Legislative Activity

The Federal Retirement Fairness Act amends title 5 of the United States Code, allowing civilian service in a temporary position after December 31, 1988, to be creditable under the Federal Employees Retirement System. This change applies to current employees and Members of the United States Postal Service, and requires the Office of Personnel Management to notify eligible individuals and issue implementing regulations.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

The Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act aims to strengthen U.S. trade laws by addressing unfair subsidies, currency undervaluation, duty evasion, and circumvention of trade remedies. It refines the process for handling successive trade investigations, ensuring that the International Trade Commission considers prior findings and assesses cumulative effects on domestic industries. The act also empowers authorities to counteract cost distortions in foreign countries and prevent importers from avoiding duties. Additionally, it includes provisions related to trade with Canada and Mexico and sets effective dates for new regulations.

The "DOC Access Act of 2025" aims to enhance health care coverage under vision and dental plans by ensuring fair payment practices, protecting doctors' choices in labs and suppliers, and respecting state laws. It allows optometrists and dentists to charge their standard rate for non-covered services if the plan's payment is unreasonable, while ensuring they can only charge the contracted rate for dental cleanings. The bill also gives doctors more control over agreement extensions with limited benefit plans and allows them to opt out of certain provisions. Ultimately, this act seeks to balance federal guidelines with state oversight in regulating health insurance issuers and dental or vision benefit plans.

This resolution designates February 24–28, 2025, as "Public Schools Week" to celebrate the vital role public education plays in preparing students for the future. It reaffirms the commitment to providing every child with a high-quality, inclusive, and well-funded learning environment. Additionally, the bill calls on lawmakers to prioritize equitable resources and support services to ensure student success.

This resolution recognizes January 2025 as "National Mentoring Month" to highlight the vital role mentoring plays in fostering academic success, self-esteem, and career development for youth. It celebrates the contributions of mentors nationwide while calling for increased public and private collaboration to expand quality mentoring programs. Ultimately, the bill aims to close the "mentoring gap" to ensure all young people have the supportive adult connections necessary to reach their full potential.

This resolution commemorates the heroic sacrifices of the Ukrainian people three years into Russia’s unprovoked war and condemns the widespread atrocities committed by the Russian regime. It reaffirms the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic future. Furthermore, the bill pledges continued accountability for Russian war crimes and emphasizes the vital importance of Ukraine’s defense to global security.

This resolution reaffirms the vital strategic partnership between the United States and Canada, emphasizing the deep ties that bolster North American economic prosperity and national security. It highlights the two nations' commitment to shared goals in energy independence, critical mineral supply chains, border management, and global defense. By strengthening this alliance, the bill aims to enhance regional competitiveness and ensure a unified front against common security threats.

The "Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025" ensures that Coast Guard members receive equitable pay and benefits compared to other branches of the Armed Forces. During a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse, the bill guarantees continued pay for Coast Guard military members, qualified civilian and contract employees, death gratuities, funeral travel, and basic housing allowance for dependents of Coast Guard members who die on active duty. This funding continues as long as Department of Defense funding is available, up to two weeks after a Coast Guard-specific funding lapse begins. The bill affirms the Coast Guard as a military service and aims to provide financial security to its members during funding uncertainties.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act establishes a framework for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) at the state level. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if states substantially protect these rights, and if not, the Authority will establish collective bargaining procedures. The Act aims to promote cooperation between public safety employers and employees while respecting existing state laws and prohibiting strikes and lockouts. This law does not override state laws that provide similar or stronger protections for public safety officers.

This resolution clarifies that United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 only addressed seating arrangements and does not validate the People's Republic of China's "One China Principle" regarding Taiwan's status. It asserts that the U.S. "One China Policy" is distinct from Beijing's claims and does not endorse PRC sovereignty over Taiwan. The bill strongly opposes PRC efforts to use the resolution to exclude Taiwan from international organizations and supports Taiwan's meaningful participation globally.

This resolution supports the designation of February 16, 2025, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day" to honor the historic and ongoing contributions of Black Americans in aviation and space exploration. It celebrates the pioneers who broke racial and gender barriers in flight, military service, engineering, and leadership. Furthermore, the bill encourages public education and continued efforts to increase diversity and opportunity within the aviation workforce.

The Gun Trafficker Detection Act requires non-licensed firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to the Attorney General and local law enforcement within 48 hours, and it mandates the Attorney General to establish a web-based portal for such reporting. States must allocate a portion of their grant funding to manage data on lost or stolen firearms. The act also establishes penalties for failing to report or for falsely reporting the loss or theft of a firearm, and it updates the national criminal background check system accordingly.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the critical need to preserve linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. It highlights the urgency of protecting endangered languages—including those native to the United States—and encourages nationwide participation in activities that promote multilingual education and heritage.

The Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act of 2025 establishes an Animal Cruelty Crimes Section within the Department of Justice to enforce federal animal cruelty laws, pursue investigations and prosecutions, and coordinate with other agencies. The section is required to submit an annual report to Congress regarding charges, convictions, and investigations. The bill recognizes the connection between animal cruelty and other crimes and aims to address the lack of dedicated enforcement of animal protection laws.

This bill repeals the 1991 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution and the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution, formally ending the legal basis for military actions in Iraq under these authorizations.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This act increases the maximum age for eligible children to receive medical care under the program to 26 years old, regardless of their marital status. This change does not affect benefits for children incapable of self-support and takes effect for medical care provided on or after the enactment of this act.

The "Public Safety Free Speech Act" protects the free speech rights of public safety officers, including law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel, allowing them to express personal opinions on public safety, working conditions, and other related matters without fear of retaliation, while also outlining exceptions for speech that incites violence, discrimination, or discloses confidential information. This bill enables officers to sue their employers for adverse actions taken against them for exercising these rights and specifies the damages that can be awarded. This act does not preempt existing federal or state laws.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 amends the Public Health Service Act to improve the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program by expanding the types of healthcare providers who can conduct mental health evaluations, modifying provider credentialing, clarifying enrollment calculations, and extending the time frame for adding health conditions for WTC responders. The act adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026 through 2090 and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the program's budget, including projected needs through 2090 and recommendations for changes to the funding formula. It also stipulates that remaining funds in the Supplemental Fund, Special Fund, and Pentagon-Shanksville Fund will revert to the Treasury.

This bill amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to establish presumptions regarding radiation and toxin exposure for veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range between 1972 and 2005, excluding Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases. It recognizes certain activities at the range as radiation-risk activities and presumes exposure to toxins for veterans stationed there during the specified period. Additionally, it establishes a presumption of service connection for lipomas and tumor-related conditions for these veterans.