Legislative Activity

The Agricultural Cooperative Energy Savings Act of 2025 expands eligibility for certain USDA programs by including agricultural cooperatives with fewer than 2,500 employees. This amendment modifies the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to broaden access to these federal resources for a wider range of agricultural cooperatives.

The Bringing Assistance for Rural Needs During Shutdowns Act designates services provided by the Farm Services Agency (FSA) as essential during a government shutdown. This ensures that FSA officers and employees can continue their work, recognizing their services as necessary for protecting human life and property.

The Keep WIC Working Act ensures the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) continues uninterrupted during any potential funding lapse in fiscal year 2026. This bill authorizes automatic funding from the Treasury to maintain program operations if regular appropriations are delayed. It also retroactively reimburses states for any funds they used to keep WIC running during the lapse period.

The Keep SNAP Funded Act of 2025 ensures that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits continue without interruption if Congress fails to pass the full Department of Agriculture budget by October 1, 2025. This legislation authorizes automatic funding from the Treasury to maintain benefit payments. Furthermore, it guarantees that any benefits missed due to a funding lapse will be paid retroactively once the bill is enacted.

The Shutdown Fairness Act ensures that federal employees and contractors deemed essential are automatically paid for the work they perform during a lapse in appropriations, starting in fiscal year 2026. This automatic funding mechanism from the Treasury covers standard pay and benefits for excepted employees until Congress passes a full-year budget. Once regular funding is enacted, these payments are charged against the agency's final appropriation.

This bill aims to establish and support the commercial-scale offshore aquaculture industry through several key actions. It creates a centralized Office of Aquaculture to coordinate regulatory and scientific efforts and mandates demonstration projects to assess the viability and safety of ocean farming. Furthermore, the legislation invests in workforce development, establishes university Centers of Excellence, and provides grants to preserve vital working waterfronts.

This proposed constitutional amendment would prohibit members of Congress from receiving any compensation for the duration of a government shutdown. If Congress fails to pass necessary funding, Senators and Representatives will not be paid until the government is fully operational again. The amendment also grants Congress the authority to enact laws to enforce this provision.

The Reducing Unnecessary Slowdowns in Handling Act establishes strict new processing deadlines for the ATF regarding general and firearm license applications. It mandates quarterly public reporting to Congress detailing application status, processing times, and reasons for delays or denials. Furthermore, the bill requires the ATF to implement internal appeal processes and streamline existing procedures to meet these new timelines without requiring additional funding.

The Eliminate Shutdowns Act establishes an automatic, 14-day continuing appropriation mechanism to keep federal programs operational if Congress fails to pass a new budget by the start of the fiscal year. This funding continues to renew every 14 days until a full appropriation is enacted, ensuring essential services remain active. The Act also includes specific budgetary rules for counting this funding and sets an effective date of September 30, 2025.

This resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, who was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University. It condemns political violence and calls upon all Americans to reject extremism in favor of civil debate. The bill expresses deep sympathy to his family and urges a renewal of commitment to the values of faith, family, and freedom he championed.

The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 establishes a mechanism to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains operational during a lapse in appropriations. If Congress fails to pass a budget, the FAA can draw from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund to continue existing programs and projects at the previous year's spending rate. This temporary funding lasts until a new budget is enacted or for a maximum of 30 days, whichever comes first. This measure aims to prevent disruptions to critical aviation services during government shutdowns.

The No Tax on Overtime for All Workers Act amends the tax code to clarify and expand the definition of "qualified overtime compensation." This change ensures that overtime pay earned above a standard rate, whether mandated by the Fair Labor Standards Act or agreed upon beforehand with an employer, is treated favorably for tax purposes. The goal is to incentivize and reward workers for putting in extra hours.

This resolution expresses strong support for and officially designates **September 17, 2025, as "Constitution Day."** It recognizes the profound historical importance of the U.S. Constitution as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. The measure encourages all Americans to observe the day with suitable ceremonies reflecting on the freedoms and responsibilities the document grants.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Transportation establish a rule requiring AM broadcast radio receivers to be installed as standard equipment in new passenger motor vehicles. This requirement aims to ensure public access to AM radio signals, which are often used for emergency alerts. The bill also directs a GAO study on the effectiveness of AM radio within the national emergency alert system compared to other technologies. Finally, the Act preempts state and local laws on this matter and includes a sunset provision eight years after enactment.

The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 ensures that active duty military personnel and essential civilian support staff continue to receive their pay if Congress has not yet passed the full budget for fiscal year 2026. This act provides automatic continuing appropriations from the Treasury to prevent a lapse in military salaries due to budget delays. The funding automatically terminates once a new budget or continuing resolution is passed, or on January 1, 2027, whichever comes first.

The Nitazene Control Act of 2025 permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes (2-Benzylbenzimidazole opioids) as Schedule I controlled substances. This action is taken due to their extreme danger, high potential for abuse, and role in fatal overdoses across the country. By scheduling the entire chemical class at once, the bill aims to proactively stop the emergence of new, dangerous analogs. This permanent scheduling subjects nitazenes to the strictest federal controls, mirroring those applied to fentanyl.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the 180th anniversary of the United States Naval Academy. It honors the institution's history, its mission to instill honor and courage in future leaders, and the significant achievements of its distinguished alumni. Congress reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Academy as it continues to prepare leaders for the Navy and Marine Corps.

This bill primarily focuses on extending the authorization for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by one year. It pushes the expiration dates for the core programs and several related pilot activities from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2026. This ensures continued federal research and development funding opportunities for small businesses.

The Stop Illegal Entry Act of 2025 significantly increases penalties for non-citizens who enter the U.S. illegally and subsequently commit crimes, imposing mandatory minimum sentences. This legislation also raises the maximum penalty for initial illegal entry and establishes much harsher prison terms for individuals who reenter the country after being previously removed or deported. These enhanced penalties include mandatory minimums of 10 years for repeat offenders or those with prior serious criminal convictions.