Legislative Activity

The GUARD VA Benefits Act establishes criminal penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assisting with claims for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation amends existing law to prohibit soliciting, contracting for, or receiving compensation for preparing or prosecuting VA benefit claims, except where explicitly authorized by other statutes.

This bill redesignates the Robert E. Lee Memorial as the "Arlington House National Historic Site." It changes all references to the site in law and documentation to reflect the new name. The bill also repeals the previous resolutions that designated the site as a memorial to Robert E. Lee.

The "Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act" ensures that members of the Armed Forces and their dependents can access leave and reimbursement for travel expenses related to abortion services and assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, when these services are not available nearby. It protects the privacy of service members seeking such care and prohibits any adverse actions against them for utilizing these provisions. The bill aims to address barriers to reproductive healthcare created by state abortion restrictions and logistical challenges faced by military personnel.

The MEME Act prohibits elected and other high-ranking federal officials, as well as their families, from promoting financial assets, including securities, commodities, and digital assets, for personal gain. It allows the Attorney General, private parties, and others to sue violators. Violators may face civil penalties up to $250,000, be required to return profits to the Treasury, and may face criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. The Act aims to prevent public officials from using their positions for personal financial benefit, addressing bribery, insider trading, and corrupt foreign influence.

The Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 bans cosmetic animal testing in the U.S. and restricts the use of animal testing data for cosmetic safety, with certain exceptions. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties for non-compliance and preempts states from enacting conflicting regulations. The Act defines key terms related to cosmetic animal testing and cosmetics.

The Security Clearance Review Act mandates that the FBI Director, rather than other entities, is responsible for granting security clearances and access to classified information for political appointees and special government employees within the Executive Office of the President. The Act requires the FBI Director to notify the President and Congress when a security clearance is denied, suspended, or revoked. If the President overrides the FBI Director's decision, they must provide an explanation to relevant Congressional committees. This ensures accountability and transparency in security clearance determinations within the Executive Office.

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the United States as children and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Title I, the Dream Act of 2025, establishes conditional permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the U.S. as children. Title II, the American Promise Act of 2025, allows the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to grant permanent resident status to eligible individuals from TPS or DED countries. Title III outlines general provisions, such as background checks, application processes, and fee exemptions, applicable to all seeking to adjust their status under this Act.

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle if that style is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. This protection extends to federally funded programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. The act aims to ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination based on hair, addressing historical biases and stereotypes. It clarifies that existing civil rights laws should be interpreted to include protection against hair-based discrimination.

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act allows wrongly fired or dismissed veterans in civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date to be reinstated to their previous position or a similar one. It mandates executive branch agencies to report to Congress every three months on all veteran employees who were fired or dismissed and the reasons for their termination, effective until January 20, 2029. The Act relies on existing U.S. Code definitions for key terms like "veteran" and "civil service."

The "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act" or the "REPAIR Act" ensures vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to necessary vehicle data, repair information, and tools, preventing manufacturers from creating barriers to repairs. It establishes an advisory committee to address competition issues in the auto repair industry and mandates that car buyers are informed of their rights to choose repair options. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce the Act, protecting consumers from unfair restrictions on vehicle repair and ensuring control over their vehicle data.

Ethan's Law establishes federal requirements for the secure storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access by minors and prohibited persons, making improper storage a civil violation with escalating penalties if injury or death results. The bill also creates a federal grant program to incentivize states and Tribes to adopt matching safe storage laws. Furthermore, Congress declares that failing to comply with these storage requirements constitutes negligence and may be considered the direct cause of resulting firearm injuries.

The Accountability in Government Efficiency Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report to Congress on the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. This report will analyze the effects of the Department's actions on the long-term financial, public health, and safety interests of the United States, as well as the Department's compliance with certain sections of title 5, United States Code. The report must be submitted to Congress by December 31, 2025.

The LEASH DOGE Act mandates transparency and oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by requiring detailed reports on employees, activities, and potential conflicts of interest to be submitted to Congress and made public. It sets a deadline of March 31, 2025, for DOGE to comply with these requirements, or face restrictions on the use of funds, including those allocated to DOGE Agency Teams. This act ensures accountability and provides the public with accessible information regarding DOGE's operations and impact on government programs.

The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025 establishes a commission to improve the management and sustainability of fishery resources in the Mississippi River Basin by fostering collaboration among states, federal agencies, and tribes. The commission will develop and implement fishery management plans, address aquatic invasive species, and administer a grant program to support interjurisdictional fishery projects. This act authorizes appropriations for the commission's establishment, management duties, grant program, and housing within the Department of the Interior. The commission will submit annual reports to Congress detailing its activities and progress.

The "DOC Access Act of 2025" aims to enhance health care coverage under vision and dental plans by ensuring fair payment practices, protecting doctors' choices in labs and suppliers, and respecting state laws. It allows optometrists and dentists to charge their standard rate for non-covered services if the plan's payment is unreasonable, while ensuring they can only charge the contracted rate for dental cleanings. The bill also gives doctors more control over agreement extensions with limited benefit plans and allows them to opt out of certain provisions. Ultimately, this act seeks to balance federal guidelines with state oversight in regulating health insurance issuers and dental or vision benefit plans.

This resolution commemorates the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people three years after Russia's invasion, condemning Russia's aggression and affirming solidarity with Ukraine. It highlights the extensive human cost, including civilian deaths, displacement, and the abduction of children, while also noting the significant damage to Ukraine's infrastructure. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense, holding Russia accountable, and restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity, while also acknowledging Ukraine's critical role in defending democratic values and European security. It also does not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea.

The "Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for blind individuals who purchase qualified access technology, such as hardware or software that converts visual information into accessible formats. The credit is capped at $2,000 per blind individual over any three consecutive tax years and will be adjusted for inflation after 2026. This credit is effective for tax years starting after December 31, 2025, and expires after December 31, 2030. It ensures that individuals cannot claim double benefits for the same expenses.

The "Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act of 2025" directs the FAA to collaborate with the National Academies to study and report on the health impacts of air traffic noise and pollution. This report will consolidate current scientific knowledge and be delivered to key government officials and congressional committees.

This resolution clarifies that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 only addressed seating arrangements and does not validate the People's Republic of China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's status. It asserts that the U.S. "One China Policy" is distinct from Beijing's claims and does not endorse PRC sovereignty over Taiwan. The bill strongly opposes PRC efforts to use the resolution to exclude Taiwan from international organizations and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation globally.