Legislative Activity

The Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection Act establishes a comprehensive federal regulatory framework for cannabinoid hemp products under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This bill defines various cannabinoid types and product categories (oral, inhalable, topical) while setting strict standards for manufacturing, labeling, and testing. It also prohibits certain products, mandates facility registration with the FDA, sets a minimum age of sale at 21, and grants the FDA enhanced enforcement and recall authority.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

This bill, the "No Federal Funds for Cashless Bail Act," prohibits the federal government from providing grants to state or local jurisdictions that restrict the use of cash bail for individuals charged with serious offenses. These "covered offenses" include violent crimes and acts that promote public disorder. The restriction applies to any jurisdiction with a policy that substantially limits cash bail for these specific charges.

The Veterans Spinal Trauma Access to New Devices (STAND) Act mandates an annual preventative health evaluation for veterans with spinal cord injuries or disorders. This comprehensive assessment will cover risks, pain management, nutrition, and the need for advanced assistive technologies, including neuromodulation devices. The VA is required to consult with specialists and manufacturers when developing implementation guidelines. Furthermore, the Secretary must report biennially to Congress on the utilization and outcomes of these evaluations and assistive technologies.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities to designate an essential caregiver who can provide support and companionship. This legislation ensures that these caregivers maintain in-person access to residents even during public health emergencies when general visitation is restricted. By establishing clear protocols and an appeals process, the bill aims to prevent the harmful effects of isolation and ensure residents continue to receive vital care and advocacy.

This bill establishes new federal requirements for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) contracting with Medicare Part D and Medicaid plans, effective in 2027. It mandates specific payment standards for pharmacies, requires PBMs to pass manufacturer rebates directly to patients and plan sponsors, and strictly prohibits steering patients toward specific pharmacies. Additionally, the legislation enhances transparency by expanding drug price reporting requirements for all types of pharmacies within the Medicaid program.

This act, the Make State Wildlife Action Plans Efficient Act of 2025, aims to streamline the federal review and approval process for state wildlife conservation plans. It establishes a strict 180-day deadline for the Secretary of the Interior to approve or disapprove these state plans. Furthermore, it conditionally authorizes states to begin implementing their programs upon submission, ensuring timely conservation efforts while requiring accountability for missed deadlines.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

This resolution celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), recognizing its landmark achievement in guaranteeing a free, appropriate public education for every child with a disability. It honors the law's transformative impact since 1975, which ensured access, protected rights, and established critical early intervention services. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to fully implementing IDEA so all students with disabilities have the opportunity to thrive.

This resolution congratulates Korson's Tree Farms of Montcalm County for being selected to provide the official 2025 White House Christmas Tree after winning the National Christmas Tree Association contest. It recognizes this significant achievement as the first Michigan grower in 41 years to earn this honor. The bill also highlights the importance of Michigan's thriving Christmas tree industry.

The Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Act of 2025 establishes a three-year pilot program to reduce child care costs for working families. This program requires parents, their employers, and state governments to each cover one-third of eligible child care expenses. States will receive competitive federal grants to fund their portion of the cost-sharing arrangement. The initiative aims to study the impact of this tripartite funding model on employment and child care access.

The District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025 mandates pretrial and post-conviction detention for individuals charged with or convicted of a crime of violence or a dangerous crime. This legislation also requires cash bail, secured by a bond or property, for release of those charged with specific public safety or order offenses. The bill updates definitions for these serious offenses and establishes new conditions for release hearings. These changes apply to all individuals charged in the District 30 days after the Act becomes law.

The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act establishes an interagency taskforce to study and recommend strategies for combating unlawful robocalls originating from outside the United States. It also grants the FCC authority to require providers to post a bond to ensure integrity in the Robocall Mitigation Database. Furthermore, the bill provides legal immunity for private consortiums tracing the origin of these illegal calls and allows for the publication of non-cooperative providers.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members lost in the tragedy on Lake Superior. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the ship's historical significance and the vital safety improvements that resulted from the disaster.

This resolution condemns the severe, ongoing persecution and mass killing of Christians in Nigeria by terrorist groups and militants. It criticizes the Nigerian government for failing to protect its Christian citizens and for enforcing blasphemy laws. Finally, Congress stands ready to support decisive action, including sanctions, to end this existential threat and calls for direct humanitarian aid to victims.

This resolution commends President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe and ongoing religious freedom violations. It details extensive violence against religious minorities, primarily Christians, by extremist groups and highlights the Nigerian government's failure to act. The bill calls for specific U.S. foreign policy actions, including conditioning aid and imposing targeted sanctions on responsible individuals and groups.

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 honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. It strongly condemns his assassination as an act of political violence. The bill calls for a renewed national commitment to civil discourse and the founding principles of the United States.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare Part B coverage for multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting January 1, 2028. This legislation establishes clear criteria for qualifying tests and outlines payment structures to ensure beneficiaries have access to these advanced diagnostic tools. Importantly, this coverage is designed to complement, rather than replace, existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026 ensures that essential Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees, including law enforcement and critical support staff, continue to receive pay and allowances during a government shutdown. This automatic funding remains active until a new budget is passed or until January 1, 2027. The goal is to maintain critical national security operations even without full appropriations.