Legislative Activity

The Hearing Protection Act seeks to remove silencers from special regulation under federal tax law, treating them similarly to standard firearms components. This bill preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners and establishes new serial number marking requirements for manufacturers.

This resolution designates the week beginning February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role of TCUs in providing culturally relevant education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. TCUs serve over 230 federally recognized Indian Tribes by offering high-quality postsecondary education and workforce preparation. The resolution encourages the public to participate in activities and programs that support these institutions.

The Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act amends the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage for FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection (MCED) screening tests starting in 2028. This legislation establishes a formal coverage and payment framework for these innovative blood-based tests while ensuring they complement, rather than replace, existing cancer screening protocols.

The Homeowner Energy Freedom Act proposes the repeal of several federal high-efficiency electric home rebate programs established under Public Law 117-169. Additionally, the bill mandates the rescission of all unobligated funds previously allocated to these specific energy initiatives.

The A PLUS Act empowers states and local communities to take greater control of federal education funding by reducing administrative red tape and allowing for the consolidation of various programs. By opting into this flexibility, states can better tailor educational reforms to their specific needs while remaining publicly accountable for student achievement. The legislation ensures that states continue to uphold civil rights protections and provide transparent reporting on student progress to parents and taxpayers.

This resolution designates January 26 through February 1, 2025, as "National School Choice Week," recognizing the importance of diverse educational options (public, charter, magnet, private, online, and homeschooling). It emphasizes the role of parents in choosing the best educational environment for their children and encourages awareness of the benefits of school choice. The resolution supports celebrating educational choice and acknowledges the contributions of students, parents, teachers, and school leaders.

The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting. It empowers state attorneys general to sue the Department of Homeland Security or the Secretary of State if they believe the state or its residents are harmed by violations of immigration enforcement or visa granting. The bill aims to ensure that these aliens are detained throughout their removal proceedings and to provide states with legal recourse against perceived failures in federal immigration enforcement.

The Stop Illegal Reentry Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to significantly increase criminal penalties for foreign nationals who reenter the United States after being removed or deported. The bill establishes stricter sentencing guidelines, including mandatory minimum prison terms for individuals with prior aggravated felony convictions or repeated reentry offenses. Additionally, it expands the legal definition of "removal" to include departures agreed upon during criminal proceedings.

This resolution commemorates the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, urging Americans to remember the victims of the Holocaust and fight against antisemitism. It recognizes the historical significance of Auschwitz, where 1.1 million innocent civilians were murdered, and emphasizes the importance of Holocaust education to combat intolerance. The resolution also acknowledges the recent rise in antisemitic incidents and encourages the pursuit of tolerance, peace, and justice.

This concurrent resolution recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States. It acknowledges their extensive volunteer network and substantial charitable giving, which helps to meet various needs and support financial security. The resolution affirms that their tax-exempt status continues to benefit the country and that their work should be encouraged.

The Dignity for Aborted Children Act mandates that abortion providers offer patients the choice to take possession of fetal remains for burial or cremation. If the patient releases the remains to the provider, the provider is legally required to ensure the remains are interred or cremated within seven days. The bill also establishes federal reporting requirements and imposes significant civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance.

The Access to Pediatric Technologies Act of 2025 aims to improve patient care by streamlining the Medicare payment process for qualifying pediatric medical devices. The bill requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish national physician fee schedule payment rates for these devices upon a manufacturer's request. This initiative seeks to ensure that innovative, pediatric-specific technologies are more accessible to the patients who need them.

The "Stop Wasteful Advertising by the Government Act" (SWAG Act) prohibits federal agencies from using taxpayer funds to purchase promotional merchandise or create agency mascots. The bill mandates annual reporting on public relations spending to ensure fiscal responsibility while providing specific exceptions for recruitment, the census, and essential mission-related activities.

The Families’ Rights and Responsibilities Act establishes the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing, education, and health care of their children. It prohibits government entities from substantially burdening these rights unless they can demonstrate a compelling interest achieved through the least restrictive means. The bill also provides parents with the legal standing to challenge government interference in court and allows for the recovery of attorney's fees in successful cases.

The Unborn Child Support Act amends the Social Security Act to allow states to establish and enforce child support obligations for unborn children, beginning from the month of conception. Upon the mother's request and consent, biological fathers may be required to provide financial support, with payment amounts determined by a court in consultation with the mother. The legislation ensures these requirements remain mandatory for states, prohibiting any waivers that would bypass these enforcement duties.

The POLICE Act of 2025 makes non-citizens deportable if they are convicted of, or admit to, assaulting a law enforcement officer or first responder. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit and publish an annual report detailing the number of individuals deported under this provision.

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act makes the 20% pass-through business deduction permanent by removing its scheduled expiration date. This legislation ensures that owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations can continue to benefit from this tax relief indefinitely.

The Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2025 expands the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 12 to 24 nautical miles from the coast. This extension aligns U.S. law enforcement authority with international standards, providing agents more time and reach to intercept vessels attempting to violate customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act aims to reduce double taxation for residents of Taiwan and the U.S. by lowering withholding rates on cross-border income and establishing clear tax residency rules. Additionally, the bill authorizes the President to negotiate a formal tax agreement with Taiwan, ensuring congressional oversight and public transparency throughout the process. This legislation seeks to boost bilateral trade and investment while ensuring reciprocal tax benefits for both nations.

The Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2025 prohibits institutions of higher education from receiving federal funding if they host or are affiliated with campus clinics that provide abortions or abortion-inducing drugs. To remain eligible for federal support, institutions must submit annual certifications confirming their compliance with these restrictions. The bill also includes provisions to protect compliant institutions from conflicting state-level penalties.