Legislative Activity

The TRUST in Congress Act mandates that members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children place covered investments, such as securities and commodities, into qualified blind trusts within a specified timeframe. These trusts must remain in place until 180 days after the member leaves office, ensuring that investment decisions are made without the member's knowledge or influence. Members must certify their compliance or declare the absence of covered investments, with these certifications being made public. An exception is provided for spouses or dependent children whose primary income is derived from a covered investment.

The LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 amends the Natural Gas Act, requiring the Secretary of Energy to approve natural gas exports only if they are deemed to be in the public interest. Approval requires assessments regarding climate change, economic impacts, and environmental justice, ensuring exports do not significantly worsen climate change, increase energy prices for U.S. consumers, or unfairly burden vulnerable communities. The Act mandates public participation, especially from communities with environmental justice concerns, and terminates a rule that automatically excludes certain natural gas export approvals from environmental review. The Secretary of Energy must create regulations to implement this law within one year.

The "Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act" aims to improve disaster preparedness and response by prioritizing assistance to high-risk, low-income, and environmental justice communities. It increases funding for pre-disaster mitigation, encourages climate change considerations in project planning, and establishes a central database for tracking disaster-related spending. The act also mandates community outreach to ensure vulnerable areas can access and utilize available resources for resilience and mitigation projects.

The Goldie's Act seeks to strengthen the USDA's enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by mandating annual inspections, requiring humane treatment of suffering animals, and imposing significant penalties for violations. It ensures transparency through mandated sharing of violation records and sets firm guidelines for determining penalties based on the severity and frequency of violations. The Act also enables legal action to recover unpaid penalties and penalizes the disobedience of "cease and desist" orders.

The Capitol Remembrance Act mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit within the Capitol Building to memorialize the January 6, 2021, attack. This exhibit will feature damaged property, photographs, and a plaque honoring law enforcement, fallen heroes, injured officers, and Capitol staff. The goal is to ensure future generations understand the events of that day and the sacrifices made to protect the Capitol. Appropriations are authorized to complete the exhibit within two years.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act outlines the process for Washington, D.C., to become the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a separate U.S. Capital. It addresses the transition of laws, property, and governance, ensuring continued federal operations and representation for D.C. residents. The Act also covers federal responsibilities, courts, elections, and benefit programs during the transition, establishing a commission to oversee the process and mandating presidential certification.