Legislative Activity

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 imposes sweeping economic penalties on the Russian Federation in response to its aggression against Ukraine. This legislation mandates severe, immediate sanctions against key Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities, including asset freezes and trade prohibitions. Furthermore, the Act dramatically increases import duties on Russian goods and requires the President to review and reimpose these measures until Russia negotiates a lasting peace with Ukraine.

The Free Speech Fairness Act amends tax law to allow 501(c)(3) organizations to make political campaign statements without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. This protection applies only if the statement is made as part of the organization's ordinary course of activities and incurs only a de minimis (trivial) cost. This ensures non-profits can speak on political matters related to their mission without penalty, provided spending remains minimal.

This resolution expresses the formal disapproval by Congress of the "Insurance Regulation Amendment Act of 2024," a law recently passed by the District of Columbia Council. By passing this measure, Congress is effectively vetoing the D.C. Council's insurance regulation change, preventing it from taking effect.

The SHORT Act aims to reform federal firearms regulations by redefining what constitutes a "firearm" for tax purposes, largely excluding antique or collector's items. It eliminates disparate federal treatment for short-barreled rifles and shotguns used lawfully and preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons. Furthermore, the bill mandates the destruction of certain existing federal registration and transfer records related to defined firearms.

This bill establishes the Select Committee to Defeat the Mexican Drug Cartels, a non-legislative investigative body within the House of Representatives. The committee will be composed of up to 21 members tasked with investigating the operations and networks of Mexican drug cartels and the government responses to them. While it cannot pass laws, the committee must report its findings and policy suggestions to the House and relevant committees by specific deadlines, with final reports made public by the end of 2026.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit the use of cell phone jamming systems within jails and prisons. This legislation specifically permits state and federal correctional facilities to deploy jamming technology to block communications involving inmates or contraband devices. Any facility using these systems must adhere to strict operational limits, ensure state funding for state-run systems, and coordinate with local public safety officials beforehand.

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 establishes a national standard for carrying concealed handguns across state lines. This act allows individuals legally permitted to carry in their home state to carry concealed in any other state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. The law does not override private property restrictions or prohibitions on government property, but it provides protections and legal recourse for those traveling in compliance with the new federal standard.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends the current Medicare payment structure for ground ambulance services. This change ensures continuity in how these vital services are reimbursed under existing rules. Specifically, the temporary payment pilot program is extended through 2028, preventing an immediate change in payment policy.

The Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2025 aims to protect pregnancy resource centers from discrimination by federal and state entities due to their commitment to offering life-affirming alternatives to abortion. This bill prohibits government agencies receiving federal funds from penalizing organizations that do not perform, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortion. Furthermore, it strengthens enforcement by allowing qualified parties to directly sue government entities for violating these conscience protections.

The Deliver for Democracy Act ties the Postal Service's ability to raise rates for periodicals to meeting specific on-time delivery performance targets. It mandates annual public reporting on newspaper delivery performance, requiring the Postmaster General to detail service metrics. Furthermore, the bill directs the GAO to study and report on strategies the USPS could use to improve the financial standing of underperforming mail products.

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.

The Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025 ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from requiring or penalizing bidders based on union agreements. This legislation aims to keep federal agencies neutral in labor relations while promoting cost savings and opening opportunities for all businesses. Exceptions to this neutrality rule are strictly limited to specific public health, safety, or national security emergencies.

The Baby Observation Act mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services conduct a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of home cardiorespiratory monitors in preventing sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). The resulting report must detail the monitors' performance, suggest new infant care practices, and provide recommendations on criteria for insurance coverage. This aims to determine if these vital sign monitors warrant broader health insurance reimbursement.

This resolution recognizes and honors teachers who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification as of March 2025, acknowledging their positive impact on student learning and potential lifetime earnings. It encourages the growth of new National Board Certified Teachers by urging educators, administrators, school districts, and States to provide candidates with incentives and support.

The Resident Education Deferred Interest (REDI) Act amends federal student loan regulations to provide a specific deferment for medical and dental residents. This allows borrowers currently serving in an internship or residency program to pause principal payments and prevent interest accrual on their student loans during that training period.

The Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act of 2025 bans all federal funding or support for research utilizing human fetal tissue obtained specifically from an induced abortion. The bill permits federal research on tissue derived from miscarriages or stillbirths, provided it adheres to updated Public Health Service Act guidelines. Furthermore, it prohibits the solicitation or knowing acceptance of human fetal tissue donations if the donor knows the tissue resulted from an induced abortion or was procured for that purpose. This legislation also repeals an existing law concerning NIH revitalization.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that Nigeria should be designated as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe violations of religious freedom. It urges the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities, prosecute those responsible for violence, and ensure religious freedom. The resolution also calls for increased U.S. diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions on individuals and groups responsible for religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The "SHIELD Against CCP Act" establishes a working group within the Department of Homeland Security to counter threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) related to terrorism, cybersecurity, border and port security, and transportation security. This group will examine and report on the Department's efforts, account for dedicated resources, identify policy gaps, and facilitate cooperation, while also sharing information with federal, state, and local partners. The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit annual reports to Congress for five years, assessing CCP threats and the activities of the working group. The working group will terminate seven years after its establishment.

This Act authorizes the creation and sale of special commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The coins will feature designs honoring the victims and first responders, with the phrase "Never Forget" required on at least one design. All surcharges collected from the sale of these coins will be donated to support the ongoing operations and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The Treasury must ensure the entire coin program results in no net cost to the Federal Government.

This bill supports the designation of April 5, 2025, as "Barth Syndrome Awareness Day" to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and promote research for this rare and life-threatening genetic disorder. It recognizes the challenges in diagnosis and treatment, while also acknowledging the role of the Orphan Drug Act and the importance of patient perspectives. The bill aims to advance research, develop new treatments, and improve regulatory pathways for ultra-rare diseases like Barth syndrome.