluding section 619, with increasing amounts each year. The funding is determined by both a set dollar amount and a percentage based on the number of children with disabilities and average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater. The bill also mandates that the increased funding adhere to "cut-as-you-go" rules, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The Financial Technology Protection Act of 2025 establishes an Independent Financial Technology Working Group to Combat Terrorism and Illicit Financing, tasked with researching and developing proposals to counter illicit uses of digital assets and emerging technologies. It also requires a report and strategy from the President on how these technologies could be used to evade sanctions and finance terrorism, along with measures to prevent such illicit activities. The Act defines key terms related to digital assets, emerging technologies, and illicit activities to provide clarity and ensure effective implementation. The goal of the act is to protect the US financial system and national security.

The "Armenian Genocide Education Act" directs the Librarian of Congress to develop and implement a program to support Armenian Genocide education by creating resources, offering teacher training, and encouraging the inclusion of these resources in school curriculums. The Act authorizes the Librarian of Congress to collect and manage donations to support these activities and requires an annual report to Congress on the program's progress. It also authorizes $2,000,000 in appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and each of the following four fiscal years to implement the Act.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

This bill expresses Congress's disapproval of the Trump administration's tariffs on Canada and Mexico. It argues that these tariffs undermine free trade, violate the USMCA, and endanger millions of jobs and billions in trade. The bill also voices support for resolving non-tariff trade barriers and the USMCA's review process.

The Taiwan Allies Fund Act aims to bolster Taiwan's international standing by authorizing $40 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to support countries that maintain or strengthen ties with Taiwan and face pressure from China. These funds, drawn from the Countering PRC Influence Fund, will support various initiatives, including health, civil society, supply chain diversification, and alternatives to Chinese development assistance. The Act emphasizes coordination between the U.S. and Taiwan in providing assistance and requires an annual report to Congress on the activities and their impact. The goal is to promote Taiwan's diplomatic relations and counter China's influence.