Legislative Activity

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act updates the Highway Safety Improvement Program to prioritize and increase federal funding for projects that protect cyclists and pedestrians. This legislation explicitly expands eligible safety projects to include connecting existing bike/pedestrian paths and implementing risk-reduction strategies for vulnerable road users. Furthermore, it allows states greater flexibility in financing these safety upgrades, including the potential for 100% federal funding for certain projects.

This joint resolution seeks to block the proposed sale of specific defense articles and services to the Israeli government. The resolution specifically targets the sale of thousands of 1,000-pound bomb bodies, as well as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits designed for use with these bombs. It also halts related support services from both the U.S. government and contractors. Effectively, the resolution disapproves of the U.S. proceeding with the Transmittal No. 2526 sale of these items to Israel.

This joint resolution aims to block the proposed foreign military sale of defense articles and services to the Israeli government, specifically targeting the sale of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers and related support items. The resolution expresses congressional disapproval of the sale, effectively preventing the transfer of these items to Israel.

The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that federal anti-discrimination, labor, and equal access laws take precedence over religious freedom claims in specific circumstances. This legislation clarifies that RFRA protections cannot be used to override requirements in federal contracts or agreements involving government funding. Furthermore, the Act explicitly limits the application of RFRA to challenges against government actions, precluding its use in private litigation between non-governmental parties.

The Oregon Recreation Enhancement Act designates the Rogue Canyon and Molalla Recreation Areas to protect their scenic and ecological values, requiring specific wildfire mitigation planning for these new sites. The Act also expands the Wild Rogue Wilderness Area, adding significant acreage under strict wilderness management. Finally, it withdraws certain federal lands in Curry and Josephine Counties from mineral entry and disposal to ensure their long-term protection.

This Act aims to immediately restore U.S. funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support refugees across the region. It repeals previous legislative bans on UNRWA funding and directs the Secretary of State to resume payments promptly. The bill mandates regular reporting to Congress detailing UNRWA's progress in implementing accountability reforms recommended by the Independent Review Group.

The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, coolers, and loose-fill packaging starting January 1, 2028. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator is tasked with defining terms and enforcing the ban, issuing written warnings for initial violations followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The law also grants the Administrator the authority to establish necessary regulations and allows states to take over enforcement duties under specific conditions.

The Extreme Risk Protection Order Expansion Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help states and tribes implement laws allowing for Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), which temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others. The bill mandates specific due process protections for individuals subject to these orders and ensures that any issued ERPO is recognized and enforced across all states and tribes. Furthermore, it updates federal law to prohibit firearm possession by anyone subject to a qualifying court order and requires that these orders be entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

This bill aims to reform mining practices on federal lands by setting royalties on mineral extraction, introducing stricter permitting and environmental regulations, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines. It requires mining operators to pay annual fees and royalties, obtain permits for mineral activities, and provide financial assurances for land reclamation. The bill also prioritizes the protection of sensitive lands and mandates tribal consultation before mineral activities begin. These changes are intended to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and ensure fair compensation for the use of public lands.

The Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act of 2025 reinforces the independence of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from political pressure. This bill explicitly prohibits the FCC from taking punitive action against broadcasters based solely on the viewpoints or opinions they air. It ensures that broadcast licenses and business transaction approvals cannot be conditioned on changing content or political speech. However, this protection does not shield broadcasters from enforcement actions related to fraud, obscenity, or incitement to lawless action.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

The HELP Copays Act mandates that financial assistance provided by third parties, such as non-profits or drug manufacturers, must count toward a patient's deductible, copayment, and out-of-pocket maximums. This change ensures that patient cost-sharing requirements are met even when external aid is used to cover prescription drug costs. The new rules generally apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to significantly speed up the process for newly unionized employees to secure their first collective bargaining agreement. It establishes mandatory timelines for negotiations, requiring mediation and, if necessary, binding arbitration if a deal is not reached within a set period. This legislation is designed to prevent lengthy delays that often undermine the unionization process.

The Digital Integrity in Democracy Act removes Section 230 immunity for large social media platforms that intentionally or knowingly host false information regarding election administration logistics. This legislation establishes a strict timeline for platforms to review and remove such objectively false content upon receiving a complete complaint. Failure to comply with these removal requirements subjects platforms to significant financial penalties enforceable by the Attorney General, State officials, or affected candidates. The Act specifically excludes content attacking political candidates or parties from this definition.

This resolution formally condemns the recent mass termination of 2,400 Department of Veterans Affairs employees, which was carried out without justification or analysis of the impact on veteran services. It highlights the resulting disruption to critical healthcare and support programs and calls for the immediate reinstatement of all affected personnel.

The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act of 2025 immediately repeals four specific Executive Orders issued on January 20, 2025, concerning energy policy and international agreements. This action prevents federal funds from being used to enforce those canceled directives. The bill also includes a savings provision to ensure it does not limit any existing authority of the President.

The End Tobacco Loopholes Act dramatically increases federal excise taxes across nearly all tobacco products to establish standardized, higher rates, including doubling the tax on cigarettes. This legislation introduces a new excise tax specifically targeting nicotine used in vaping products, treating it similarly to cigarette taxation. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual automatic tax adjustments based on the cost of living starting in 2026. Finally, it imposes a floor stocks tax on existing inventory when the new rates take effect.

The RTP Full Funding Act of 2025 seeks to fully fund the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) by aligning its annual allocation with the actual non-highway fuel tax revenue generated by recreational users. This legislation aims to close the current funding gap, ensuring the program receives the full user-paid benefit for trail maintenance and development nationwide. The bill mandates the Federal Highway Administration to report the necessary funding level to Congress.

The Keep Americans Safe Act generally bans the sale, transfer, and possession of ammunition feeding devices capable of holding more than 10 rounds, with exceptions for current and retired law enforcement, government use, and existing lawful possession. The bill mandates serial numbers and manufacturing dates on newly produced devices. Furthermore, it permits states to use federal Byrne grant funds for buy-back programs targeting these large-capacity magazines.