Legislative Activity

The Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2025 aims to bolster Taiwan's energy resilience against potential threats and coercion. The bill prioritizes increasing U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exports to Taiwan and mandates cooperation to strengthen Taiwan's critical energy infrastructure defenses. Furthermore, it encourages Taiwan to maintain nuclear energy as a reliable option and authorizes the U.S. to insure vessels carrying vital goods to strategic partners like Taiwan.

This resolution expresses unwavering support for the United States-Japan alliance in the face of escalating political, economic, and military pressure from the People's Republic of China. It condemns China's coercive actions against Japan following statements regarding Taiwan's security. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Japan's defense, including the Senkaku Islands under Article V of the mutual security treaty. Finally, it commends Japan for its efforts to maintain regional peace and stability while increasing its defense capabilities.

This act establishes a national Working Group within the Department of Health and Human Services to standardize the measurement and definition of loneliness and social isolation. The group will foster collaboration across federal agencies and public/private sectors to create unified metrics. The final recommendations will be compiled in a public report submitted one year after enactment.

The PORCUPINE Act amends the Arms Export Control Act to include Taiwan in specific certification and reporting requirements. It also mandates a feasibility assessment for expediting the licensing process for allies transferring military equipment to Taiwan. The legislation is intended to enhance security cooperation while affirming existing U.S. policy as established by the Taiwan Relations Act.

The HALOS Act of 2025 directs the SEC to revise rules regarding general solicitation to allow issuers to present at certain sponsored events without violating prohibitions against general advertising. These events must be hosted by approved entities like universities, incubators, or angel groups, and adhere to strict guidelines regarding advertising and sponsor involvement. This clarification aims to facilitate capital formation for startups by providing a clearer path for them to connect with potential investors.

The SAFE Chips Act of 2025 establishes strict new export controls on advanced integrated circuits to foreign adversary countries. This law mandates a license for the export or transfer of these specified high-performance chips, with a policy to deny all such applications. The bill specifically defines "advanced integrated circuit" based on technical performance thresholds or existing export control classifications, excluding those not designed for data center use.

The MIND Our Veterans Act of 2025 mandates significant improvements to mental health screening for service members leaving active duty. This legislation requires the Department of Defense to fully implement the separation health assessment using only validated screening tools for conditions like PTSD, alcohol use, and violence risk. Furthermore, it directs the VA-DoD Joint Executive Committee to assess and incorporate substance use screening into this mandatory assessment process.

The Service Members Tax Relief Act establishes a new federal income tax exemption for active and reserve members of the U.S. Uniformed Services on their service pay. This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude compensation earned for active or reserve duty from gross income. However, this exemption specifically does not apply to pension or retirement pay.

The Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2025 aims to enhance national resilience against flooding and environmental challenges. It grants the Secretary authority to implement higher-level watershed restoration measures when in the long-term interest of the area. The bill also revises federal funding structures for rehabilitating aging infrastructure, increasing support for limited resource areas. Finally, it updates the purposes of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program to prioritize regional-scale natural resource concerns, including flood and drought mitigation.

The Nitazene Sanctions Act aims to combat the production and flow of dangerous 2-benzylbenzimidazole opioids, which are potent synthetic substances. The bill mandates a report detailing China's role in precursor production and outlines strategies for international cooperation to curb this flow. Furthermore, it amends the Fentanyl Sanctions Act to specifically target Chinese entities and officials involved in opioid trafficking and expands the authority to impose sanctions on foreign governments materially contributing to this crisis.

This resolution supports designating October 2025 as "Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month" to raise national awareness about the scope of substance use in the United States. It highlights current statistics on substance use disorders and illicit drug use among Americans aged 12 and older. The measure expresses the Senate's support for effective prevention programs aimed at addressing the ongoing addiction and overdose epidemic.

This resolution commemorates the 74th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, affirming the strong bilateral security alliance between the two nations. It strongly condemns the escalating aggression and unlawful territorial claims by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea. The bill urges the President to continue actions that support Philippine defense modernization and enhance deterrence against coercion. It reaffirms that an armed attack against Philippine public vessels in the region would invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The THINK TWICE Act of 2025 mandates the annual reporting of China's global arms sales, detailing the types, capabilities, and strategic impact of their defense exports. Furthermore, it requires the development of a comprehensive U.S. strategy to actively discourage nations from purchasing new Chinese weapons systems. This strategy must include an information campaign highlighting the risks of Chinese equipment and outlining ways to make U.S. alternatives more competitive.

The AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025 streamlines defense cooperation under the AUKUS agreement by modifying U.S. arms transfer requirements. This legislation exempts certain defense article reexports and temporary imports between the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. from specific presidential consent requirements. Furthermore, it eliminates the mandatory certification process for commercial technical assistance or manufacturing license agreements involving Australia and the United Kingdom.

The Strengthen Wood Products Supply Chain Act of 2025 establishes strict timelines and procedures for the detention and inspection of imported wood products suspected of violating the Lacey Act. This bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior must make a final decision on detained plants within 30 days of initial inspection. It also grants importers specific rights regarding notification, testing transparency, and the ability to move detained goods under bond.

The Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Act of 2025 aims to strengthen support for small businesses in rural areas by increasing the maximum microloan amount to $\$75,000$ and allowing loan funds to cover building and construction costs. This legislation also extends the program's authorization through 2030. A key change requires microloan organizations to now match 100 percent of federal funds received.

This resolution celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), recognizing its foundational role in strengthening American energy security and supporting rural economies. It affirms that the RFS has successfully driven innovation, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and provided significant economic benefits nationwide. The bill concludes by supporting the continued diversification of the nation's transportation fuel supply through the RFS.

The CARING for Our Veterans Health Act of 2025 mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) establish clear guidance and measurable goals for community care providers regarding timely and accurate submission of veteran medical records. This legislation requires the VA to set performance targets for medical centers to ensure proper follow-up on paperwork after veterans receive care outside the VA system. The VA must regularly report its progress on implementing these new coordination and training requirements to Congress.

The VARIANCE Act adjusts federal weight limits specifically for commercial trucks transporting unpackaged, homogeneous dry bulk goods. This allows vehicles carrying these materials to temporarily exceed standard single or tandem axle weight limits by up to 110 percent, while still adhering to the overall maximum vehicle weight.

The No China in Index Funds Act prohibits index funds from investing in companies defined as Chinese entities. Existing investments in these companies are granted a 180-day grace period before they must be divested. Violations of this prohibition will result in significant civil penalties determined by the SEC.