Legislative Activity

The ATF Transparency Act aims to streamline firearm transfer and registration processes by mandating a 3-business-day review period, after which applications are automatically approved unless legal requirements are not met. The bill also establishes an administrative appeal process for applicants whose transfers are denied based on federal or state law concerns, including reimbursement for legal fees upon a successful appeal. Furthermore, it requires reports on unresolved background checks and mandates an agreement between the ATF and FBI on processing future NICS inquiries.

This bill resolves water rights claims for the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana by ratifying a water rights agreement, authorizing funding and land transfers to implement the agreement, and rehabilitating and expanding the Fort Belknap Indian Irrigation Project. Additionally, the bill authorizes \$250 million for water and wastewater facilities for the Blackfeet Tribe in Montana.

This joint resolution nullifies an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rule concerning gross proceeds reporting by brokers involved in digital asset sales. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the IRS from implementing new reporting requirements for digital asset transactions. This action effectively maintains the existing regulatory framework for brokers of digital assets.

This resolution supports the Local Radio Freedom Act, opposing any new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between the radio and recording industries, where radio provides free publicity and essential local services. The resolution warns that new fees would harm local radio stations, small businesses, and the communities they serve. Ultimately, it asserts that Congress should not impose any new charges on local radio for broadcasting sound recordings.

The "End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act" prohibits FEMA from providing support to non-federal entities for sheltering and related activities that alleviate overcrowding in Customs and Border Protection holding facilities. It also rescinds any remaining funds previously transferred to FEMA from Customs and Border Protection for these purposes under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.

The Stop Russian Market Manipulation Act bans the importation of specific Russian-origin minerals, including platinum group metals, nickel, and copper, into the United States. This prohibition begins 90 days after enactment and remains in effect until one year after the President certifies that Russia has ceased all fighting against Ukraine. Crucially, the President has no authority to waive this specific ban.

The "Empowering Families in Special Education Act" ensures that parents are informed of their right to include knowledgeable individuals, like service providers, in their child's IEP meetings. This notification must be provided before the first IEP meeting of each school year, empowering families to advocate effectively for their children's special education needs.

The Transportation Freedom Act aims to boost American auto manufacturing through tax incentives for companies that keep production and jobs in the U.S. while also rolling back recent vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency regulations. It restricts states' abilities to set their own emission standards and directs the EPA and DOT to establish new, flexible emissions standards based on technological and economic feasibility. This could lead to more fuel-efficient vehicles, reduced emissions, and shifts in the automotive industry.

The "No American Land for Communist China Act" aims to safeguard U.S. national security by preventing Chinese government entities and businesses with significant Chinese government ownership from purchasing real estate near sensitive federal lands, including those managed by the Departments of Interior, Defense, Agriculture, and Energy, as well as Indian country. The President is tasked with enforcing this prohibition.

The "Time to Choose Act of 2025" prohibits federal agencies from contracting with consulting firms that simultaneously work for certain foreign entities, such as the governments of China and Russia, or face penalties. It requires firms bidding on federal contracts to certify they do not have consulting contracts with these "covered foreign entities," with exceptions allowed under national security interests. The Act also outlines penalties for firms providing false information about their foreign contracts, including contract termination and False Claims Act liabilities. This law aims to address conflicts of interest where firms may be undermining U.S. security while contracting with U.S. agencies.

This joint resolution nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants in rubber tire manufacturing. By disapproving the rule, the resolution prevents the EPA from enforcing stricter emission standards in the rubber tire manufacturing industry.

The "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to defund sanctuary jurisdictions, defined as those that obstruct the sharing of immigration status information or compliance with federal detainment requests, by making them ineligible for certain federal funds. This act requires the Department of Homeland Security to report annually to Congress, identifying non-compliant jurisdictions.

The "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to enhance cooperation between federal and local law enforcement by allowing state and local officers to act as agents of the Department of Homeland Security and protecting them from liability when complying with immigration detainers. It defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as those that restrict information sharing or compliance with federal detainment requests, and it makes these jurisdictions ineligible for certain federal grants, reallocating those funds to non-sanctuary jurisdictions. This act does not protect individuals who knowingly violate civil or constitutional rights.

This resolution supports designating February 15-22, 2025, as National FFA Week, celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The "Unplug the Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Programs Act" seeks to eliminate federal grant programs and funding, including the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, dedicated to building electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This bill rescinds unspent funds allocated to these programs and prevents any future funding for such projects.

The North Platte Canteen Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to present a Congressional Gold Medal to the individuals and communities who volunteered or donated to the North Platte Canteen during World War II. After the presentation, the medal will be given to the Lincoln County Historical Museum in North Platte, Nebraska, for public display. The Secretary of the Treasury is responsible for creating the gold medal, and the United States Mint is authorized to produce and sell bronze duplicates.

The "Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2025" establishes a network of regional wildland fire research centers across the country, coordinated by a National Center Coordination Board, to improve the understanding, management, and mitigation of wildland fires. These centers will focus on research, technology development, and data sharing to support wildland fire management agencies and communities. The Act authorizes specific appropriations for the centers and the board to facilitate their operations and research activities. It also emphasizes collaboration and open access to data, ensuring that research findings are widely available to inform decision-making and improve public safety.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the First Rhode Island Regiment for their heroic service during the Revolutionary War. This regiment, one of the first racially integrated units in American history, was composed of African American, Indigenous, and mixed-race soldiers. The gold medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research, with the hope that it will also be exhibited at other locations associated with the Regiment. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, while also modifying gift tax laws. It adjusts gift tax calculations, addresses transfers in trust, sets an initial $10,000,000 amount for calculating tentative tax, and adjusts for inflation. These changes apply to estates of decedents dying, generation-skipping transfers occurring, and gifts made on or after the enactment date of this Act.

This resolution urges the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under UNSCR 2231 due to Iran's repeated violations of the JCPOA and advancements in its nuclear program. It condemns Iran's non-compliance and the support it receives from Russia and China. The resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and supports sanctions to curb Iran's nuclear and missile programs. It calls for the E3 to act before the expiration of the snapback option in October 2025.