Legislative Activity

The PEARL Act establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance its Support Canine Program. This initiative requires CBP to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them to serve as support dogs.

The National Strategy for School Security Act of 2025 mandates the creation of a comprehensive national strategy to secure K-12 schools from terrorism threats. This strategy, developed by the Secretary of Homeland Security in collaboration with the Secretary of Education, must detail all federal security programs, identify vulnerabilities, and outline goals for improvement. The strategy must be submitted to Congress within one year and updated annually through 2033.

The Rural Veterans Dental Care Act establishes a pilot program, running from 2026 to 2029, to provide dental care specifically to veterans residing in rural and highly rural areas. This program will utilize mobile dental clinics, vans, and temporary structures to reach underserved populations located far from existing VA facilities. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must report annually on the program's effectiveness, costs, and recommendations for future action.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 500 Sergeant Gonzales Drive in Fort Davis, Texas, as the "Sergeant Manuel Sillas Gonzales Post Office." This change ensures all official records and documents will use the new name for the facility.

The FORTIFY Act amends the existing school security grant program to specifically allow funding for hiring School Resource Officers (SROs) and purchasing necessary equipment and vehicles for them. Additionally, the bill mandates the Attorney General to provide technical assistance to help rural and underserved areas successfully apply for these security grants. The law also requires reporting on how this new technical assistance has impacted grant access for those specific areas.

The Stop Foreign Propaganda Act codifies existing sanctions against Iran and establishes new penalties for U.S. persons who knowingly provide paid media services to sanctioned foreign media entities. These sanctions include asset freezes and visa denials for violators. The bill also mandates an annual Treasury Department report detailing enforcement actions and foreign government payments to media outlets spreading propaganda.

The No Tax Treaties for Foreign Aggressors Act of 2025 mandates the termination of the U.S. income tax treaty with the People's Republic of China under specific conditions. If the President notifies the Treasury Secretary that China has initiated an armed attack against the Republic of China, the Secretary must formally begin the treaty termination process within 30 days. This action requires simultaneous notification to key Congressional committees by the President.

The Ensuring Continued Access to Funding for Colonias Act amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to increase federal support for colonias. Specifically, this legislation doubles the annual set-aside funding for the Colonia Set-Aside Program from $\$1,000,000$ to $\$2,000,000$. This action ensures greater financial resources are dedicated to housing assistance in these underserved communities.

This resolution officially commends Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic actions during the devastating central Texas floods of July 2025. It specifically recognizes him for personally rescuing 165 individuals and coordinating triage efforts under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, the bill extends deep gratitude to all federal, state, and volunteer responders who risked their lives during this major natural disaster.

The Iranian Campaign Medal Act establishes a new military decoration, the Iranian Campaign Medal, to recognize service members deployed in support of operations during the Iran-Israel War. This medal will be awarded by the Secretaries of the military branches upon approval of its design by the Secretary of Defense. Eligibility requires active duty service in a designated area or performing qualifying service related to the operation.

The COPS Act, or Curbing Offenses on Policing Services Act, significantly increases the penalties for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers or employees. This legislation raises the maximum fines and extends the potential prison sentences for these offenses. The bill specifically enhances penalties for both general interference and more serious assaults against federal personnel.

The Protect the Permian Act of 2025 establishes an FBI-led Permian Basin Oil Theft Task Force to combat rising oil theft in the region. The bill also significantly increases criminal penalties for tampering with pipelines, transporting stolen oil across state lines, and related fraud. Finally, it authorizes states to use existing Byrne JAG grant funds specifically for oil theft investigation and reduction programs.

The Texas is the New Hollywood Act of 2025 extends a significant 100% bonus depreciation tax break for qualified film and television productions. To qualify, productions must meet minimum in-state spending thresholds of either \$100,000 or \$500,000, depending on the project type. This extension ensures the favorable tax treatment remains available for property placed in service through the end of 2035.

The International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act of 2025 (IBEM Act) updates the permitting process for international bridges and land ports of entry on the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders. This legislation removes previous time-based restrictions on permit issuance and streamlines the process by explicitly excluding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews for certain Presidential permit applications. The goal is to modernize and expedite approvals for critical border infrastructure.

The STOP Screwworms Act mandates the establishment of facilities to rear and release sterile New World screwworm flies in high-risk areas to combat infestations. The Secretary of Agriculture must build these modular facilities within 180 days of enactment and provide annual public reports on the threat and control efforts. The bill authorizes up to $300 million to fund these necessary actions.

This resolution formally congratulates Gregg Popovich on his retirement after a historic career as the winningest head coach in NBA history. Congress recognizes his five NBA championships, numerous coaching awards, and service to the country. The resolution honors his significant impact on the San Antonio Spurs, the community, and the sport of basketball.

The UNMASK Act prohibits the Department of Defense from requiring active-duty service members to wear face masks unless it is required for specific job safety or operational reasons. This legislation aims to remove general mask mandates across the Armed Forces following the end of the COVID-19 global health emergency. The bill asserts that such mandates negatively impact military professionalism and morale.

The Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act of 2025 amends federal law to classify the distribution of fentanyl that results in death as first-degree felony murder. This change subjects offenders to the death penalty or life imprisonment if they distribute specific quantities of fentanyl or its analogues, knowing the substance contained them, and that distribution caused a fatality. The bill specifically targets distributors of two grams or more of fentanyl mixtures or half a gram or more of fentanyl analogue mixtures.

The BE GONE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand the definition of an "aggravated felony." Specifically, this legislation adds sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence to the list of crimes that qualify as aggravated felonies for immigration purposes. This change will subject individuals convicted of these offenses to stricter immigration consequences.

The Restore M-44 Act officially cancels the Master Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture concerning wildlife management tools. This legislation specifically rescinds the previous prohibition on the Department of Agriculture's use of M44 sodium cyanide ejector devices. Consequently, the Secretary of Agriculture is now authorized to purchase, deploy, and train personnel on the use of these devices.