Legislative Activity

The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025 authorizes the use of federal grant funds to better equip and train emergency personnel. This legislation enables first responders to purchase specialized containment devices and receive training to prevent accidental secondary exposure to fentanyl and other lethal substances.

The Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 aims to expand and accelerate the delivery of conservation technical assistance to farmers and ranchers by diversifying the certification process for third-party providers. The bill authorizes non-federal entities and state agencies to certify providers, streamlines credentialing for qualified professionals, and mandates fair payment rates. These reforms are designed to increase capacity, improve transparency, and ensure more efficient implementation of conservation practices nationwide.

The BEACH Act of 2025 strengthens coastal water safety by expanding monitoring requirements to include upstream waters and public beach access points. The bill provides $30 million in annual funding through 2029 to support these efforts and allows states to use grants to identify specific sources of contamination. Additionally, it mandates that the EPA incorporate the latest testing technologies into its guidance for state and local water quality programs.

The "No Tax on Tips Act" proposes a federal tax deduction of up to $25,000 per year for cash tips received by workers in traditionally tipped occupations. Additionally, the bill expands the existing tax credit for employer-paid Social Security taxes on tips to include beauty service establishments. These changes are designed to provide tax relief for service workers and support businesses where tipping is customary.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the railroad track maintenance credit by increasing the per-mile tax credit to $6,100 and implementing annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026. It also extends the eligibility window for qualifying maintenance expenditures to include costs incurred through 2023. These updates aim to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure improvements.

The Department of Education Protection Act prohibits the Department of Education from using federal funds to reorganize, decentralize, or reduce its staffing and operations. This legislation mandates that the Department must maintain the structure, authority, and functions that were in place as of January 1, 2025.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to restrict the President's authority to impose import duties or quotas. This bill clarifies that emergency economic powers do not include the ability to levy trade restrictions on goods entering the United States.

The TRUST in Congress Act requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children to place covered financial investments into qualified blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill establishes strict deadlines for asset transfers and mandates public certification of compliance. These measures ensure that lawmakers cannot influence or benefit from their personal investments while serving in office.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The Retired Pay Restoration Act eliminates the current offset that reduces military retirement pay for veterans who also receive disability compensation. This legislation ensures that all eligible disabled retirees can receive both their full retirement pay and disability benefits concurrently, regardless of their disability rating. By removing these restrictions and phase-in periods, the bill ensures veterans receive the full compensation they have earned through their service.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to health insurance by removing the 400% federal poverty level income cap for premium tax credits. It also introduces a new sliding-scale contribution formula to ensure that insurance costs remain affordable for households across all income levels. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2025 extends the federal Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program through 2030. This legislation ensures continued support for critical remote healthcare and educational infrastructure in rural communities.

This bill removes existing statutory restrictions and legal requirements concerning the provision of defense articles and security assistance to the Republic of Cyprus. By amending the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 and the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, the legislation transitions previous mandates into non-binding congressional statements. These changes streamline the process for defense-related cooperation and sales with Cyprus.

The Advanced Border Coordination Act of 2025 mandates the creation of Joint Operations Centers along the southern border to unify federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts. These hubs will centralize communication, coordinate multi-agency field operations, and improve information sharing to better combat human trafficking, drug smuggling, and other criminal activities. The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to provide annual reports to Congress to ensure ongoing operational effectiveness and interagency cooperation.

The MAPLE Act expands the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program to include maple syrup as an eligible food item. This legislation allows low-income seniors to use their program benefits to purchase locally produced maple syrup alongside fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 mandates that the VA provide comprehensive infertility treatments and fertility preservation services to enrolled veterans and their chosen partners. This legislation expands access to assisted reproductive technology, including IVF and gamete storage, regardless of marital status. It also provides coverage for partner travel expenses and establishes clear guidelines for consent and implementation.

This bill condemns Turkey's ongoing occupation of Cyprus, citing violations of international law, human rights, and UN resolutions. It calls for the withdrawal of Turkish troops, adherence to democratic principles, and a resolution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation. The bill urges Turkey to cease interference in Cyprus' Exclusive Economic Zone, assist in locating missing American citizens, and remove illegal settlers from occupied territories. Finally, it encourages the President to prioritize resolving the Cyprus issue.

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.