Legislative Activity

Recognizes the crucial role of linemen in maintaining the nation's energy infrastructure and public safety. It also supports designating April 18, 2025, as National Lineman Appreciation Day to honor their contributions and dangerous work.

The Maritime Supply Chain Security Act allows port infrastructure development program funds to be used for projects that improve port resilience and to upgrade or replace Chinese-made port cranes and their components. This amendment clarifies that funds can be used to replace Chinese port crane hardware or software.

The Duplications of Benefits Victims Relief Act amends the Stafford Act to allow the President to waive the prohibition against duplicating disaster relief benefits if it's in the public interest and won't lead to waste, fraud, or abuse. It requires the President to respond to waiver requests within 45 days and prevents loans from being automatically considered a duplication of assistance if all federal aid is used for disaster-related losses. The Act also mandates a report to Congress on improving coordination and communication in disaster assistance delivery. This applies to major disasters or emergencies declared on or after January 1, 2016.

The State-Managed Disaster Relief Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow Governors or Indian tribal governments to request a single, upfront payment for "covered small disasters." This lump sum, equivalent to 80% of the estimated disaster assistance costs, offers states and tribal governments greater flexibility in managing disaster recovery efforts, provided they comply with certain regulations and reporting requirements. By accepting this payment, states and tribal governments waive additional assistance under the Public Assistance Program for the same disaster. This aims to streamline disaster relief and empower local decision-making in recovery efforts.

The "Securing Strictly Needy Americans’ Pivotal (SNAP) Benefits Act of 2025" aims to prevent SNAP benefit misuse by suspending accounts used exclusively out-of-state for over 60 days until residency is proven. It also restricts SNAP recipients who own retail food stores or wholesale food concerns from redeeming benefits at their own establishments, excluding publicly held corporations and government-owned entities. This act is set to take effect one year after enactment.

This bill condemns the Government of Azerbaijan's treatment of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, citing wrongful detention, human rights violations, and suppression of academic freedom. It demands his immediate release and urges the Secretary of State to prioritize his case in discussions with Azerbaijan.

The Disaster Assistance Fairness Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve disaster relief for homeowners in common interest communities. It mandates the President to issue rules for debris removal from residential common interest communities after a major disaster if it poses a threat to life, public health, safety, or economic recovery. The Act also covers the repair of essential common elements in condominiums, manufactured housing communities, and housing cooperatives, provided an individual's share of the repair costs are documented. These changes apply to any major disaster or emergency declared on or after the enactment of this law.

The Asylum Accountability Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act, making individuals who fail to appear at their removal proceedings permanently ineligible for adjusting their immigration status. This eliminates the previous 10-year waiting period for such individuals to seek legal residency or citizenship.

The Lumbee Fairness Act grants federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, making them eligible for federal services and benefits. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to verify the tribal roll and allows the Department of Interior to take land into trust for the tribe. The State of North Carolina maintains jurisdiction over criminal and civil actions, unless jurisdiction is transferred to the United States.

The CONTAINER Act aims to enhance border security by enabling border states to place temporary, movable structures on federal land along the U.S. border. States must notify the relevant Secretary 45 days in advance of placement. These structures can be maintained for up to a year, with possible extensions if border control is not yet achieved.

The Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act requires Amtrak to post its reports to Congress on its public website. It also mandates the disclosure of annual base pay and bonus compensation for Amtrak's executive leadership, including the standards used to determine bonuses.

The "No Hires for the Delinquent IRS Act" prohibits the IRS from hiring new employees until the Secretary of the Treasury certifies that no current IRS employee has a seriously delinquent tax debt. A seriously delinquent tax debt is defined as an unpaid debt for which a notice of lien has been filed. Certain exceptions apply, such as debts being paid under an agreement or those under review.

The "Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act" mandates drug screening and testing for adults applying for or receiving benefits under TANF, SNAP, public housing, and Section 8 programs. Individuals with prior drug-related arrests must pass a drug test, while others undergo screening to identify high-risk individuals who must then pass a drug test. Failing a drug test results in ineligibility for benefits, and states or agencies failing to comply face financial penalties. The Act defines key terms such as "controlled substance" and "drug-related offense" and ensures that families with ineligible members still receive prorated assistance.

The "States' Education Reclamation Act of 2025" abolishes the Department of Education, transferring its programs to other federal departments and providing states with grants equivalent to their 2025 federal education funding. States must use these funds for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education, adhering to state laws and maintaining fiscal accountability through annual audits and reports. The Act also prohibits discrimination in programs funded by these grants and requires a plan for the Department of Education's closure. Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report reviewing the feasibility of funding education by lowering the federal tax burden and ending federal grants for education programs.

The Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2025 ensures that state and local education agencies respect constitutionally protected prayer in public schools. The bill states that the Department of Education will not provide funding to any agency that denies or prevents voluntary participation in constitutionally protected prayer. The bill does not require anyone to participate in prayer.

The Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025 amends the Stafford Act to create a Natural Disaster Recovery Program, establishing a fund for unmet needs after major disasters. It requires the President to assess these needs and allows states and tribal governments to use funds for disaster relief, recovery, and economic revitalization, with an initial grant followed by reporting requirements. The Act also instructs FEMA to prioritize local impact and disaster frequency when considering disaster declarations, expands eligibility for home repair assistance, and extends the appeal period for individual disaster assistance. Finally, the Act requires reports and reviews to improve disaster response and financial oversight.