Legislative Activity

The New IDEA Act prohibits businesses from deducting wages paid to unauthorized workers from their taxable income unless they use the E-Verify program. This legislation makes the E-Verify program permanent and voluntary, offering employers who comply with its rules a legal presumption of compliance regarding employee work authorization. Furthermore, the bill mandates increased information sharing between government agencies to help enforce these new wage deduction and employment verification rules.

This resolution expresses support for officially designating the month of July as "American Patriotism Month." It recognizes the historical significance of American patriotism and encourages citizens and groups to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies celebrating U.S. history and values. The bill further asks the President to issue a yearly proclamation supporting this designation.

This joint resolution formally establishes "Life Month" to affirm the fundamental value and inherent dignity of every human life as an unalienable right. It recognizes the Supreme Court's *Dobbs* decision and urges Congress to enact laws protecting unborn life. Furthermore, the resolution commends organizations and individuals who support pregnant women and new families.

This resolution officially recognizes the significant and growing contributions of independent workers, freelancers, and sole proprietors to the American economy. It highlights the substantial economic impact of this sector, which provides flexibility and opportunity for millions of Americans. Furthermore, the resolution expresses concern over potential legislation that could restrict the freedom and flexibility enjoyed by these independent workers.

The Protecting Children from Experimentation Act of 2025 establishes a new federal crime prohibiting healthcare professionals from performing specific gender transition procedures on minors under 18. This bill imposes criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violations connected to interstate commerce. Minors subjected to these procedures are explicitly protected from prosecution and granted the right to sue those involved. The Act broadly defines banned procedures, including the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and various surgeries, while carving out exceptions for certain medical conditions and life-saving measures.

This bill establishes a Select Committee tasked with investigating allegations of a cover-up regarding President Biden's cognitive and physical health decline. The committee will examine the President's health status, past cancer diagnosis, the role of key individuals in any alleged concealment, and media influence. This investigative body has no legislative authority and must submit its final report, findings, and recommendations by December 31, 2025.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators seeking a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This ensures drivers can effectively communicate, understand traffic signs, and complete necessary documentation in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in an immediate out-of-service order for the driver.

The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act formally recognizes the installation of high-efficiency mechanical insulation as a key energy and water efficiency measure for federal buildings. This legislation mandates that mechanical insulation must meet or exceed ASHRAE Standard 90.1 requirements to qualify for these efficiency designations. Consequently, future energy and water evaluations for federal facilities must specifically identify potential savings opportunities related to mechanical insulation upgrades.

The Ending Medicaid Discrimination Against the Most Vulnerable Act modifies the enhanced federal funding structure for Medicaid coverage provided to low-income adults. This bill establishes a gradual phase-out of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) between 2027 and 2034, with the extra funding ending entirely in 2035. Furthermore, the legislation alters the incentives for states that have not yet expanded Medicaid coverage, potentially limiting future enhanced funding for those states if they expand after 2024.

This Joint Resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a recent rule issued by the Department of Energy concerning energy conservation programs. Specifically, it rejects the DOE's proposed requirements for certification, labeling, and enforcement for certain consumer products and commercial equipment. If enacted, this resolution will prevent the specified DOE rule from taking effect.

The Gulf of America Act officially renames the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. This change mandates that all federal laws, maps, and official records must immediately reflect the new designation. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this name change across all federal agencies within 180 days.

This resolution formally honors mothers and recognizes the vital role they play in raising the next generation, coinciding with Mother's Day. It reaffirms that motherhood is defined by women and strongly rejects alternative terminology that diminishes this role. Ultimately, the bill encourages the nation to celebrate the invaluable contributions of mothers to families and the country.

The Student Loan Marriage Penalty Elimination Act of 2025 aims to adjust the student loan interest deduction for married couples filing separately. This bill caps the deductible student loan interest at \$2,500 per individual spouse. It ensures that taxpayers cannot claim the same interest amount under multiple deduction provisions.

This Act prohibits the issuance of F and M student visas to individuals planning to attend educational institutions located within designated "sanctuary jurisdictions." A sanctuary jurisdiction is defined as any state or local government that actively obstructs federal immigration enforcement efforts, such as refusing to comply with ICE detainers. The visa restrictions remain in place until the Secretary of Homeland Security determines the jurisdiction is no longer impeding immigration enforcement.

The American Energy Act streamlines the process for handling drilling permit applications, requiring the Secretary to continue processing them even when litigation is pending, unless the underlying lease is vacated. It also establishes a four-year validity period for new drilling permits. Furthermore, the Act places significant limitations on the ability of courts to halt oil and gas lease sales or stop the awarding of leases once bidding has commenced.

The MOMS Act aims to support expecting and new mothers through three main initiatives. It establishes a centralized federal resource website, Pregnancy.gov, to connect mothers with local support services and adoption agencies. The bill also creates grant programs to fund organizations offering positive alternatives to abortion and expanding access to at-home prenatal and postnatal telehealth care in underserved areas. Finally, it allows states to establish and enforce child support obligations against biological fathers for unborn children upon the mother's request.

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.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.

The Military Chaplains Act of 2025 affirms the historical importance of religious freedom within the U.S. Armed Forces. This bill fundamentally redefines the duties, responsibilities, and protections for chaplains across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. Crucially, it guarantees that chaplains must perform their duties according to their sincerely held religious beliefs and are explicitly protected from being forced to conduct any religious act contrary to their faith. Violations of these new protections for chaplains can result in prosecution under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

The Law Enforcement Solidarity Act authorizes the Attorney General to determine if local jurisdictions have restrictions on cooperating with federal law enforcement, particularly regarding immigration matters. Jurisdictions deemed non-cooperative may be ineligible to receive federal funds specifically intended for undocumented immigrants. Furthermore, the Act mandates the Attorney General to issue an annual report listing all jurisdictions identified as having such cooperation restrictions.