Legislative Activity

The Balancing Incentives Act of 2025 amends patent law to require the owner of a patent to consent before a third party can file a petition for either an inter partes review or a post-grant review. This legislation introduces a new consent prerequisite for initiating these administrative patent challenge proceedings.

This resolution formally commends the Council of Europe for its dedicated efforts to secure justice for the people of Ukraine following Russia's aggression and related international crimes. Congress specifically endorses the Council's work in documenting atrocities and supports the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The bill reaffirms the U.S. commitment to working with international partners to ensure accountability and support Ukraine's sovereignty and democracy.

This resolution formally affirms Congress's commitment to maintaining the current retirement ages for Social Security and Medicare benefits. It declares that raising the eligibility age would constitute an unfair cut to the earned benefits of current and future retirees. The measure highlights the reliance of millions on these programs and rejects any proposals to push back access to earned retirement security and healthcare.

The Appropriations Compliance and Training Act mandates annual training on federal appropriations law for certain high-level government employees in covered positions. This ensures employees handling federal funds understand key spending rules, such as the bona fide needs rule and relevant statutes. Agencies must track completion, and non-compliant employees face escalating penalties, including loss of spending authority and IT access.

The Gold Star Spouses Health Care Enhancement Act removes the three-year time limit for certain Gold Star surviving spouses to access TRICARE Prime medical and dental benefits. This change ensures eligible surviving spouses are no longer restricted by this previous eligibility window. These enhancements apply retroactively to qualifying surviving spouses.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of May 9 through May 18, 2025, as "National American Birding Week." It recognizes the significant economic impact of birdwatching while highlighting the urgent threats facing migratory bird populations. The bill encourages public participation in conservation efforts that benefit both bird populations and local economies.

The Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025 establishes a grant program to fund specialized behavioral health crisis response training for state, local, and Tribal law enforcement and corrections officers. This initiative aims to improve officer and public safety by equipping personnel with the necessary skills to safely de-escalate encounters involving individuals experiencing mental health emergencies. Grants will be administered by the Attorney General to supplement existing agency funds dedicated to this critical training.

This resolution commemorates the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people three years after Russia's invasion, condemning Russia's aggression and affirming solidarity with Ukraine. It highlights the extensive human cost, including civilian deaths, displacement, and the abduction of children, while also noting the significant damage to Ukraine's infrastructure. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense, holding Russia accountable, and restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, while also acknowledging Ukraine's critical role in defending democratic values and European security. It also does not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea.

The "Great Lakes Gateways Network Act of 2025" establishes a network of sites and trails in the Great Lakes Watershed to protect and promote its natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources. It authorizes the Department of Interior and EPA to provide financial and technical assistance through the Great Lakes Gateways Grants Assistance Program. This program supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and the private sector in conserving and restoring significant resources within the Great Lakes region. The act allocates \$6 million annually from 2026 to 2031 for these initiatives.