Legislative Activity

The PERMIT Act aims to streamline and modernize federal water quality permitting processes under the Clean Water Act. It introduces requirements for considering cost and technology availability when setting water quality standards and revises timelines and scope for state water quality certifications. Furthermore, the bill clarifies general permit terms, establishes new judicial review rules, and reduces regulatory burdens for certain agricultural and pesticide discharges.

The Innovate Less Lethal to De-Escalate Tax Modernization Act aims to encourage the development and use of safer policing tools. This bill exempts qualifying less-than-lethal projectile devices and their ammunition from federal excise taxes normally applied to firearms and ammunition. Furthermore, it removes these specific less-lethal devices from the stringent regulations imposed by the National Firearms Act. The legislation establishes clear criteria for what qualifies as a less-lethal device eligible for these tax and regulatory exemptions.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

This bill, the "No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act of 2025," makes any alien who participated in or supported the Hamas attacks against Israel on or after October 7, 2023, inadmissible to the United States. This legislation bars such individuals from receiving any form of U.S. immigration relief, including asylum or withholding of removal. Furthermore, it establishes grounds for their deportation and requires an annual report to Congress on enforcement actions taken under this new law.

The CLEAN DC Act of 2025 aims to repeal most provisions of the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022, effectively reverting policing and justice laws to their pre-2022 status. This legislation seeks to undo the majority of changes made by the previous act. However, it specifically preserves the effects of two distinct subtitles from the 2022 Act.

The SPEED Act aims to reform the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by streamlining the environmental review process for federal projects and permits. It clarifies NEPA as a purely procedural statute, limits the scope of environmental effects that must be considered, and establishes strict timelines for agency decisions. Furthermore, the bill imposes significant restrictions on when agencies can revoke completed environmental documents or issued authorizations, and it sets new standards for judicial review, granting substantial deference to agency findings.

The Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act of 2025 exempts specific, clearly defined less-than-lethal projectile devices from standard federal firearm restrictions under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. This exemption applies only to devices incapable of firing standard ammunition and designed to minimize the risk of serious injury or death. The bill also establishes a process for manufacturers to seek official confirmation from the Attorney General regarding a device's classification.

The Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act of 2025 (BOWOW Act) establishes new immigration consequences for harming animals used in federal law enforcement. This legislation makes noncitizens inadmissible to the U.S. and subject to deportation if they have committed acts that violate federal laws against harming these working animals.

The PEARL Act establishes a three-year pilot program within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enhance its Support Canine Program. This initiative requires CBP to adopt dogs from local animal shelters and train them to serve as support dogs.

The Aviation Funding Solvency Act establishes a temporary mechanism to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can continue essential operations if Congress fails to pass regular appropriations. This allows the FAA Administrator to draw upon the Aviation Insurance Revolving Fund to maintain operations at the previous year's funding rate. The temporary funding ceases once a new appropriation or continuing resolution is enacted. The bill also makes a technical amendment regarding non-premium war risk insurance.

The Strengthening Resources for our Schools (SROS) Act aims to encourage qualified retirees to serve as school resource officers. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude certain retirement income received by eligible former members of the Armed Forces or law enforcement officers from gross income while they are employed as school resource officers. The exclusion may become a lifetime exemption if the individual serves in the role for at least 10 years.

The COACH Act mandates the creation and regular updating of a comprehensive Child Care Resource Guide by the Small Business Administration. This guide will provide essential operational, financial, and compliance information specifically tailored for small businesses operating as child care providers. The Administrator must consult with relevant health and child care agencies before publishing the guide in English and the ten most commonly spoken languages in the U.S.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald on November 10, 1975. It honors the memory of the 29 crew members lost in the tragedy on Lake Superior. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the ship's historical significance and the vital safety improvements that resulted from the disaster.

The USS Frank E. Evans Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to add the names of the 74 crew members lost when the USS Frank E. Evans sank on June 3, 1969, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. This action must be completed within one year of the Act becoming law. The Secretary is required to consult with relevant authorities regarding space on the Memorial Wall for these additions.

This resolution condemns the severe, ongoing persecution and mass killing of Christians in Nigeria by terrorist groups and militants. It criticizes the Nigerian government for failing to protect its Christian citizens and for enforcing blasphemy laws. Finally, Congress stands ready to support decisive action, including sanctions, to end this existential threat and calls for direct humanitarian aid to victims.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that essential firearm-related government operations continue without interruption during a federal shutdown. This legislation specifically mandates the continuation of the FBI's NICS background check system and related processing at the ATF, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. By deeming these functions essential for protecting life and property, the bill prevents delays in firearm transfers and export licensing during lapses in appropriations.

This bill authorizes the striking and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Donald J. Trump in recognition of his alleged extraordinary peacemaking efforts globally. Congress specifically cites several purported international peace deals and ceasefires secured by the former President as justification for this high honor. The Act also outlines the process for creating and selling bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The Fraud Accountability and Recovery Act aims to combat large-scale fraud against the U.S. government by penalizing foreign countries that refuse to extradite convicted fraudsters or fail to assist in recovering stolen federal funds. This bill mandates the suspension of U.S. foreign assistance to non-cooperative nations, though the President retains a national security waiver. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of State to annually report on noncompliant countries and the amount of lost U.S. funds tied to their inaction.

The Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025 affirms the critical importance of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania to U.S. national security amidst Russian aggression. This bill mandates that the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense deliver a comprehensive report to Congress detailing emerging military, cyber, and political threats to the Baltic states. The report must also recommend specific actions to enhance U.S. and NATO defense cooperation and bolster Baltic resilience.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. It condemns political violence and calls upon all Americans to reject extremism in favor of civil debate. The bill expresses deep sympathy to his family and urges a renewal of commitment to the values of faith, family, and freedom he championed.