Legislative Activity

The Credit Card Competition Act of 2026 aims to increase competition in credit card processing by requiring large issuers and networks to allow merchants to choose which network processes their transactions. This legislation mandates new Federal Reserve Board regulations that prohibit restrictions preventing merchants from selecting an eligible processing network. The rules specifically target large card issuers and networks, while exempting certain three-party payment systems.

The Foreign-Trade Zone Export Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to boost U.S. manufacturing and job preservation by ensuring the continued competitiveness of foreign-trade zones. This legislation specifically grants duty-free entry for certain merchandise exported from these zones. The Act requires Customs and Border Protection to issue necessary implementing regulations within 90 days of enactment.

This Act establishes a clear U.S. policy to advocate for Taiwan's full participation and membership in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol). It directs the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive strategy to secure Taiwan's inclusion and involvement in Interpol's activities. Furthermore, the bill mandates reports to Congress detailing the strategy and assessing the threats Taiwan faces due to its current exclusion from global crime-fighting networks.

The Think Tank and Nonprofit Foreign Influence Disclosure Act mandates that certain tax-exempt organizations must annually report significant contributions received from foreign governments, political parties, or controlled entities exceeding $\$10,000$. This information, including specific details on funding from the People's Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, will be made publicly accessible through a searchable online database. The legislation aims to increase transparency regarding foreign influence operations targeting U.S. policy experts and institutions.

The Leadership in CET Act establishes a temporary pilot program at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to expedite the examination of patent applications for critical and emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. This fast-track system aims to boost U.S. innovation leadership by prioritizing these key technological advancements. The program will run for five years or until 15,000 applications are accepted, with provisions for potential renewal.

The "No Tax Dollars for the United Nations Immigration Invasion Act" prohibits the U.S. government from financially contributing to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It also mandates a study by the Comptroller General to identify all federal assistance programs that provide funds to these organizations, detailing amounts, restrictions, and potential repayments, as well as an audit of the Department of State’s Refugee Travel Loan Program. A report summarizing the study and audit results must be submitted to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The "Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025" establishes a CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice to combat Chinese Communist Party (CCP) espionage and theft of U.S. intellectual property. This initiative will focus on enforcement, identifying threats, protecting critical infrastructure, and investigating Chinese companies. The Attorney General is required to submit annual reports to Congress on the initiative's progress and impact. The initiative is set to expire six years after enactment.

The "Protecting Federal Funds from Human Trafficking and Smuggling Act of 2025" restricts federal funding to non-profit organizations that do not certify compliance with federal laws on human trafficking, alien smuggling, fraud, and bribery. It also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop strategies and best practices for non-profits to comply with federal law, detect and report violations, and improve cooperation with law enforcement. Additionally, the Comptroller General is required to report to Congress on any violations by non-profit entities.