Legislative Activity

The GOLDEN DOME Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive, next-generation missile defense shield to counter rapidly evolving global threats from ballistic, hypersonic, and unmanned systems. The bill creates a powerful, direct-reporting Program Manager to oversee the rapid development, testing, and deployment of integrated defense capabilities across space, air, land, and sea domains. It authorizes over $23 billion in funding, prioritizing the acceleration of space-based sensors, advanced interceptors, and non-kinetic defense technologies. Furthermore, the Act streamlines acquisition processes and enhances the Department of Defense's authority to protect assets against incursions by unmanned aerial systems.

The North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act updates the structure and operations of the Board by adding a new seat specifically for an Alaska Native representative with subsistence experience. It also temporarily waives the administrative spending cap for five years while granting the NOAA Administrator limited authority to adjust the standard 15% cap in years when funding decreases. These changes aim to improve representation and ensure the Board can effectively manage its research funding.

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act structurally reorganizes and updates the Marine Debris Act, primarily by renumbering sections and clarifying roles within NOAA's marine debris program. The bill also makes significant technical and structural modifications to the Marine Debris Foundation, including refining the Board of Directors' approval process and adding new outreach requirements for Indian Tribes. Furthermore, it expands definitions and reauthorizes funding for the program through fiscal year 2029.

This resolution officially designates May 2, 2025, as "United States Foreign Service Day." It serves to recognize the vital work of current and former Foreign Service personnel who protect American interests abroad. The day also honors members of the Foreign Service who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

The Protect Our Heroes Act of 2025 establishes new federal crimes for the killing or assault of public safety officers and judges. This legislation provides enhanced federal jurisdiction and severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment or the death penalty for murder, when such acts involve interstate commerce or federal connections. The bill recognizes the increasing danger faced by law enforcement and first responders across the nation.

The Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act mandates the President to review specific Hong Kong officials, including judges and prosecutors, to determine their eligibility for sanctions under existing U.S. laws and executive orders. This review must be completed and reported to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment. The review specifically covers previously sanctioned individuals and a broad list of judicial and prosecutorial figures in Hong Kong.

The Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements Act prohibits U.S. colleges and universities from accepting gifts or entering into contracts with entities from designated "foreign countries of concern." This legislation establishes a clear ban on such funding, while also modifying existing disclosure requirements for other foreign government gifts. The definition of a "foreign country of concern" includes nations already flagged for national security risks and those later identified by the Secretary of Education in consultation with other key officials.

The INDEX Act mandates that investment advisers managing passively managed funds must ensure actual investors have a say in proxy voting by adhering to proportional voting instructions. If instructions are not received for non-routine matters, advisers generally cannot vote those shares unless specific exceptions apply. This legislation aims to enhance investor democracy by clarifying proxy voting responsibilities for funds tracking market indexes.

The Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvests Act of 2025 (FISH Act) establishes a comprehensive national policy to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and related crimes like forced labor. Key provisions include creating a public "black list" of offending foreign vessels subject to U.S. port restrictions and authorizing the Treasury Department to impose sanctions on entities involved in these illegal activities. The Act also mandates improved data sharing, increased international cooperation, and strategic investments to help partner nations strengthen their own fisheries management and enforcement capabilities.

This resolution formally condemns North Korea's decades-long abduction of Japanese citizens, emphasizing that these acts violate fundamental human rights. Congress urges North Korea to immediately release all foreign nationals, return the remains of those deceased, and provide reparations and an apology. Furthermore, it calls on the President to consistently raise these demands in all future engagements with North Korean officials.

This bill officially recognizes Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as a Village Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, regardless of prior eligibility requirements. It mandates the immediate negotiation of a land and claims settlement agreement for Alexander Creek, Incorporated, comparable to those of other Village Corporations. The legislation also adjusts how shareholder payments are distributed, redirecting future resource payments from the Cook Inlet Region to the newly recognized Village Corporation.

This bill aims to prohibit the export of U.S.-produced or refined natural gas intended for re-export from foreign Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals. Congress asserts this action is necessary due to concerns over corruption in Mexico and potential violations of fair trade under the USMCA. The legislation specifically targets indirect exports that utilize foreign facilities as intermediaries.

This bill amends the Small Business Act to eliminate the requirement that certain construction subcontracts must be awarded to businesses located within the county or state where the work is performed. By repealing this outdated local subcontracting rule, the legislation grants federal agencies and small businesses greater flexibility in selecting subcontractors. This change removes geographical restrictions on awarding construction subcontracts under specific small business programs.

The Freedom to Haul Act of 2025 prohibits the EPA from implementing or enforcing the Phase 3 heavy-duty vehicle emission rules. Furthermore, the bill prevents the EPA from issuing tailpipe emission regulations that mandate specific technologies or limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on engine type. This ensures manufacturers retain flexibility in meeting pollution standards.

The ADS for Mental Health Services Act requires major digital advertising platforms to annually report to the FTC on the public service advertisements (PSAs) they provide, specifically those promoting mental and physical health resources. These reports must detail the volume and estimated value of the free ads, particularly those focused on local or free health services. The FTC will then compile and publicly share a summary of this data with Congress each year.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that active duty service members, essential civilian staff, and critical defense contractors continue to receive pay during any lapse in regular appropriations for Fiscal Year 2025. This automatic funding remains in effect until Congress passes a full budget or until January 1, 2026, whichever comes first. The legislation is designed to prevent disruptions to military compensation during government funding gaps.

The Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act extends the deadline for eligible veterans to apply for land allotments. This bill amends existing legislation to provide Alaska Native Vietnam War-era veterans with an additional five years to apply for land allotments, increasing the application period from five years to ten years.

This resolution designates February 16, 2025, as "National Elizabeth Peratrovich Day" to honor her advocacy for social equality and civil rights for Alaska Native and Native American communities. It recognizes her pivotal role in the passage of the Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945 and encourages the public to remember her legacy by advancing equality.

The CRITICAL Act amends the Social Security Act to increase reimbursement for critical access hospitals in noncontiguous states. This bill ensures that inpatient, outpatient, ambulance, and skilled nursing facility services are covered, even after costs reach 101 percent. By increasing reimbursement rates, the CRITICAL Act aims to improve healthcare services in rural areas.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to enhance the defense partnership between the United States and Israel through various initiatives. This includes establishing programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies. The act also directs the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the United States Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.