Legislative Activity

The American Franchise Act aims to protect the traditional franchise business model by clarifying the definition of a "joint employer." This legislation establishes that a franchisor is only considered a joint employer if it exercises "substantial direct and immediate control" over the essential terms of employment for a franchisee's workers. This change specifically targets liability risks associated with maintaining brand standards, ensuring franchisors are not automatically held responsible for local labor practices. The new standard applies prospectively to future legal proceedings.

The FIREARM Act aims to protect licensed firearm dealers from overly harsh penalties for minor or self-reported mistakes. It establishes new standards requiring the government to provide notice and an opportunity for dealers to correct violations before license revocation. Furthermore, the bill retroactively applies these protections to licenses previously revoked under a specific 2021 enforcement policy, allowing affected individuals a path to reapply.

The FEMA Act of 2025 establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent, cabinet-level agency to lead a unified, all-hazards approach to national emergency management. The bill enacts sweeping reforms across Public Assistance, Individual Assistance, and Mitigation programs to accelerate recovery, streamline funding, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for disaster survivors and communities. Furthermore, it mandates significant new transparency measures, including public data reporting and GAO oversight, to ensure accountability for federal disaster spending.

This joint resolution expresses support for designating September 12th annually as "The Day of the Bible" to honor the historical significance of the Bible in shaping American culture and values. The resolution specifically commemorates the anniversary of the 1782 Congressional approval for printing the first complete English Bible in the United States. If enacted, it would require the President to issue an annual proclamation encouraging citizens to observe the day.

This Act establishes a mandatory supply fee for Medicare drug plans to pay long-term care pharmacies for specific prescriptions dispensed in 2026 and 2027. The bill mandates a $30 fee per prescription in 2026, increasing in 2027, with penalties for non-payment. Additionally, the GAO is required to study the financial sustainability of the current payment structure for these essential pharmacies. This legislation aims to ensure continued access to medications for patients in long-term care settings.

The Secure Trade Act imposes new duties on all imports and establishes significantly modified, higher tariff rates specifically targeting goods from China. It also mandates stricter valuation rules for Chinese merchandise and expands the review authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) over certain real estate investments by foreign adversaries. These measures aim to adjust U.S. trade policy, reduce reliance on specific foreign supply chains, and protect national security interests.

The Make Our Streets Safe Again Act (MOSSA Act) directs federal agencies to prioritize civil commitment and treatment for individuals with serious mental illness or addiction on the streets. It mandates that federal grants prioritize states and cities enforcing bans on public disorder like urban camping and open drug use. Furthermore, the bill aims to reform federal housing and treatment programs to emphasize recovery and accountability over policies that may enable street homelessness.

The Reinstating Orderly Access for Drivers (ROAD) Act establishes an affirmative defense for individuals facing criminal or civil action related to property damage or injury caused by a vehicle during a riot. This defense is available if the individual was convicted of inciting a riot or can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that they committed the crime. Furthermore, the bill mandates that related civil cases must be paused while a corresponding criminal case is pending.

The Protecting Air Ambulance Services for Americans Act of 2025 aims to improve the Medicare payment system for emergency air ambulance services. This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to update payment rates using newly collected cost data from providers. Furthermore, it mandates the timely finalization of data collection rules and requires the GAO to study the true operating costs of air ambulance services to inform future payment adjustments.

This bill would require the District of Columbia to recognize valid concealed carry permits or the legal right to carry a concealed firearm held by Members of Congress from their home states. Specifically, it allows Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners to carry a concealed firearm in D.C. provided they meet federal eligibility requirements and carry proper identification.

The Modern Worker Empowerment Act establishes a new, two-part test under federal law to determine if a worker is an independent contractor rather than an employee. This test focuses on the degree of control exercised over the work's details and whether the worker has the risks and opportunities of entrepreneurship. The Act applies this updated classification standard to both the Fair Labor Standards Act and the National Labor Relations Act.

The End the Vaccine Carveout Act fundamentally changes vaccine injury compensation by allowing individuals to choose between filing a claim through the existing National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program or suing the manufacturer or administrator directly in court. This legislation removes the liability shield for vaccine makers and eliminates time limits for filing claims with the Program. Additionally, it specifically excludes COVID-19 vaccines from existing countermeasure liability protections.

The U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act of 2025 mandates the President to formally assess South Africa's foreign policy alignment, particularly concerning its ties with Russia, China, and Hamas. This review requires the President to certify whether South Africa's actions harm U.S. national security interests within 30 days of enactment. Furthermore, the bill requires a comprehensive review of the entire bilateral relationship and a classified report identifying South African officials eligible for sanctions due to corruption or human rights abuses.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2025 targets foreign governments in the Western Hemisphere that have seized or unfairly controlled port infrastructure essential to U.S. trade access since early 2024. The bill requires the executive branch to identify this "prohibited property" and subsequently ban any associated vessels from accessing U.S. ports or receiving services. Furthermore, the Act expands the definition of unfair trade practices to explicitly include the nationalization or discriminatory treatment of U.S. assets by foreign nations.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act strictly prohibits the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to individuals. This legislation prevents the Fed from developing, testing, or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, Congress asserts that any authority to create such a digital asset must explicitly come from Congress itself.

This resolution formally condemns the severe, ongoing persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority countries worldwide. It documents specific instances of violence, discrimination, and legal restrictions faced by Christian communities across numerous nations. The bill urges the President to prioritize the protection of these religious minorities in all U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic engagement.

The Microplastics Safety Act mandates the FDA to conduct a comprehensive study on the human health impacts of microplastic exposure through food and water. This research must specifically investigate risks to children's health, endocrine function, cancer, and reproduction. Following the study, the FDA is required to report its findings and recommend necessary legislative or regulatory actions to Congress.

The District of Columbia Sister City Integrity Act prohibits the District from establishing new Sister City relationships with any city or region located in a country designated as a foreign adversary. Existing partnerships with such nations must be terminated within 180 days or upon the agreement's expiration. Furthermore, the District cannot use federal funds for international liaison services without certifying compliance with this Act to the President.

This resolution formally condemns the violent attack on the U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, on July 7, 2025. It expresses support for the injured agents and reaffirms Congress's strong backing for the dedicated men and women of the Border Patrol. The bill emphasizes that such violence against law enforcement is unacceptable and undermines national security efforts.

This resolution solemnly marks the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald J. Trump, condemning the multiple violent attempts against the President's life. It honors the victims of the shooting, including the late Corey D. Comperatore, and recognizes the bravery of first responders. Furthermore, the resolution condemns all incitement of violence against elected officials and calls for national unity against political violence.