Legislative Activity

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 Defense Workforce Integration Act of 2025 aims to streamline the transition of separating service members into civilian Department of Defense (DoD) roles, particularly for those medically disqualified from service. It also establishes a new program to connect medically ineligible individuals with career opportunities in the defense industrial base and related national security sectors. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Navy inform separating personnel about career opportunities within the Military Sealift Command. The DoD must report to Congress within one year on the implementation of these integration and information-sharing provisions.

The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for federal retirement purposes under both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This change adds specific IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and VA police roles to those eligible for enhanced retirement benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for current officers to elect to have their prior service counted under these new definitions, which may require a payment from the employee and their employing agency.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 aims to restrict the Palestine Liberation Organization's status within United Nations agencies to observer status or less. It also modifies existing law to limit the United States' status in UN organizations to something beyond mere observer status, but short of full membership. This Act explicitly states that its provisions do not apply to Taiwan.

The MEGOBARI Act expresses Congress's concern over Georgia's democratic backsliding and growing alignment with authoritarian states. It directs the Secretary of State to suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia demonstrates commitment to democratic principles and EU/NATO aspirations. Furthermore, the Act establishes a policy supporting Georgia's Western trajectory while mandating reports on Russian influence and authorizing targeted sanctions against officials undermining Georgian democracy or stability.

The Taiwan International Solidarity Act clarifies that UN Resolution 2758 does not determine Taiwan's status and affirms U.S. opposition to any change in Taiwan's status without its consent. The bill directs the U.S. government to actively advocate in international organizations against the People's Republic of China's (PRC) distortion of the "One China" position regarding Taiwan. Furthermore, it mandates encouraging allies to resist PRC efforts to undermine Taiwan's international partnerships and requires expanded reporting on these PRC actions.

The Economic Espionage Prevention Act addresses national security concerns stemming from foreign adversaries stealing U.S. trade secrets and supporting illicit military activities abroad. This bill mandates a report detailing China's role in supplying Russia's defense industry with critical components, including semiconductors. Furthermore, it grants the President authority to impose asset freezes and visa restrictions on foreign entities engaged in economic espionage or violating U.S. export controls.

This bill establishes a permanent advisory committee focused on studying and reporting on the severe financial market fallout that could result from Chinese military aggression toward Taiwan. The committee, composed of market experts and regulators, will advise the Financial Stability Oversight Council on potential economic vulnerabilities. The Council must then issue an annual public report detailing market risks, potential losses, and specific recommendations for regulators to fortify U.S. financial systems against such geopolitical shocks.

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 PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

This resolution expresses Congressional support for designating May 2025 as National Brain Tumor Awareness Month. The goal is to raise public awareness about the serious impact of brain tumors, which remain a leading cause of cancer death in children. By promoting awareness, the resolution encourages increased research and the development of better treatments for patients and their families.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 216 Cumberland Street in Rochester, New York, as the "Minister Franklin Florence Memorial Post Office". It ensures that all references to this facility in any legal or official documents of the United States will now reflect this new designation.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of investigations. It grants the Attorney General explicit authority to file civil actions seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day, and mandates that collected fines help cover temporary animal care costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a formal agreement for coordinated enforcement.

The Fairness for Victims of SNAP Skimming Act of 2025 mandates that states must replace the exact amount of Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits stolen from households. This legislation ensures that the replacement benefit amount precisely matches the value of the stolen funds. It simplifies and clarifies the process for compensating victims of EBT skimming.

The Canadian Snowbird Act creates a special visitor status for qualifying Canadian retirees, allowing them to stay in the U.S. for up to 240 days per year while maintaining their Canadian residency. This legislation also ensures that these Canadian visitors are treated as non-resident aliens for U.S. tax purposes, preventing them from being taxed like U.S. residents. The bill aims to simplify entry and tax obligations for long-term seasonal visitors from Canada.

This bill officially designates the memorial and museum currently under construction in Jacksonville, Florida, as the **National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum**. The legislation recognizes the museum's crucial role in honoring and educating the public about service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. To maintain this designation, the museum must submit a comprehensive operational report to Congress within 90 days of enactment. Failure to open satisfactorily within five years or submit the required report will result in the loss of this official federal title.

This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a research program focused on developing novel technologies to rapidly detect fentanyl vapor or particles. The Secretary of Energy must coordinate this research with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, as well as the Postal Service. The goal is to support rapid screening efforts in high-risk areas such as mail facilities, prisons, and U.S. borders.

This bill reauthorizes the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection program, ensuring its continued operation to gather historical documents related to unsolved civil rights investigations. It strengthens the Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board's authority to obtain and expedite the public release of federal, state, and local records, removing previous opt-out exceptions for state and local entities. Furthermore, the legislation extends the tenure of the Review Board from seven to eleven years to complete its review process.