Legislative Activity

This bill condemns the increasing number of domestic terrorism incidents targeting Tesla vehicles and facilities in the United States and Canada. It highlights specific acts of vandalism, arson, and other violent acts motivated by political or ideological grievances. The bill acknowledges the creation of an FBI and ATF task force to investigate these attacks.

This bill expresses support for designating April 2025 as "Second Chance Month" to raise awareness about the barriers faced by individuals with criminal records. It recognizes the importance of redemption and removing obstacles to employment, education, and housing for those seeking to reintegrate into society. The bill encourages public support for these individuals, promoting their successful return as productive members of their communities.

The Free Speech Fairness Act aims to protect the free speech rights of 501(c)(3) organizations by allowing them to make statements about political campaigns without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. This protection applies if the statements are made during the regular course of the organization's activities and incur only minimal additional expenses.

This bill designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It highlights women's contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors in the field. The bill encourages all citizens to acknowledge and celebrate the positive impact of women on U.S. agriculture.

The "No Sanctions Relief for Terrorists Act" prohibits the issuance of licenses or waivers for transactions involving individuals or entities sanctioned for terrorism as of January 20, 2021. Before any such license or waiver can be granted, the President must certify to Congress that these individuals or entities have ceased their involvement in terrorism. This prohibition does not affect general licenses in effect on January 20, 2021.

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 "Defining Male and Female Act of 2025" seeks to establish clear, biological definitions of "male" and "female" based on reproductive systems at conception. These definitions would apply to the interpretation of all federal laws, regulations, and agency actions. The bill explicitly defines related terms like "boy," "girl," "man," and "woman" in accordance with these biological distinctions. It also clarifies that "gender identity" will not be recognized by the federal government as a replacement for biological sex.

The "National Garden for America's 250th Anniversary Act" establishes a National Garden of American Heroes, with construction to begin by July 4, 2026, pending the Secretary of the Interior's approval of the location. A task force will oversee planning, design, and construction, primarily funded through private contributions and a newly established National Garden Fund. The fund will cover establishment and maintenance, with the National Park Service responsible for upkeep post-opening and authorized to charge visitation fees if needed. Regular reports to Congress will track the Garden's progress and maintenance.

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 "Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025" eliminates the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, preventing foreign nationals with student visas from obtaining work authorization through OPT or similar programs without explicit congressional approval.

The Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025 ensures that individuals can transport knives between locations where possession is legal, provided the knives are transported in a locked container and are not directly accessible. It protects individuals complying with these rules from arrest or detention under state or local knife laws, and allows legal action against entities that infringe upon these rights. This act does not limit existing state laws regarding knife possession, carry, or transport, nor does it add restrictions to air travel with knives.

The "District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act" prohibits the District of Columbia from acting as a sanctuary jurisdiction by preventing local entities from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities or complying with federal detainment requests. An exception is provided for policies protecting victims and witnesses of crimes.

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.

The "No 340B Savings for Transgender Care Act" prohibits hospitals and clinics participating in the 340B drug discount program from using the savings they get on discounted drugs to fund sex reassignment surgeries or hormone therapies for transgender individuals. This bill restricts how these healthcare providers can allocate the savings they receive through the 340B program.

The "Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act of 2025" exempts less-than-lethal projectile devices from certain federal restrictions, defining these devices based on their inability to fire lethal ammunition, a velocity cap of 500 feet per second, design for non-lethal use, and magazine compatibility. It tasks the Attorney General with determining whether a device meets the Act's definition within 90 days of a request.

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 "America Supports Taiwan Act" mandates U.S. agencies to officially use "Taiwan" instead of "Chinese Taipei" in documents and communications, except in specific historical or international organizational contexts. This change aims to align U.S. terminology with its support for Taiwan and avoid language implying Chinese control. Agencies are required to update their websites accordingly within 14 days of the Act's enactment.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The Veterans First Act of 2025 provides $2 billion in funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs for grants to states to construct or improve veteran care facilities. This funding will support nursing homes and domiciliary facilities for veterans. The funding is offset by rescinding $2 billion from unobligated funds available to the United States Agency for International Development.

The "Save Our Shrimpers Act" aims to protect the U.S. shrimping industry by preventing federal funds from supporting foreign shrimp farming through international financial institutions. It prohibits the Secretary of the Treasury from providing funds to international financial institutions that use the funds for shrimp farming, processing, or export activities in foreign countries. Additionally, the Act mandates an annual report from the Comptroller General to Congress on the compliance of U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions regarding opposition to financial assistance for surplus commodities and minerals.