Legislative Activity

The Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees, active-duty military, and supporting contractors who worked or were employed during a lapse in appropriations receive their full compensation retroactively and going forward. It appropriates necessary funds to agencies to cover "standard employee compensation" for all "covered employees" and "covered contract employees" for the entire duration of any funding lapse. This aims to guarantee that affected personnel are paid promptly, regardless of furlough status or scheduled pay dates during the shutdown period.

The Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act rescinds unobligated balances from several previous COVID-19 relief laws upon enactment. These returned funds are directed to the Treasury's general fund exclusively for reducing the national deficit. The President retains the authority to waive this rescission for specific accounts with prior notification to Congress.

This resolution condemns the Chinese Communist Party's severe persecution of religious minority groups, including Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. It specifically denounces the detention of Pastor "Ezra" Jin Mingri and Zion Church leaders amid a broader campaign to "sinicize" religion. The measure reaffirms the United States' global commitment to promoting religious freedom and calls for the immediate release of all wrongfully detained religious practitioners in China.

The Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that essential government employees, military personnel, and supporting contractors who must work during a lapse in appropriations receive their guaranteed pay. This bill automatically sets aside necessary funds from the Treasury to cover the salaries and benefits of these "excepted employees" for the duration of the shutdown. These special appropriations remain available until a full-year budget is enacted, at which point the payments are reconciled against the new funding law.

The Better FDA Act of 2025 overhauls the regulation of substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by requiring mandatory FDA listing and review for all such food ingredients. This legislation establishes strict deadlines for submitting GRAS notices and subjects substances not listed or under review to adulteration penalties. Furthermore, the Act grants the FDA authority to reevaluate the safety of existing food additives and GRAS substances based on new concerns, ensuring all final safety determinations involve review by career FDA scientific experts.

This resolution officially designates the week of November 3 through November 7, 2025, as National Veterans Small Business Week. It recognizes the significant contributions of the over 1.65 million veteran-owned small businesses to the U.S. economy. The bill supports creating a business-friendly environment and expresses appreciation for veterans' continued service through entrepreneurship.

The American Shores Protection Act of 2025 formally supports the withdrawal of specific areas of the Outer Continental Shelf from future leasing. This bill prohibits new oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production in designated areas off the coasts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina until June 30, 2032. It codifies existing support for previously withdrawn areas while protecting pre-existing lease rights.

The Pay Our Capitol Police Act ensures that the United States Capitol Police will continue to receive funding for salaries and essential expenses for Fiscal Year 2026, even if standard appropriations are delayed. This bill provides continuing appropriations to cover excepted employees, emergency workers, and necessary support staff. Funds spent under this Act will be charged against future official appropriations once enacted. The authority granted by this Act terminates on September 30, 2026, or earlier if standard appropriations are passed.

This resolution officially designates November 1, 2025, as National Bison Day to recognize the historical, cultural, and economic significance of the North American bison. It honors the bison's status as the national mammal, its importance to Indian Tribes, and its role in conservation and rural economies. The resolution encourages nationwide observance of this day annually on the first Saturday of November.

The REPO for Ukrainians Implementation Act of 2025 builds upon existing law to facilitate the use of frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine's benefit. It formally recognizes the Porto Declaration urging the repurposing of these assets and grants the President authority to transfer non-confiscated Russian assets into an interest-bearing Ukraine Support Fund. Furthermore, the bill mandates the investment of these funds and requires the quarterly obligation of at least $250 million to provide assistance to Ukraine. Finally, it requires the executive branch to report on the location of Russian sovereign assets globally and engage diplomatically with key allies to encourage asset repurposing.

This resolution commemorates the 74th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, affirming the strong bilateral security alliance between the two nations. It strongly condemns the escalating aggression and unlawful territorial claims by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea. The bill urges the President to continue actions that support Philippine defense modernization and enhance deterrence against coercion. It reaffirms that an armed attack against Philippine public vessels in the region would invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The THINK TWICE Act of 2025 mandates the annual reporting of China's global arms sales, detailing the types, capabilities, and strategic impact of their defense exports. Furthermore, it requires the development of a comprehensive U.S. strategy to actively discourage nations from purchasing new Chinese weapons systems. This strategy must include an information campaign highlighting the risks of Chinese equipment and outlining ways to make U.S. alternatives more competitive.

The Pay Our Military Act of 2025 ensures that active duty and reserve military personnel continue to receive pay and essential allowances if Congress has not passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026 by the start of that year. This legislation provides automatic continuing appropriations to cover military salaries, support staff, and necessary contractor payments during any funding lapse. The authority granted by this Act is set to terminate on September 30, 2026, or sooner if a comprehensive budget is enacted. Furthermore, the provisions of this Act are made retroactively effective as of September 30, 2025.

The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of State to report annually on the links between Haitian criminal gangs, political elites, and economic elites. Based on these findings, the President must impose targeted sanctions, including property blocking and visa restrictions, against those identified as colluding with criminal organizations. This legislation aims to counter threats to U.S. national interests stemming from corruption and criminal activity in Haiti. The Act will automatically expire five years after enactment.

The AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025 streamlines defense cooperation under the AUKUS agreement by modifying U.S. arms transfer requirements. This legislation exempts certain defense article reexports and temporary imports between the U.S., Australia, and the U.K. from specific presidential consent requirements. Furthermore, it eliminates the mandatory certification process for commercial technical assistance or manufacturing license agreements involving Australia and the United Kingdom.

This resolution formally recognizes the 2024 Venezuelan election results, affirming the opposition's victory and condemning the Maduro regime's refusal to step down. It specifically honors Nobel Laureate María Corina Machado for her courageous advocacy for democracy. Furthermore, the resolution demands the regime ensure Machado's safety and release all political prisoners.

This Act mandates the immediate preparation for sanctions against any entity supporting People's Republic of China (PRC) aggression against Taiwan, including actions like invasion or blockade. It establishes an interagency PRC Sanctions Task Force to identify potential targets and develop comprehensive strategies for imposing and coordinating economic measures with allies. The Task Force must also brief Congress and submit annual reports detailing sanctions plans, economic impact assessments, and coordination efforts.

This bill mandates that the U.S. government permit visiting dignitaries and service members from Taiwan to display the flag of the Republic of China. This allowance applies specifically when they are conducting official business, such as during ceremonies or while in uniform. The change ensures that Taiwanese officials and military personnel can appropriately represent their nation during interactions with the Department of State and Department of Defense.

The Secure Commercial Driver Licensing Act of 2025 mandates that all commercial driver's license (CDL) tests must be administered exclusively in English. Furthermore, the bill establishes a mandatory one-year waiting period before an individual can upgrade from a standard driver's license to a CDL. Finally, it grants the Secretary of Transportation the authority to revoke a state's permission to issue out-of-state commercial licenses if that state fails to comply with federal regulations.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States Navy, honoring its long history since the Continental Navy. It expresses deep appreciation for the courage and service of all Navy personnel, past and present, who have defended the nation. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to supporting the Navy's vital role in global security, humanitarian aid, and technological advancement.