Legislative Activity

The "ADS for Mental Health Services Act" requires large digital advertising platforms to report annually on the number, value, and focus of public service advertisements they display, particularly those related to mental, behavioral, and physical health resources. This data will then be compiled into a public report to Congress by the Federal Trade Commission. The goal is to increase transparency and understanding of the support provided for health-related public service announcements on major online platforms. The act does not supersede any existing privacy or data security laws.

The "Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act" allows NASA to use government vehicles to transport astronauts and space flight participants between their residences and other locations for official purposes. International partner astronauts and space flight participants must reimburse the Treasury for these transportation services. The NASA Administrator will create regulations to implement the Act and can use available funds for these transportation activities.

The NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025 authorizes \$25.5 billion in appropriations for NASA, allocating funds across exploration, space operations, technology, science, and STEM engagement. It directs NASA to maintain a continuous human presence in low-Earth orbit, supports commercial space development, and establishes standards for lunar activities. The act also focuses on advancing aeronautics research and development, enhancing STEM education, and refining NASA's policies and collaborations. Finally, the bill restricts collaboration with China and promotes public-private talent exchange to protect U.S. interests and foster innovation.

This bill amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to establish a uniform 8-digit subheading number for all whiskies. It revises existing subheadings within Chapter 22 of the tariff schedule and directs the United States International Trade Commission to add statistical suffixes to a specific subheading. These changes aim to simplify and standardize the classification and duty treatment of whiskies imported into the United States. The amendments will take effect 15 days after the bill's enactment.

This concurrent resolution expresses support for recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff for their essential care, courage, and dedication, particularly in light of increasing restrictions on abortion access. It affirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and patients' right to access care without fear of violence or criminalization. The resolution condemns actions that limit abortion access and expresses a vision for a future where everyone has full access to necessary care without penalty or stigma.

This resolution acknowledges the significant contributions of women-owned businesses in the United States, which have experienced substantial growth and play a vital role in the nation's economy. It recognizes the increasing number of women-owned businesses, their employment figures, and their revenue generation. The resolution commends the entrepreneurial spirit of women business owners and celebrates their achievements.

This bill amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, requiring lobbyists to disclose any foreign government or political party that directs, plans, supervises, or controls their lobbying activities. This disclosure is required even if the foreign entity is not the lobbyist's direct client. The bill is named the "Disclosing Foreign Influence in Lobbying Act."

The "Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025" aims to increase transparency in federal spending by mandating the reporting of "other transaction agreements" on USAspending.gov. It requires the Secretary of the Treasury to ensure this data is accessible within three years and to publish annual reports on federal spending data. The Act also directs Inspectors General to submit reports to Congress, mandates specific federal agencies to post information, and instructs the Comptroller General to provide recommendations for updating the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

The Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act of 2025 aims to maintain and modernize the Air Force's fighter aircraft fleet by setting minimum inventory levels, requiring regular reports on the status of the fleet, prioritizing the assignment of new aircraft to existing squadrons, and preserving the Air National Guard's fighter capabilities. It mandates the Air Force to retain a minimum number of fighter aircraft, with allowances for temporary reductions during unit recapitalizations, and ensures the Air National Guard maintains a specific number of fighter squadrons while receiving modern aircraft. The Act also includes provisions for annual recapitalization plans for the Air National Guard and defines key terms related to fighter aircraft.

The Genomic Data Protection Act aims to protect consumer privacy by granting individuals more control over their genomic data collected by direct-to-consumer testing companies. It requires companies to provide clear notifications about data usage, facilitate data deletion and sample destruction upon request, and inform consumers of their rights during company acquisitions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce the Act and create necessary regulations, ensuring compliance and safeguarding consumer interests. This law preserves existing Federal and State laws unless there is a direct conflict.

The "Risky Research Review Act" establishes the Life Sciences Research Security Board, an independent agency within the Executive Branch, to review and make binding determinations on federal funding for high-risk life sciences research. The board will consist of experts appointed by the President and will ensure that proposed research meets safety and security standards before funding is awarded. This act aims to prevent potentially dangerous research from being federally funded without proper oversight. The Board is granted authority to audit, investigate, and enforce compliance, ensuring responsible and secure life sciences research practices.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 amends the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for employees engaging in labor disputes and collective bargaining. It redefines employer and employee status, addresses unfair labor practices, streamlines collective bargaining, and increases penalties for employers who violate labor laws. The Act also updates strike/lockout notification procedures and clarifies reporting requirements for employer-employee communication. Finally, it ensures the law's provisions are severable and authorizes necessary appropriations for implementation and enforcement.

This bill aims to improve public health in Tribal communities by providing veterinary services to prevent and control zoonotic diseases, which are diseases transmissible between animals and humans. It authorizes the Indian Health Service to fund these services, assign veterinary officers, and coordinate with other agencies. Additionally, the bill directs a feasibility study on using oral rabies vaccines in Arctic regions to protect Tribal members from wildlife-transmitted rabies. It also includes the Director of the Indian Health Service in the One Health Framework.

The Faster Labor Contracts Act aims to expedite the collective bargaining process for initial labor agreements under the National Labor Relations Act. It mandates quicker meeting times between employers and newly recognized unions, introduces mediation through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and if necessary, utilizes binding arbitration to finalize agreements. A report will be created by the Comptroller General, examining the average time it takes to reach a collective bargaining agreement. The arbitration panel's decision will be binding for two years, promoting stability while considering various factors like the employer's finances and employee needs.

This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide veterans with physical copies of the form needed to claim reimbursement for certain travel expenses. Veterans can request the form by mail or obtain it at VA medical facilities. Completed forms can be submitted in person or by mail to any VA medical facility for processing.

The Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act bans the import of platinum, palladium, nickel, and copper from Russia to the United States, 90 days after enactment. This ban will end once the President certifies that Russia has ceased hostilities against Ukraine, but will be reinstated if hostilities resume within three years. The President does not have the authority to waive this prohibition. "Russian entity" is defined as an entity organized under Russian law or subject to Russian jurisdiction.

This resolution designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week," to recognize the importance of public education. It expresses Congress's support for strengthening public schools through various measures, including empowering educators, supporting student well-being, and promoting equal opportunities. The resolution emphasizes the vital roles of educators, parents, and community stakeholders in ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. It also acknowledges the importance of federal funding in supporting public schools.

The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act mandates an independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction care provided by the VA and non-VA providers. This study will evaluate health outcomes, use of evidence-based practices, care coordination, and patient satisfaction. The goal is to identify areas for improvement in veteran mental health and addiction treatment within and outside the VA system. A report of the study's findings must be submitted to Congress and published online.

The "Time to Choose Act of 2025" prohibits federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms that simultaneously work for certain foreign entities, such as the governments of China and Russia, or face penalties. It requires firms bidding on federal contracts to certify they do not have consulting contracts with these "covered foreign entities," with exceptions allowed under national security interests. The Act also outlines penalties for firms providing false information about their foreign contracts, including contract termination and False Claims Act liabilities. This law aims to address conflicts of interest where firms may be undermining U.S. security while contracting with U.S. agencies.

The "Protecting Our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act" establishes a "Ukrainian guest status" for individuals paroled into the U.S. under the Uniting for Ukraine program, allowing them to work in the U.S. This status begins from their initial parole date and expires 120 days after the Secretary of State determines it is safe for civilians to return to Ukraine, but can be revoked by Homeland Security if the individual poses a security risk.