Legislative Activity

The Preventing Child Labor Exploitation in Federal Contracting Act aims to strengthen accountability by requiring federal contractors and subcontractors to certify annually that they have not violated child labor laws. The bill increases civil penalties for child labor violations, mandates training for relevant federal staff, and requires the GAO to study contractor compliance. Companies found in violation and failing to implement corrective actions may be suspended from receiving federal contracts for at least four years.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to significantly speed up the process for newly unionized employees to secure their first collective bargaining agreement. It establishes mandatory timelines for negotiations, requiring mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration if a deal is not reached within a set period. This legislation is designed to prevent lengthy delays that often undermine the unionization process.

The "Time to Choose Act of 2025" prohibits federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms that simultaneously work for certain foreign entities, such as the governments of China and Russia, or face penalties. It requires firms bidding on federal contracts to certify they do not have consulting contracts with these "covered foreign entities," with exceptions allowed under national security interests. The Act also outlines penalties for firms providing false information about their foreign contracts, including contract termination and False Claims Act liabilities. This law aims to address conflicts of interest where firms may be undermining U.S. security while contracting with U.S. agencies.

The "America's National Churchill Museum National Historic Landmark Act" designates America's National Churchill Museum as a National Historic Landmark. It authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to create cooperative agreements to protect the landmark and provide educational programs. Additionally, the Act requires the Secretary to conduct a special resource study to evaluate the landmark's national significance and the feasibility of incorporating it into the National Park System.

The Inspector General for Ukraine Act establishes an independent Inspector General to oversee and audit the use of funds allocated for military and non-military aid to Ukraine. This office is responsible for preventing fraud, waste, and misuse of resources, ensuring accountability in the distribution and utilization of U.S. support. The Inspector General will provide quarterly reports to Congress and coordinate with other oversight bodies to enhance transparency and effectiveness. The office is set to terminate after five years, following a final audit report to Congress.

The Decoupling America's Artificial Intelligence Capabilities from China Act of 2025 seeks to secure U.S. AI technology by banning the import and export of AI-related intellectual property and hardware to and from China. The bill further prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in collaborative AI research, development, or information transfers with Chinese entities of concern. Additionally, it restricts U.S. investment and financing in Chinese AI firms that support military-civil fusion or human rights abuses, establishing severe criminal and civil penalties for non-compliance.

The Jamie Reed Protecting Our Kids from Child Abuse Act establishes a federal cause of action allowing individuals to sue for injuries resulting from gender-transition procedures received as minors. The bill permits lawsuits against clinics, practitioners, and affiliated institutions up to age 48 and prohibits federal funding for pediatric gender clinics and gender-transition procedures for minors. These provisions apply retroactively to procedures performed before or after the Act's enactment.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Reauthorization Act expands financial and medical support for individuals impacted by U.S. nuclear testing, uranium mining, and Manhattan Project waste. This legislation broadens eligibility criteria, increases compensation amounts, and simplifies the claims process for affected workers and downwind communities. Additionally, it mandates environmental monitoring and research to protect public health in areas historically exposed to nuclear radiation.

The "End Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Providers Act" prohibits federal funding for any entity that performs or funds abortions, including their affiliates and subsidiaries. The legislation includes specific exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or medical emergencies where the mother's life is at risk. This measure aims to restrict the use of federal tax dollars for abortion-related services.

The Defense of Conscience in Health Care Act mandates that the Secretary of Health and Human Services reinstate federal conscience and anti-discrimination protections for health care providers. This legislation requires the issuance of a final rule mirroring the protections that were in effect as of July 22, 2019. These reinstated regulations will take precedence over any conflicting federal rules currently in place.