Legislative Activity

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 mandates the immediate preparation for sanctions against any entity supporting People's Republic of China (PRC) aggression against Taiwan, including actions like invasion or blockade. It establishes an interagency PRC Sanctions Task Force to identify potential targets and develop comprehensive strategies for imposing and coordinating economic measures with allies. The Task Force must also brief Congress and submit annual reports detailing sanctions plans, economic impact assessments, and coordination efforts.

This bill establishes comprehensive sanctions against the Russian Federation by targeting its "shadow fleet" evading oil price caps and penalizing foreign entities supporting its defense industry. It mandates increased coordination with allies on enforcement and requires detailed reporting on Russian energy profits and U.S. aid to Ukraine. The legislation also provides emergency funding to counter Russian influence in Europe.

The Freedom from Improper Regulation and Enforcement Act (FIRE Act) prohibits federal agencies from enacting or enforcing any rules that limit firearm magazine capacity. Furthermore, this Act voids all existing state and local laws that attempt to restrict, prohibit, or penalize individuals based on a firearm magazine's capacity. These provisions take effect 30 days after the bill is enacted into law.

The Urban Canal Modernization Act updates definitions related to federally managed canals and establishes specific criteria for identifying "urban canals of concern." The bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to perform extraordinary operation and maintenance work on these critical canals. For non-emergency repairs, the federal government will cover 35% of the costs as a nonreimbursable grant, with the remaining costs advanced by the Secretary and repaid by the operating entity.

The International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 strengthens global anti-trafficking efforts by integrating these measures into U.S. foreign policy and development aid. It extends and increases authorization for federal programs combating trafficking and child exploitation through 2030. Furthermore, the bill mandates increased transparency by requiring the State Department to immediately brief Congress on the annual Trafficking in Persons Report rankings and any granted anti-trafficking waivers.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 aims to prevent discrimination against businesses within the firearms industry when applying for financial assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from denying loans or guarantees solely based on an applicant's status as a firearm entity, affiliate, or trade association. The Act first establishes clear definitions for these industry participants to ensure fair and equal consideration for all qualified applicants.

This resolution formally honors the significant economic and cultural contributions of small, domestic firearm manufacturers to the United States. It recognizes these businesses as vital to supporting American manufacturing, job creation, and the traditions of recreational shooting sports. Furthermore, the resolution designates August 2025 as "National Shooting Sports Month."

This Act establishes a "zero-based" review process for energy and land management regulations issued by key federal agencies like the DOE and Interior. Under this system, most existing regulations will automatically expire within one year unless actively extended by the agency. New rules will sunset after five years, requiring agencies to justify the continuation of all regulations based on public input and demonstrated necessity. This process aims to systematically reduce regulatory burdens across the energy sector.

The 287(g) Program Protection Act mandates that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must approve nearly all requests from state and local law enforcement agencies seeking agreements to assist with federal immigration enforcement. This legislation significantly restricts DHS's ability to deny or terminate these agreements, requiring extensive justification and advance notice for any denial or cancellation. Furthermore, the bill transfers authority over the Breached Bond Detention Fund to DHS and requires annual reporting on program performance and recruitment efforts.

The Say No to Indoctrination Act prohibits the teaching or promotion of concepts related to "gender ideology" in elementary and secondary schools. This amendment directly restricts curriculum content under existing federal education law. The goal is to prevent instruction on specific concepts defined elsewhere as "gender ideology."

The PARTNER with ASEAN, CERN, and PIF Act grants the President the authority to extend the legal privileges and immunities of the International Organizations Immunities Act to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). This allows the U.S. to provide these key international partners with the same federal protections afforded to other recognized international organizations. The President will determine the specific terms and conditions for extending these benefits to each group.

The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 establishes mechanisms to deter foreign countries from wrongfully detaining U.S. citizens by allowing the Secretary of State to designate "State Sponsors of Unlawful Detention." The bill also improves support for detained Americans by creating an advisory council composed of former detainees and experts to shape federal policy. Furthermore, it mandates new travel advisories for high-risk destinations and requires a report detailing the structure and efficiency of current U.S. hostage recovery efforts.

The International Nuclear Energy Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive U.S. strategy to promote the export of advanced civil nuclear energy technology to allies and developing nations. It creates new White House coordination roles and working groups to develop long-term export strategies and financing mechanisms. Furthermore, the bill authorizes international cooperation, training, and financial support to help partner nations adopt safe, secure, and reliable nuclear power while countering influence from competitors like Russia and China.

The Energy Threat Analysis Program Act of 2025 establishes a new program within the Department of Energy to enhance collaboration between government and private industry regarding energy sector security. This program will create a center to analyze threats, develop defensive strategies, and improve information sharing across critical energy infrastructure. The Act authorizes funding for five years and mandates annual reporting to Congress on the program's effectiveness.

The Protecting Minors in Federal Health Plans Act amends the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program to prohibit coverage for gender-affirming care for individuals under the age of 18. This restriction defines gender-affirming care broadly to include hormones and surgeries related to gender transition. The bill includes several specific medical exceptions to this prohibition, such as for disorders of sexual development or life-saving procedures. Any existing hormone therapy for minors must be phased out within one year of the Act's effective date.

The Small Business Disaster Coordination Act aims to improve the Small Business Administration's (SBA) disaster response by allowing its resource partners to provide assistance outside their normal service areas following a disaster declaration. This legislation also mandates better coordination and information sharing between the SBA, its partners, and other agencies regarding disaster loan applications and planning. The goal is to ensure small businesses receive timely and comprehensive support when disaster strikes.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.

The Zero Based Regulations Act mandates a systematic, ongoing review of all existing federal regulations to ensure they remain effective and cost-efficient. This process requires agencies to repeal rules before review and subject any reinstated rule to strict cost limitations and public hearings. Furthermore, the Act temporarily restricts the creation of new rules unless they reduce the overall regulatory burden or address critical public safety needs.

The AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of U.S. assessed contributions to the United Nations for funding the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under UN Resolution 2719. The bill mandates that the U.S. actively oppose such funding at the UN while simultaneously requiring annual assessments of the African Union's compliance with UN peacekeeping standards. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must report annually to Congress on U.S. peacekeeping contributions, AUSSOM performance, and efforts to secure alternative funding sources.