Legislative Activity

The CONTAINER Act allows border states to place temporary, movable structures on federal land for border security purposes without needing a special use authorization. States must provide 45 days' notice to the relevant federal agency, with placements initially permitted for up to one year. Extensions may be granted in 90-day increments if U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines that operational control of the border has not yet been achieved.

This bill asserts the constitutional right of states to defend themselves against invasion, citing the situation at the southern border from 2021-2024 as an invasion by cartels, terrorists, and criminal elements. It criticizes the Biden administration's border policies and claims the federal government failed to protect southern border states, thus empowering states to take defensive action.

The Declaration of Energy Independence Act amends the Mineral Leasing Act to reduce costs and streamline processes for onshore oil and gas development. Key provisions include lowering royalty rates, minimum bids, and annual rental fees, while eliminating expression of interest fees. The bill also establishes new frameworks for noncompetitive leasing and provides pathways for reinstating certain abandoned oil and gas claims.

The State Border Security Reimbursement Act of 2025 mandates that the federal government reimburse states for significant expenditures made on border security and enforcement. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on states that have spent over $2.5 billion on these federal responsibilities over the preceding decade. Eligible states may apply for full reimbursement of these non-federally funded costs within a specified timeframe.

The Hearing Protection Act aims to remove silencers from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA) by treating them similarly to standard firearms under federal tax law. This legislation preempts certain state and local taxes and registration requirements related to silencers involved in interstate commerce. Furthermore, the bill mandates the destruction of existing federal silencer registration records and updates federal marking requirements for manufacturers.

The Veterans’ True Choice Act of 2025 allows veterans with service-connected disabilities (VA priority groups 1, 2, or 3) to enroll in TRICARE Select or TRICARE for Life as an alternative to VA health care. By choosing TRICARE, these veterans would transition out of the VA patient enrollment system, with the VA reimbursing the Department of Defense for the associated costs. This legislation aims to provide eligible veterans with greater flexibility and expanded access to their health care providers.

The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 strengthens federal law to combat "swatting" by increasing criminal penalties for those who knowingly report false information to trigger emergency responses. The bill also establishes civil liability, requiring perpetrators to reimburse public safety agencies and organizations for the costs incurred during these emergency deployments.

This bill officially designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lubbock, Texas, as the "General Bernie Mittemeyer VA Clinic." All future federal references to this facility will reflect this new name.

The REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). This legislation requires that asylum seekers be returned to Mexico to await their U.S. immigration proceedings, effectively codifying the 2019 policy guidance into law.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 107 North Hoyne Avenue in Fritch, Texas, as the "Chief Zeb Smith Post Office." All official references to this facility will henceforth bear this name in honor of Chief Zeb Smith.

The Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the effectiveness of electronic automated referral systems for organ donation. This study will evaluate how these systems can streamline the identification of potential donors, improve efficiency, and increase donation volumes. Ultimately, the report will provide recommendations and a roadmap for the nationwide adoption of these automated technologies.

The FIND Act prohibits federal agencies from contracting with entities that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry. It requires federal contractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities and prohibits them from awarding subcontracts to entities that do not provide a similar certification. Violations of these clauses will result in contract termination. The act defines "discriminate" as making judgments or refusing/limiting services based on biased criteria, rather than case-by-case evaluations, empirical data, financial risk, or legal non-compliance.

The Stopping Border Surges Act proposes comprehensive reforms to U.S. immigration policy by tightening asylum eligibility and accelerating the processing of unaccompanied minors. The bill mandates stricter screening standards, expands detention authority for families, and limits legal protections for those seeking asylum. Ultimately, the legislation aims to deter fraudulent claims and expedite removals through more restrictive border and interior enforcement measures.

The "Lowering Costs for Caregivers Act of 2025" expands the use of tax-advantaged health accounts, including HSAs, FSAs, HRAs and Archer MSAs, to cover medical expenses of parents. This allows individuals to use these funds for their parents' or their spouse's parents' medical care. These changes aim to provide financial relief to caregivers by allowing pre-tax dollars to be used for elder care. The provisions apply to expenses and contributions made after December 31, 2024.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 aims to increase federal regulatory accountability by requiring Congress to approve any "major" rule before it can take effect. Under this legislation, rules with a significant economic impact require a joint resolution of approval from both chambers of Congress to become law. By shifting this authority back to the legislative branch, the Act seeks to ensure greater transparency and oversight of the federal rulemaking process.