Legislative Activity

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 targets the increasing threat posed by organized theft groups impacting retail and the national supply chain. This bill strengthens federal law by expanding money laundering statutes and lowering thresholds for property crimes related to theft. Crucially, it establishes a new federal coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations to align efforts across all levels of law enforcement and the private sector to combat these cross-jurisdictional crimes.

The Main Street Capital Access Act is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize community banking by making it easier to start new banks, tailoring regulations to the size of financial institutions, and increasing transparency in bank supervision. It introduces regulatory relief for smaller banks, streamlines the application process, and reforms how bank failures are resolved to promote competition. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to reduce regulatory burdens and foster a more diverse and accessible financial system.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

The "Equal Representation Act" mandates the inclusion of a citizenship status question on the 2030 census and all future censuses. It requires the Secretary to report the number of citizens and non-citizens in each state. It also changes the way congressional districts are calculated by excluding non-citizens from the population count used for apportionment.

This act, the Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act, amends federal law to exempt specific less-than-lethal projectile devices from existing firearm restrictions. It clarifies that these devices, designed to avoid serious injury and firing projectiles below a certain velocity, are not classified as firearms under federal statute. This change aims to facilitate the adoption of non-lethal tools by law enforcement.

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.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. It condemns political violence and calls upon all Americans to reject extremism in favor of civil debate. The bill expresses deep sympathy to his family and urges a renewal of commitment to the values of faith, family, and freedom he championed.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

This resolution formally honors the victims of Hurricane Helene one year after the storm devastated western North Carolina. It expresses deep condolences to the affected communities and recognizes the heroic efforts of first responders and volunteers. Furthermore, the resolution affirms Congress's commitment to supporting ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the region.

The Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025 significantly increases penalties for non-citizens who enter the U.S. illegally and subsequently commit crimes, imposing mandatory minimum sentences. This legislation also raises the maximum penalty for initial illegal entry and establishes much harsher prison terms for individuals who reenter the country after being previously removed or deported. These enhanced penalties include mandatory minimums of 10 years for repeat offenders or those with prior serious criminal convictions.

This resolution condemns the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and extends condolences to his family. It honors his life and legacy, recognizing his founding of Turning Point USA and his commitment to encouraging civil discourse on college campuses.

The Mental Health in Aviation Act of 2025 directs the FAA to update regulations to encourage aviation workers to seek mental health support without fear of stigma. The bill mandates annual reviews of the medical clearance process and allocates funding to hire more Aviation Medical Examiners. Furthermore, it requires the FAA to implement recommendations from a recent mental health task force and launch a public awareness campaign to reduce stigma.

The PRICE Act, or Protect and Respect ICE Act, aims to increase penalties for individuals who assault, resist, or impede officers or employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This legislation specifically doubles the maximum jail time and corresponding fines for committing such offenses against ICE staff.

This bill amends federal law to explicitly include violations related to rioting within the definition of "racketeering activity." By adding this specific crime to the list under Title 18, Section 1961(1), the legislation makes participation in such activities subject to serious federal racketeering charges. This change treats rioting violations similarly to other established offenses like bribery or extortion for the purposes of federal prosecution.

The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act aims to revoke the federal charter granted to the National Education Association (NEA). This legislation specifically repeals the section of U.S. Code that provides the NEA with its official federal recognition status. In essence, the bill removes the legal standing previously conferred upon the NEA by Congress.

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act addresses significant delays in obtaining death certificates for veterans who die from natural causes, often due to VA medical staff delays. This bill mandates that VA medical providers must certify a veteran's death within 48 hours or allow the local medical examiner to step in. Furthermore, the VA must annually report on its compliance with this new timely certification requirement.

The Black Vulture Relief Act authorizes livestock producers and their employees to take action against black vultures that pose an imminent threat to their livestock. This permission overrides certain existing regulations but strictly prohibits the use of poison. Those who take vultures under this authority must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once the required reporting form is made available.

The SAMS Act of 2025 codifies several previous Executive Orders into permanent law, specifically focusing on policies related to critical minerals. This action elevates existing presidential directives concerning these vital resources to the full force and effect of statutory law. The bill ensures the long-term legal standing of established critical mineral supply chain strategies.