Legislative Activity

This bill establishes the **Faithful Patriot Campaign Medal** to honor service members and veterans who participated in Operation Faithful Patriot or subsequent operations along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Secretary of Defense is tasked with designing and issuing this new military award. Eligible individuals or their next-of-kin must apply to receive the medal.

The PATRIOT Parks Act authorizes National Parks to charge an additional surcharge specifically targeting international visitors who hold B-2 or Visa Waiver Program status. This new fee must be set by the park superintendent to maximize revenue without significantly deterring tourism. All revenue generated from this surcharge must remain at the collecting park unit to fund local maintenance and visitor services. The Act also establishes a separate surcharge on the sale of National Park passes to international visitors, with those funds directed to the Legacy Restoration Fund.

This resolution formally condemns the severe, ongoing persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries worldwide. It documents specific instances of violence, discrimination, and legal restrictions faced by Christian communities across numerous nations. The bill urges the President to prioritize the protection of these religious minorities in all U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.

This resolution formally congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the 267th pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the significance of him being the first American-born Pope in the Church's history. The measure also commends his lifelong service, missionary spirit, and dedication to truth and mercy. Finally, it offers prayers for his leadership as he begins his papacy.

The Easter Monday Act of 2025 officially establishes Easter Monday as a new legal public holiday in the United States. This legislation amends federal law to insert Easter Monday into the official list of recognized federal holidays. Consequently, Easter Monday will be observed by federal employees and agencies with the same status as existing holidays.

The Fairness for Stay-at-Home Parents Act amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to clarify job protection for leave taken following the birth of a child. Crucially, it requires employers to notify employees that premium payments made for their health insurance during birth-related leave are generally not recoverable if the employee chooses not to return to work. This ensures financial clarity for parents taking leave for a new child.

The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act significantly reforms federal childcare funding by shifting subsidies toward direct parental vouchers, known as child care certificates, to increase parental choice. It also boosts support and payment rates for relative caregivers while removing burdensome regulations. Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing tax credit for dependent care expenses and establishes new pilot programs focused on preventing fraud and encouraging relative caregiving.

The Stop CCP VISAs Act of 2025 prohibits the issuance of F, J, and M nonimmigrant visas to nationals of the People's Republic of China if their primary purpose for entering the U.S. is to conduct research or study. This legislation aims to safeguard American intellectual property by restricting academic and student exchange visas for Chinese nationals.

The "Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act" prevents payment card networks from assigning a unique merchant category code to firearm retailers. The Attorney General is responsible for enforcing the Act, investigating complaints, and reporting to Congress. This law overrides state and local laws regarding merchant category codes for firearm retailers and does not establish a private right of action.

The United States Reciprocal Trade Act aims to address trade imbalances by granting the President authority to impose reciprocal tariffs on goods from countries with significantly higher tariffs or non-tariff barriers on U.S. goods. It requires the President to notify Congress before taking action and allows Congress to reject Presidential tariffs through a disapproval resolution. The Act also directs the USTR to report on trade agreements and sets a sunset clause on the President's authority to impose import duties, with a possible extension subject to congressional approval. Ultimately, this bill seeks to empower the President to negotiate fairer trade terms and protect American businesses, farmers, and workers by ensuring reciprocal treatment in international trade.