Legislative Activity

The MARITIME Act establishes the official U.S. policy that rising sea levels must not diminish a nation's sovereignty or shrink its established maritime zones, such as fishing and economic areas. The law commits the U.S. to supporting international efforts, particularly those by Pacific island nations, to officially map and secure their coastlines under existing international law. Furthermore, it mandates the Secretary of State to report on diplomatic efforts to encourage other nations to adopt this protective stance.

This resolution condemns the international practice of using "flags of convenience," where ships are registered in countries with lax regulations to avoid U.S. laws and standards. Congress asserts that this practice undermines national security by weakening the U.S. merchant marine fleet and enables illegal activities like illicit trafficking and environmental harm. The bill strongly supports the U.S. maritime industry while calling on international bodies to enforce higher global labor and safety standards for shipping.

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act aims to significantly improve how the military informs service members and their families about available relocation assistance programs before a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). This bill mandates the delivery of comprehensive, accessible information packets covering housing, education (including school enrollment rules), and mental health support at least 45 days prior to a move. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Defense to report annually to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these new information delivery standards.

The Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act establishes a Center of Expertise for Indo-Pacific Maritime Governance to enhance regional training and cooperation. It mandates the Coast Guard to produce an annual operational plan and budget specifically for Pacific activities, aligning with State and Defense goals. Furthermore, the bill requires several key reports assessing the feasibility of a standing maritime group, the need for forward operating bases, and the expansion of Coast Guard diplomatic attaché presence in the region.

The Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act extends the life of the Historic Preservation Fund through the year 2035. This legislation also increases the maximum annual funding available for the program from \$150 million to \$250 million. Essentially, this bill ensures continued and increased financial support for preserving historic sites across the nation.

The Pacific Partnership Act formally establishes the U.S. commitment to strengthening its comprehensive policy toward the Pacific Islands region, emphasizing peace, security, and prosperity. It mandates the President to develop and submit a detailed "Strategy for Pacific Partnership" to Congress by 2026 and 2030, outlining diplomatic, economic, and security goals. Furthermore, the bill enhances coordination with allies on aid delivery and grants the Pacific Islands Forum diplomatic immunities. Finally, it requires enhanced reporting from the State Department on transnational issues affecting the region.

The Air Traffic Control Workforce Development Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the air traffic control pipeline by improving the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program and establishing new grants for participating colleges. The bill also funds new training equipment and creates financial incentives to both encourage trainees to complete their certification and retain experienced controllers. Finally, it mandates improvements to mental health support for controllers and requires a report on the future of airport radar safety systems.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The MIL FMLA Act significantly expands existing family and medical leave protections under the FMLA for military families and veterans. It broadens the definition of covered family relationships to include domestic partners and other close relations when caring for a service member. The bill establishes a new entitlement of up to 26 workweeks of leave for caring for a covered service member or for a service member's own serious service-related injury or illness. These changes also apply to federal civilian employees, updating definitions and leave entitlements within Title 5 of the U.S. Code.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It highlights the significant historical contributions of these communities to the United States, while also acknowledging past hardships and ongoing challenges. The bill encourages the nation to observe this month to appreciate the diversity and strength AANHPI individuals bring to the country.

The Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025 amends the Lacey Act to prohibit the importation, sale, breeding, and possession of most nonhuman primates across state lines. This sweeping ban includes species like monkeys and lemurs, with limited exceptions for registered research facilities and existing owners who register their animals promptly. The law establishes immediate prohibitions, even before the Secretary of the Interior finalizes all associated regulations.

The Business over Ballots Act reaffirms that the Small Business Administration's (SBA) primary mission is solely to support small businesses. This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from engaging in or facilitating voter registration activities. Furthermore, it mandates that all new contracts and existing assistance agreements must restrict recipients from using SBA funds for voter registration efforts.

This resolution formally expresses the U.S. Congress's unwavering stance demanding that North Korea immediately resolve the long-standing issue of abducted Japanese citizens. It calls upon North Korea to return all foreign nationals, provide information on the deceased, offer restitution to the families, and issue a full apology. The bill emphasizes that these abductions are a grave violation of fundamental human rights and international law.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" to celebrate the vital role of over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. It recognizes these institutions for providing accessible, affordable higher education and critical workforce training. The bill highlights their significant economic contributions and commitment to local community needs.

The Bolstering Research And Innovation Now (BRAIN) Act aims to significantly advance the fight against brain tumors by increasing research funding and improving patient access to care. This legislation establishes new networks for glioblastoma research, creates a public database for tracking biospecimens, and launches a national awareness campaign about clinical trials. Furthermore, the Act funds pilot programs to improve long-term care for survivors and directs the FDA to ensure brain tumor patients are not unfairly excluded from relevant clinical trials.

The Deliver for Veterans Act updates how the Department of Veterans Affairs supports eligible veterans by authorizing the VA to cover the full shipping costs for adaptive vehicles, in addition to the purchase price. This legislation also extends the expiration date for a specific limitation on certain veteran pension payments from late 2031 to March 2032.

The No Tax on Bonuses Act of 2025 makes certain enlistment and reenlistment bonuses paid to members of the Armed Forces exempt from federal income tax. This exclusion applies to bonuses received for extending service, accepting commissions, or enlisting/reenlisting in active duty or reserve components. This change ensures that specific military incentive pay is not counted as gross income for federal tax purposes.

This resolution formally recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in 2025. Congress is honoring the Corps' long history, core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and its consistent readiness to defend the nation. The bill encourages the public to join in celebrating this significant milestone and acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all Marines.

This bill establishes the voluntary Congressional Fitness Challenge, a national program designed to promote physical fitness among eligible participants aged 6 to 17. The Challenge requires participants to complete five specific fitness tests, with performance benchmarks set based on age and gender. Successful participants who meet performance goals will receive official recognition certificates signed by Congressional leadership. The legislation also outlines administrative rules for testing, data collection, and allows lawmakers to use office funds for related activities.

This bill amends Title 49 of the U.S. Code to update eligibility requirements for Essential Air Service programs. Specifically, it expands the existing provisions currently applying to Alaska and Hawaii to now explicitly include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This ensures these territories receive the same consideration under relevant federal air service regulations.