Legislative Activity

The Back the Blue Act of 2025 establishes new federal crimes and harsher penalties for killing or assaulting law enforcement officers and other public safety officials. The bill also creates specific aggravating factors for the federal death penalty in such cases and places new restrictions on federal habeas corpus relief for related state convictions. Finally, it expands federal protections allowing active and retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms in various federal locations.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025 enhances the FDA's authority to require pediatric investigations for new molecularly targeted cancer drugs. It also extends the priority review voucher program designed to incentivize the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases until September 2030. Furthermore, the bill mandates studies to assess the effectiveness of these new drug investigation requirements and the existing voucher program.

This Act, the Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act, amends Medicare rules to prohibit residency programs from requiring participation in abortion training. Programs that mandate abortion training or discriminate against residents who opt out or refuse to participate will no longer qualify as "approved" under Medicare. This ensures medical residents are not forced to perform, assist, or refer for abortions as a condition of their training.

The Flight Risk Reduction Act amends federal law to establish a new presumption against pretrial release for non-citizens who are not lawful permanent residents. This change mandates a detention hearing for these individuals and requires courts to presume detention is necessary. Crucially, defendants cannot use ties to family or employment in the U.S. to overcome this presumption.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish new grounds for inadmissibility and deportability. This legislation targets aliens convicted of, admitting to, or conspiring to commit offenses involving defrauding the U.S. Government or unlawfully receiving federal, state, or local public benefits. The goal is to ensure that individuals who commit such fraud cannot enter or remain in the United States.

This resolution officially designates the week of November 3 through November 7, 2025, as National Veterans Small Business Week. It recognizes the significant contributions of the over 1.65 million veteran-owned small businesses to the U.S. economy. The bill supports creating a business-friendly environment and expresses appreciation for veterans' continued service through entrepreneurship.

The Nitazene Control Act permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, including nitazenes, into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This action is taken due to their significant abuse potential and the danger they pose in the illegal drug supply. The bill establishes a broad structural definition to cover current and future versions of these dangerous substances. This ensures consistent federal enforcement against this class of deadly designer drugs.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act of 2025 designates essential firearm-related operations as necessary for protecting human life or property during a government shutdown. This ensures that key functions, such as the FBI's NICS background check system and critical ATF, Commerce, and State Department licensing activities, continue without interruption. Employees performing these duties will be considered "excepted employees" and must continue to work.

This Act establishes a clear U.S. policy to hold Chinese officials accountable for gross human rights violations against religious groups by making them subject to sanctions. It mandates that the Department of State actively promote and monitor religious freedom within the People's Republic of China. Furthermore, Congress urges the designation of China as a "country of particular concern" and calls for robust diplomatic action to secure the release of unjustly detained religious prisoners.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that active duty and reserve military personnel continue to receive pay and essential allowances if Congress has not passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026 by the start of that year. This legislation provides automatic continuing appropriations to cover military salaries, support staff, and necessary contractor payments during any funding lapse. The authority granted by this Act is set to terminate on September 30, 2026, or sooner if a comprehensive budget is enacted. Furthermore, the provisions of this Act are made retroactively effective as of September 30, 2025.

The Keep America Flying Act of 2026 ensures that essential Air Traffic Controllers and TSA security personnel continue to receive pay and benefits at the start of fiscal year 2026, even if Congress has not yet passed a budget. This continuing appropriation provides necessary funding for FAA and TSA staff, as well as their contractors, to maintain safe and secure air travel operations. The funding automatically ceases once a full budget is enacted or on September 30, 2026.

This resolution commemorates the 40th anniversary of the inaugural flight of Space Shuttle Atlantis and formally recognizes the enduring economic, educational, and cultural contributions of the Kennedy Space Center. It celebrates the legacy of the Space Shuttle Program, which was central to major achievements like building the International Space Station. The resolution highlights how the Center continues to drive significant economic activity and inspire future generations in Florida and the United States.

This resolution condemns attacks against federal law enforcement officers operating in Illinois and criticizes state and local policies perceived as obstructing federal immigration enforcement. It expresses strong disapproval of local governments for failing to control soaring violent crime rates, particularly in Chicago. The measure reaffirms the federal government's exclusive authority over immigration and supports prosecuting those who interfere with federal agents.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that members of the Armed Forces, along with essential Department of Defense civilian personnel and contractors, continue to receive pay and allowances in fiscal year 2026 if regular appropriations are not enacted. This measure provides temporary, continuing funding to support active service members. This authority automatically terminates upon the enactment of a new appropriations law or by January 1, 2027.

This resolution officially designates September 2025 as National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month. It highlights the urgent need to increase focus and funding for research into treatments and cures for spinal cord injuries. The measure also recognizes the dedicated efforts of organizations and individuals working to improve the lives of those affected by these debilitating injuries.

This resolution formally condemns the brutal Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel of October 7, 2023, and supports Israel's right to self-defense. It further condemns antisemitic and destructive protests within the United States. Ultimately, the resolution calls for an outcome that ensures Israel's survival, eliminates Hamas's ability to operate, and secures the release of all remaining hostages.

The Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2025 reduces the federal excise tax rate on portable, electronically-aerated bait containers. This legislation lowers the applicable tax rate for manufacturers, producers, or importers of these specific items to 3 percent. This reduced rate will take effect for sales occurring after December 31, 2025.

The Passport Sanity Act mandates that the Department of State limit gender designation options on official travel documents to only "male" or "female." This law specifically prohibits the issuance of passports, passport cards, or Consular Reports of Birth Abroad that include an "X" gender marker.

This resolution officially recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month, running from September 15 to October 15, 2025. It celebrates the immense and vital contributions of Latinos to the United States across culture, the economy, and civic life. The bill encourages all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities honoring this heritage.

This resolution officially designates the week of October 5–11, 2025, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate the importance of religious education in the United States. It affirms that religious instruction is vital for developing moral and civic citizens, citing historical precedent and Supreme Court rulings that protect parental rights in education. Furthermore, the resolution calls upon states and territories to accommodate students who wish to be released from public school for religious instruction.