Legislative Activity

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 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.

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 Cutting Passport Backlog Act extends the special hiring authority granted to the State Department for passport services. This extension provides an additional two years, totaling five years, for the department to hire necessary personnel to address the current passport application backlog.

The CROP for Farming Act updates existing conservation programs to explicitly include climate change mitigation as a primary focus. It expands the definition of a "conservation incentive" to cover issues like reducing nitrous oxide and methane emissions. Furthermore, the bill redefines successful conservation to include measurable reductions in greenhouse gases and increases in soil carbon storage.

The Protecting American Diplomats Act mandates that the Secretary of State conduct a comprehensive review of counterintelligence training for U.S. personnel serving in high-risk diplomatic posts. This review must detail the current training content, delivery methods, and identify any existing weaknesses in staff readiness. The resulting report, due within 120 days, must also propose specific improvements to strengthen the Department of State's counterintelligence defenses overseas.

The HALOS Act of 2025 modifies SEC Regulation D to create specific exceptions to the general solicitation ban for private capital raising. This allows qualifying companies to present investment opportunities at events sponsored by approved entities like universities or angel groups. Sponsors must adhere to strict rules regarding advertising, advice, and compensation to ensure compliance. This change focuses only on the presentation phase and does not alter the rules for the actual sale of securities.

The Streamline Emergency Care Act establishes a new federal grant program to help nonprofit hospitals improve the efficiency and operations of their emergency departments. These grants, capped at $500,000 per award, can be used for staffing, facility upgrades, and staff training. The goal is to modernize emergency care delivery and enhance patient throughput.

The LEAPS Act aims to promote energy efficiency in agricultural water pumping systems to save farmers money and reduce environmental impact. It mandates the USDA to provide farmers with information and an online tool to calculate potential savings from upgrading pumps, pipes, and related equipment. Furthermore, the bill ensures that energy-efficient system installations qualify for conservation program credits.

The HUD Accountability Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development must provide annual testimony to key Congressional committees. This testimony requires a comprehensive review of HUD's operations, including program performance, the condition of public housing, and FHA financial health. Furthermore, the Secretary must report on efforts to combat fraud, address the affordable housing shortage, and detail the Department's overall capacity to fulfill its mission.