Legislative Activity

The COUNTER Act enhances the Department of Defense's authority to neutralize threats from unmanned aircraft systems targeting U.S. assets. This legislation delegates specific response powers and updates mitigation rules for drone threats. Crucially, it exempts sensitive information regarding these counter-drone technologies and procedures from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill also adjusts several deadlines and clarifies the applicability of certain federal laws when operating overseas to counter these threats.

The STOP Screwworms Act mandates the establishment of facilities to rear and release sterile New World screwworm flies in high-risk areas to combat infestations. The Secretary of Agriculture must build these modular facilities within 180 days of enactment and provide annual public reports on the threat and control efforts. The bill authorizes up to $300 million to fund these necessary actions.

The Retreaded Tire Jobs, Supply Chain Security and Sustainability Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit for businesses purchasing qualified, domestically retreaded tires through 2028. The bill also mandates that federal executive agencies prioritize purchasing retreaded tires when available through the GSA schedule, rather than buying new ones. These provisions aim to boost domestic jobs, enhance supply chain security, and promote sustainability in the tire industry.

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act focuses on strengthening penalties for introducing prohibited items, specifically phones, into prisons. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to review and update policies concerning prohibited objects to enhance the safety of inmates and staff. This legislation aims to curb contraband flow within correctional facilities.

This bill seeks to formally reject a recent rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning new energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By invoking congressional disapproval, the legislation immediately cancels the DOE's proposed efficiency standards. In essence, Congress is overriding the DOE's attempt to implement these specific new regulations for tankless gas water heaters.

This Joint Resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a recent rule issued by the Department of Energy concerning energy conservation programs. Specifically, it rejects the DOE's proposed requirements for certification, labeling, and enforcement for certain consumer products and commercial equipment. If enacted, this resolution will prevent the specified DOE rule from taking effect.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Punishing Illegal Immigrant Felons Act of 2025 significantly increases prison sentences for non-citizens who commit crimes after entering the U.S. illegally or after being previously removed. This legislation mandates substantial minimum prison terms—including an additional five years for illegal entry followed by a felony conviction and a new ten-year minimum for re-entry after deportation coupled with a crime. The bill aims to impose much harsher penalties on undocumented immigrants who commit serious offenses.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.

The Prove It Act aims to strengthen protections for small businesses against burdensome federal regulations. It establishes a formal process for small entities to challenge agency claims that a proposed rule will not significantly impact them. The bill also expands the required analysis of indirect costs and imposes consequences if agencies fail to periodically review existing rules on time.

The Business over Ballots Act reaffirms that the Small Business Administration's (SBA) primary mission is solely to support small businesses. This legislation explicitly prohibits the SBA from engaging in or facilitating voter registration activities. Furthermore, it mandates that all new contracts and existing assistance agreements must restrict recipients from using SBA funds for voter registration efforts.

The Streamlining Critical Mineral Permitting Act aims to expedite the permitting process for facilities handling critical energy resources. It introduces a new definition for "critical energy resource," determined by the Secretary of Energy based on national necessity and supply chain vulnerability. This change specifically modifies how interim hazardous waste permits are handled for facilities processing these vital resources under the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

The USPS SERVES US Act aims to reform postal operations by linking annual rate increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) minus 0.5% and establishing penalties for service failures. The bill also creates an independent Office of the Customer Advocate within the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) to represent public interests. Furthermore, it mandates stricter procedures for service changes and overhauls how retiree health benefits funds are invested.

The Duty Drawback Clarification Act updates the U.S. tariff schedule to standardize the classification of whiskies under Chapter 22. This legislation removes an outdated whiskey classification code and requires the U.S. International Trade Commission to add new statistical tracking codes for imports. These changes will take effect 15 days after the Act is officially enacted.

This resolution strongly affirms the constitutional right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment. It criticizes recent actions by the Biden administration and federal agencies, such as the ATF, for implementing what are viewed as infringements on these freedoms. The resolution commends former President Trump for his past efforts to protect Second Amendment rights against such measures.

The No Rogue Rulings Act of 2025 significantly restricts federal district courts from issuing injunctions that affect parties not directly involved in a lawsuit. An exception allows a specially convened, randomly selected three-judge panel to issue broad injunctions in multi-state lawsuits against the executive branch. Decisions made by this panel regarding injunctions can be appealed directly to the Supreme Court or the relevant circuit court at the losing party's discretion.

The DRIVE Act prohibits the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from mandating speed limiting devices on heavy commercial vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. This legislation removes any federal requirement for trucks over 26,000 pounds to have their top speed electronically capped. In essence, the bill deregulates restrictions concerning speed control technology for large, cross-state eighteen-wheelers.

The IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act of 2025 removes the current restriction preventing individuals from making direct charitable rollovers from their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). This change immediately allows IRA owners to transfer retirement assets directly to DAFs for charitable purposes. The bill simplifies and enhances charitable giving options for IRA holders.

The Youth Sports Facilities Act of 2025 amends federal public works funding rules to explicitly include the construction and improvement of youth sports facilities. This allows communities to apply for grants specifically for these projects, provided they meet goals focused on improving health, serving low-income and rural children, and boosting local economies. The bill prioritizes facilities that address sedentary lifestyles and provide safe recreational spaces in underserved areas.