Legislative Activity

The Keep the Lights Local Act prohibits foreign corporations or governments from owning public utility holding companies. This measure aims to secure domestic control over essential utility infrastructure. The ban on foreign ownership will take effect 180 days after the Act is signed into law.

The Increasing Nutrition Access for Seniors Act of 2025 aims to streamline and improve SNAP benefits for eligible seniors and disabled individuals. This bill extends certification periods up to 36 months for households with no earned income and introduces greater flexibility for medical expense deductions, including a self-attestation option. These changes are designed to reduce administrative burdens for long-term recipients while ensuring continued access to necessary food assistance.

The Cracking Down on Price Gouging Act updates federal law to strengthen prohibitions against hoarding and selling critical goods at unfairly excessive prices during declared shortages. It defines an unfairly excessive price as generally being 10% or more above pre-shortage levels, with exceptions for legitimate cost increases. Violators face significant financial penalties, including fines or 300% of illegal revenue.

The Social Security Access Act mandates that the Social Security Administration (SSA) must provide service through three distinct channels: phone, online, and in-person. This law ensures individuals can complete major tasks, such as applying for benefits, entirely over the phone. The bill also requires regular reporting to Congress on the implementation, effectiveness, and security of these service options.

This bill directs the Department of Energy to establish a research program focused on developing novel technologies to rapidly detect fentanyl vapor or particles. The Secretary of Energy must coordinate this research with the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, as well as the Postal Service. The goal is to support rapid screening efforts in high-risk areas such as mail facilities, prisons, and U.S. borders.

The Lowering Egg Prices Act of 2025 aims to reduce costs by streamlining the handling of surplus broiler hatching eggs sold to commercial egg breakers for processing into liquid egg products. This bill exempts these specific surplus eggs from certain current shell egg regulations. It also mandates the creation of a new rule within 180 days to establish appropriate temperature and time limits for holding these eggs before processing.

The Future FARMER Act reauthorizes funding for grants and fellowships in food and agricultural sciences education. It allocates $40 million annually from 2025 through 2029 to support these educational programs.

The "Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act" reauthorizes and amends the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program. It prioritizes assistance to underserved communities and requires more thorough reporting and analysis of the program's impact. The act extends the program's authorization through 2029.