Legislative Activity

The SAFE Drivers Act mandates that all applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or learner's permit must pass a standardized English proficiency test approved by the FMCSA. This requirement applies immediately upon the bill's enactment for all new and renewing applicants. States are responsible for administering the test, and failure to comply with these new federal oversight rules may result in the withholding of federal highway funding.

The Freedom from Automated Speed Enforcement Act of 2025 aims to discourage states from using automated speed enforcement systems, such as speed cameras, by threatening to withhold 10% of their federal highway funds starting in late 2026 if they do not certify their absence. These systems are generally banned unless they are strictly limited to use within active school zones or construction zones. The bill grants the Secretary of Transportation authority to implement necessary regulations to enforce these provisions.

The SkyFoundry Act of 2025 establishes a new program managed by the Department of the Army to rapidly develop, test, and mass-produce small unmanned aircraft systems (drones). This initiative mandates the creation of an Innovation Hub for R&D and a Production Hub capable of manufacturing one million drones annually. The bill directs the use of expedited contracting methods and leverages domestic manufacturing through the Defense Production Act to ensure rapid fielding of these critical defense systems.

The GUARD Act, or Guarding US Authority for Removal and Detention Act, amends the Posse Comitatus Act to allow the National Guard to enforce immigration laws under state or federal orders. It also establishes severe new federal penalties, including up to life imprisonment or the death penalty, for assaulting federal immigration enforcement personnel or local officers assisting them. This legislation focuses on expanding the role of the Guard in immigration enforcement and increasing deterrence against attacks on those officers.

The Foreign Adversary Federal Offense Act of 2025 significantly increases penalties for economic espionage and the mishandling of defense information when committed to benefit a "covered nation." This bill establishes new minimum prison sentences, higher fines for both individuals and organizations, and removes supervised release eligibility for these specific offenses. It also clarifies that espionage causing severe harm to critical infrastructure falls under the strictest penalties.

The Real Estate Reciprocity Act tightens reporting requirements for foreign owners of U.S. real estate by eliminating previous dollar thresholds for filing. It also mandates the State Department to report on countries restricting American property ownership. Crucially, the Act imposes a new 50% federal tax on U.S. real estate acquisitions by "disqualified persons" from targeted foreign nations.

The Financial Integrity for National Security (FINS) Act aims to close loopholes exploited by international criminal organizations using non-bank money transfer services. This legislation specifically defines and regulates wire transfer service providers, such as Western Union and Ria, under existing anti-money laundering laws. By bringing these services in line with stricter financial oversight, the bill seeks to curb illicit activities like drug trafficking and terrorism financing.

The Military Installation Retail Security Act of 2025 restricts the Department of Defense from entering into long-term retail concessions agreements with businesses controlled by designated foreign nations. This legislation mandates that existing agreements with such retailers undergo immediate review by CFIUS for national security risks, with termination required if control by a covered nation is confirmed. Exceptions are permitted only if the service provided is vital and security risks are mitigated, requiring notification to Congress.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act allows the National Guard Bureau to accept funds from states and territories as reimbursement for the use of military property. These funds will be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, and replacement of assets used by National Guard units on state active duty.

The "AMERICANS Act" addresses the COVID-19 vaccine mandate's impact on service members by preventing new mandates without congressional approval and prohibiting adverse actions based solely on vaccination status. It offers remedies for those discharged or negatively affected, including discharge upgrades, reinstatement, and compensation. The act prioritizes retaining unvaccinated members, limits consideration of vaccination status for assignments, requires a COVID-19 vaccine exemption process, and terminates bonus repayment obligations for those separated due to vaccine refusal.