Legislative Activity

The Countering Chinese Espionage Reporting Act mandates that the Department of Justice (DOJ) submit an annual public report detailing its efforts to combat national security threats and espionage from the Chinese Communist Party. This report must outline specific operations, resource allocation against these threats, and measures taken to protect civil liberties. The requirement ensures transparency regarding the DOJ's activities countering intellectual property theft and threats from non-traditional collectors over the next seven years.

The STOP Screwworms Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and operate facilities for rearing and releasing sterile New World screwworm flies to control infestations. This legislation dedicates $300 million to build these modular rearing facilities in at-risk areas and mandates annual public reporting on the threat level and control efforts. The goal is to actively combat the spread of screwworm flies threatening U.S. agriculture.

The Efficient Nuclear Licensing Hearings Act aims to streamline and accelerate the process for issuing atomic energy licenses by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This bill allows the NRC to generally skip mandatory public hearings for certain permits and licenses unless an affected party requests one. If no hearing is requested, the NRC can proceed after a thirty-day notice period, utilizing informal procedures when hearings are held. These changes apply immediately to pending applications.

The Conscience Protection Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections for healthcare entities and individuals who object to participating in specific medical procedures, such as abortion, based on moral or religious beliefs. It prohibits discrimination against providers who refuse such services and significantly bolsters enforcement mechanisms within the Department of Health and Human Services. Furthermore, the Act explicitly grants individuals and affected parties the right to file private lawsuits seeking damages when these conscience protections are violated.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from requiring firearms retailers to use a unique Merchant Category Code (MCC) that singles them out. This ensures that credit and debit card transactions for firearms and ammunition are treated the same as general retail purchases. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing this prohibition and reporting annually to Congress on compliance efforts.

The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act introduces a new aggravating factor for federal death penalty consideration. This factor applies when an individual who is illegally present in the U.S. is convicted of killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a United States citizen. This measure aims to provide justice for victims of crimes committed by unauthorized immigrants.

This Act restricts federal funding for colleges and universities that maintain relationships with Confucius Institutes or designated "Chinese entities of concern." Specifically, institutions with such ties become ineligible for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. Eligibility can be restored only if the institution terminates its relationship with the restricted entity.

The Chip Security Act mandates the implementation of security mechanisms on advanced integrated circuit products before they are exported to protect U.S. national security interests. This requires the Secretary of Commerce to ensure chips include features verifying location and reporting unauthorized use or tampering. Furthermore, the Act calls for an assessment and potential rollout of secondary security features to enhance export control compliance and prevent misuse by adversaries. The goal is to maintain the U.S. competitive edge by securing sensitive hardware sent to allies and partners.

The PELL Act of 2025 establishes the new Workforce Pell Grant to provide federal aid for short-term, high-demand workforce training programs. To qualify, these programs must be approved by the Governor and meet strict criteria regarding length, employer alignment, credentialing, and performance metrics. This new grant aims to support students pursuing credentials that lead directly to employment while ensuring credits are transferable to further education.

The PRECISE Act of 2025 aims to modernize agriculture by prioritizing precision agriculture technologies and practices across rural America. It expands federal assistance and incentives within existing conservation programs like EQIP and CSP to encourage the adoption of high-tech, data-driven farming methods. Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions and enhances technical assistance delivery to support farmers in improving efficiency and environmental outcomes.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.

The MOMS Act aims to support mothers and unborn children through three main areas: establishing a federal resource website, Pregnancy.gov, to connect expecting and new mothers with local services. It also creates grant programs to fund organizations that support carrying pregnancies to term and expand access to prenatal/postnatal telehealth care. Finally, the Act mandates that states establish and enforce child support obligations on behalf of unborn children upon the mother's request.

The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive framework to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, shipbuilding capacity, and merchant marine workforce. It centralizes national maritime oversight, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed partly by penalties on foreign-linked vessels, and mandates increased use of U.S.-flagged ships for government and certain commercial cargo. Ultimately, the bill aims to secure critical sealift capabilities and boost domestic maritime economic competitiveness against foreign rivals.

This bill modifies the railroad track maintenance credit by significantly increasing the maximum credit amount per mile from $\$3,500$ to $\$6,100$. It also updates the eligibility period for qualifying expenditures and mandates that the new credit limit will be adjusted for inflation starting in 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure upkeep.

The Stand with Israel Act prohibits the U.S. government from contributing funds to any United Nations entity that takes action to expel, suspend, or otherwise restrict Israel's full and equal participation. This measure ensures U.S. financial support is withheld from UN bodies that discriminate against Israel.

The United States Research Protection Act of 2025 aims to strengthen national security by clarifying restrictions on malign foreign talent recruitment. This bill updates the definition of a "foreign country of concern" within existing research and innovation laws. It also broadens the scope of prohibited involvement in restricted programs to include both direct and indirect participation.

The Housing Affordability Act significantly raises the maximum loan limits for various types of multifamily housing projects under the National Housing Act. It replaces outdated dollar figures with substantially higher baseline amounts across several key sections. Furthermore, starting in mid-2025, annual loan limit adjustments will be tied to the percentage change in the Bureau of the Census's Price Deflator Index for Multifamily Residential Units Under Construction.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 comprehensively reforms the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program by updating state allocation formulas based on population and inflation, and by modifying tenant eligibility rules to protect vulnerable residents. The bill also introduces significant changes for property owners regarding casualty loss, acquisition costs, and incentives for serving extremely low-income households. Finally, it directs efforts toward increasing program transparency and encouraging local governments to reform restrictive housing policies.

This resolution officially supports the mission of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025 to combat the deadly counterfeit pill crisis. It highlights the severe danger posed by fake pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl, which are increasingly accessible to young people. The bill aims to increase public awareness regarding this threat and applauds law enforcement efforts to stop the spread of illicit drugs.