Legislative Activity

The Protect Children’s Innocence Act establishes federal penalties, including imprisonment, for knowingly performing genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on individuals under the age of 18. This law applies when interstate commerce is involved in the act, communication, or payment for the procedure. It explicitly prohibits religious or customary defenses for female genital mutilation and details specific medical exceptions, such as procedures necessary for a minor's immediate health. The bill defines the prohibited procedures broadly, covering female genital mutilation and surgeries intended to alter a minor's body to correspond with a different sex.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

The "Equal Representation Act" mandates the inclusion of a citizenship status question on the 2030 census and all future censuses. It requires the Secretary to report the number of citizens and non-citizens in each state. It also changes the way congressional districts are calculated by excluding non-citizens from the population count used for apportionment.

The HUD Transparency Act of 2025 mandates that the Inspector General of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide annual testimony to Congress. This testimony must detail the OIG's efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, and assess HUD's efficiency and resource needs. The goal is to enhance public accountability and oversight of HUD programs.

This act grants the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) exclusive authority to approve or deny applications for natural gas and LNG export/import facilities, mandating that such actions be considered consistent with the public interest. The legislation clarifies that it does not limit the President's existing authority to impose sanctions through trade restrictions.

The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act of 2025 exempts specific, clearly defined less-than-lethal projectile devices from standard federal firearm restrictions under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This exemption applies only to devices incapable of firing standard ammunition and designed to minimize the risk of serious injury or death. The bill also establishes a process for manufacturers to seek official confirmation from the Attorney General regarding a device's classification.

This bill, the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act, establishes new federal requirements for commercial driver's licenses. It mandates that all commercial motor vehicle knowledge tests must be administered only in English, effective two years after enactment. Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, understand, and communicate in English to pass testing and receive certification.

The SPEED Act aims to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by streamlining the environmental review process for federal projects and permits. It clarifies NEPA as a purely procedural statute, limits the scope of environmental effects that must be considered, and establishes strict timelines for agency decisions. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant restrictions on when agencies can revoke completed environmental documents or issued authorizations, and it sets new standards for judicial review, granting substantial deference to agency findings.

This act, the Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025, prohibits the Secretary of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing the proposed rule regarding heat injury and illness prevention published in August 2024. This restriction extends to any future standard substantially similar to the one proposed.

The LABEL Act proposes new federal labeling requirements for abortion-inducing drugs, mandating that the label include the dispenser's name and address, as well as the prescriber's name. This legislation also prohibits states or localities from enforcing labeling requirements for these drugs that are less strict than the new federal standard. The bill specifically defines which drugs fall under this labeling requirement, excluding those used for ectopic pregnancies or to remove a deceased fetus.

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025, recognizing the history of the observance from Armistice Day. It affirms the nation's deep commitment to supporting the over 15 million veterans and their families. The resolution calls upon the public to observe Veterans Day and ensure veterans continue to receive the services they deserve.

This resolution expresses support for National Adoption Day and Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting permanent families. It highlights the significant number of children in foster care waiting for adoption and encourages all Americans to consider providing a safe, permanent, and well-being-focused home for these children. The resolution supports various avenues for achieving permanency, including reunification, kinship care, and adoption.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that essential firearm-related government operations continue without interruption during a federal shutdown. This legislation specifically mandates the continuation of the FBI's NICS background check system and related processing at the ATF, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. By deeming these functions essential for protecting life and property, the bill prevents delays in firearm transfers and export licensing during lapses in appropriations.

The District of Columbia Medicaid Fairness Act adjusts the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) used for calculating D.C.'s Medicaid funding. The bill establishes a temporary, declining federal matching rate for D.C. between 70% and 55% through fiscal year 2029. After 2029, D.C.'s FMAP will revert to the standard calculation method.

The 21st Century Dyslexia Act formally recognizes dyslexia under federal education law by updating the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of specific learning disabilities. This legislation provides a clear definition of dyslexia, emphasizing unexpected reading difficulty due to phonological processing challenges. Furthermore, the Act ensures equitable access to necessary accommodations and services for all eligible children, specifically addressing disparities for low-income and English language learner students.

This bill authorizes the striking and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Donald J. Trump in recognition of his alleged extraordinary peacemaking efforts globally. Congress specifically cites several purported international peace deals and ceasefires secured by the former President as justification for this high honor. The Act also outlines the process for creating and selling bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

This resolution urges the Director of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately reevaluate the safety of all chemical abortion drugs based on recent independent studies. It highlights concerns that expanded access, including mail distribution, may increase risks of abuse and serious complications. The measure specifically calls for the FDA to publicly release a comprehensive safety review incorporating real-world complication data.

The Protect Consumers from Reallocation Costs Act of 2025 prohibits the EPA from reallocating the renewable fuel volume obligations of small refineries that receive exemption extensions. This ensures that the volume remains tied to the exempt refinery rather than being shifted to other obligated parties. Furthermore, the bill requires the EPA to count the fuel produced by an exempt small refinery when calculating the overall production obligations for its parent company.

The PAW Act of 2025, or Protect American Widows Act, amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "surviving spouse" for tax purposes. This legislation removes the previous two-year limit, allowing individuals to qualify as a surviving spouse for up to five taxable years following the death of their spouse. This change aims to provide extended tax benefits to surviving spouses starting with tax years after December 31, 2024.