Legislative Activity

The State Border Security Reimbursement Act of 2025 mandates that the federal government reimburse states for significant expenditures made on border security and enforcement. This legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on states that have spent over $2.5 billion on these federal responsibilities over the preceding decade. Eligible states may apply for full reimbursement of these non-federally funded costs within a specified timeframe.

The Thin Blue Line Act amends federal law to designate the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as an aggravating factor in capital sentencing. This legislation ensures that when a jury considers the death penalty, they must take into account whether the victim was targeted due to their status as a public servant or while performing their official duties.

The Honor Inauguration Day Act mandates that the United States flag be flown at full staff on every presidential Inauguration Day. This legislation ensures that the flag remains at its highest peak to celebrate the democratic process and the expression of the people's will, regardless of any conflicting display regulations.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 107 North Hoyne Avenue in Fritch, Texas, as the "Chief Zeb Smith Post Office." All official references to this facility will henceforth bear this name in honor of Chief Zeb Smith.

The Border Safety and Security Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to suspend the entry of inadmissible aliens at U.S. borders to maintain operational control. It mandates a suspension of entry whenever the government lacks the capacity to properly detain or monitor these individuals. Additionally, the bill empowers state attorneys general to sue the federal government to enforce these border security requirements.

The Protecting Life and Taxpayers Act of 2025 prohibits federal funding for any entity that performs abortions or provides financial support to organizations that do. Exceptions are granted for cases involving rape, incest, or medical emergencies where the mother's life is at risk.

The Grant Integrity and Border Security Act requires federal grant applicants to certify that they have not violated, and will not violate, federal laws prohibiting the harboring or transporting of illegal aliens. The bill mandates that agencies withhold grant funding from any recipient found to be in violation of these immigration statutes. Additionally, it establishes a reporting process for the Attorney General to notify the Office of Management and Budget of any individuals or entities investigated for or convicted of such violations.

The REMAIN in Mexico Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP). This legislation requires that asylum seekers be returned to Mexico to await their U.S. immigration proceedings, effectively codifying the 2019 policy guidance into law.

The Disaster Reforestation Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief for timber owners whose uncut timber is destroyed by natural disasters, pests, or disease. It allows owners to deduct the appraised value of lost timber—including pre-merchantable stands—provided they commit to reforesting the land within five years. This measure supports active timber businesses by ensuring tax deductions more accurately reflect the economic loss caused by casualty events.

This bill officially designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Lubbock, Texas, as the "General Bernie Mittemeyer VA Clinic." All future federal references to this facility will reflect this new name.

The Laken Riley Act mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants who are charged with or convicted of theft-related offenses. Additionally, the bill empowers state attorneys general to sue federal officials for failures in enforcing immigration detention, removal, and parole laws.

The FIND Act prohibits federal agencies from contracting with entities that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry. It requires federal contractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities and prohibits them from awarding subcontracts to entities that do not provide a similar certification. Violations of these clauses will result in contract termination. The act defines "discriminate" as making judgments or refusing/limiting services based on biased criteria, rather than case-by-case evaluations, empirical data, financial risk, or legal non-compliance.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 aims to increase federal regulatory accountability by requiring Congress to approve any "major" rule before it can take effect. Under this legislation, rules with a significant economic impact require a joint resolution of approval from both chambers of Congress to become law. By shifting this authority back to the legislative branch, the Act seeks to ensure greater transparency and oversight of the federal rulemaking process.