Legislative Activity

The "Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act" prohibits Federal Reserve Banks from offering financial products or services directly to individuals, maintaining accounts for individuals, or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly or indirectly. It also blocks the Federal Reserve from testing, creating, or implementing a CBDC, or using it to implement monetary policy, without explicit congressional authorization. The bill clarifies that these restrictions do not apply to digital versions of the dollar that are open, permissionless, and private, like physical currency.

The Maximum Pressure Act aims to increase pressure on Iran by codifying and expanding sanctions related to its nuclear program, ballistic missile development, support for terrorism, and human rights abuses. It targets key Iranian leaders, entities involved in arms sales, and various sectors of Iran's economy, while also enhancing congressional oversight of actions related to Iran sanctions. The bill also seeks to intensify financial pressure on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and prevent Iran from accessing international funds. Additionally, the act reinforces restrictions and oversight related to the IRGC and Ansar Allah (Houthis) and mandates a series of determinations and reports from government officials regarding Iran's activities.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection-Inspector General Reform Act of 2025 establishes an independent Inspector General within the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP), appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, to provide oversight and accountability. It mandates the BCFP to allocate 2% of its funds to the Office of the Inspector General and requires the Inspector General to appear before Congress semi-annually. This act removes the Federal Reserve Chairman's authority to appoint the BCFP Inspector General, ensuring direct oversight of the BCFP's operations. The changes take effect upon Senate confirmation of the new Inspector General.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections against sexual harassment and assault within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill mandates comprehensive reporting, expands criminal referral requirements, and establishes a restricted reporting system to allow confidential disclosure of incidents. It also requires reporting of incidents on vessels to the Coast Guard and prohibits individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from serving in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of "covered personnel" to include at-sea monitors, observers, and members of Regional Fishery Management Councils.

The CAPE Canaveral Act would move NASA headquarters to Brevard County, Florida. The move must be completed within one year of the Act's enactment.

The American Families United Act grants the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security discretionary authority to provide relief to certain undocumented immigrants who are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, if deportation or denial of relief would cause hardship to the citizen family member. This includes the ability to terminate removal proceedings, waive grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, or grant permission to reapply for admission. The Act does not apply to aliens inadmissible or deportable on criminal or security grounds. It also allows for motions to reopen or reconsider denied petitions or removal orders based on the new discretionary authority, with certain time limitations.

The Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act mandates terrorism-related sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and associated individuals/entities due to their involvement in terrorist activities, including the October 7, 2023, attack against Israel. It requires the President to block assets and impose visa restrictions on those affiliated with the PRC, with exceptions for national security and humanitarian reasons. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on whether Lions Den and the PRC should be designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

The Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act designates certain residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as Priority 2 refugees, waives the presumption that certain individuals seeking asylum are immigrants, and encourages allies to offer similar accommodations. It addresses persecution by the Chinese government, including forced detention, political indoctrination, and human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The act also requires regular reports on the processing of refugee applications and prioritizes diplomatic efforts to support these individuals in third countries. Finally, the Act ensures that applying for refugee or asylum status does not negatively impact nonimmigrant status applications and terminates 10 years after enactment.

Recognizes Nowruz as a culturally and historically significant celebration observed worldwide. It acknowledges the contributions of Iranian Americans to the U.S. and supports human rights and freedom for the people of Iran. The resolution also defends the rights of Iranians to assemble and express themselves freely, and wishes a happy new year to those celebrating Nowruz.

The Air America Act of 2025 authorizes the Director of the CIA to award payments to former employees of Air America and affiliated companies who supported the U.S. government between 1950 and 1976, or to their survivors. Eligible individuals or their survivors could receive up to $40,000 for five years of qualifying service, with additional amounts for longer service, with a cap on total awards at $60 million. The Act establishes application procedures, limitations on attorney fees, and prohibits judicial review of the Director's decisions, while also requiring regular reports to Congress on the status of the award payments. This act does not qualify anyone for federal benefits like retirement, disability, or death benefits.

The "Independent Programmers Tax Incentive Act" introduces a tax credit for eligible video distributors who carry independent programmers, aiming to support diversity in media. This credit covers a portion of license fees paid to qualified independent programmers, with caps based on subscriber numbers. The FCC is required to report biennially to Congress on the state of independent programming and how to further support it.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The HELPER Act of 2025 amends the National Housing Act to establish an FHA mortgage insurance program for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and teachers. This program allows the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages up to 100% of the appraised value for eligible first-time homebuyers, waiving down payment requirements but requiring an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Mortgagors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, completing a housing counseling program, and meeting employment and good standing requirements as a first responder. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 and requires reauthorization of the program after 5 years.

This bill denounces Cuba's human trafficking and forced labor practices within its medical export program, citing exploitation of Cuban medical personnel in third-world countries. It urges foreign governments to ensure fair labor practices, pay workers directly, and calls for visa revocations for officials involved in these schemes, while also urging agreement signatories to meet obligations that ensure international standards. The bill references the State Department's findings on Cuba's non-compliance with trafficking elimination standards and the regime's substantial profits from this program.

The "Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act of 2025" mandates that the President must submit a report to Congress before taking actions to end or waive sanctions related to Iran, or before taking licensing actions that significantly alter U.S. foreign policy toward Iran. Congress then has a review period during which the President is restricted from taking the action unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval. If Congress passes a joint resolution of disapproval, the President is prohibited from taking the proposed action. The bill also establishes procedures for the consideration of joint resolutions of approval or disapproval in both the House and Senate.

This bill disapproves and invalidates the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's rule regarding overdraft lending practices of very large financial institutions. The rule, found in the Federal Register, is nullified by this disapproval.

The "Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act" amends the Stafford Act to include algal blooms as a condition in which disaster relief and emergency assistance can be given. This change will allow states to receive federal assistance in the event of an algal bloom.

The PAST Act of 2025 amends the Horse Protection Act to strengthen enforcement against horse soring, a cruel practice used to create an exaggerated gait. It bans action devices and weighted shoes, increases penalties for violations, and mandates the licensing and oversight of qualified inspectors, prioritizing veterinarians, to ensure fair competition and protect horses. The Act also requires the USDA to publish violation information and sets clear disqualification periods for horses found to be sore, aiming to eliminate soring in specific horse breeds.

The Strategic Ports Reporting Act requires the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense to map and assess strategic ports, especially regarding Chinese control or investment. It mandates a report to Congress detailing the importance of these ports, potential threats, and strategies to ensure U.S. access and security, including alternatives to Chinese involvement. The Act aims to safeguard U.S. national security and economic interests related to critical maritime infrastructure.

This bill directs Congress to convene a joint session in Philadelphia on July 2, 2026, to honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The session will take place at Independence National Historical Park, recognizing Philadelphia's pivotal role in the nation's founding.