Legislative Activity

The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for federal retirement purposes under both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This change adds specific IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and VA police roles to those eligible for enhanced retirement benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for current officers to elect to have their prior service counted under these new definitions, which may require a payment from the employee and their employing agency.

The MEGOBARI Act expresses Congress's concern over Georgia's democratic backsliding and growing alignment with authoritarian states. It directs the Secretary of State to suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia demonstrates commitment to democratic principles and EU/NATO aspirations. Furthermore, the Act establishes a policy supporting Georgia's Western trajectory while mandating reports on Russian influence and authorizing targeted sanctions against officials undermining Georgian democracy or stability.

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 Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of investigations. It grants the Attorney General explicit authority to file civil actions seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day, and mandates that collected fines help cover temporary animal care costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a formal agreement for coordinated enforcement.

The Historic Tax Credit Growth and Opportunity Act of 2025 significantly enhances historic rehabilitation tax incentives. It establishes a permanent 20% credit rate for qualified expenditures and introduces an optional 30% credit for smaller projects, which includes the ability to transfer the credit. Furthermore, the bill simplifies calculations by eliminating the requirement to reduce the property's basis when claiming the credit.

The Drone Espionage Act updates federal law to specifically prohibit the unauthorized taking or transmission of **video** of national defense information. This amendment modernizes existing statutes, ensuring that capturing sensitive material via video is treated the same as capturing it via photographs or negatives. The bill aims to strengthen protections against the illicit sharing of defense secrets using modern recording technology.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month to combat the rapidly increasing rates of this deadly disease. The goal is to educate the public on recognizing symptoms like persistent heartburn, which can lead to cancer, and encourage early screening. By raising awareness, the measure aims to improve the low survival rate through earlier detection and increased support for research.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 updates federal housing tax credit allocations to reflect current economic realities and boosts minimum state allotments. It reforms tenant eligibility rules to stabilize tenancy and enhance protections for vulnerable residents, including victims of abuse. The bill also provides disaster relief for property owners, increases incentives for housing the extremely low-income, and directs greater resources toward Native American and rural housing needs. Finally, it streamlines administrative processes and signals a future focus on data transparency and discouraging restrictive local zoning.

The Protecting American Families and Servicemembers from Anthrax Act mandates the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and Defense to develop a modernized 10-year strategy to defend against the anthrax threat. This plan must ensure a sustainable supply of anthrax countermeasures for the Strategic National Stockpile and outline protections for civilians and military families. The Secretaries are required to submit an initial classified report detailing the threat and the full strategy to Congress within 180 days, followed by annual updates.

The Military Moms Act aims to improve maternal healthcare access and support for military families. It expands TRICARE coverage rules to recognize pregnancy and pregnancy loss as qualifying life events for enrollment changes. The bill also mandates a comprehensive report detailing maternal health access within military facilities and the TRICARE network. Finally, it requires the creation of a centralized, dedicated maternal health resource guide on the Military OneSource website.

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes penalties on foreign individuals and entities that facilitate the transfer of North Korean weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. This legislation mandates asset freezes and visa bans against those involved in arms deals, logistics, or related financial transactions. Furthermore, the Act requires the President to report regularly to Congress on sanctions enforcement and the U.S. strategy to counter this cooperation.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 imposes sweeping economic penalties on the Russian Federation in response to its aggression against Ukraine. This legislation mandates severe, immediate sanctions against key Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities, including asset freezes and trade prohibitions. Furthermore, the Act dramatically increases import duties on Russian goods and requires the President to review and reimpose these measures until Russia negotiates a lasting peace with Ukraine.

The Iranian Terror Prevention Act mandates the swift designation of specific Iranian-linked groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) by the Secretary of State. It requires the President to impose existing sanctions on these designated groups and any affiliated entities within 60 days of enactment. Furthermore, the bill establishes ongoing reporting requirements to Congress regarding designations and the application of sanctions.

The Reentry Act of 2025 allows incarcerated individuals to receive medical assistance through Medicaid during the 30 days immediately preceding their release. This legislation also mandates a comprehensive report from MACPAC analyzing current healthcare standards within correctional facilities. The report will examine the impact of this coverage change and offer recommendations for improving healthcare access for those transitioning back into the community.

The Safer Skies Act of 2025 mandates enhanced security screening for certain smaller charter and commuter air carriers that sell individual passenger seats publicly. This legislation requires these specific operations, currently exempt from TSA checkpoints, to adopt the security standards applied to larger commercial airlines. The goal is to raise the baseline security level across a broader segment of air travel operations.

This resolution formally recognizes the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in 2025. Congress is honoring the Corps' long history, core values of honor, courage, and commitment, and its consistent readiness to defend the nation. The bill encourages the public to join in celebrating this significant milestone and acknowledging the service and sacrifice of all Marines.

This bill amends federal law to require the Coast Guard to retain certain enlisted members who have served 18 or more, but less than 20, years of service. It prevents the involuntary separation or non-reenlistment of these long-serving members until they reach 20 years of service for retirement eligibility. This provision applies to both Regular and Reserve enlisted personnel serving on active duty.

This bill affirms the U.S. government's recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized 1991 borders. It condemns Russia's occupation and annexation of Ukrainian territories as violations of international law. The bill also establishes the official policy of the U.S. government to reject Russia's claims over occupied Ukrainian territories.

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.