Legislative Activity

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.