Legislative Activity

The 1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act aims to eliminate the mandatory data collection and reporting requirements for small business loans previously established under Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. Proponents argue that these regulations impose unnecessary compliance costs on lenders, potentially hindering small business access to credit. This bill repeals those specific reporting mandates to reduce regulatory burdens on financial institutions.

The Promoting New Bank Formation Act aims to encourage the creation of new banks by providing regulatory relief for newly insured institutions. This includes a three-year phase-in period for new capital standards and streamlined processes for adjusting initial business plans. The Act also establishes temporary, favorable capital requirements for new rural depository institutions and expands lending authority for Federal savings associations to include agricultural loans. Finally, it mandates a study on barriers to new bank formation, especially in underserved areas.

The Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act ensures that tax deadlines postponed by the IRS due to major disasters, fires, or acts of war are also applied to the time limits for claiming tax credits or refunds. This legislation also mandates that the IRS must adjust collection notice deadlines to account for these disaster-related extensions. Essentially, it provides taxpayers with the same amount of extra time for refunds and payment obligations as they receive for filing.

The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025 limits the FCC's authority to prohibit the use of cell phone jamming systems within jails and prisons. This legislation specifically permits state and federal correctional facilities to deploy jamming technology to block communications involving inmates or contraband devices. Any facility using these systems must adhere to strict operational limits, ensure state funding for state-run systems, and coordinate with local public safety officials beforehand.

The First Responders Retirement Parity Act allows certain firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics employed by qualifying public safety agencies to participate in governmental pension plans. This ensures that these essential emergency response providers are treated similarly to other government employees under various federal retirement and benefit rules. The Act clarifies that including these specific providers will not jeopardize the tax status of the governmental pension plan.

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.

The Down East Remembrance Act officially designates several specific creeks with new, permanent names recognized by the U.S. government. This legislation assigns names like Noah Styron Creek and Hunter Parks Creek based on precise geographic coordinates. Moving forward, all federal records and documents must use these newly established official names for the designated waterways.

The Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025 ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from requiring or penalizing bidders based on union agreements. This legislation aims to keep federal agencies neutral in labor relations while promoting cost savings and opening opportunities for all businesses. Exceptions to this neutrality rule are strictly limited to specific public health, safety, or national security emergencies.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that Nigeria should be designated as a Country of Particular Concern due to severe violations of religious freedom. It urges the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities, prosecute those responsible for violence, and ensure religious freedom. The resolution also calls for increased U.S. diplomatic efforts and potential sanctions on individuals and groups responsible for religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The Securing American Agriculture Act mandates an annual report from the Secretary of Agriculture detailing U.S. reliance on China for critical farming supplies like fertilizers, seeds, and veterinary drugs. This study must assess domestic production capabilities and identify supply chain vulnerabilities that China could exploit. The goal is to provide Congress with actionable recommendations for reducing dependency through onshore or nearshore production.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025 amends immigration law to make non-citizens inadmissible or deportable if they have been convicted of, or admit to committing, fraud against the U.S. government or the unlawful receipt of public benefits. This legislation targets individuals who cheat federal, state, or local benefit programs. The Act specifically covers those who have been convicted of or conspired to commit such fraudulent acts.

The "Pay Our Troops Act of 2025" ensures that members of the Armed Forces, essential Department of Defense civilians, and contractors continue to receive pay and allowances during periods when regular funding is disrupted. This act provides necessary appropriations to cover these costs for fiscal year 2025. The Act's provisions will terminate upon the enactment of regular appropriations, a continuing resolution that provides funding for the same purpose, or on January 1, 2026.

This bill disapproves a recent rule issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) concerning the use of medical information by creditors and consumer reporting agencies. Utilizing the Congressional Review Act, Congress nullifies this specific BCFP regulation. Consequently, the rejected rule will have no legal effect.

The "Stop Fentanyl Money Laundering Act of 2025" aims to combat fentanyl and narcotics trafficking by enhancing financial institutions' ability to detect and report money laundering activities. It authorizes the Treasury Secretary to impose special measures against financial institutions involved in illicit fentanyl financing, mandates updated advisories on identifying Chinese professional money laundering networks, and requires guidance for reporting suspicious transactions linked to transnational criminal organizations involved in narcotics trafficking. The Act also calls for a comprehensive report on lessons learned from past drug crises to inform strategies for addressing the opioid crisis.

This bill disapproves and invalidates the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding overdraft lending practices of very large financial institutions. The rule, found in the Federal Register, is nullified by this disapproval.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 aims to modernize and maintain the Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet by increasing the minimum number of fighter aircraft, requiring detailed reports on the fleet's status, prioritizing the assignment of new aircraft to existing squadrons, and preserving the Air National Guard's fighter capabilities. The act mandates the Air Force to assign at least three out of every four new advanced fighter aircraft to existing Air Force fighter squadrons and maintain at least 25 Air National Guard fighter aircraft squadrons. Additionally, it requires the Secretary of the Air Force to develop and submit an annual modernization plan for the Air National Guard's fighter fleet to Congress. The Act defines specific categories of fighter aircraft to clarify modernization efforts.

This bill expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25 crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. It recognizes the impact on Wichita, Kansas, and acknowledges the cooperation of officials in responding to the tragedy and assisting the families. The bill also commends the heroic actions of first responders and emergency services personnel.

The Financial Reporting Threshold Modernization Act updates the thresholds for currency transaction reports and suspicious activity reports to reflect inflation. It raises the threshold for currency transaction reports from $10,000 to $30,000 and mandates updates every 5 years based on the Consumer Price Index. Additionally, it increases the reporting threshold for coins and currency received in nonfinancial trades or businesses from $10,000 to $30,000, also with CPI-based updates every 5 years. The Act requires federal agencies and the Secretary of the Treasury to revise regulations to reflect these changes, which must be implemented within 180 days of enactment.

The "Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2025" increases penalties for stealing firearms from licensed dealers. It sets stricter punishments, including up to 20 years in prison, for violating laws related to firearm theft. The act also mandates minimum prison sentences of 3 years for burglaries and 5 years for robberies targeting licensed firearm businesses.

The Rectifying UDAAP Act amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, modifying the rulemaking process for unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. It requires the CFPB to define "abusive act or practice," conduct cost-benefit analyses for new rules, and consider mitigating factors when assessing civil penalties. The act also sets new limitations and standards for the CFPB's enforcement authority, including where they can file enforcement actions, the clarity of their claims, and the remedies they can seek. Furthermore, it provides a notice and cure period for covered entities that self-report potential violations.