Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses strong support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It highlights the devastating scale of gun violence in the U.S., recognizing the thousands of annual deaths and injuries across all demographics. The bill encourages Americans to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote increased awareness and community action regarding gun safety.

The Justice for America’s Veterans and Survivors Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) submit an annual report detailing the causes of death among veterans. This report must specifically identify veterans with totally disabling service-connected disabilities and note any deaths by suicide linked to those conditions. The goal is to provide Congress with comprehensive data on veteran mortality trends.

The Nuclear First-Strike Security Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of federal funds to initiate a nuclear attack. Under this Act, a first-use nuclear strike requires a presidential determination that it is in the U.S. best interest, followed by a mandatory seven-day notification to top Congressional leaders. This notification requirement is waived only in cases of a formal declaration of war, a prior nuclear attack on the U.S. or an ally, or during a confirmed launch-on-warning scenario.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory, public code of conduct and a formal complaint process for Supreme Court Justices, modeled after procedures for lower federal judges. The bill also institutes stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and financial ties, and mandates judicial disqualification in cases involving recent lobbying contact or significant financial relationships with involved parties. Furthermore, it creates new review panels for disqualification motions and requires parties and *amici* to disclose financial supporters connected to the case.

The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act mandates an independent review of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) forms sent to claimants to ensure they are clear and easy to understand. The VA Secretary must hire an outside entity to assess these forms and implement recommendations for improvement within a set timeline. Additionally, this bill slightly extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 clarifies that medically necessary automobile adaptations for veterans are officially covered under Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical services. This ensures essential vehicle modifications for safe driving and mobility are recognized as part of veteran medical benefits. Additionally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The CHIP IN for Veterans Act of 2025 expands and extends a pilot program allowing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept donated facilities and related improvements. This expansion broadens acceptable donations to include minor construction or nonrecurring maintenance projects. Furthermore, the bill extends the operational deadline for this valuable pilot program from 2026 to 2031.

The Protecting Our Constitution and Communities Act aims to reassert Congress's exclusive constitutional authority over federal spending by clarifying that the President cannot unilaterally withhold appropriated funds. It strengthens the Comptroller General's oversight role and establishes new legal avenues for private citizens and governments to sue for damages if funds are improperly impounded. Furthermore, the bill tightens the definition of budgetary "contingencies" and ensures that judicial review of these spending disputes remains robust.

The Historic Preservation Fund Reauthorization Act extends the life of the Historic Preservation Fund through the year 2035. This legislation also increases the maximum annual funding available for the program from \$150 million to \$250 million. Essentially, this bill ensures continued and increased financial support for preserving historic sites across the nation.

The SERVICE Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program to create specialized Veterans Response Teams within local law enforcement agencies through federal grants. These teams will focus on improving interactions between law enforcement and veterans in crisis by fostering collaboration with the VA and providing specialized training. The teams will also establish 24/7 volunteer response networks and track outcomes to better serve the veteran community.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It highlights the significant historical contributions of these communities to the United States, while also acknowledging past hardships and ongoing challenges. The bill encourages the nation to observe this month to appreciate the diversity and strength AANHPI individuals bring to the country.

Violet's Law mandates that federal research facilities establish procedures to place retired research animals, including dogs, cats, and primates, into new homes. These facilities must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act standards and ensure animals are certified healthy by a veterinarian before adoption. Eligible placements include registered animal rescue organizations, sanctuaries, shelters, or private individuals.

The HOME Act of 2025 aims to combat the affordable housing crisis by prohibiting price gouging on rentals and sales during officially declared crisis periods. It mandates investigations into housing market manipulation, including excessive purchases by large investors, and establishes a new HUD unit to monitor and enforce fair housing practices. Furthermore, the bill directs regulators to set standards for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investments to protect renters from unfair rent hikes and requires a review of anti-competitive behavior in housing markets.

The ACES Act mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to investigate the prevalence and mortality rates of various cancers among active duty fixed-wing aircraft crew members due to potential service-related exposures. This legislation also extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veteran pension payments by one month. The study will analyze specific cancer types and utilize data from the VA, DoD, and other federal sources.

The Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act establishes a new task force to address U.S. national security risks stemming from heavy reliance on foreign nations, particularly China, for critical minerals. This group will assess supply chain vulnerabilities and develop recommendations to boost domestic production, processing, and recycling capabilities. The Act mandates coordination across federal agencies, state and tribal governments, and industry to secure resilient mineral supplies.

The Building Advanced Semiconductors Investment Credit Act (BASIC ACT) significantly boosts incentives for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. This bill increases the investment tax credit rate for advanced manufacturing from 25 percent to 35 percent. Furthermore, it extends the period during which this enhanced credit can be claimed, pushing the deadline from 2026 to December 31, 2030.

The SALUTE Act establishes a pilot program to allow certain active-duty service members and their dependents to purchase supplemental private insurance for uncovered cancer-related medical expenses. This optional coverage will be offered through agreements with selected insurance companies, with participants paying the full premium cost. The Department of Defense must report on the program's success after three years to determine if it should become permanent.

The Honoring our K9 Heroes Act establishes a new grant program administered by the Department of Homeland Security to help cover medical expenses for retired Federal working dogs. Eligible non-profit organizations with a history of supporting these retired K9s can apply for funding. This initiative is authorized with $1 million annually from Fiscal Year 2026 through 2030 to support dogs living with their former handlers.

The Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost employee ownership in S corporations through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The bill extends key tax deferral benefits for stock sales to ESOPs and removes a major restriction on this tax treatment. Furthermore, it establishes new government offices and an Advocate for Employee Ownership to provide technical assistance and resolve disputes, while ensuring ESOP-owned businesses retain small business status for federal programs.