Legislative Activity

The PLCAA Federal Jurisdiction Act allows firearm manufacturers, sellers, or trade associations to move civil lawsuits from state to federal court if they believe the case qualifies as a "qualified civil liability action." The federal court then determines if the case meets this definition and has the power to dismiss it.

The "Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act" permits the President to waive the requirement that Coast Guard vessels be built in U.S. shipyards under specific conditions. These conditions include national security interests, construction in NATO or mutual defense treaty countries within the Indo-Pacific region, and lower construction costs. The President must notify Congress 30 days before any contract is made under this exception. The Commandant must certify that the foreign shipyard is not owned or operated by a Chinese company or a multinational company based in China before construction can begin.

This joint resolution nullifies the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's rule regarding anti-money laundering regulations for residential real estate transfers. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents it from taking effect.

The Ensuring Naval Readiness Act allows the U.S. Navy to construct vessels in foreign shipyards under specific conditions to potentially reduce costs and enhance readiness. Construction in foreign shipyards is permitted only if they are located in a NATO member country or a country in the Indo-Pacific Region with a mutual defense treaty with the U.S., and if the construction cost is less than in a U.S. shipyard. The Act requires certification that the foreign shipyard is not owned or operated by a Chinese company or a multinational company based in China.

This resolution recognizes the historical significance and strategic importance of the Panama Canal to the United States, urging the acknowledgment of American contributions to its construction and its vital role in U.S. security and economic interests. It expresses concern over increasing Chinese influence in the Canal's operations and calls for the enforcement of the Neutrality Treaty to ensure the canal remains neutral. The resolution requests the U.S. government address Chinese-backed investments in Panama's port and canal operations as a potential violation of the Neutrality Treaty.

The "Knife Owners Protection Act of 2025" allows individuals to transport knives between locations where possession is legal, provided the knives are transported in locked containers and are not directly accessible. It protects individuals from arrest or detention for violating state or local knife laws while in transit, and allows legal action against states or localities that violate these protections. This bill does not limit existing state laws regarding knife possession, carry, or transport, nor does it change restrictions on air travel with knives.

The "SHUSH Act" seeks to deregulate firearm silencers by removing them from the definition of firearms under federal law, thus treating them as firearm accessories. It preempts state laws that impose taxes, marking, registration, or record-keeping on silencers, and removes silencers from regulation by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Act also eliminates additional penalties for using a firearm with a silencer during a crime and removes silencer restrictions for law enforcement officers.

The "Achieving Choice in Education Act" (ACE Act) expands the uses of 529 savings accounts to include K-12 expenses like homeschooling, increases the annual distribution limit for elementary and secondary expenses, and modifies gift tax exclusions for 529 plan contributions. Additionally, it restricts tax-exempt bonds to states that implement school choice laws, incentivizing states to adopt such programs by tying their bond status to specific school choice criteria and eligibility thresholds.

The "Abortion Is Not Health Care Act of 2025" amends the Internal Revenue Code to specify that expenses for abortions cannot be claimed as medical expense deductions. This restriction does not apply if the abortion is necessary to save the woman's life or if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. This change will be effective for taxable years beginning after the law is enacted.

The "Protecting Life in Health Savings Accounts Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the use of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Archer MSAs, health flexible spending arrangements, health reimbursement arrangements, and retiree health accounts for abortion expenses. Exceptions are made only in cases of rape, incest, or when the woman's life is in danger, as certified by a physician. These provisions generally take effect for taxable years starting after December 31, 2025, with some provisions also applying to expenses incurred after this date.

The "Protecting Life in Foreign Assistance Act" seeks to restrict federal funding to foreign and domestic organizations that perform or promote abortions, furnish abortion-related items, or support entities involved in such activities. It expands existing policies to include a broader range of organizations and activities, including counseling, lobbying, and training. The bill also requires domestic organizations receiving federal funds to maintain complete separation from abortion-related activities. The goal is to codify these restrictions to ensure consistent application across different presidential administrations.

The "Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act" requires congressional approval for the creation or expansion of any national monument. This bill aims to limit the President's authority over public lands by ensuring that any designation or expansion of national monuments must be authorized by Congress.

The "Restoring the First Amendment and Right to Peaceful Civil Disobedience Act of 2025" repeals federal prohibitions on obstructing access to clinic entrances. This repeal would apply retroactively, affecting ongoing or future prosecutions that began after the enactment of this act.

The "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act" (SAVE Act) aims to ensure that only U.S. citizens register to vote in federal elections by requiring documentary proof of citizenship during voter registration. It amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to include citizenship verification and mandates states to verify citizenship using various databases and federal information. The Act also establishes penalties for registering non-citizens and provides guidance for states to implement these changes.

The Historic Roadways Protection Act prohibits the Department of Interior from using federal funds to finalize or implement certain travel management plans in Utah until the Secretary of Interior certifies that all R. S. 2477 cases have been resolved. This prohibition applies to new travel management plans for specific areas, as well as the implementation of certain existing travel management plans, within the state. R. S. 2477 cases refer to legal disputes between Utah and the federal government regarding rights-of-way.

The America First Act seeks to restrict access to federal benefits and programs for certain non-citizens, including those with parole status, DACA recipients, asylum seekers, and those with temporary protected status. It modifies eligibility requirements for federal public benefits, healthcare, housing, education, and tax credits, and reduces funding for sanctuary jurisdictions. The bill also places restrictions on FEMA, Community Development Block Grants, and tax-exempt organizations regarding assistance to certain non-citizens. Additionally, it requires verification of citizenship for programs like Head Start, WIC, and school meals.