Legislative Activity

This bill enacts a major internal reorganization of the Department of State by establishing a new Under Secretary for Management to centralize oversight of key operational functions. It creates dedicated Bureaus for areas like technology, administration, and consular affairs to streamline global support and logistics. The legislation also strengthens consular fraud prevention through enhanced data sharing and institutes new controls over foreign property acquisition in the U.S.

The Stop CMV Act of 2025 aims to establish a national framework for screening newborns for congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). This legislation authorizes federal funding for states to implement testing programs and improve data collection systems related to CMV. Furthermore, the bill mandates the expansion of research efforts through the NIH to improve CMV diagnostics, prevention, and treatment.

The Make America Healthy Again Act of 2025 officially codifies Executive Order 14212 into statutory law. This action transforms the existing executive order's rules and requirements into binding federal legislation. The bill ensures the provisions of the Executive Order have the full force and effect of law.

This bill, the **September 11 Day of Remembrance Act**, officially designates September 11th as a legal public holiday. This amendment updates federal law to recognize September 11th as the "September 11 Day of Remembrance," observed annually. Consequently, federal employees will observe this day as a recognized federal holiday.

The HEAL Act updates how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimburses veterans for using personal vehicles for appointments, aligning the mileage rate with the GSA standard. This legislation explicitly bans the VA from charging veterans any travel deductibles for necessary care. Furthermore, it expands the list of approved providers who can offer transportation services to veterans.

The Coordinated Counterterrorism Act updates U.S. policy to enhance antiterrorism assistance provided to foreign nations. This expansion explicitly includes support for intelligence and military capabilities, broadening the scope beyond traditional law enforcement aid. The legislation also clarifies that this assistance can involve crucial information sharing with U.S. agencies.

The Protecting Older Americans Act of 2025 amends federal law to address arbitration agreements concerning age discrimination disputes involving individuals aged 40 and older. This bill invalidates predispute arbitration agreements and joint-action waivers if the older individual chooses to pursue litigation under existing federal, tribal, or state law. Furthermore, courts, not arbitrators, are designated to decide the applicability, validity, and enforceability of these arbitration agreements for age discrimination claims.

The Safe Embassies Act requires the State Department to provide Congress with a detailed justification demonstrating the national security value of reopening any previously closed embassy or consulate. This amendment enhances congressional oversight of decisions related to restoring diplomatic posts.

The Transit Funding Flexibility Act amends federal law to allow Urbanized Area Formula grant funds to be used more flexibly for public transportation operating costs. It removes specific population-based restrictions on grant eligibility. Crucially, recipients must now annually certify they will maintain their local spending effort for federally funded equipment and facilities, or face a mandatory 13% reduction in future federal funding.

The Fentanyl Kills Act establishes a new federal definition for "trafficked fentanyl," encompassing the manufacture, distribution, and financing of illicit fentanyl and its precursors. Crucially, this bill automatically equates engaging in the defined fentanyl trafficking activities with the crime of attempted murder. This change subjects individuals involved in fentanyl trafficking to the severe penalties associated with attempted murder charges.

The Modernize Diplomatic Security Training Act mandates that certain Diplomatic Security special agents, particularly those in counterintelligence roles or serving in high-threat locations, must receive specialized counterintelligence training directly from the Department of State's Office of Counterintelligence. This legislation updates existing security laws to ensure critical personnel receive up-to-date, targeted training.

The Keeping Official Territories Eligible for Land-use Act (KOTEL Act) repeals Section 414 of the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986. This action removes an existing prohibition related to land use in official territories. The bill's purpose is to ensure these territories remain eligible for current land-use regulations.

The Giving Reservists A Valiant Eternity (GRAVE) Act expands eligibility for a government-provided headstone or grave marker from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This change specifically allows members of the Armed Forces Reserve components to receive this benefit, even if they do not meet the standard minimum active-duty service requirements. The bill ensures that qualifying reservists are honored with a marker regardless of their active-duty time.

The Secure Our Embassies Act emphasizes the critical need for enhanced security coordination among various State Department personnel responsible for protecting U.S. diplomatic missions abroad. It supports better integration between physical security, technology, and building operations staff to address complex threats. Furthermore, the bill mandates specific counterintelligence training for key security roles and requires the Secretary of State to report on plans to improve this coordination and training.

The Revitalizing America’s Housing Act is a comprehensive bill designed to increase housing supply and affordability through regulatory reform, local zoning incentives, and expanded tax benefits for homeowners and investors. It also introduces targeted assistance and improved housing access for public servants, veterans, and low-income families. Finally, the legislation enhances federal oversight, mandates greater agency transparency, and tightens standards for housing counseling services.

The Parity in Diplomatic Security Investigations Act aims to streamline official recording practices for Diplomatic Security (DS) special agents, aligning them with other federal law enforcement agencies. This bill delegates the authority to pre-approve recordings of official activities from the Secretary of State to the Assistant Secretary or Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security. This change is intended to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhance accountability in their investigations.

The MAMDANI Act mandates that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in collaboration with the USDA, conduct a comprehensive study on the potential market impacts of government-owned grocery stores. This study will analyze how public grocery operations affect competition, consumer choice, farmers, and the overall fairness of the retail food sector. The FTC is required to report its findings and recommendations to Congress one year after the study is complete, followed by annual updates.

The Responsive Counterterrorism Policy Act mandates the State Department's Bureau of Counterterrorism to develop specific, forward-looking written strategies for combating terrorism in high-threat regions. These plans must detail threats, set goals, and outline coordinated actions with U.S. and international partners. The strategies require annual review and must be used to guide funding and diplomatic efforts, with regular briefings provided to Congress.

The Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025 mandates a review of existing sanctions relief for the Commercial Bank of Syria and directs the Treasury Secretary to advocate for specific financial reforms concerning Syria at the IMF and World Bank. The bill also requires the Export-Import Bank to review its country limitations regarding Syria. Crucially, it significantly tightens the conditions under which sanctions related to the Caesar Act can be waived, replacing old requirements with nine strict criteria the Syrian government must meet.

The Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act expedites security assistance and defense sales to Middle Eastern and North African countries that have normalized relations with Israel and cooperate against Iranian threats. This process requires a shortened 15-day congressional notification period from the President for approved transfers. Furthermore, the State Department must submit regular, public reports detailing the security strategy, threat assessments, and progress in countering Iranian proxies. Crucially, the Act ensures that these provisions do not undermine Israel's qualitative military edge.