Legislative Activity

The South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2025 significantly updates the existing 1988 Tuna Act by revising key definitions, clarifying prohibited fishing acts, and adjusting enforcement and penalty structures. This legislation streamlines licensing procedures, tightens rules regarding confidential data disclosure, and modifies the process for international dispute resolution through arbitration. Overall, the Act modernizes the legal framework governing U.S. tuna fishing activities in the South Pacific.

This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to streamline the naturalization process for U.S. nationals, including those residing in U.S. territories. It eases residency requirements, potentially waives interviews and reduces fees, and modifies requirements for children of U.S. nationals to acquire citizenship. The bill aims to make naturalization more accessible for U.S. nationals who already owe permanent allegiance to the United States.

This bill amends the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, specifically section 119(d), to permanently extend the American Samoa economic development tax credit. By removing the expiration date, the tax credit will continue to be available for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021, supporting economic development in American Samoa.

The "Empowering Nonprofits Act" reduces cost-sharing requirements by 25% for eligible nonprofit organizations for 5 years. This applies to grants made directly to nonprofits in states where over 20% of individuals live below the federal poverty line.

This bill permits the FEMA Administrator to bypass specific contracting regulations for Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands when responding to emergencies declared under the Stafford Act. This waiver aims to expedite disaster relief efforts in these locations.