Legislative Activity

The "Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act of 2025" modifies regulations for 403(b) retirement plans, expanding the types of entities whose assets can be included in collective trust funds. It requires employers to act as fiduciaries and approve investment options for governmental 403(b) plans. The act also adds 403(b) plans to the types of plans that are exempt from certain registration requirements under specific securities regulations.

The Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act mandates an independent review of all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) forms sent to claimants to ensure they are clear and easy to understand. The VA Secretary must hire an outside entity to assess these forms and implement recommendations for improvement within a set timeline. Additionally, this bill slightly extends the expiration date for certain limits on veterans' pension payments.

The Insurance Data Protection Act aims to adjust federal regulatory authority over insurance data by limiting the subpoena power of the Office of Financial Research against insurance companies. It also strengthens confidentiality protections for data shared with and held by the Federal Insurance Office and other financial regulators. Furthermore, the bill mandates that financial regulators must seek existing data from other sources before directly collecting information from insurance companies, ensuring data privacy is maintained.

This bill, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Commission Act, restructures the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by replacing its single Director leadership with an independent, five-member commission appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The legislation updates numerous federal laws to replace references to the "Director" with the "Commission" or "Bureau" to reflect this new governance structure. The commission will oversee the agency's core rulemaking and enforcement authority, with a Chair selected from among its members to manage day-to-day operations.

The Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit for businesses purchasing qualified, domestically retreaded tires through 2028. The bill also mandates that federal executive agencies prioritize purchasing retreaded tires when available through the GSA schedule, rather than buying new ones. These provisions aim to boost domestic jobs, enhance supply chain security, and promote sustainability in the tire industry.

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act focuses on strengthening penalties for introducing prohibited items, specifically phones, into prisons. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to review and update policies concerning prohibited objects to enhance the safety of inmates and staff. This legislation aims to curb contraband flow within correctional facilities.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Justice for Victims of Illegal Alien Murders Act establishes stricter penalties for certain non-citizens who commit murder in the United States. If an inadmissible or deportable alien is convicted of first-degree murder, they will face the death penalty or life imprisonment. Similar enhanced sentencing, including life imprisonment, applies to those convicted of second-degree murder under these specific immigration grounds.

This resolution supports designating May 8, 2025, as "National Scam Survivor Day" to raise public awareness about the growing threat of sophisticated scams. It acknowledges the billions lost annually to fraud targeting all age groups, including veterans and seniors. The bill calls for improved consumer education, better use of federal resources, and enhanced law enforcement efforts to combat these criminal operations. Ultimately, it seeks to support survivors and encourage collaboration to prevent future victimization.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically sharing a veteran's information with the DOJ for national background checks solely based on the appointment of a fiduciary. This bill prohibits the VA from classifying a veteran as a "mental defective" based only on an administrative finding of incompetence or the need for a fiduciary. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General if previously shared information based on fiduciary status is no longer valid.

The Restoring Court Authority Over Litigation Act of 2025 seeks to re-establish state and federal courts as the sole regulators of attorney conduct during litigation. This bill explicitly prevents federal agencies from supervising or enforcing rules on lawyers' litigation activities. Furthermore, it bars private lawsuits in federal court against opposing counsel based solely on their actions within a case. Finally, it amends existing law to exempt attorneys engaged in litigation for debt collection from being classified as "debt collectors."

The CFPB Budget Integrity Act limits the amount of unspent funds, or "unobligated balances," the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) can retain to no more than 5% of a specified statutory amount. Any excess savings must be transferred to the Treasury general fund. This legislation also enhances reporting requirements to provide greater transparency regarding the CFPB's retained balances.

The Business over Ballots Act reaffirms that the Small Business Administration's (SBA) primary mission is solely to support small businesses. This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from engaging in or facilitating voter registration activities. Furthermore, it mandates that all new contracts and existing assistance agreements must restrict recipients from using SBA funds for voter registration efforts.

The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act of 2025 mandates that the Small Business Administration (SBA) must ensure its new rules impose zero net cost on small businesses starting in fiscal year 2026. The Act requires the SBA's Office of Advocacy to annually report to Congress on the total regulatory costs imposed on small businesses by *other* federal agencies. This legislation is designed to reduce the financial burden of federal rulemaking on small businesses without authorizing any new appropriations.

The "Prove It Act of 2025" aims to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses by requiring agencies to consider indirect costs when creating new rules, allowing small businesses to petition for reviews of agency certifications, and mandating agencies to publish guidance documents and allow comments on rules with a significant economic impact on small businesses. Additionally, the Act amends the periodic review process for rules, requiring agencies to consider indirect costs and providing a mechanism for the Small Business Administration to address rules not reviewed within a 10-year period. The Act specifies that no additional funds will be allocated for its implementation.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of investigations. It grants the Attorney General explicit authority to file civil actions seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day, and mandates that collected fines help cover temporary animal care costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a formal agreement for coordinated enforcement.

The GUARD Act expands the use of federal grant funds to help state, local, and tribal law enforcement investigate elder financial fraud, "pig butchering" scams, and general financial fraud. This legislation allows agencies to hire specialized staff, receive advanced training on emerging technologies, and acquire necessary investigative tools. Furthermore, the Act mandates comprehensive federal reports to Congress detailing the scope of these scams and the effectiveness of current enforcement efforts.

The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2025 officially recognizes accounting education as a vital component of a well-rounded K-12 curriculum. This legislation amends federal education law to ensure accounting is counted within core curriculum planning frameworks. The Act specifically directs states and districts to improve access to quality accounting programs, with a focus on increasing opportunities for underrepresented students.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (SAVE Act) significantly amends federal law to require individuals registering to vote in federal elections to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. This legislation mandates that states actively clean their voter rolls and cooperate with federal agencies to verify citizenship status. It establishes new criminal penalties for officials who fail to enforce these documentation requirements.