Legislative Activity

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025, or LIT Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by removing regulations and definitions related to general service incandescent lamps. This bill would eliminate energy conservation standards and specific rules for these types of light bulbs, effectively deregulating their production and sale. The Act terminates specific rules from the Department of Energy related to these lamps.

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 amends the Energy Act of 2020, updating the definition of critical minerals to include critical materials designated by the Secretary of Energy. This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to update the list of critical minerals within 45 days of a new critical material designation.

The "University of Utah Research Park Act" confirms that the University of Utah's use of approximately 593.54 acres of land for a research park and related activities constitutes a valid public purpose under the Act of June 14, 1926. This validation applies to the land described in a 1970 letter from the Secretary of the Interior and any subsequent modifications approved by the Department of the Interior. The land was originally conveyed to the University of Utah under patent numbered 43990012, dated October 18, 1968.

This bill repeals the Open Meetings Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. The repeal effectively reverses any changes made by the Act, restoring previous regulations and laws to their original form.

The Aid Accountability Act of 2025 amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to establish penalties for federal employees and recipients of federal funds who violate aid allocation requirements. Federal employees who knowingly violate the requirements will be terminated, barred from future federal employment, and held financially liable. Grantees and contractors who violate the requirements will be barred from receiving future federal funds. The Secretary of State will make the final determination on violations and report to Congress.

The "Fairness for Stay-at-Home Parents Act" amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, allowing employees who take leave for the birth of a child to not return to work without being penalized. It specifically prevents employers from recovering health insurance premiums paid during the leave period if the employee chooses to stay home following the birth of their child. The Act mandates employers inform employees of this provision when they take leave for the birth of a child.

The "No Union Time on the Taxpayer's Dime Act" prohibits federal employees from conducting union activities during paid work hours. This bill amends existing law to ensure that all labor organization business is performed only when the employee is in a non-duty status, effectively eliminating "official time" for union-related work.

The SHIELD U Act authorizes counter-drone measures at commercial airports and by state and local law enforcement to detect, identify, and mitigate drone threats, requiring consultation with federal agencies and adherence to the Fourth Amendment. It enables research, testing, and training on counter-drone equipment, including electronic equipment, and mandates the creation of emergency action plans and tactical response plans for drone threats. The Act also allows specific federal departments to enter into contracts for protecting facilities from unmanned aircraft and develops training curricula for law enforcement on counter-drone activities.

The Drone Integration and Zoning Act aims to integrate drone operations into the national airspace while preserving state, local, and tribal authority. It updates the definition of navigable airspace, designates airspace for drone use, and allows local governments to regulate drone take-off and landing zones. The Act also addresses commercial drone operations, airspace management, safety standards, and clarifies the balance between federal and local control over drone activities.

The "Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2025" nullifies specific Department of Housing and Urban Development rules and notices related to fair housing. It prevents federal funds from being used to create databases on community racial disparities or affordable housing access. The Act also mandates the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to consult with state and local officials to develop Fair Housing Act recommendations and produce a public report.

The "Abolish TSA Act of 2025" aims to eliminate the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within three years, transferring its functions to private companies and other government entities. It mandates a reorganization plan to be submitted to Congress, outlining the transfer of aviation security activities to private screening companies and surface transportation responsibilities to the Department of Transportation. The Act also establishes a process for Congressional review and approval of the reorganization plan, ensuring a structured transition of security operations. This bill seeks to increase cost-efficiency and security by privatizing commercial airport security and streamlining oversight.

The SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act of 2025 aims to improve poverty measurement by collecting more detailed data and refining the valuation of government benefits. Additionally, the bill modifies the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by tightening eligibility requirements, increasing state financial contributions, enhancing fraud prevention measures, and improving program oversight. These changes include raising the upper age limit for work requirements, limiting eligibility to families meeting specific financial need criteria, and mandating cooperation with fraud investigations. The bill also empowers states to combat fraud and misuse of SNAP benefits at the retail level.

The "Working Families Flexibility Act of 2025" amends the Fair Labor Standards Act, allowing private-sector employees to choose compensatory time off instead of overtime pay, under certain conditions like a pre-work agreement and a cap of 160 hours accrued. The Act requires employers to compensate employees for unused time and prohibits coercion regarding the choice of compensatory time. The Secretary of Labor must update employee notices, and the Comptroller General will report to Congress on the use and impact of compensatory time. This act will automatically terminate 5 years after it becomes law.

This joint resolution nullifies the Internal Revenue Service's rule on the Section 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit and Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Credit. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents it from taking effect.

The "Restraining Judicial Insurrectionist Act of 2025" modifies procedures for civil actions against the executive branch. It mandates a three-judge panel for cases seeking to restrain executive actions or presidential executive orders. This panel would be randomly selected by the Chief Justice, and requires a majority vote to grant any injunctive relief.

The "Stop CARB Act of 2025" prevents California and other states from setting their own emission standards for nonroad vehicles and engines used in sectors like construction, agriculture, and rail. This bill eliminates existing and denies any pending waivers that allow states to exceed federal emission standards. By amending the Clean Air Act, the bill ensures that only the federal government can regulate emissions for these types of vehicles and engines. Additionally, the bill repeals the ability for states to adopt California's stricter emission standards for new motor vehicles.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President, with Senate approval, to appoint the Chief of the Forest Service. Appointees must have significant experience in forest and natural resources management. The President must submit a nomination within 30 days of the bill's enactment.

The "One Agency Act" aims to consolidate federal antitrust enforcement by transferring the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust powers, staff, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This transfer seeks to eliminate overlapping enforcement, reduce taxpayer costs, and provide more regulatory certainty for businesses. The Attorney General will oversee the transition, manage ongoing cases, and have the authority to modify or rescind agreements and rules related to antitrust enforcement. The FTC will no longer have the authority to start new investigations or enforcement actions related to antitrust laws without the Attorney General's approval.

The Advertising Middlemen Endangering Rigorous Internet Competition Accountability Act (or AMERICA Act) amends the Clayton Act to address competition and transparency in digital advertising. It prohibits companies with over $20 billion in digital advertising revenue from owning multiple parts of the advertising ecosystem (e.g., both a buy-side and sell-side brokerage) to prevent conflicts of interest. It also sets requirements for companies with over $5 billion in digital advertising revenue, including acting in the best interest of customers, providing transparency, and ensuring fair access to advertising exchanges. The Act grants the Attorney General and State attorneys general the power to enforce these provisions, including requiring divestitures and creating a private right of action for harmed parties.

The "LIBERATE Act" establishes a Regulatory Oversight and Review Task Force to evaluate and recommend changes to federal regulations that inhibit competition, burden businesses, or impact energy production. The task force, composed of both government officials and private sector experts, will solicit public input, conduct outreach, and submit regular reports to Congress with recommendations for regulatory changes. Congress will then have an expedited process to consider repealing the identified regulations. The task force will utilize existing funds from the Office of Management and Budget.