Legislative Activity

The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act aims to provide financial relief by modifying tax rules for personal losses. This bill removes previous limitations on deducting personal casualty losses for disasters occurring after 2017. Additionally, it extends the deadline for taxpayers to file for refunds related to these previously suspended casualty loss deductions.

This resolution officially commends and congratulates the University of Florida men's basketball team for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's Basketball Championship. It highlights the team's victory over the University of Houston and recognizes the achievements of Coach Todd Golden and standout players like Walter Clayton, Jr. The resolution also celebrates the University of Florida's unique status as the only Division I school to win national titles in both men's basketball and football in the same year. Official copies will be sent to university leadership and the head coach.

The COUNTER Act grants the Department of Defense (DoD) expanded authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems (drones) operating outside of the United States. This legislation delegates response authority, clarifies mitigation methods like remote identification, and exempts security details regarding these operations from public disclosure. Furthermore, it limits the application of certain criminal and security laws to authorized DoD and Coast Guard activities aimed at countering these aerial threats overseas.

The Kids Online Safety Act establishes a comprehensive "duty of care" requiring online platforms to design features that mitigate specific harms to minors, such as those related to mental health and exploitation. It mandates that platforms provide minors with default, restrictive safety settings and robust parental controls over data sharing and recommendations. Furthermore, the legislation demands significant transparency regarding algorithmic ranking systems and grants the FTC enforcement authority.

This Act prohibits U.S. entities receiving federal funding from collaborating on sensitive technology research with specific Chinese organizations tied to the People's Liberation Army's military-civil fusion strategy. The law mandates the creation of a public list detailing restricted research areas and identified Chinese entities of concern. Covered entities must annually report all current and past collaborations with these prohibited entities or face immediate termination of all future federal funding.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 11 through May 17, 2025, as "National Police Week." It serves to honor the valor and integrity of law enforcement officers across the nation. The resolution specifically remembers the officers killed in the line of duty during 2024 and encourages the public to observe this week to show appreciation for law enforcement personnel.

The Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act prohibits payment card networks and processors from requiring firearms retailers to use a unique Merchant Category Code (MCC) that singles them out. This ensures that credit and debit card transactions for firearms and ammunition are treated the same as general retail purchases. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing this prohibition and reporting annually to Congress on compliance efforts.

The Safeguarding Transit Operations to Prohibit China Act (STOP China Act) aims to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from supporting transit vehicle manufacturing tied to the People's Republic of China (PRC). The bill specifically prohibits federal funding for the purchase of covered vehicles, such as buses or trains, produced by entities controlled by or based in designated foreign nations. To enforce this, the Act mandates the creation and regular updating of a public watchlist identifying these restricted manufacturers.

The Radiology Outpatient Ordering Transmission (ROOT) Act modifies requirements for tracking the use of clinical decision support tools when ordering applicable imaging services, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates that qualified decision support mechanisms report detailed data to the Secretary of Health and Human Services upon request. The bill also establishes compliance rules for ordering professionals, outlines specific exemptions to these rules, and updates the process for identifying "low compliant" ordering professionals.

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 Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that health plans cover medically necessary diagnosis and treatment for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must apply to outpatient and inpatient care, including necessary dental and orthodontic support, unless the procedure is purely cosmetic. These new requirements take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This bill establishes a Special Review Board to audit the Department of Defense's handling of religious accommodation requests related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Board is tasked with identifying service members whose careers were negatively impacted and ordering corrective actions, such as promotions, back pay, and the removal of adverse records. Furthermore, the legislation mandates strict reporting to Congress and an independent audit to ensure accountability and fair restoration for all affected personnel.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 restricts the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from holding any status beyond observer in United Nations agencies. This legislation also modifies the U.S. standing in the UN, prohibiting full membership and capping participation at a level above observer status. Importantly, the Act explicitly states that none of its provisions apply to Taiwan.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as National Small Business Week. It aims to celebrate the vital contributions of the over 34.5 million small businesses that support tens of millions of jobs nationwide. The bill honors the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners in every community.

The Fairness in Higher Education Accreditation Act revises the criteria for recognizing accrediting agencies, prohibiting them from basing standards or investigations on the racial, gender, or national origin makeup of a college's community. It also defines "free inquiry" requirements for institutions while providing significant exemptions for religious schools. Furthermore, the bill grants colleges the right to file a civil lawsuit if they face loss of accreditation due to an agency violating these new demographic-based restrictions.

The Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections for service members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). This bill mandates updated financial literacy training that specifically covers SCRA interest rate protections and requires new notification procedures when service members enter active duty or are called up for extended service. Furthermore, it expands the requirement for financial institutions to apply the maximum interest rate cap to *all* pre-service debts upon notification, while also providing flexible options for submitting necessary documentation.

The AUSSOM Funding Restriction Act of 2025 places strict limitations on the use of U.S. assessed contributions to the United Nations for funding the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) under UN Resolution 2719. The bill mandates that the U.S. actively oppose such funding at the UN while simultaneously requiring annual assessments of the African Union's compliance with UN peacekeeping standards. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must report annually to Congress on U.S. peacekeeping contributions, AUSSOM performance, and efforts to secure alternative funding sources.

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical federal research funding for preterm labor and the care of low birthweight infants through fiscal year 2029. It mandates the establishment of an interagency working group to coordinate efforts related to prematurity. Furthermore, the bill requires a comprehensive study by the National Academies on the financial costs, causes, prevention, and support opportunities related to preterm births.

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.

The Veterans Opportunity Act of 2025 establishes the new Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This Administration will centralize and manage key programs related to veteran employment, education, and housing loans. The bill also creates a new Senate-confirmed position, the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, to lead this new entity. All transfers of services must be certified to Congress as not negatively impacting veteran service quality before they can take effect.