Legislative Activity

The MEGOBARI Act addresses concerns about democratic backsliding in Georgia and its alignment with authoritarian regimes. It requires reports on Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia, and a 5-year strategy for U.S.-Georgia relations. The Act also allows for sanctions on individuals undermining Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration or its peace and stability. Finally, it outlines ways to enhance U.S. assistance to Georgia, particularly if the country revitalizes its democracy and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The "Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025" exempts the transportation of energy products between the contiguous United States and noncontiguous areas like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico from certain shipping regulations. This exemption applies to equipment and energy sources, including liquefied natural gas and petroleum products, used for electricity generation, storage, transmission, and distribution. The bill aims to reduce energy costs and improve access to energy in these noncontiguous areas.

The "Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act" aims to enhance financial literacy among servicemembers and their families regarding the protections offered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It mandates that servicemembers receive comprehensive training on consumer financial protections, especially concerning interest rate limits. The bill also requires that servicemembers are notified of their SCRA benefits upon entering military service or being called to active duty and requires financial institutions to apply the maximum interest rate reduction to all debts incurred before military service and provide multiple avenues for submitting necessary documentation.

The "Medicaid Improvement for Insular Areas Act of 2025" eliminates the cap on general Medicaid funding for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, beginning in fiscal year 2025. This change amends Section 1108 of the Social Security Act, removing previous funding limitations for these territories. The act also updates relevant references in Sections 1902(j) and 1903(u) of the Social Security Act to reflect these changes.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The Uyghur Policy Act of 2025 expresses the sense of Congress regarding China's treatment of Uyghurs and other minorities, and it outlines several actions for the U.S. government to take, including coordinating with allies, supporting human rights advocates, and ensuring access to language training for Foreign Service officers. The Act requires the Secretary of State to develop strategies to address human rights concerns in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, advocate for access to detention facilities, and promote the release of prisoners detained for their ethnic or religious identities. It also directs the President to advocate for Uyghur rights within the United Nations.

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act modifies and clarifies the Marine Debris Act and the Marine Debris Foundation. These modifications include renaming sections, updating definitions, and expanding the list of eligible recipients for support to include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and foreign governments. The act also refines the roles and responsibilities within the Marine Debris Foundation, including the appointment and oversight of the chief executive officer. Additionally, the Act extends the authorization for the Marine Debris Act through fiscal year 2029.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" aims to impose significant sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine, violates a peace agreement, or initiates further military action against Ukraine. The bill mandates the President to determine and impose sanctions on individuals, entities, and financial institutions affiliated with the Russian government, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, and restricts trade and financial interactions with Russia. It also increases import duties on goods from Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy products, while providing limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and intelligence activities. The President has the authority to terminate and reimpose sanctions based on Russia's actions.

The "Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025" amends the Social Security Act to include portable ultrasound transportation and setup services under Medicare, ensuring coverage and payment parity with portable X-ray services. It directs the Secretary to establish quality standards for ultrasound service suppliers, mirroring those for X-ray services. These provisions will take effect for services rendered on or after January 1, 2027.

The "National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act" mandates the National Weather Service to modernize its communication system by October 1, 2027, replacing NWSChat with a commercial instant messaging service hosted on a public cloud. This upgrade aims to enhance user experience, accommodate growth, and improve performance. The Act allocates up to $3,000,000 annually from 2026 to 2029, using existing National Weather Service funds for the project.

The "Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act of 2025" directs the National Weather Service to establish a program researching how obstructions like wind turbines impact weather radar performance. The program will test technologies and develop solutions to mitigate these impacts, focusing on technology-based solutions and collaboration with various entities. It requires annual reports to Congress and a final recommendation on the need for further research. The program is set to conclude by September 30, 2030.

This bill supports designating April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month" to recognize the importance of native plants to the environment and the economy. It acknowledges the critical role of native plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and providing other environmental benefits. The bill also recognizes the decline in native plant species and the need for conservation efforts.

This bill allows the Coast Guard to retain enlisted members who are close to retirement but facing involuntary separation or denial of reenlistment. It ensures that eligible members with at least 18 years of service are retained until they qualify for retirement, with specific protections for both regular and reserve members. The bill prevents the involuntary discharge or transfer of these members, allowing them to complete their service and receive retirement benefits.

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 "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act" seeks to promote diplomatic engagement to formally end the Korean War by replacing the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement. It requires the Secretary of State to review travel restrictions to North Korea for humanitarian reasons and to develop a plan for achieving a permanent peace agreement, including the potential establishment of liaison offices between the U.S. and North Korea. The act emphasizes that it does not affect the status of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea or elsewhere.

The "Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2025" establishes a task force and grant program to support the preservation and improvement of working waterfronts. It enables covered entities to submit working waterfront plans for approval and receive financial assistance for implementation. The act also authorizes capitalization grants to coastal states for establishing working waterfront preservation loan funds. It allocates $50 million annually from 2025-2029 for both the grant and loan programs.

The Forest Service Accountability Act mandates that the President, with Senate approval, appoint the Chief of the Forest Service, choosing someone with expertise in forest and natural resources management. The Senate Committees on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and Energy and Natural Resources will jointly review the nomination. Within 30 days of the Act's enactment, the President must submit a nomination for the Chief of the Forest Service to the Senate.

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to map and assess strategic ports, especially regarding Chinese control or investment. It mandates a report to Congress detailing the importance of these ports, potential threats, and strategies to ensure U.S. access and security, including alternatives to Chinese involvement. The Act aims to safeguard U.S. national security and economic interests related to critical maritime infrastructure.

The SCREEN Act aims to prevent the use of U.S. government funds and resources to support film productions that are subject to censorship or alteration at the request of the Chinese government or the Chinese Communist Party. It requires U.S. companies seeking government support for film projects to disclose films submitted to Chinese officials for content review. The Act also mandates an annual report to Congress detailing films potentially altered to appease Chinese government demands, ensuring transparency and accountability in the film industry's engagement with China.

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.