Legislative Activity

This bill congratulates Gregg Popovich on his retirement after a record-setting career as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. It recognizes his numerous achievements, including leading the Spurs to five NBA championships and holding the record for the most coaching wins in NBA history. The bill also acknowledges his contributions to the San Antonio community and his service in the United States Air Force. Finally, it directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Coach Popovich.

The "Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025" amends federal law to classify fentanyl distribution resulting in death as felony murder. Individuals found guilty of first-degree murder through fentanyl distribution, involving specified quantities of fentanyl or its analogues, will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. This applies when the distributor knows, or has reason to know, that the substance contains fentanyl.

The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to broaden the definition of "aggravated felonies" to include sexual assault and aggravated sexual abuse. This change would mean that non-citizens convicted of these crimes could face deportation.

This bill commends Jason Owens on his retirement after 29 years of exemplary service to the United States Border Patrol. It recognizes his leadership and commitment, particularly as the 26th Chief of the Border Patrol, in the face of increased illegal immigration and cartel activity.

The "Restore M-44 Act" aims to reinstate the use of M-44 sodium cyanide ejector devices for predator control by rescinding a previous memorandum that prohibited their use. This bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to purchase, deploy, and train individuals on using M-44 devices, including their components and related chemicals. Additionally, it removes the requirement for the Secretary of Agriculture to provide updates to congressional committees regarding the prohibition of these devices.

The Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire approximately 6,100 acres of land to expand Big Bend National Park through donation or exchange. The acquired land will be managed according to existing park regulations, and the Act specifically prohibits the use of eminent domain to obtain the land.

The National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Education, to develop a national strategy to protect schools from terrorist threats. This strategy will detail federal programs, spending, and activities related to school security, identify vulnerabilities, and set goals to address these vulnerabilities. The strategy will be submitted to specific committees in the House and Senate within one year of enactment and updated annually through 2033, if needed. The strategy aims to streamline efforts, consider existing evaluations, and avoid duplicating work related to school security against terrorism.

The Checkpoint Modernization Act aims to improve U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints by funding renovations that enhance law enforcement safety, detect illegal activities, and reduce traffic congestion. It mandates annual reports to Congress on renovation costs, statuses, and justifications. The Act allocates at least $150 million per year from 2025 to 2028 for these upgrades, repurposing funds previously allocated to the EPA under the Clean Air Act.

The "Security First Act" aims to bolster border security by increasing funding for the Operation Stonegarden grant program, designating funds for technology and equipment procurement, and establishing a trust fund. It mandates a report assessing whether Mexican drug cartels and criminal gangs should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations, and requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to analyze and update technology needs for border security along the Southwest border. Additionally, the Act requires a report on the Department of Homeland Security's hiring practices from 2018 to 2024.