Legislative Activity

The Qualified Immunity Act of 2025 codifies existing legal protections for law enforcement officers, shielding them from individual liability when their conduct does not violate clearly established law. The bill further ensures that if an officer is found not liable under these standards while acting within the scope of their employment, their employing agency is also protected from liability.

The Equal COLA Act amends the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to ensure that retirees receive the full annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This legislation eliminates current discrepancies in calculation methods, providing federal annuitants with a COLA that matches the full percentage change in the price index.

The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act aims to reduce double taxation and encourage economic activity between the U.S. and Taiwan by lowering tax rates on certain income for Taiwanese residents and businesses in the U.S., contingent upon Taiwan offering reciprocal benefits to U.S. individuals and companies. Additionally, the United States-Taiwan Tax Agreement Authorization Act outlines the process for establishing a tax agreement with Taiwan, ensuring congressional oversight and adherence to existing U.S. tax laws, to further reduce double taxation.

The Supporting Transit Commutes Act allows employers to claim tax deductions for providing qualified transportation fringe benefits, such as transit passes, to their employees. This legislation aims to incentivize the use of public transit by making it more cost-effective for businesses to offer commuting support.

The SALT Deductibility Act aims to provide tax relief by repealing the current $10,000 federal cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions. This legislation would allow taxpayers to fully deduct their state and local tax payments from their federal income taxes starting in the 2025 tax year.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a $25 million grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. This initiative provides grants to eligible organizations to hire veteran peer specialists, offer 24/7 nonclinical support, and ensure veteran privacy by prohibiting the collection of personally identifying information.

The FAIR PREP Act of 2025 prohibits the IRS from developing or operating its own electronic tax preparation and filing services. The bill restricts the Treasury Secretary from preparing tax returns or refund claims, while explicitly protecting existing programs like IRS Free File and volunteer tax assistance services. Additionally, it prevents the use of federal funds for the development of new government-run tax preparation systems without explicit congressional authorization.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

The FORCE Act prohibits the President and the Secretary of State from removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. This restriction remains in effect until the administration certifies that Cuba has met the specific democratic and human rights requirements outlined in the LIBERTAD Act of 1996.

The Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025 mandates that the VA provide hospital care and medical services to veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities residing outside the United States. The bill also modernizes the reimbursement process by requiring direct deposit options and new mobile application features for document tracking and submission. Additionally, it requires the VA to report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these expanded services.

This bill establishes a formal U.S. policy to exclude the Russian Federation from the Group of Seven (G7) and opposes the reconstitution of the G8. It prohibits the use of federal funds to support or facilitate Russia’s participation in any G7 proceedings or the re-establishment of a G8 that includes Russia.

The Thin Blue Line Act amends federal law to designate the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as an aggravating factor in capital sentencing. This legislation ensures that when a jury considers the death penalty, they must take into account whether the victim was targeted due to their status as a public servant or while performing their official duties.

The TRUST in Congress Act requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children to place covered financial investments into qualified blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill establishes strict deadlines for asset transfers and mandates public certification of compliance. These measures ensure that lawmakers cannot influence or benefit from their personal investments while serving in office.

The "Make Greenland Great Again Act" authorizes the President to initiate negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to acquire Greenland for the United States. The bill establishes a formal process for congressional review, requiring any resulting acquisition agreement to be submitted to specific committees for a 60-day approval period.

The HEADWAY Act updates credentialing requirements for Early Head Start teachers to improve workforce accessibility while maintaining quality standards. The bill mandates that each classroom have at least one fully qualified teacher, while requiring all other staff to actively pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. To support this professional development, agencies are required to provide mentorship for teachers working toward their certifications.

The Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated grant program and emergency fund to support the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded sea turtles. By amending the Marine Mammal Protection Act, this legislation provides critical resources and standardized support for organizations dedicated to sea turtle conservation. The act ensures that both marine mammals and sea turtles have the necessary financial backing to respond effectively to stranding events.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 strengthens federal law to combat "swatting" by increasing criminal penalties for those who knowingly report false information to trigger emergency responses. The bill also establishes civil liability, requiring perpetrators to reimburse public safety agencies and organizations for the costs incurred during these emergency deployments.

The Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act prohibits Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependents from owning or trading individual stocks, commodities, and other specified financial instruments. To comply, covered individuals must divest these assets or place them into a qualified blind trust. The bill establishes strict oversight, reporting requirements, and civil penalties for non-compliance to prevent conflicts of interest.

This bill honors the life, achievements, and legacy of Jimmy Carter, recognizing his service as a naval officer, farmer, state senator, Governor, and President. It also acknowledges his post-presidency work promoting peace, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Center, as well as his dedication to Habitat for Humanity. The bill expresses condolences to his family upon his passing and celebrates his lasting impact as a leader and statesman.