Legislative Activity

The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act, or NO BAN Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination based on religion and national origin in nonimmigrant visas and immigration benefits. It limits the President's authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens, requiring specific justification, narrow tailoring, and congressional consultation. The Act also mandates reports on visa applicants and the impact of any suspensions or restrictions. Finally, it allows affected parties to sue the government if these regulations are not followed.

This resolution recognizes the critical role of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in advancing U.S. national security interests. It emphasizes USAID's importance in reducing global threats, promoting stability, addressing migration and extremism, and maintaining U.S. leadership against China. The resolution also references the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which requires USAID to consult with Congress on significant organizational changes.

The "Stop Arming Cartels Act of 2025" prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of .50 caliber rifles, with exceptions for government use and rifles lawfully possessed before the Act. It also creates an exception to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, allowing lawsuits against gun manufacturers or sellers who knowingly sell firearms in violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. Additionally, the bill prohibits firearm sales to significant foreign narcotics traffickers and includes rifles in multiple firearm sales reporting requirements.

The "Keep Our PACT Act" aims to increase funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) over the next decade. It mandates specific funding increases for these programs each year from 2026 to 2035, with the goal of fully funding IDEA at 40% of the national average per-pupil expenditure for students with disabilities by 2035. This bill designates these funding increases as emergency spending.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act seeks to ensure that foreign non-governmental organizations are eligible for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, regardless of the health or medical services they provide, as long as those services adhere to specific guidelines. It ensures that these organizations are not subject to more restrictive requirements for using non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying compared to U.S. non-governmental organizations.

This resolution supports the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to honor the heritage, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States. It acknowledges their diverse backgrounds, contributions to various sectors, and the discrimination many have faced. The resolution encourages public celebration of Muslim-American achievements and contributions to the country.

The "Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025" aims to prevent anti-competitive practices and promote transparency in pricing by regulating the use of pricing algorithms. It requires companies to report details about their pricing algorithms, prohibits algorithms from using nonpublic competitor data, and establishes legal assumptions for algorithmic price fixing. The Act also mandates disclosure of algorithm use to customers and employees and directs the FTC to study the impact of pricing algorithms on competition and consumers.

The WEATHER Act of 2025 directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop a single index insurance policy that protects farmers against income losses resulting from extreme weather events. This policy must be available nationwide and offer flexible coverage options, with priority given to small-scale and underserved producers. The goal is to provide timely financial assistance to farmers affected by severe weather, supporting the resilience of the agricultural sector. A report to Congress is required within one year detailing the research, development, and recommendations for the policy.

The "Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025" increases excise taxes on fuel used by private jets and eliminates certain air transportation excise tax exemptions. It establishes the "Funding to Support Clean Communities Trust Fund," which will be funded by the increased taxes and used for grants and activities that deploy air quality monitoring systems, improve public transit and passenger rail infrastructure near airports, and improve public transportation in disadvantaged communities. At least 50% of the funds must be used for projects in disadvantaged communities, prioritizing those most affected by air pollution.

The Handgun Permit to Purchase Act aims to reduce gun violence by providing grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes to develop, implement, and evaluate handgun purchaser licensing requirements. To be eligible for a grant, applicants must have a handgun purchaser licensing law that includes certain requirements such as the applicant being at least 21 years old, submitting to a background check, and reapplying for the license every 5 years or less. Grant funds must be used to improve the recipient's handgun purchaser licensing program. This act authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out this grant program.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making them eligible for federal services and benefits. It designates specific counties in North Carolina as the Tribe's service area and requires a needs assessment report to Congress. The Act also authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to take land into trust for the Tribe and addresses jurisdictional matters, while clarifying the application of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

The Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025 aims to strengthen antitrust enforcement by updating the Clayton Act to address harmful mergers and exclusionary conduct, enabling civil monetary penalties for Sherman Act violations, and increasing resources for antitrust enforcement agencies. The bill seeks to promote competition by revising standards for unlawful acquisitions, protecting whistleblowers who report anti-competitive behavior, and ensuring fair compensation for those harmed by antitrust violations. It also establishes new offices within the Federal Trade Commission to enhance market analysis and advocate for competition. Finally, the act increases funding for antitrust enforcement and ensures that collected fees are used to further these efforts.

The "Washington, D.C. Admission Act" outlines the process for admitting Washington, D.C., into the Union as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a Capital to serve as the seat of the U.S. Government. It addresses the transition of laws, governance, and federal responsibilities, ensuring continuity of services and representation for the residents of the new state. The Act also defines the boundaries of the new State and the Capital, and includes provisions for elections, federal property, and the establishment of a Statehood Transition Commission.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals to qualify for financial assistance. It also adjusts the premium tax credit calculation to provide more support based on income level. These changes aim to make health coverage more affordable for a broader range of Americans, starting in 2026.