Legislative Activity

The Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025 significantly increases mandatory minimum prison sentences for several serious violent crimes in the District of Columbia. This legislation raises the minimum penalties for offenses including first-degree murder, rape, carjacking, and first-degree burglary. The changes will only apply to criminal acts committed on or after the date the bill is officially enacted into law.

The FIREARM Act aims to protect licensed firearm dealers from overly harsh penalties for minor or self-reported mistakes. It establishes new standards requiring the government to provide notice and an opportunity for dealers to correct violations before license revocation. Furthermore, the bill retroactively applies these protections to licenses previously revoked under a specific 2021 enforcement policy, allowing affected individuals a path to reapply.

The SOAR Act Improvements Act modifies the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act by extending grant durations, expanding scholarship use to pre-kindergarten, and increasing the total available funds. It also updates accreditation timelines for participating schools and revises evaluation requirements, including new mandates for reporting on school safety incidents. Finally, this legislation extends the authorization for the scholarship program through fiscal year 2032.

The Make the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful Act establishes two main initiatives to improve the District: a temporary federal-local program to clean up public spaces, remove graffiti, and restore monuments, and a new federal commission focused on enhancing public safety. This commission will coordinate federal efforts regarding immigration enforcement, support local police recruitment and crime reduction, streamline gun permit processing, and increase federal law enforcement presence. Both the beautification program and the commission are scheduled to automatically terminate on January 2, 2029.

The District of Columbia Home Rule Improvement Act standardizes and streamlines Congressional review of D.C. laws by extending the review period to 60 days and eliminating special treatment for criminal legislation. It establishes expedited procedures for Congress to consider resolutions of disapproval against D.C. actions and grants Congress the power to reject specific provisions within D.C. laws or executive orders. Furthermore, the bill prevents the D.C. Council from withdrawing transmitted acts or resubmitting laws substantially similar to those previously disapproved by Congress.

This bill, the District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act of 2025, changes the appointment process for the D.C. Attorney General. It transfers the authority to appoint the Attorney General to the President of the United States, with the appointee serving at the President's pleasure. The current Attorney General's term will immediately end upon the law's enactment.

The CLEAN DC Act of 2025 aims to repeal most provisions of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, effectively reverting policing and justice laws to their pre-2022 status. This legislation seeks to undo the majority of changes made by the previous act. However, it specifically preserves the effects of two distinct subtitles from the 2022 Act.

The Modernizing Rural Physician Assistant and Nurse Practitioner Utilization Act of 2025 updates Medicare payment requirements for facilities not directly directed by a physician. It mandates that these facilities must have formal arrangements with Physician Assistants (PAs) or Nurse Practitioners (NPs) whose practice adheres to state laws and regulations. These changes are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

The Rural Health Clinic Location Modernization Act of 2025 updates the criteria for clinics to qualify as Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) under Medicare. This legislation revises the definition of an "urban area," setting a new population threshold of 50,000 people to determine eligibility. These changes to the location standards will take effect starting January 1, 2027.

The Empower Parents to Protect their Kids Act mandates that schools receiving federal funding must obtain explicit parental consent before taking any action supporting a student's gender transition that differs from their biological sex. This legislation prohibits school staff from encouraging students to keep secrets from parents regarding gender identity or from hiding information about a student's transition plans. Parents are granted the right to sue schools directly for violations of these parental notification and consent requirements.

This Act, the Stop Greenlighting Driver Licenses for Illegal Immigrants Act, penalizes states that issue driver's licenses to individuals lacking proof of lawful presence. It also targets states that restrict local officials from sharing immigration enforcement data with the Department of Homeland Security. States found in violation must return unspent Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds and become ineligible for future funding until compliance is achieved.

This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop guidelines to improve access to the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program for individuals currently in custody. Specifically, it mandates assistance for incarcerated individuals to pre-apply or prepare applications for TWIC cards before release. The goal is to reduce barriers to employment for returning citizens by streamlining the credentialing process.

This resolution commemorates the 20th anniversary of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, recognizing the immense devastation and loss suffered across the Gulf Coast. It honors the heroic efforts of first responders and the resilience of the affected communities. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the commitment to supporting the ongoing rebuilding, renewal, and restoration of the vital Gulf Coast region.

The Freedom From Union Violence Act of 2025 amends federal law regarding interference with commerce through threats or violence, increasing penalties for robbery and extortion. It creates an exemption from federal prosecution for minor acts of violence or property damage during a labor dispute, reserving those cases for state and local authorities. This Act does not alter existing federal labor laws.

The Keep Offenders Off Our Streets Act mandates that individuals charged with offenses in the District of Columbia must execute a secured appearance bond to be released pending trial. This legislation explicitly prohibits the D.C. government from allowing release on personal recognizance or unsecured bonds. The Act amends D.C. Code provisions to ensure that release is conditioned upon a financial guarantee ensuring court appearance.

This bill amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to significantly extend the emergency period during which the President may exercise control over the Metropolitan Police Department. Specifically, it changes the standard emergency declaration period from 30 days to 180 days. This extension applies to both current and future emergency declarations made under the relevant section of the Act.

The Sanctuary Penalty and Public Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal database to identify and publicly list state and local governments deemed to have policies that obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Jurisdictions placed on this "sanctuary jurisdiction" list will be prohibited from receiving or using any new federal funding. This act aims to penalize local governments that refuse to fully cooperate with federal immigration detainers and enforcement requests.

The Parents Opt-in Protection Act requires schools to obtain prior written consent before collecting specific survey or evaluation data from students. This legislation amends existing law to ensure that participation in certain student surveys is voluntary and requires explicit parental or student permission.

This resolution formally declares the escalating national debt a significant threat to U.S. national security. It outlines the current alarming financial picture, including massive deficits and unsustainable spending levels. The bill commits Congress to returning to regular order for budgeting and addressing the fiscal crisis.

This resolution commends the heroic efforts and courageous response of the Coast Guard, specifically Air Station Corpus Christi and the crew of CG-6553, following catastrophic flooding in central Texas. It specifically honors the crew for successfully executing dangerous rescues amid severe weather and recognizes the broader Coast Guard deployment. Furthermore, the resolution extends gratitude to all federal, state, local responders, and volunteers who aided in the disaster relief efforts.