Legislative Activity

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act addresses significant delays in obtaining death certificates for veterans who die from natural causes, often due to VA medical staff delays. This bill mandates that VA medical providers must certify a veteran's death within 48 hours or allow the local medical examiner to step in. Furthermore, the VA must annually report on its compliance with this new timely certification requirement.

The Cool Corridors Act of 2025 aims to combat extreme heat and improve transportation safety by funding the installation of green infrastructure, like trees, along walking, biking, and transit routes. This legislation reauthorizes and updates the Healthy Streets program to prioritize these cooling projects in the most vulnerable and underserved communities. The Act defines "cool corridors" and establishes clear criteria for demonstration projects focused on heat mitigation and long-term maintenance.

This bill mandates a comprehensive report from the Secretary of Defense detailing the current state and future potential of the U.S.-Greece security relationship. The report must specifically address basing rights, investments made under the 2021 Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement, and analyze options for expanding U.S. military presence in Greece. This oversight ensures Congress is fully informed about strategic cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The YALI Act of 2025 formally establishes and expands the Young African Leaders Initiative to invest in emerging African leaders across sub-Saharan Africa. This legislation mandates the creation of professional development, training, and networking opportunities focused on business, civic engagement, and public administration. The bill specifically supports the Mandela Washington Fellowship and requires the establishment of regional leadership centers and online networks to foster ongoing engagement and U.S.-Africa ties.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress regarding the unsolved, execution-style murders of U.S. citizens Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi in Serbia in 1999. Congress demands that the Serbian government prioritize investigating and prosecuting all individuals responsible for the brothers' deaths. Furthermore, the resolution states that Serbia's progress in achieving justice for the Bytyqi brothers will significantly impact the future U.S.-Serbia relationship.

This resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors the essential and dangerous work performed by these skilled professionals, especially their heroic efforts in restoring power after major disasters. The day serves to recognize their service and remember those who have lost their lives performing this vital work.

The Back the Blue Act of 2025 establishes new federal crimes and enhanced penalties for violence against law enforcement and judicial personnel, including murder and assault. It also tightens federal habeas corpus review for state convictions involving the murder of officers and clarifies firearm-carrying rights for qualified officers in federal facilities. Finally, the bill creates a grant program to foster better community-police relationships through trust-building initiatives and policy improvements.

This resolution officially commends Petty Officer 3d Class Scott Ruskan for his heroic actions during the devastating central Texas floods of July 2025. It specifically recognizes him for personally rescuing 165 individuals and coordinating triage efforts under hazardous conditions. Furthermore, the bill extends deep gratitude to all federal, state, and volunteer responders who risked their lives during this major natural disaster.

The Sanctions Lists Harmonization Act mandates that federal agencies quickly share information when adding individuals or entities to designated U.S. sanctions lists. Upon receiving notification, agencies must review and decide whether to add the subject to their own corresponding lists within strict timeframes. This process aims to ensure consistent and timely application of sanctions across the government. Agencies must also report their compliance with these new harmonization rules to Congress one year after enactment.

The Bunker Buster Act of 2025 expresses Congress's strong disapproval of Iran's escalating nuclear activities and regional aggression. The bill outlines a sense of Congress urging continued diplomatic pressure while ensuring Israel is prepared for contingencies should Iran pursue a nuclear weapon. To this end, it authorizes the President to provide specific military and infrastructure support to Israel upon request, provided national security interests are met. Crucially, this Act explicitly states it does not grant authority for the use of military force against Iran.

The Remembering Our Local Heroes Act establishes a new grant program, managed by the Secretary of the Interior, to support the building, repair, or maintenance of local memorials. This funding is available to local governments and nonprofits for structures honoring veterans, law enforcement, or firefighters. Recipients must secure matching funds for at least half of the project cost.

This resolution strongly condemns Russia for the abduction and forced "Russification" of Ukrainian children, highlighting these actions as grave violations of international law. It emphasizes that these children must be safely returned to Ukraine before any final peace agreement to end the war is considered. The document also underscores the heightened risks of trafficking, violence, and trauma faced by Ukrainian children due to the ongoing invasion.

The Iranian Campaign Medal Act establishes a new military decoration, the Iranian Campaign Medal, to recognize service members deployed in support of operations during the Iran-Israel War. This medal will be awarded by the Secretaries of the military branches upon approval of its design by the Secretary of Defense. Eligibility requires active duty service in a designated area or performing qualifying service related to the operation.

The Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to increase the number of mental health professionals in high-need school districts. This funding is specifically designed to help eligible agencies recruit, hire, and retain school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Grantees must demonstrate a plan to improve student-to-provider ratios and report annually on staffing improvements and provider retention.

This resolution strongly supports President Trump's decisive actions against Iran's nuclear program and affirms unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense. It justifies recent U.S. military action by citing Iran's state sponsorship of terrorism, regional aggression, and material support for the October 7th attacks. The bill advocates for a permanent end to Iran's nuclear ambitions through verifiable agreements backed by sustained pressure.

This bill significantly strengthens the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 by explicitly blocking time-based and procedural defenses that have previously prevented claims for Nazi-looted art from being heard on their merits. The changes ensure that courts must now focus on whether the art was actually stolen, regardless of when the claim is brought or the citizenship of the original owner. These improvements apply immediately to both pending and future lawsuits seeking the return of art expropriated during the Nazi era.

The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of State to designate foreign countries as "State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention" if they illegally hold U.S. citizens. This designation triggers mandatory reviews of diplomatic and legal tools to deter such actions. Furthermore, Congress must approve these designations for them to remain in effect beyond six months.

The Expanding Access to Lending Options Act directs the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to prioritize the safety and soundness of federally chartered credit unions. This legislation primarily amends the Federal Credit Union Act by extending the maximum holding period for certain real estate assets from 15 to 20 years. It also clarifies the eligibility language for property involved in these real estate loans.

The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a new federal crime specifically targeting individuals who knowingly defraud veterans or attempt to steal their federal benefits. This legislation creates enhanced penalties, including potential fines and imprisonment up to five years, for those convicted of such schemes. The Act ensures robust legal tools are in place to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their earned benefits.

This Act modernizes the existing international au pair program, recognizing its vital role in affordable childcare and cultural diplomacy. It clarifies that federal law exclusively governs the program, preventing conflicting state or local regulations. Furthermore, the bill mandates the State Department to update au pair stipends and educational allowances while ensuring the program remains affordable and flexible for families with non-traditional schedules.