Legislative Activity

The "Boosting Long-term US Engagement in the Pacific Act" or "BLUE Pacific Act" aims to establish a comprehensive U.S. strategy for the Pacific Islands, focusing on strengthening partnerships, promoting regional stability, and supporting sustainable development. It directs the President to develop a detailed partnership strategy, encourages increased staffing and strategic communication, and enhances coordination with allies. The Act authorizes various programs to improve public health, education, media freedom, and workforce development, while also addressing peace and security through institutional strengthening and transnational crime prevention. Additionally, it focuses on resource and economic development, environmental and disaster resilience, ocean and environmental sustainability, and enhanced technology and connectivity, with significant funding allocated to support these initiatives.

The No Russian Tunnel to Crimea Act imposes sanctions on foreign persons who knowingly assist in the construction, maintenance, or repair of any tunnel or bridge connecting mainland Russia to illegally occupied Crimea. These sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans, recognizing Crimea's use as a staging ground for Russia's aggression against Ukraine. The President retains the authority to waive these sanctions if deemed necessary for U.S. national security interests, provided Congress is notified in advance.

The No Foreign Gifts Act of 2025 prohibits colleges and universities that receive federal funding from accepting gifts from countries that support foreign terrorist organizations, as determined by the Secretary of State, or from China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. Institutions must report any gift offers from these countries to the Secretary to remain eligible for federal funding.

The "Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025" seeks to modernize Medicare coverage for chiropractic services. It expands coverage to include all services provided by licensed Doctors of Chiropractic, not just manual spinal manipulation. Doctors of Chiropractic are required to attend an educational webinar to be eligible for Medicare reimbursement. This aims to align Medicare with other healthcare systems and private insurance in recognizing the full scope of chiropractic care.

The BRAVE Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a patient outreach system. This system will inform veterans, particularly those who have experienced traumatic events, about available mental health resources and care services. The goal is to ensure veterans are aware of and can access the mental health support they may need.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the railroad track maintenance credit from $3,500 to $6,100, adjusting for inflation after 2025. It applies to qualified expenditures starting January 1, 2024, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans to veterans as member business loans. The term "veteran" will be defined according to title 38, section 101 of the U.S. Code. This change aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by increasing their access to capital through credit unions. The changes will be effective six months after the enactment of this Act.

The Food Deserts Act establishes a grant program providing funds to states to create revolving loan funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. These funds will offer loans to establish new grocery stores or support existing ones, emphasizing the availability of healthful foods at affordable prices. States will prioritize entities that hire locally, offer nutritional education, and source food from local farms. The Act allocates $150 million for fiscal year 2026 to carry out these provisions.

The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali posthumously, in recognition of his achievements as an athlete, civil rights champion, and humanitarian. Following the presentation, the medal will be given to his wife, Lonnie Ali. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act aims to reduce double taxation and encourage economic activity between the U.S. and Taiwan by lowering tax rates on certain income for Taiwanese residents and businesses in the U.S., contingent upon Taiwan offering reciprocal benefits to U.S. individuals and companies. Additionally, the United States-Taiwan Tax Agreement Authorization Act outlines the process for establishing a tax agreement with Taiwan, ensuring congressional oversight and adherence to existing U.S. tax laws, to further reduce double taxation.

The "Department of Education Protection Act" prevents the Department of Education from using already allocated funds to reorganize in ways that would decentralize, reduce staff, or alter the Department's responsibilities, structure, authority, or functions as they existed on January 1, 2025. This act ensures that the Department of Education continues to focus on boosting student success and equal access through its established offices and institutes.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to support or facilitate the participation of the Russian Federation in any Group of Seven (G7) proceeding. It also blocks federal funding for reconstituting a Group of Eight (G8) that includes Russia. The goal of the bill is to restrict the Russian Federation's involvement in these international forums.

The SALT Deductibility Act repeals the limitation on individual taxpayer's ability to deduct state and local taxes. This change removes the deduction cap that was put in place and will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. Grants, up to $250,000, will be awarded to eligible entities like nonprofits and veteran service organizations to operate programs that meet specific standards, hire veteran peer specialists, and provide 24/7 mental health support. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs will establish an advisory committee to set program standards and best practices. The bill allocates $25,000,000 over three years to carry out the program.

The "Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025" ensures veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities can receive hospital care and medical services outside of the United States. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide care that meets U.S. standards, including FDA-approved medications, and mandates direct deposit for reimbursements. The Act also directs the VA to modernize its digital services by allowing digital submission and tracking of required forms, and requires a report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these changes.

The "Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2028 to honor the women who contributed to the World War II Home Front. The coin designs will represent the legacy of these women, with input from the Rosie the Riveter Trust, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. Surcharges from the coin sales will go to the Rosie the Riveter Trust to support the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. This act ensures that the coin minting incurs no net cost to the government and recognizes the invaluable contributions of women during WWII.

The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to limit the President's power, preventing them from imposing import duties, tariff-rate quotas, or other quotas on goods entering the United States under the authority of that act.

The TRUST in Congress Act mandates that members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children place covered investments, such as securities and commodities, into qualified blind trusts within a specified timeframe. These trusts must remain in place until 180 days after the member leaves office, ensuring that investment decisions are made without the member's knowledge or influence. Members must certify their compliance or declare the absence of covered investments, with these certifications being made public. An exception is provided for spouses or dependent children whose primary income is derived from a covered investment.

The "Thin Blue Line Act" amends the US Code to include the killing or targeting of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder as a new aggravating factor for the death penalty. This applies if the victim was targeted because of their official duties or status as a public official.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 tax credit for eligible nurse preceptors working in Health Professional Shortage Areas. To qualify, preceptors must be licensed registered nurses or healthcare providers who supervise and train nursing students or new nurses for at least 200 hours annually and obtain certification verifying their hours. This credit is available from 2026 through 2032, with annual reports to Congress and a final evaluation on its effectiveness due by June 30, 2033.