Legislative Activity

The "Manifest Modernization Act of 2025" amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to require more detailed manifest information for vessels, vehicles, and aircraft entering the U.S. It mandates public disclosure of specific manifest details, including cargo classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, country of origin, and the last country the cargo transited. The Act broadens the definition of "aircraft" and applies to arrivals in the U.S. 30 days after enactment.

The "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act" prohibits Federal Reserve Banks from offering financial products or services directly to individuals, maintaining accounts for individuals, or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly. It also blocks the Federal Reserve from testing, creating, or implementing a CBDC, or using it to implement monetary policy, without explicit congressional authorization. The bill clarifies that these restrictions do not apply to digital versions of the dollar that are open, permissionless, and private, like physical currency.

The Taiwan Allies Fund Act aims to bolster Taiwan's international standing by authorizing $40 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to support countries that maintain or strengthen ties with Taiwan and face pressure from China. These funds, drawn from the Countering PRC Influence Fund, will support various initiatives, including health, civil society, supply chain diversification, and alternatives to Chinese development assistance. The Act emphasizes coordination between the U.S. and Taiwan in providing assistance and requires an annual report to Congress on the activities and their impact. The goal is to promote Taiwan's diplomatic relations and counter China's influence.

The Maximum Pressure Act aims to increase pressure on Iran by codifying and expanding sanctions related to its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, support for terrorism, and human rights abuses. It targets key Iranian leaders, entities involved in arms sales, and various sectors of Iran's economy, while also enhancing congressional oversight of actions related to Iran sanctions. The bill also seeks to intensify financial pressure on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and prevent Iran from accessing international funds. Additionally, the act reinforces restrictions and oversight related to the IRGC and Ansar Allah (Houthis) and mandates a series of determinations and reports from government officials regarding Iran's activities.

The "RIFLE Act" repeals the existing tax on firearm transfers outlined in Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Additionally, it amends related sections of the code to align with the repeal. The act clarifies that it does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any authority over firearms regulated under the Internal Revenue Code.

This bill condemns the detention of Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong and calls for his immediate release. It designates a portion of 18th Street Northwest in Washington, D.C., as "Jimmy Lai Way" and directs the placement of corresponding street signs. Additionally, it expresses the sense of Congress regarding mail delivery to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

The DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding and influence in higher education. It mandates institutions to disclose foreign gifts, contracts, and investments of concern, especially those tied to countries or entities that pose a risk to U.S. national security. The Act also requires institutions to maintain policies regarding conflicts of interest and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential ineligibility for federal student aid programs. Additionally, the Department of Education is required to maintain a public database of disclosed information and share it with relevant federal agencies.

The "Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today Act" or "SHORT Act" modifies firearm regulations by redefining "firearm" under the National Firearms Act, removing short-barreled rifles and shotguns from certain restrictions, and preempting state laws that tax, mark, record, or register these weapons. The Act also mandates the destruction of records related to these specific weapons held by the Attorney General.

The Taiwan Travel and Tourism Coordination Act aims to increase travel and tourism cooperation between the U.S. and Taiwan by directing the Assistant Secretary of Commerce to work with Taiwanese authorities to improve travel, strengthen tourism industries, and coordinate events. It requires measures to protect sensitive information and mandates reports to Congress on cooperation efforts, challenges, and the feasibility of establishing a preclearance facility in Taiwan to assess impacts on trade, tourism, and security. The Act also requires a report from the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretaries of Commerce and State, on the feasibility of establishing a preclearance facility in Taiwan.

This bill recognizes and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10, 2025. It acknowledges the Marine Corps' distinguished history, readiness, and role as a premier fighting force. The bill also encourages Americans to celebrate the anniversary through various activities and community engagement.

The "Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" enables individuals with valid concealed carry permits or the legal right to carry concealed firearms in their home state to do so across state lines, provided they are not federally prohibited from possessing firearms and carry a valid photo ID. This law respects private and state/local government restrictions on firearms, protects individuals from unwarranted arrest, and allows legal action for violations of these rights. It also permits concealed carry in National Parks and other federal lands open to the public and clarifies that handguns include magazines and ammunition.

The Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act aims to protect U.S. national security by imposing sanctions and investment restrictions related to China. It authorizes the President to sanction foreign entities involved in activities against U.S. interests and prohibits certain investments in sensitive technologies linked to countries of concern, particularly China. The act also requires notification of investments in covered national security technologies and mandates reports to Congress on enforcement and international cooperation. Additionally, it addresses securities-related concerns by requiring scrutiny of entities on specific lists to determine their eligibility for inclusion on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, and prohibits U.S. persons from holding securities of entities on that list.

The "Innovative FEED Act of 2025" amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to regulate zootechnical animal food substances—additives that affect digestion or gut health, but are not intended to treat animal diseases. It classifies these substances as food additives, requiring FDA approval based on safety and intended effect, with specific labeling requirements. The FDA retains authority over approval and can reject substances that do not achieve their intended effect. This act does not authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require the use of any zootechnical food substance or food additive.

The Air America Act of 2025 authorizes the Director of the CIA to award payments to former employees of Air America and affiliated companies who supported the U.S. government between 1950 and 1976, or to their survivors. Eligible individuals or their survivors could receive up to $40,000 for five years of qualifying service, with additional amounts for longer service, with a cap on total awards at $60 million. The Act establishes application procedures, limitations on attorney fees, and prohibits judicial review of the Director's decisions, while also requiring regular reports to Congress on the status of the award payments. This act does not qualify anyone for federal benefits like retirement, disability, or death benefits.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 18, 2025, as "National Agriculture Day." It recognizes and celebrates the significant impact of agriculture as a leading industry in the United States.

The "Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025" seeks to ensure open competition and government neutrality in federal construction projects by preventing requirements for or bans against agreements with labor organizations. It prohibits discrimination based on labor affiliation, reduces construction costs, and expands job opportunities. The Act mandates revisions to regulations and allows exemptions only in special circumstances like public health or national security threats.

The "Block Organ Transplant Purchases from China Act of 2025" prohibits Medicare, Medicaid, group health plans, and health insurance issuers from covering organ transplants performed in China or those not procured through the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, along with related medical services. Healthcare providers who furnish prohibited transplants or services will face criminal and civil penalties. The Act allows coverage for services needed to save a life after a prohibited transplant and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue rules to implement these provisions.

The "Expel Illegal Chinese Police Act of 2025" requires the President to sanction foreign individuals and entities tied to human rights abuses or establishing a Chinese police presence in the U.S. Sanctions include blocking U.S. property transactions, visa restrictions, and potential penalties for violations. The President can waive sanctions for national security reasons, and federal agencies face restrictions on investigating sanctioned entities. The bill also defines key terms related to immigration and foreign entities.

The "Save Our Shipyards Act of 2025" or "SOS Act of 2025" establishes a National Commission on the Maritime Industrial Base to investigate and study the state of the U.S. maritime industry and its ability to support national defense. The Commission will develop policy recommendations for the President and Congress to strengthen the maritime industry, revitalize the naval fleet, foster shipbuilding, and preserve maritime jobs. The Commission will submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations within one year of its first meeting.

The "Ending China's Unfair Advantage Act of 2025" prohibits U.S. funding for the Montreal Protocol and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change until China is no longer considered a developing country under the Montreal Protocol and is included in Annex I of the UN Framework Convention. This restriction will remain in place until the President certifies that these changes have been made.