Legislative Activity

The Protect Our Probationary Employees Act resets the probationary period for certain federal employees who were involuntarily separated between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029. If these employees are rehired into a similar role at the same agency, their new probationary period will be reduced by the time they already served previously. This provision is temporary and will expire on January 20, 2029.

The Arctic Watchers Act establishes a new "Arctic Watcher Program" managed by the Secretary of State to closely monitor security, economic, and political activities in the Arctic. This program is specifically tasked with tracking and countering influence operations from China and Russia that threaten U.S. interests. To achieve this, designated "Arctic Watchers" will be stationed in key allied countries to report annually on their efforts to protect U.S. strategic goals in the region.

The Military Helicopter Training Safety Act of 2025 mandates a study on installing advanced collision avoidance technology, specifically TCAS and ADS-B IN systems, in all military rotary-wing aircraft. The Secretary of Defense must report to Congress within 90 days detailing the feasibility, cost, and operational impact of these installations. This review aims to enhance safety by improving military helicopter awareness in shared airspace.

The BAH Restoration Act aims to restore the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover 100% of service members' housing costs. This will be done by amending title 37 of the United States Code, ensuring that the monthly BAH is equivalent to the determined monthly cost of adequate housing based on pay grade, dependency status, and location. The Secretary of Defense will determine the specific housing costs in each area.

This Act mandates that the Department of Defense (DoD) immediately seek to update its stormwater discharge permits to require quarterly testing for PFAS chemicals at all facilities. Furthermore, the DoD must implement necessary cleanup measures to reduce these discharges. At least one percent of annual PFAS cleanup funding must be dedicated specifically to this required stormwater testing.

This bill aims to enhance security along the southern border by constructing roads, increasing access for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and allowing temporary placement of structures by border states. It also seeks to mitigate environmental damage on federal lands caused by illegal activities through initiatives focused on reducing trash, preventing wildfires, and remediating contamination. Additionally, the bill restricts housing options for non-citizens who have not been formally admitted into the country by preventing the use of federal funds to house these individuals on federally managed lands.

This bill expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25 crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. It recognizes the impact on Wichita, Kansas, and acknowledges the cooperation of officials in responding to the tragedy and assisting the families. The bill also commends the heroic actions of first responders and emergency services personnel.

The "Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2025" aims to improve the treatment and prevention of sickle cell disease and its complications. It amends the Public Health Service Act to broaden the scope of activities and increase funding for these efforts through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements. The Act authorizes $8,205,000 annually from 2025 to 2029 and emphasizes the need for further research into heritable blood disorders.

The "Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2025" increases penalties for stealing firearms from licensed dealers. It sets stricter punishments, including up to 20 years in prison, for violating laws related to firearm theft. The act also mandates minimum prison sentences of 3 years for burglaries and 5 years for robberies targeting licensed firearm businesses.

The Aviation Workforce Development Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow expenses for aviation maintenance and commercial pilot courses to be considered qualified higher education expenses for qualified tuition programs. This change applies to distributions made after the enactment of this law, aiming to support workforce development in the aviation sector.

This bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a statue of Benjamin Franklin. The statue must be acquired by December 31, 2025, and placed in a publicly accessible location within the U.S. Capitol by December 31, 2026.

The TREATS Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow telehealth evaluations for prescribing certain controlled substances used in substance use disorder treatment. This removes the prior requirement for an in-person evaluation, enabling remote medical assessments via real-time audio-visual or audio-only communication, in accordance with federal and state laws. The goal of this bill is to increase access to treatment for substance use disorders.

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.

The "Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act" allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to complete Medicare paperwork for covering therapeutic shoes for people with diabetes, increasing access to this benefit.

The "Protect and Serve Act of 2025" creates federal offenses for intentionally causing serious injury or death to law enforcement officers because of their status as officers. It sets penalties including imprisonment and fines, with increased penalties if death results or if kidnapping or attempted killing is involved. Federal prosecution requires certification from the Attorney General, based on a request from the state or if it is in the public interest to ensure substantial justice. The act defines "law enforcement officer" and "State" for the purposes of the new offenses.

The "Fort Monroe National Historical Park Establishment Act" establishes the Fort Monroe National Historical Park, incorporating the former Fort Monroe National Monument, to preserve and interpret its significant historical, natural, and recreational resources. It defines the park's boundaries and authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land within these boundaries. The Act also outlines administrative guidelines, including cooperative agreements with the Commonwealth of Virginia, to ensure the preservation and appropriate use of historic resources within and near the park.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

The "Protect America's Innovation and Economic Security from CCP Act of 2025" establishes a CCP Initiative within the Department of Justice to combat Chinese Communist Party (CCP) espionage and theft of U.S. intellectual property. This initiative will focus on enforcement, identifying threats, protecting critical infrastructure, and investigating Chinese companies. The Attorney General is required to submit annual reports to Congress on the initiative's progress and impact. The initiative is set to expire six years after enactment.

The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2025 establishes an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice to enforce federal animal cruelty laws, pursue investigations and prosecutions, and coordinate with other agencies. The section is required to submit an annual report to Congress regarding charges, convictions, and investigations. The bill recognizes the connection between animal cruelty and other crimes and aims to address the lack of dedicated enforcement of animal protection laws.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 amends the Public Health Service Act to improve the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program by expanding the types of healthcare providers who can conduct mental health evaluations, modifying provider credentialing, clarifying enrollment calculations, and extending the time frame for adding health conditions for WTC responders. The act adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026 through 2090 and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the program's budget, including projected needs through 2090 and recommendations for changes to the funding formula. It also stipulates that remaining funds in the Supplemental Fund, Special Fund, and Pentagon-Shanksville Fund will revert to the Treasury.