Legislative Activity

This resolution honors the 17 victims of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on the seventh anniversary of the tragedy. It expresses condolences to the families, recognizes the resilience of the Parkland community, and commends the first responders who provided aid during the attack.

The "Restore Merit to Government Service Act of 2025" aims to reform federal hiring practices by prioritizing merit, skills, and commitment to the Constitution. It requires the creation of a Federal Hiring Plan that focuses on recruiting individuals dedicated to improving government efficiency and upholding the rule of law, while preventing appointments based on race, sex, religion, or unwillingness to defend the Constitution. The Act also emphasizes the use of technology to streamline the hiring process, improve communication with candidates, and ensure agency head involvement. Finally, it directs the Office of Personnel Management to track the plan's progress and ensure it meets the needs of both job seekers and government agencies.

The Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act requires the development of a federal strategy to combat illegal drug trafficking through the Caribbean into the United States. This strategy will outline the roles of various agencies, identify necessary resources, promote legitimate trade and travel, and address drug-related crime in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The act also aims to disrupt the financial networks of drug trafficking and money laundering organizations.

The "Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act" prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from procuring batteries from specific foreign companies, primarily those with ties to China, starting October 1, 2027. Waivers are permitted under certain conditions, such as lack of security risk and absence of alternatives, and require notification to Congress. The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a report assessing the bill's impact on the Department's operations and costs.

This resolution authorizes the operational budget and staffing authority for the Special Committee on Aging from March 1, 2025, through February 28, 2027. It establishes specific spending caps for committee expenses, including consultant services and staff training, while outlining the administrative procedures for funding and agency contributions.

The SENIOR Act, or the "Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief Act," amends the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include "loneliness" alongside "social isolation," ensuring programs address both issues for older individuals. Additionally, the Act requires the Secretary to prepare a report on programs authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965, focusing on addressing the negative health effects of loneliness in older individuals and the relationship between strong multigenerational families and loneliness. The report will include recommendations for reducing negative health effects of loneliness and for policies/programs that foster strong family connections across generations.

The DEMOCRACIA Act aims to restrict financial resources to the Cuban government by imposing sanctions on foreign individuals and entities involved with Cuba's defense, security, and intelligence sectors, as well as those engaged in human rights abuses and corruption. It also mandates the President to provide unrestricted internet service to the Cuban people and establishes conditions for terminating these sanctions, including democratic reforms and human rights improvements in Cuba. The bill outlines specific criteria the Cuban government must meet to end sanctions, such as legalizing political activity, releasing political prisoners, and holding free and fair elections.

The NO GOTION Act prohibits companies associated with foreign adversaries from claiming federal green energy tax credits and incentives. By restricting these benefits, the bill aims to prevent taxpayer-funded support for entities owned, controlled, or influenced by nations deemed hostile to the United States.

This bill mandates that U.S. Customs and Border Protection conduct thorough, recurring security vetting for Afghan evacuees who entered the country between July 2021 and January 2022. It requires the agency to cross-reference these individuals against law enforcement and terrorist screening databases to ensure national security. Additionally, the legislation requires a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the results of these screenings and the status of any individuals found ineligible for admission.

The Stop Human Trafficking of Unaccompanied Migrant Children Act of 2025 mandates rigorous background checks, fingerprinting, and mandatory home visits for all sponsors of unaccompanied migrant children. The bill prohibits placing children with sponsors who are unlawfully present in the U.S. and requires retroactive vetting for all sponsors since January 2021. Additionally, it establishes strict monthly reporting requirements to Congress to ensure accountability and track the safety of children released from federal custody.

The Extending Limits of United States Customs Waters Act of 2025 expands the jurisdiction of U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 12 to 24 nautical miles from the coast. This extension aligns U.S. law enforcement authority with international standards, providing agents more time and reach to intercept vessels attempting to violate customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary laws.

The Stopping Adversarial Tariff Evasion Act prevents foreign adversaries from circumventing U.S. trade restrictions by closing loopholes related to product origin. The bill ensures that goods produced or controlled by entities linked to designated adversary nations face the same tariffs and trade enforcement actions as products manufactured within those countries. This legislation strengthens national security and trade enforcement by targeting entities that attempt to bypass U.S. trade policy through complex ownership or assembly structures.

The Red Snapper Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of Commerce from closing South Atlantic fishing areas for snapper-grouper species until the "Great Red Snapper Count" study is completed and integrated into the official stock assessment process. This legislation aims to ensure that fishery management decisions are based on the most current and accurate abundance data to protect the economic interests of the recreational fishing industry.

The Let's Get to Work Act of 2025 updates SNAP work requirements by adjusting age-based exemptions and time limits for certain recipients. Additionally, the bill extends these work requirements to able-bodied adults living in public housing or receiving tenant-based rental assistance.

This bill repeals the provision of law that grants Members of Congress automatic annual pay adjustments. By eliminating this mechanism, it ensures that future congressional pay increases are no longer applied automatically. These changes are set to take effect upon the convening of the 120th Congress.

The "No Budget, No Pay Act" mandates that Congress must pass a budget and all regular appropriations bills by October 1 of each fiscal year. If these deadlines are not met, the Act prohibits the payment of salaries to Members of Congress for the duration of the delay. Furthermore, it ensures that any withheld pay cannot be recovered retroactively once the budget is eventually passed.

The Preserving Safe Communities by Ending Swatting Act of 2025 strengthens federal law to combat "swatting" by expanding criminal penalties and civil liability for individuals who intentionally report false emergencies. This legislation ensures that those who trigger dangerous, unnecessary emergency responses can be held both criminally accountable and financially responsible for the resulting costs.

The STOP MADURO Act of 2025 authorizes a reward of up to $100 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Nicolás Maduro Moros. This reward is to be funded exclusively through the liquidation of assets seized from Maduro and his regime officials under U.S. sanctions.

The Homeowners Premium Tax Reduction Act of 2025 creates a new federal tax deduction allowing homeowners to deduct up to $10,000 in qualified insurance premiums for their principal residence. This above-the-line deduction is available to all eligible taxpayers, regardless of whether they choose to itemize their taxes.

This joint resolution proposes three amendments to the U.S. Constitution: granting the President line-item veto power over spending, imposing term limits on members of Congress, and requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to pass any legislation that raises taxes or fees. These amendments would take effect upon ratification by three-fourths of the states within seven years.