Legislative Activity

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the nation's long-term fiscal health, aiming to reduce the national debt ratio to 100% of GDP by 2039. This Commission, composed of appointed members from both chambers of Congress and outside experts, must submit its final report and proposed legislation within a specific timeframe. The Act also creates an expedited, amendment-free process for Congress to consider and vote on any resulting "implementing bills."

The DEFENSE Act authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to deputize state and local police to use drone countermeasures for protecting specific large public events and restricted areas. This authority is contingent upon officers completing mandatory, specialized training developed in coordination with the FAA. The bill also mandates federal oversight and limits the use of equipment to an officially approved list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.

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.

This bill officially designates the memorial and museum currently under construction in Jacksonville, Florida, as the **National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum**. The legislation recognizes the museum's crucial role in honoring and educating the public about service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. To maintain this designation, the museum must submit a comprehensive operational report to Congress within 90 days of enactment. Failure to open satisfactorily within five years or submit the required report will result in the loss of this official federal title.

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.

The FEMA Loan Interest Payment Relief Act establishes a program for FEMA to reimburse local governments and electric cooperatives for interest paid on specific disaster recovery loans. This reimbursement is capped at the lesser of the actual interest paid or the interest calculated using the Federal Reserve's prime rate. The law mandates FEMA to quickly establish procedures for states to apply for reimbursement of qualifying interest paid up to nine years prior to enactment.

The CBO Scoring Accountability Act mandates that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produce annual reports for ten years following the enactment of any "major legislation." These reports must compare the actual financial impact of the law against the CBO's original estimates. If significant discrepancies occur, the CBO is required to explain the variance to Congress.

The POWER Act of 2025 establishes a new, temporary tax credit of up to $500 for individuals who purchase an emergency generator for their primary residence. To qualify, homeowners must have experienced at least two major disasters in their area within the last five years and personally received federal assistance for one of those events. The credit amount is subject to phase-out based on the taxpayer's modified adjusted gross income.

This bill seeks to permanently establish the directives of Executive Order 14248 into federal law. By codifying this order, the legislation ensures the measures aimed at preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections remain in effect. This action elevates the existing presidential order to the full force and effect of statutory law.

The Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025 updates Medicare coverage to include diagnostic ultrasound tests. This legislation mandates that Medicare establish separate payments for the transportation and setup of portable ultrasound equipment, mirroring existing payments for portable X-ray services. These changes are set to take effect starting January 1, 2027.

The CAPE Canaveral Act mandates the relocation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters to Brevard County, Florida. This transfer must be completed within one year of the Act becoming law. The legislation aims to consolidate aerospace programs efficiently at the Canaveral location.

This resolution formally recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in 2025. Congress is honoring the Corps' long history, core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and its consistent readiness to defend the nation. The bill encourages the public to join in celebrating this significant milestone and acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all Marines.

The Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025 aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows F-1 student visa holders to gain temporary work authorization after completing their studies. This bill removes the government's authority to grant such work permission unless explicitly authorized by a future Act of Congress.

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 establishes a national standard for carrying concealed handguns across state lines. This act allows individuals legally permitted to carry in their home state to carry concealed in any other state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. The law does not override private property restrictions or prohibitions on government property, but it provides protections and legal recourse for those traveling in compliance with the new federal standard.

This bill constitutes the Articles of Impeachment filed by the House of Representatives against Chief Judge John James McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island. The articles charge the Judge with high crimes and misdemeanors based on allegations of political bias and significant conflicts of interest. Specifically, the accusations cite his political donations, public statements regarding former President Trump, and his leadership role in a non-profit organization funded by a party in a case he presided over. The resolution formally seeks his removal from the federal bench.

The Autonomy for Disabled Veterans Act increases the maximum financial assistance available to disabled veterans for necessary home improvements related to their health services. This legislation raises the existing benefit caps to provide greater support for accessibility modifications. Furthermore, it mandates annual adjustments to a specific benefit amount based on the rate of inflation to ensure continued relevance.

The Air America Act of 2025 recognizes the sacrifices of former Air America employees who served the U.S. Government between 1950 and 1976. This Act authorizes a one-time monetary award, up to $40,000 plus potential additional amounts, for qualifying service members or their survivors. The CIA Director is responsible for administering these payments, which are capped at a total of $60 million, and establishing the application procedures. Decisions made by the Director regarding these awards are final and not subject to judicial review.

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to assist first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers in purchasing homes. This program offers eligible first-time homebuyers 100% financing with no down payment required. Instead of monthly premiums, borrowers pay an upfront FHA insurance premium at closing.

This bill extends combat zone tax benefits to members of the Armed Forces serving in Kenya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad. It treats these locations as "qualified hazardous duty areas" for tax purposes, applying the same favorable rules used for official combat zones. This change impacts filing deadlines, income exclusions, and tax liability for service members in these specific regions.