Legislative Activity

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act establishes a framework for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) at the state level. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if states substantially protect these rights, and if not, the Authority will establish collective bargaining procedures. The Act aims to promote cooperation between public safety employers and employees while respecting existing state laws and prohibiting strikes and lockouts. This law does not override state laws that provide similar or stronger protections for public safety officers.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 amends the Public Health Service Act to improve the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program by expanding the types of healthcare providers who can conduct mental health evaluations, modifying provider credentialing, clarifying enrollment calculations, and extending the time frame for adding health conditions for WTC responders. The act adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026 through 2090 and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the program's budget, including projected needs through 2090 and recommendations for changes to the funding formula. It also stipulates that remaining funds in the Supplemental Fund, Special Fund, and Pentagon-Shanksville Fund will revert to the Treasury.

The "Public Safety Free Speech Act" protects the free speech rights of public safety officers, including law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel, allowing them to express personal opinions on public safety, working conditions, and other related matters without fear of retaliation, while also outlining exceptions for speech that incites violence, discrimination, or discloses confidential information. This bill enables officers to sue their employers for adverse actions taken against them for exercising these rights and specifies the damages that can be awarded. This act does not preempt existing federal or state laws.

The Dennis and Lois Krisfalusy Act expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs headstones, markers, and burial receptacles. This bill removes the restriction that an individual must have died on or after November 11, 1998, to be eligible.

The "Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2025" permits and sets performance standards for pulsating light systems on vehicles to help prevent rear-end collisions. It mandates the Secretary of Transportation to update Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 108 within 180 days to include these systems. The bill defines a pulsating light system as a high-mounted stop lamp that pulses rapidly up to 4 times within 1.2 seconds upon braking before converting to a continuous light.

The Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.

The "Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025" amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to extend death benefits to retired law enforcement officers who die or are disabled from targeted attacks due to their service. The bill applies retroactively to pending matters before the Bureau of Justice Assistance, or those filed/accruing after the enactment date, with exceptions for actions against retired law enforcement officers that occurred on or after August 28, 2012.

The Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act aims to improve maternal health outcomes in rural areas by establishing programs to train healthcare providers in obstetric emergency care, provide funding for necessary equipment and workforce development, implement teleconsultation programs, and study the challenges facing rural obstetric units. The Act authorizes grants for training, equipment, and telehealth programs, and requires a study on rural maternity ward closures and patient transport patterns.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster the defense relationship between the United States and Israel through joint initiatives and increased cooperation. It establishes programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. The act also mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 expands public safety officer benefits to include deaths and disabilities caused by exposure-related cancers, presuming that certain cancers diagnosed within 15 years of service are line-of-duty injuries if the officer served for at least 5 years. It defines "exposure-related cancer" and allows for updates to the list based on medical evidence, while also permitting individuals to petition for additions. The Act also clarifies "line of duty action" and applies retroactively to claims dating back to January 1, 2020, with a three-year window for filing claims based on these amendments.

The "National Plan for Epilepsy Act" aims to address the significant impact of epilepsy by establishing a comprehensive national plan for its prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. This act mandates the creation of an Advisory Council on Epilepsy Research, Care, and Services, composed of federal and non-federal experts, to evaluate and improve federally funded epilepsy efforts. The council will provide recommendations to enhance coordination, diagnosis, treatment, research, and public awareness, and reduce the financial burden of epilepsy on families. Ultimately, the act seeks to improve the lives of individuals with epilepsy and their caregivers through coordinated research, improved access to care, and enhanced public awareness.

The "HALT Fentanyl Act" permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, streamlining research registration processes while maintaining controls. It also updates penalties for trafficking, importing, and exporting fentanyl-related substances, treating them similarly to fentanyl analogues. Additionally, the Act addresses technical errors in previous legislation and mandates the Attorney General to issue rules for implementation.

The WARN Act aims to improve community safety during weather emergencies by directing the Comptroller General to study the effectiveness of local, state, territory, and federal emergency alert systems. The study will assess alert dissemination methods, evaluate the clarity and actionability of alert content, and explore improvements to public alerting systems. A report on the study's findings will be submitted to Congress within 18 months, with the goal of enhancing emergency response plans and public safety.

The "Marc Fischer Memorial Act" aims to combat the flow of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl, into Federal prisons through the mail. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to develop and implement a strategy to equip all Federal correctional facilities with the technology and processes needed to scan mail, protect staff and inmates, and ensure timely delivery of mail copies while maintaining legal mail privileges. The strategy includes assessing current practices, identifying necessary resources, and providing a budgetary proposal for implementation, with ongoing reporting to Congress on its effectiveness.

The "Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025" aims to protect postal workers by allocating funds for high-security collection boxes and electronic mailbox keys. It also mandates the appointment of dedicated attorneys to prosecute crimes against postal employees and directs the Sentencing Commission to increase penalties for assaulting or robbing them.

This bill establishes a commission to study the feasibility of creating a National Museum of Italian American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. The commission will develop recommendations for a plan of action, including a fundraising plan to support the museum's establishment, operation, and maintenance without federal funds. The commission will submit reports to the President and Congress, and will conclude 30 days after submitting its final reports. No federal funds will be used for the commission's work.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" amends titles 10 and 38 of the United States Code to improve benefits and services for surviving spouses. This act modifies Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) rules, allowing surviving spouses who remarry to still receive benefits. Additionally, it ensures continued Survivor Benefit Plan annuity payments for certain remarried surviving spouses and expands TRICARE eligibility to include remarried widow/widowers whose subsequent marriage ended.

The Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 requires the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism when evaluating discrimination complaints under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, concerning race, color, and national origin. This aims to address rising antisemitism in educational settings. The Act clarifies that it does not expand the Department of Education's authority, change existing discrimination standards, reduce existing rights, or infringe upon First Amendment rights.

The Right to Contraception Act establishes a federal right for individuals to access and use contraception without government interference. It prohibits federal and state governments from enacting laws that restrict access to contraceptives or the provision of related services. The Act provides clear enforcement mechanisms, allowing individuals and the Attorney General to sue to strike down any rule that violates these protections.

The 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act authorizes a one-time grant between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum for operations, security, and maintenance. To receive the grant, the museum must offer free admission to certain groups, provide free admission hours to the general public, and allow annual federal audits of its financial records. The museum must also submit annual reports to Congress detailing how the grant funds were used. No additional funds are authorized beyond the initial appropriation for this grant.