Legislative Activity

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves key federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation shifts the authorization window for several demonstration projects to run from 2026 through 2030. It also specifically broadens the scope of reentry demonstration projects to explicitly fund substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery services and reentry housing. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal support for vital reentry, education, and substance abuse collaboration initiatives through the end of the decade.

This resolution strongly condemns former FBI Director James Comey for a social media post interpreted as inciting violence against President Donald J. Trump during his overseas trip. Congress demands that federal authorities investigate Comey's actions and permanently bar him from any future federal employment. The measure asserts that political violence incitement by former high-ranking officials is unacceptable and threatens national security.

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 Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program to protect and restore private and Tribal forest lands through conservation easements. This program offers two types of easements—Forest Land and Forest Reserve—with federal cost-share assistance available to eligible entities and landowners, prioritizing working forests and species recovery. The Act also allocates $100 million annually for this new program from 2026 through 2030 while simultaneously repealing the existing Healthy Forests Reserve Program, ensuring existing contracts remain honored. Finally, Congress stipulates that the costs associated with implementing this Act must be offset by savings or new revenue.

The TDS Research Act of 2025 directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to initiate and support research into "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS), defined as intense emotional or behavioral reactions toward Donald J. Trump. This research must investigate the origins, manifestations, and long-term effects of these reactions, including the role of media and political division. The NIH is required to report its progress and findings annually to Congress.

The Confronting CCP Human Rights Abusers Act mandates the addition of the Ministry of Public Security's Institute of Forensic Science of China to the U.S. trade entity list within 60 days of enactment. This action restricts the institute's access to U.S. goods and technology. The President may waive this designation only if they certify to Congress that the institute is not acting against U.S. interests or aiding in human rights abuses against minorities in Xinjiang.

The STOP Screwworms Act mandates the establishment of facilities to rear and release sterile New World screwworm flies in high-risk areas to combat infestations. The Secretary of Agriculture must build these modular facilities within 180 days of enactment and provide annual public reports on the threat and control efforts. The bill authorizes up to $300 million to fund these necessary actions.

This Concurrent Resolution formally expresses the appreciation of Congress for the dedication and service of local law enforcement officers across the nation. It recognizes the sacrifices made by officers and their families in keeping communities safe. The resolution also encourages strong partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve.

The USCP Empowerment Act of 2025 grants the United States Capitol Police Board new authority to detect, disrupt, or seize unmanned aircraft systems (drones) that pose a credible threat to Capitol facilities. This allows the USCP to override certain communication interception laws when necessary to neutralize a threat. The Act mandates strict privacy safeguards for any intercepted communications and requires regular reporting to Congress on the use of these new powers.

The Energy Freedom Act is a comprehensive bill focused almost entirely on repealing numerous existing tax credits and deductions related to energy efficiency, clean energy production, and alternative fuels. This legislation systematically eliminates incentives such as those for residential solar, clean vehicle purchases, advanced manufacturing, and carbon sequestration. With only one minor exception, the bill's primary effect is to remove these specific energy-related tax breaks from the Internal Revenue Code, generally taking effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Justice for Angel Families Act establishes new federal grants to compensate families of homicide victims killed by certain unlawfully present aliens or drug traffickers, covering medical, funeral, and emotional distress-related wage costs. Additionally, the bill creates a new Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within DHS to provide proactive support, resources, and updates to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens. This office will operate a dedicated hotline and report annually to Congress on its impact and victim demographics.

The Sovereign States Education Restoration Act abolishes the Department of Education and transfers its major programs, such as Pell Grants and IDEA, to other federal agencies like the Treasury and HHS. The bill then establishes new K-12 and postsecondary block grants administered by the Treasury Department, distributed to states based on student enrollment. Finally, the Department of Justice is tasked with enforcing applicable federal civil rights laws concerning these new grant programs.

This resolution expresses strong Congressional support for America's law enforcement professionals, recognizing the increasing dangers and mental health tolls they face daily. It highlights significant challenges, including rising officer assaults and critical staffing shortages across the nation. The bill urges all levels of government to increase support through better funding, training, equipment, and mental health resources. Ultimately, it calls for enhanced penalties for those who harm officers and reaffirms appreciation for their service.

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.

This bill seeks to formally reject a recent rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning new energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By invoking congressional disapproval, the legislation immediately cancels the DOE's proposed efficiency standards. In essence, Congress is overriding the DOE's attempt to implement these specific new regulations for tankless gas water heaters.

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 SERVICE Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program to create specialized Veterans Response Teams within local law enforcement agencies through federal grants. These teams will focus on improving interactions between law enforcement and veterans in crisis by fostering collaboration with the VA and providing specialized training. The teams will also establish 24/7 volunteer response networks and track outcomes to better serve the veteran community.

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 Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act of 2025 significantly increases prison sentences for non-citizens who commit crimes after entering the U.S. illegally or after being previously removed. This legislation mandates substantial minimum prison terms—including an additional five years for illegal entry followed by a felony conviction and a new ten-year minimum for re-entry after deportation coupled with a crime. The bill aims to impose much harsher penalties on undocumented immigrants who commit serious offenses.