Legislative Activity

This resolution formally condemns the horrific political assassination of conservative spokesman Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. It expresses deep condolences to his family and recognizes the bravery of the first responders at the scene. Ultimately, the measure reaffirms the fundamental American right to peaceful assembly and stands firmly against political violence.

The GRACE Act prohibits federal education funding for any school or agency that mandates vaccinations unless they provide a religious exemption based solely on an individual's stated sincerely held religious beliefs. This exemption cannot require any proof or documentation to support the religious objection. Consequently, institutions requiring documentation for religious vaccine exemptions risk losing federal education funds.

The Written Informed Consent Act mandates that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) expand its informed consent directives to specifically cover several classes of medications, including antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. This ensures veterans receive a thorough understanding of these prescribed drugs. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs must update VHA Directive 1005 to reflect these expanded requirements.

The End the Vaccine Carveout Act fundamentally changes vaccine injury compensation by allowing individuals to choose between filing a claim through the existing National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program or suing the manufacturer or administrator directly in court. This legislation removes the liability shield for vaccine makers and eliminates time limits for filing claims with the Program. Additionally, it specifically excludes COVID-19 vaccines from existing countermeasure liability protections.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.

The Hauling Exemptions for Livestock Protection Act (HELP Act) exempts commercial drivers transporting livestock, insects, or aquatic animals from federal electronic logging device (ELD) requirements and hours of service regulations. This exemption applies whether the vehicle is loaded or traveling empty to pick up or return from a delivery. The goal is to provide flexibility for those involved in the transportation of live animals.

The Black Vulture Relief Act authorizes livestock producers and their employees to take action against black vultures that pose an imminent threat to their livestock. This permission overrides certain existing regulations but strictly prohibits the use of poison. Those who take vultures under this authority must submit an annual report to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service once the required reporting form is made available.

The Clear Skies Act establishes a strict prohibition on knowingly engaging in weather modification activities that involve interstate commerce, imposing severe criminal and civil penalties for violations. This legislation also mandates the creation of a public reporting and investigation system managed by the EPA for suspected breaches. Furthermore, the Act repeals all existing federal laws, rules, and orders that previously authorized or regulated weather modification efforts.

The Constitutional Hearing Protection Act aims to treat firearm silencers equally under federal tax law by updating definitions and removing certain registration requirements if existing firearm laws are followed. The bill also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration burdens on silencers. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners within one year of enactment.

This joint resolution formally withdraws the approval previously granted by Congress for the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO). It serves as a legislative action to revoke Congressional support for the foundational international trade framework established by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.

The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage for audiology services, beginning in 2027. This legislation allows qualified audiologists to provide diagnostic and treatment services without physician referral or supervision, as permitted by state law. The bill also specifies payment rates and includes audiologists in coverage for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

This bill establishes the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate at least five medical facilities as specialized hubs for cutting-edge treatments. These Centers of Excellence must focus on research, training partnerships, and clinical evaluation of innovative therapies for covered conditions like PTSD and chronic pain. The legislation specifically names substances such as MDMA and Psilocybin as part of the therapies to be explored, supported by dedicated annual funding.

The SHORT Act aims to reform federal firearms regulations by redefining what constitutes a "firearm" for tax purposes, largely excluding antique or collector's items. It eliminates disparate federal treatment for short-barreled rifles and shotguns used lawfully and preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration requirements on these specific weapons. Furthermore, the bill mandates the destruction of certain existing federal registration and transfer records related to defined firearms.

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.

The Deportation Compliance Act prohibits U.S. foreign assistance to countries that have been penalized by the Secretary of State for delaying or refusing to accept their own citizens, subjects, nationals, or residents for longer than 180 days. This prohibition remains in effect as long as the country continues to delay or refuse acceptance.

The TAP Promotion Act mandates a standardized, one-hour presentation on available VA benefits during mandatory preseparation counseling for service members. This presentation must be developed and approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in consultation with recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). The goal is to ensure separating service members are fully informed of their entitlements and how VSOs can assist with filing claims.

The Justice for Vaccine Injured Veterans Act of 2025 presumes service-connection for certain diseases, such as myocarditis and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, for veterans who were required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine between August 24, 2021, and January 10, 2023. It also requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to track and report on compensation claims related to COVID-19 vaccines and make these reports publicly available.

The DEFUND Act of 2025 terminates U.S. membership in the United Nations and all affiliated organizations, repeals existing acts that enable U.S. participation, and prohibits future funding or involvement in UN activities, including peacekeeping operations and conventions. It also revokes diplomatic immunity for UN personnel within the U.S. and requires the Secretary of State to notify the UN of these changes. The bill further prevents the U.S. from reentering the UN without Senate approval and a guaranteed right to withdraw.

This bill repeals the 1991 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution and the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution, formally ending the legal basis for military actions in Iraq under these authorizations.

The LIABLE Act removes federal immunity and liability limitations for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers, allowing individuals to sue for losses caused by the vaccines. Individuals can still seek compensation through existing federal programs, and doing so does not prevent civil action. This applies to any COVID-19 vaccine licensed or authorized by the FDA and is retroactive.