Legislative Activity

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act mandates that the Secretaries of State and Defense map critical global ports and report on any efforts by the People's Republic of China to gain influence over them. This legislation requires a detailed study assessing the national security and economic risks posed by Chinese control of these strategic locations. The resulting report must include a proposed strategy for securing trusted investment and protecting these vital maritime assets from foreign influence.

The Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025 aims to better inform veterans about their right to free representation from recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) when filing initial VA claims. It mandates that the VA maintain and regularly update an accessible online tool for finding accredited representatives. Furthermore, the bill extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veteran pension payments.

The Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act mandates annual, experience-based sensitivity training for all VA staff handling Military Sexual Trauma (MST) claims. This legislation also strengthens the VA's duty to assist claimants by requiring them to actively help gather service personnel and medical records. Furthermore, the bill directs the VA Secretary to report on training requirements for contracted health professionals to prevent re-traumatization during examinations.

The Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act establishes a Center of Expertise for Indo-Pacific Maritime Governance to enhance regional training and cooperation. It mandates the Coast Guard to produce an annual operational plan and budget specifically for Pacific activities, aligning with State and Defense goals. Furthermore, the bill requires several key reports assessing the feasibility of a standing maritime group, the need for forward operating bases, and the expansion of Coast Guard diplomatic attaché presence in the region.

This Concurrent Resolution formally expresses the appreciation of Congress for the dedication and service of local law enforcement officers across the nation. It recognizes the sacrifices made by officers and their families in keeping communities safe. The resolution also encourages strong partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve.

The Pacific Partnership Act formally establishes the U.S. commitment to strengthening its comprehensive policy toward the Pacific Islands region, emphasizing peace, security, and prosperity. It mandates the President to develop and submit a detailed "Strategy for Pacific Partnership" to Congress by 2026 and 2030, outlining diplomatic, economic, and security goals. Furthermore, the bill enhances coordination with allies on aid delivery and grants the Pacific Islands Forum diplomatic immunities. Finally, it requires enhanced reporting from the State Department on transnational issues affecting the region.

This resolution expresses strong Congressional support for America's law enforcement professionals, recognizing the increasing dangers and mental health tolls they face daily. It highlights significant challenges, including rising officer assaults and critical staffing shortages across the nation. The bill urges all levels of government to increase support through better funding, training, equipment, and mental health resources. Ultimately, it calls for enhanced penalties for those who harm officers and reaffirms appreciation for their service.

The ACES Act mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to investigate the prevalence and mortality rates of various cancers among active duty fixed-wing aircraft crew members due to potential service-related exposures. This legislation also extends the expiration date for certain limitations on veteran pension payments by one month. The study will analyze specific cancer types and utilize data from the VA, DoD, and other federal sources.

The Medicaid Improvement for Insular Areas Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost healthcare funding in U.S. territories. This bill eliminates the existing federal spending caps on Medicaid for Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Effective in fiscal year 2025, this change ensures these territories receive full federal Medicaid support without current funding restrictions.

The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen efforts against human trafficking in the U.S. It renames and prioritizes grants for schools to educate students on recognizing and preventing trafficking, including online exploitation. The bill also establishes a new program to provide comprehensive employment, education, and life skills support for survivors. Finally, it extends and increases the authorization of appropriations for key anti-trafficking and victim assistance programs through Fiscal Year 2029.

The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates federal efforts to combat human trafficking by enhancing grant programs for schools to educate students and staff on prevention. It establishes a new program to provide comprehensive employment, education, and life skills support for survivors aged 18 and older. Furthermore, the bill extends and increases funding authorizations through Fiscal Year 2029 for critical anti-trafficking operations and housing assistance grants.

The Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act establishes a specific P visa pathway for temporary workers employed by traveling carnivals, circuses, and associated concession providers. This new classification ensures essential mobile entertainment staff can enter the U.S. while adhering to existing H-2B temporary worker program regulations. The law mandates that the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Labor develop and finalize the necessary rules within one year of enactment.

The Deliver for Veterans Act updates how the Department of Veterans Affairs supports eligible veterans by authorizing the VA to cover the full shipping costs for adaptive vehicles, in addition to the purchase price. This legislation also extends the expiration date for a specific limitation on certain veteran pension payments from late 2031 to March 2032.

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes penalties on foreign individuals and entities that facilitate the transfer of North Korean weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. This legislation mandates asset freezes and visa bans against those involved in arms deals, logistics, or related financial transactions. Furthermore, the Act requires the President to report regularly to Congress on sanctions enforcement and the U.S. strategy to counter this cooperation.

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act primarily restructures and updates the existing Marine Debris Act to improve how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages cleanup projects, including new authority for in-kind contributions. The bill also makes significant structural and operational changes to the Marine Debris Foundation, expanding its focus to include explicit outreach to Indian Tribes. Finally, the legislation cleans up numerous cross-references, renumbers sections, and updates official titles throughout the relevant laws to align with the new framework.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 imposes sweeping economic penalties on the Russian Federation in response to its aggression against Ukraine. This legislation mandates severe, immediate sanctions against key Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities, including asset freezes and trade prohibitions. Furthermore, the Act dramatically increases import duties on Russian goods and requires the President to review and reimpose these measures until Russia negotiates a lasting peace with Ukraine.

The COBALT Supply Chain Act aims to combat forced and child labor in the cobalt supply chain, which is dominated by Chinese-controlled mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that goods containing cobalt refined in the PRC were made with forced labor, effectively banning their import unless proven otherwise with clear and convincing evidence. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of a comprehensive enforcement strategy to trace supply chains and requires annual certification that U.S. government vehicles are free of such tainted parts.

The Weather Innovation for the Next Generation Act of 2025 (WING Act) establishes a new research program to ensure the accuracy of weather radar systems despite physical obstructions like wind turbines and buildings. This initiative directs the National Weather Service to develop and test new technologies and forecasting methods to mitigate issues such as beam blockage and ghost echoes. The program will prioritize proven fixes and require annual reports to Congress until its conclusion in 2030.

This bill, the National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, mandates the replacement of the current NWSChat instant messaging system with a modern, commercially available, public cloud-hosted solution by October 1, 2027. The new system must meet standards for scalability and usability. Funding for this upgrade, up to \$3 million annually from 2026 to 2029, will be sourced from the existing NWS Operations, Research, and Facilities budget.

The Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery (RECOVER) Act establishes a three-year Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to award grants to non-profit organizations. These grants fund the provision of culturally competent, evidence-based mental health care specifically for veterans. Recipients cannot charge veterans for this care and must encourage them to enroll in the VA system for ongoing services. The VA must report on the program's outcomes, including veteran engagement and care quality, after the pilot concludes.