Legislative Activity

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 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 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 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.

The Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization Act establishes a task force to address growing security concerns posed by China and North Korea in the region. Chaired by the Secretary of State, this group will study the feasibility of creating a formal collective security agreement among U.S. allies. The task force must deliver a report with recommendations on such a mutual defense pact within one year.

The VET PFAS Act expands healthcare and disability benefits for veterans and their families exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals, like PFOA, at contaminated military installations. It establishes a presumption of service connection for specific related illnesses, making it easier for veterans to receive disability compensation. Furthermore, the bill grants eligible family members access to VA medical care, contingent upon future appropriations. The VA is also required to report annually on the implementation and utilization of these new provisions for three years.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating July 3 through July 10, 2025, as "National Extreme Heat Awareness Week." The goal is to raise public awareness about the significant dangers and widespread risks extreme heat poses to public safety, infrastructure, and the economy. By establishing this week, Congress encourages nationwide education and preparedness efforts to mitigate heat-related illnesses and fatalities.

The PFAS–Free Procurement Act of 2025 prohibits the federal government from purchasing certain items containing harmful PFAS chemicals, specifically PFOS or PFOA. This ban applies to new or renewed contracts for covered items like stain-resistant furniture, cookware, and utensils. Agencies must prioritize procuring safer, PFAS-free alternatives when available.

The Gabriel Rosenberg Dyspraxia/DCD Coverage Act mandates a comprehensive study on how current health insurance plans cover treatments for Dyspraxia/DCD. The Comptroller General must report to Congress within one year, detailing coverage gaps across Medicare, Medicaid, federal programs, and private insurance. This study will specifically examine what treatments are covered, any age restrictions, and barriers to access. Ultimately, the Act seeks recommendations for improving coverage under all major insurance sectors.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The Paula Bohovesky and Joan D’Alessandro Act amends federal sentencing guidelines to ensure that convictions for sexual offenses against minors under 18 count toward specific sentencing enhancements. This change adjusts the rules under 18 U.S.C. § 3559(d)(1)(A) regarding when certain sentencing triggers are met. The goal is to strengthen how prior offenses against children impact current sentencing decisions.

The Home Run for Kids Act establishes a new federal tax credit for families purchasing necessary equipment for their dependent children participating in organized sports or hobby programs. This credit is capped at a maximum of $200 per year and begins to phase out for taxpayers with a Modified Adjusted Gross Income over $150,000. This provision is designed to help offset the costs associated with youth extracurricular activities.

The One Vote One Choice Act prohibits states from using ranked choice voting (RCV) in any election for federal offices, such as President or Congress. This legislation amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to establish a uniform voting standard for federal races nationwide. The ban on RCV takes effect immediately upon the law's enactment.

The District of Columbia One Vote One Choice Act prohibits the use of ranked choice voting (RCV) for any election held in the District of Columbia. This ban applies to all elections for public office, as well as any ballot initiatives or referendums. The bill amends federal election law to formally establish this prohibition within the Help America Vote Act of 2002.

The Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act prohibits colleges and universities receiving federal funding from allowing, supporting, or paying for any event on campus that promotes antisemitism. This legislation mandates the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism for enforcement. The goal is to ensure federally funded institutions do not host or endorse antisemitic activities.

The Service-Connected Suicide Compensation Act ensures that survivors of veterans who died by suicide receive dependency and indemnity compensation. This benefit is automatically provided if the veteran had a service-connected mental disorder. The Act establishes a direct link between service-connected mental health issues and eligibility for survivor benefits following a veteran's suicide.

The Affordable Loans for Students Act establishes a sweeping program to lower student debt burdens by automatically refinancing eligible federal loans held by the government to a fixed 2.0% interest rate. It also creates procedures for refinancing other federal loans into new Direct Consolidation Loans at the same low 2.0% rate, without origination fees. Furthermore, new federal student loans disbursed after the Act's enactment will also carry a fixed 2.0% interest rate.