Legislative Activity

The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act updates federal law by establishing a specific, three-part test to define "obscene" visual content, focusing on prurient interest and lack of serious value. This legislation clarifies the standard for obscenity in pictures and graphic files across interstate communications. Additionally, it makes technical adjustments to existing communication laws, including changes regarding harassing phone calls.

The Liberating Incandescent Technology Act of 2025 (LIT Act) primarily makes technical updates to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act concerning general service lamps. This involves renumbering definitions and updating cross-references throughout the relevant sections of the law. The bill also officially cancels several previous Department of Energy rules related to energy conservation standards for these lamps.

The App Store Accountability Act establishes new federal rules for large app stores and developers regarding user age verification and parental consent. It mandates that covered app stores must accurately determine user age and secure verifiable parental consent for minors before they can access or download apps. The law grants the FTC enforcement authority and allows states to sue violators, while providing developers a safe harbor if they rely on the age data provided by the app store.

The Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2025 expands the legal definition of "critical minerals" to explicitly include materials previously designated as "critical materials" by the Secretary of Energy. This legislation mandates the Secretary to promptly update the official list of critical minerals upon such a designation. The goal is to ensure consistency in how these vital resources are legally defined and tracked.

This bill proposes to repeal the Open Meetings Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. By striking down this temporary law, the legislation restores the previous rules regarding open meetings exactly as they were before the 2025 emergency amendment was enacted.

The Fairness for Stay-at-Home Parents Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to clarify rules regarding intermittent leave for the birth of a child. It also establishes a new requirement for employers to notify employees taking birth-related FMLA leave that they may not be required to repay health insurance premiums if they choose not to return to work. This legislation aims to provide greater clarity and protection for parents utilizing FMLA after welcoming a new child.

The Aid Accountability Act of 2025 establishes strict penalties for violations related to the proper use of foreign assistance funds. Federal employees who knowingly violate these rules face termination and permanent ineligibility for future government employment, in addition to restitution. Recipients of federal funds found in violation will be barred from receiving future federal funding. The Secretary of State is responsible for determining violations and reporting final decisions to Congress within 60 days.

The No Union Time on the Taxpayer's Dime Act prohibits federal employees from using paid work hours to conduct any union business or activities. This legislation eliminates the practice of "official time" for labor organization duties, requiring employees to perform all union-related work outside of their scheduled duty hours.

The Drone Integration and Zoning Act updates federal airspace rules by redefining the lowest altitude zones, clarifying the FAA's authority, and explicitly preserving significant regulatory power for state, local, and Tribal governments over low-altitude drone operations and physical take-off/landing sites. The legislation also streamlines rules for commercial drone delivery services and mandates greater local government involvement in future drone traffic management planning. Ultimately, this Act seeks to balance federal airspace management with local control over property rights and community safety concerns near the ground.

The SHIELD U Act grants authorized federal, state, and local agencies the power to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones posing a threat to commercial airports and public safety. It establishes protocols for testing and deploying counter-drone technology, including electronic jamming equipment, in coordination with the FCC and NTIA. Furthermore, the bill mandates that commercial airports develop comprehensive tactical response plans for drone threats and authorizes federal agencies to contract for drone defense services. This legislation aims to enhance security against dangerous unmanned aircraft while respecting constitutional rights and preserving traditional police powers.

The Abolish TSA Act of 2025 mandates the complete termination of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within three years of enactment. This legislation requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to privatize all commercial airport security operations and transfer TSA's surface transportation functions to the Department of Transportation. A reorganization plan must be submitted to Congress within 90 days, establishing a new Office of Aviation Security Oversight within the FAA to regulate security standards. Congress will utilize a fast-tracked joint resolution process to approve this reorganization plan.

The Local Zoning Decisions Protection Act of 2025 voids specific past and proposed HUD rules related to "Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing" (AFFH). The bill prohibits the use of federal funds for creating or maintaining federal databases that map racial or housing disparities. Finally, it mandates a consultation process between HUD and local officials to develop recommendations on meeting Fair Housing Act goals without new federal regulations.

The SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how the U.S. measures poverty by incorporating the value of non-cash federal benefits into a new, more comprehensive calculation. Additionally, the bill significantly tightens work requirements for SNAP recipients, increases the financial responsibility of states for program administration, and imposes stricter penalties for retailer fraud. These combined measures seek to promote self-sufficiency while providing a clearer picture of economic need across the country.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a recent rule issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) concerning the Section 45Y Clean Electricity Production Credit and the Section 48E Clean Electricity Investment Credit. Congress is effectively rejecting the specific guidance the IRS published regarding these clean energy tax incentives. If passed, this action would prevent the new IRS rule from taking effect.

The Working Families Flexibility Act of 2025 allows private-sector employees to voluntarily choose paid compensatory time off instead of overtime wages, provided certain conditions are met. This option is subject to accrual limits, mandatory payouts for unused time, and specific employer notice requirements. The bill also establishes new penalties for employers who mismanage this compensatory time and mandates a five-year sunset provision.

The Restraining Judicial Insurrectionist Act of 2025 establishes special procedures for lawsuits challenging executive branch actions. When a lawsuit seeks to block a major executive or presidential order, a special three-judge panel must be convened instead of a single judge. This panel requires a majority vote to issue any temporary or permanent injunction against the executive branch.

The Stop CARB Act of 2025 aims to centralize federal control over emission standards for off-road engines and vehicles by immediately repealing all state authority to set or enforce their own rules in this area. This legislation also eliminates the ability for other states to adopt California's stricter new motor vehicle emission standards. In essence, the bill strips states of their power to create pollution regulations that exceed federal requirements for specific engine types and vehicles.

The One Agency Act consolidates federal antitrust enforcement authority entirely within the Department of Justice (DOJ), eliminating the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) role in this area. This restructuring transfers all FTC antitrust functions, personnel, and assets to the DOJ's Antitrust Division to streamline enforcement and reduce redundancy. The bill makes extensive technical amendments across various laws to replace FTC references with the Attorney General. All changes take effect at the start of the first full fiscal year beginning at least 90 days after enactment.

The AMERICA Act aims to increase transparency and competition in the digital advertising market by imposing strict ownership separation requirements on large industry players. It establishes new fiduciary duties for digital advertising brokers, requiring them to act in their customers' best interests and provide detailed execution data upon request. The bill also mandates public routing disclosures and grants the Attorney General enforcement power, including the ability to seek damages and oversee required divestitures.

The Forest Service Accountability Act requires the President to nominate the Chief of the Forest Service, subject to Senate confirmation. Nominees must possess significant experience in forest and natural resource management. Furthermore, the nomination must be jointly referred to both the Senate Agriculture and Energy Committees for review.