Legislative Activity

The WARN Act aims to improve community safety during weather emergencies by directing the Comptroller General to study the effectiveness of local, state, territory, and federal emergency alert systems. The study will assess alert dissemination methods, evaluate the clarity and actionability of alert content, and explore improvements to public alerting systems. A report on the study's findings will be submitted to Congress within 18 months, with the goal of enhancing emergency response plans and public safety.

This joint resolution exercises congressional authority to nullify a U.S. Forest Service rule titled "Law Enforcement; Criminal Prohibitions." By passing this measure, Congress prevents the rule from taking effect and ensures it has no force or effect.

The US-Kazakhstan Trade Modernization Act authorizes the President to grant Kazakhstan permanent normal trade relations status. This legislation recognizes Kazakhstan’s compliance with international freedom of emigration requirements and its commitment to World Trade Organization standards. By terminating the application of title IV of the Trade Act of 1974, the bill aims to modernize and solidify the bilateral trade relationship between the two nations.

This resolution supports the designation of "Career and Technical Education Month" to celebrate the vital role of CTE programs in building a skilled workforce. It highlights how these programs provide students with essential training and credentials that align with modern economic demands. Furthermore, it encourages educators and parents to promote CTE as a respected and effective educational pathway for future success.

The Banning SPR Oil Exports to Foreign Adversaries Act prohibits the sale or export of petroleum from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, or entities controlled by these nations. This legislation aims to protect national security by ensuring that emergency oil reserves are not diverted to foreign adversaries. The Secretary of Energy may only waive this prohibition if it is certified to be in the national security interest of the United States.

The Colonel Young Oak Kim Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the posthumous award of the Congressional Gold Medal to Colonel Young Oak Kim in recognition of his extraordinary military heroism and lifelong commitment to humanitarian service. A decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Kim is honored for his trailblazing leadership and his profound contributions to the Los Angeles community. This legislation ensures his legacy is preserved through the creation and display of this prestigious national award.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to maintain the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government. It emphasizes the USPS's role as a self-sustaining service vital to the economy and national connectivity. The resolution discourages privatization, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and damage to critical infrastructure.

This bill condemns the fraudulent January 2025 Belarusian presidential election and Lukashenka's autocratic rule, denounces the regime's support for Russia's war against Ukraine, and calls for the release of political prisoners. It advocates for free and fair elections in Belarus, continued support for the Belarusian democratic opposition, and further sanctions against the Lukashenka regime. The bill expresses solidarity with the Belarusian people's pursuit of a democratic future.

This bill requires the President to conduct and submit a formal review to Congress determining whether specific Hong Kong government officials and judicial figures meet the criteria for U.S. sanctions. The mandate ensures an updated assessment of these individuals under existing human rights and autonomy-related accountability acts.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024 proposes an exemption to current federal shipping laws, allowing certain foreign-built and foreign-registered vessels to transport cargo between noncontiguous parts of the United States, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The bill establishes specific regulatory, labor, and environmental standards that these vessels must meet to operate in U.S. domestic trade. Additionally, it introduces new legal requirements for non-citizen entities that irregularly engage in U.S. coastwise shipping.

The American Seabed Protection Act prohibits the issuance of new permits for the exploration and commercial mining of hard minerals on the deep seabed and the Outer Continental Shelf, with an exception for scientific research. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to assess the environmental, ecological, and climate impacts of such mining activities.

This bill expresses formal opposition to deep seabed mining and directs the President to advocate for an international moratorium on such activities. It mandates that the U.S. use its influence in global organizations to block mining and financing until comprehensive, science-based regulatory frameworks are established to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Reasonable Rate Act of 2024 establishes a new standard for determining fair shipping costs in noncontiguous domestic ocean trade. Under this act, a rate is considered reasonable if it falls within 10 percent of a comparable international ocean rate index recognized by the Federal Maritime Commission.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Competition Act aims to increase shipping options by allowing foreign-flagged vessels to operate on noncontiguous trade routes under specific conditions. This exemption applies only to routes that lack sufficient competition, defined as having fewer than three independent, coastwise-qualified operators each moving at least 20 percent of the freight volume. The bill seeks to foster greater market competition and improve service reliability in these regions.

The Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act strengthens national security by bringing U.S. agriculture and its supply chains under the oversight of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the committee and classifying agricultural systems as critical infrastructure, the bill ensures foreign investments in the sector undergo rigorous security reviews. Additionally, the Act mandates annual reporting to Congress to monitor foreign influence, espionage, and potential threats to the U.S. agricultural industry.

The 911 SAVES Act mandates that the Office of Management and Budget reclassify public safety telecommunicators as "Protective Service Occupations" within the federal Standard Occupational Classification system. This legislation recognizes the critical, high-stress, and lifesaving nature of 911 dispatchers, correcting their current misclassification to better reflect their essential role in emergency response.

The Strengthening Pathways to Health Professions Act aims to encourage more individuals to enter the healthcare field by providing significant tax relief. This bill specifically makes certain loan repayments and scholarships received through various Public Health Service and state programs tax-free income. These changes apply to programs designed to increase the number of health professionals serving in underserved areas.

The BEACH Act of 2025 strengthens coastal water safety by expanding monitoring requirements to include upstream waters and public beach access points. The bill provides $30 million in annual funding through 2029 to support these efforts and allows states to use grants to identify specific sources of contamination. Additionally, it mandates that the EPA incorporate the latest testing technologies into its guidance for state and local water quality programs.

The BLUE Pacific Act establishes a comprehensive, long-term strategy to deepen U.S. political, economic, and security partnerships with Pacific Island nations. By authorizing dedicated funding and resources, the bill aims to foster regional stability, climate resilience, and sustainable development while countering external influence. Ultimately, the legislation seeks to transition U.S. engagement from reactive aid to a sustained, people-centered partnership that bolsters the sovereignty and prosperity of the region.

The Security First Act aims to strengthen U.S. border security by increasing funding for state and local law enforcement through the Operation Stonegarden grant program and a new dedicated trust fund. The bill also mandates a formal review to determine if major Mexican drug cartels and criminal gangs should be designated as foreign terrorist organizations. Additionally, it requires the Department of Homeland Security to conduct comprehensive technology needs assessments and report on its recent hiring practices to improve operational capacity.