Legislative Activity

The "Increasing Response Options and Deterrence of Missile Engagements Act of 2025" or the "IRONDOME Act of 2025" aims to bolster U.S. missile defense capabilities by accelerating the development, production, and deployment of advanced missile defense systems and technologies. It mandates the transfer of missile defense operations to military departments, promotes rapid acquisition of missile detection and defense systems, and expands interceptor production and infrastructure. The act also directs the Secretary of Defense to enhance technology exchange with allies and secure critical supply chains, authorizing significant appropriations for these efforts.

The INFORM Act aims to increase access to independent information for Chinese citizens by developing and distributing Mandarin Chinese content, improving censorship circumvention tools, and fostering collaboration among federal agencies and allies. It establishes a Global News Service to curate and distribute content related to China and directs the State Department and USAGM to enhance their efforts in content creation, distribution, and technology development. The Act also seeks to address the imbalance in the information space between the U.S. and China through diplomatic engagement and other available tools.

The "Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025" amends the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998 to enhance the national response to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. It directs the creation of a national monitoring and forecasting network, promotes research and technology development for prevention and control, and ensures collaboration among federal, state, and local entities. The Act also authorizes appropriations for these activities and allows for waivers of non-federal share requirements under certain conditions, as well as providing definitions for Indian tribes and other organizations.

The "Archie Cavanaugh Migratory Bird Treaty Amendment Act" clarifies the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to ensure that Alaska Native handicrafts containing nonedible migratory bird parts can be possessed, sold, traded, or shipped without violating the Act, provided the bird parts were not obtained wastefully or illegally. It defines "Alaska Native" and "authentic Alaska Native article of handicraft" and directs the Secretaries of State and Interior to establish bilateral procedures with relevant countries to clarify the treatment of these handicrafts. The Act also mandates updates to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act's regulations to align with these amendments.

The "ARTIST Act" amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, to protect the cultural practices and livelihoods of Alaska Natives who create authentic handicrafts and clothing from marine mammal parts. It defines "authentic Alaska Native article of handicrafts and clothing" and "marine mammal ivory", and it exempts Alaska Natives residing on the Alaskan coast from certain restrictions when harvesting marine mammals for subsistence or crafting purposes. The Act allows for the interstate sale of authentic Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing and restricts states from banning the import, sale, or trade of marine mammal ivory, bone, or baleen used in these items.

The North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act modifies the North Pacific Research Board by adding a new board member to represent Alaska Natives with knowledge and experience in subsistence practices. The Act also allows the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to increase the 15 percent cap on administrative expenses under certain conditions and waives the cap on funds for supporting the North Pacific Research Board and grant administration for 5 years.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans to veterans as member business loans. The term "veteran" is defined by section 101 of title 38, United States Code. This change aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by expanding access to credit union business loans. The changes will take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.