Legislative Activity

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act addresses significant delays in obtaining death certificates for veterans who die from natural causes, often due to VA medical staff delays. This bill mandates that VA medical providers must certify a veteran's death within 48 hours or allow the local medical examiner to step in. Furthermore, the VA must annually report on its compliance with this new timely certification requirement.

The Minerals Security Partnership Authorization Act establishes a U.S. strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains through international cooperation with allies. This involves negotiating agreements to build resilient supply networks covering mining, processing, and manufacturing, aiming to reduce reliance on strategic competitors. The State Department is authorized to lead U.S. involvement in the Minerals Security Partnership to identify and support commercial projects that advance these national security goals.

The U.S. Diplomatic Posture Review Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of State conduct a comprehensive review of all U.S. diplomatic offices and resource allocation globally. This annual report, the USDPR, must align the State Department's posture with current U.S. national security and foreign policy priorities. The Act requires detailed reporting on staffing, foreign aid, operational costs, and planned strategic shifts to ensure effective global engagement.

The Renewable Energy for U.S. Territories Act establishes a new grant program, administered by the Secretary of Agriculture, to fund renewable energy projects and efficiency improvements in U.S. territories. The bill also mandates a study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess clean energy potential and grid modernization options across these territories. This legislation aims to boost clean energy infrastructure and resilience in American territories by providing dedicated funding and technical support.

This bill reauthorizes key programs under the Kay Hagan Tick Act to combat vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease through 2030. It extends funding for the national strategy and regional centers focused on these illnesses. Additionally, the legislation continues enhanced support for local health departments to improve disease surveillance and response capabilities.

This bill establishes a Congressional Task Force dedicated to studying and addressing the voting rights of U.S. citizens residing in U.S. territories. The Task Force will investigate barriers to equal federal voting rights and representation for these citizens. It is required to submit a final report with recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.

This resolution strongly condemns Russia for the abduction and forced "Russification" of Ukrainian children, highlighting these actions as grave violations of international law. It emphasizes that these children must be safely returned to Ukraine before any final peace agreement to end the war is considered. The document also underscores the heightened risks of trafficking, violence, and trauma faced by Ukrainian children due to the ongoing invasion.

The Housing for US Act establishes a revolving loan fund, administered by HUD, to provide capitalization loans to states for creating local funds dedicated to increasing middle-class housing supply through construction and rehabilitation. Funds generated from the release of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac obligations will initially seed this program before being redirected to deficit reduction after ten years. States receiving federal loans must contribute matching funds and adhere to strict affordability, labor, and prevailing wage requirements for all assisted housing projects.

This bill establishes the National Wildlife Refuge System Invasive Species Strike Team Program, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The program mandates the creation of trained teams in every region dedicated to the rapid detection, control, and eradication of invasive species on and near National Wildlife Refuge lands. These teams will coordinate efforts with neighboring landowners and agencies, focusing on prevention and habitat restoration. Funding is authorized through fiscal year 2030 to support these critical conservation efforts.

The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2025 establishes a new federal crime specifically targeting individuals who knowingly defraud veterans or attempt to steal their federal benefits. This legislation creates enhanced penalties, including potential fines and imprisonment up to five years, for those convicted of such schemes. The Act ensures robust legal tools are in place to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their earned benefits.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating **September 25th** as **National Stop SuiSilence Day**. The bill emphasizes that open conversation is crucial for reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and preventing loss of life. It encourages individuals, communities, and the government to actively engage in suicide prevention awareness and action on this designated day.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends existing federal law to significantly enhance collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring. This bill mandates increased input from diverse stakeholders, including industry, coastal networks, and Indigenous groups, in guiding federal research priorities. Furthermore, it restructures the Advisory Board to ensure stronger representation from Tribal entities and requires the development of specific coordination policies with affected Tribes. The legislation also directs NOAA to prioritize collaboration with State, local, and Tribal governments when conducting vulnerability assessments.

This resolution commemorates the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama by designating July 6, 2025, as a "Day of Compassion." It strongly reaffirms U.S. support for the human rights, religious freedom, and cultural preservation of the Tibetan people. Furthermore, the resolution asserts that the selection of the next Dalai Lama is solely the right of the Tibetan Buddhist community, rejecting any interference by the People's Republic of China.

This bill proposes the complete repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019. By repealing this previous legislation, the bill removes all existing rules and requirements established under that Act.

The Building Unity through Dual Sponsors (BUDS) Resolution amends House rules to allow public bills and resolutions to have two primary sponsors, provided one is from the majority party and the other from the minority party. This formalizes bipartisan introduction of legislation from the outset. The resolution also adjusts related rules concerning cosponsorship and required submission statements for these jointly sponsored measures.

The MARITIME Act establishes the official U.S. policy that rising sea levels must not diminish a nation's sovereignty or shrink its established maritime zones, such as fishing and economic areas. The law commits the U.S. to supporting international efforts, particularly those by Pacific island nations, to officially map and secure their coastlines under existing international law. Furthermore, it mandates the Secretary of State to report on diplomatic efforts to encourage other nations to adopt this protective stance.

The Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to modernize U.S. fisheries management by explicitly incorporating climate change resilience into all planning and decision-making. It strengthens support for fishing communities through new infrastructure grants and formal recognition of subsistence fishing, while significantly increasing transparency and Tribal representation on regional management councils. Finally, the Act mandates the modernization of scientific data collection through technology and tightens ecological standards for habitat protection and bycatch reduction.

The Heroes Owning and Materializing Equity (HOME) Act of 2025 aims to improve VA home loan processes for veterans. It mandates clearer guidance for lenders on veteran residual income and establishes voluntary financial counseling options. Additionally, the bill requires the VA to create a database of pre-adapted homes for sale and mandates proactive outreach to veterans residing in U.S. Territories regarding their benefits.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

This resolution formally condemns the Chinese Communist Party for the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre and its ongoing crackdown on human rights and freedoms in mainland China and Hong Kong. It demands that the PRC cease censorship regarding the massacre and uphold its commitments to Hong Kong's autonomy. Furthermore, the resolution expresses solidarity with victims and calls for accountability regarding abuses in Xinjiang and the suppression of democracy.