Legislative Activity

The Freedom from Improper Regulation and Enforcement Act (FIRE Act) prohibits federal agencies from enacting or enforcing any rules that limit firearm magazine capacity. Furthermore, this Act voids all existing state and local laws that attempt to restrict, prohibit, or penalize individuals based on a firearm magazine's capacity. These provisions take effect 30 days after the bill is enacted into law.

This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a study on designating the Canterbury Shaker Village in New Hampshire as a National Heritage Area. The study will assess the suitability and feasibility of this designation, considering the site's unique historical significance to the Shaker movement. The Secretary must consult with relevant state, local, and historical organizations during this process.

The Indian Programs Advance Appropriations Act of 2025 establishes advance funding mechanisms for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and the Indian Health Service (IHS), beginning in fiscal year 2026. This legislation requires these agencies to provide Congress with detailed budget estimates looking one year ahead of the proposed budget year. Additionally, the bill mandates annual consultation with Tribal nations and reporting on resource sufficiency for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Share the Savings with Seniors Act aims to lower out-of-pocket costs for seniors taking specific, long-term chronic care medications under Medicare Part D, beginning in 2027. This bill mandates that cost-sharing for these drugs, once the deductible is met, must be calculated based on the drug's net price rather than the retail price. These changes apply to drugs treating conditions like diabetes and certain respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act aims to address healthcare staffing shortages by recapturing unused employment-based immigrant visas from previous years. These recaptured visas are specifically reserved for professional nurses (25,000) and physicians (15,000) to expedite their entry into the U.S. The bill also mandates premium processing for these petitions without imposing extra fees and includes worker protection attestations to prevent displacement of U.S. workers.

The Telehealth Modernization Act primarily extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities, such as geographic and audio-only options, until September 30, 2027. The bill also extends the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver through 2030 and mandates a comprehensive study comparing home-based and traditional hospital care. Additionally, it introduces new program integrity measures for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and requires guidance to ensure language access for Limited English Proficiency patients utilizing telehealth.

The Appalachian Trail Centennial Act aims to strengthen the cooperative management model for the Appalachian Trail and other National Scenic and Historic Trails. It officially recognizes and empowers non-profit partners, like the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, to take on significant operational roles in trail maintenance and stewardship. The bill also mandates new planning requirements, including determining visitor capacity and assessing economic impacts on gateway communities.

The Protecting Regular Order for Veterans Act of 2025 mandates quarterly budget briefings for Congress by the VA Secretary and places new restrictions on critical skills bonuses for senior executives. Additionally, the bill establishes a new Veterans Experience Office, reporting directly to the Secretary, tasked with improving beneficiary satisfaction and reporting on customer feedback data to Congress. This new office will sunset on September 30, 2028, following a review by the Comptroller General.

The Merchant Banking Modernization Act updates regulations for bank holding companies regarding their merchant banking investments. This legislation extends the minimum holding period for these investments to 15 years. This new minimum duration applies retroactively to investments already held by banks.

This resolution solemnly marks the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of former President Donald J. Trump. It condemns the multiple attempts against his life and other political officials, while honoring the victims and first responders involved in the July 2024 shooting. The measure further calls for an end to the incitement of political violence that threatens the democratic process.

The Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025 aims to modernize the bankruptcy system by increasing the compensation for Chapter 7 trustees to a level reflecting current economic realities. The bill also adjusts various bankruptcy fees to ensure the U.S. Trustee System remains fully funded without taxpayer assistance. Finally, it extends the terms of certain temporary bankruptcy judge offices to ensure continued judicial capacity.

This concurrent resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, a landmark 1975 agreement establishing principles for security, economic cooperation, and human rights among signatory nations. Congress reaffirms the United States' enduring commitment to these foundational principles, especially in light of current violations by some states. The resolution urges all signatories to uphold their commitments and calls for public observance of this diplomatic milestone.

This bill aims to strengthen efforts to prevent maternal deaths by reauthorizing support for State-based Maternal Mortality Review Committees. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to regularly disseminate proven best practices for maternal mortality prevention to hospitals and professional societies. Furthermore, the legislation increases federal funding dedicated to these crucial prevention initiatives.

The Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Act of 2025 directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a dedicated program offering comprehensive assistance to military spouses starting and growing small businesses. This initiative will provide online resources, mentorship, and specialized training to address challenges unique to military life, such as frequent relocation and deployments. The SBA must first survey existing barriers before implementing the tailored support services.

This resolution designates August 16, 2025, as "National Airborne Day" to honor the history and bravery of U.S. airborne forces. It specifically recognizes the service of combat parachutists, air assault forces, and special operations warriors across all conflicts. The day serves as an expression of national gratitude for the thousands who have served in these elite units.

This resolution officially designates the week of August 3 through August 9, 2025, as "National Farmers Market Week." It aims to celebrate the vital role farmers markets play in strengthening local economies and supporting farmers across the nation. Furthermore, the resolution recognizes how these markets improve community health by increasing access to fresh food and promoting sustainable agriculture.

This bill mandates an independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction therapy care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) versus non-VA providers. The study will examine differences across various treatment settings and report on key outcomes like patient improvement, use of evidence-based practices, and coordination of care. The findings will be submitted to Congress and made publicly available.

This bill aims to improve veterans' healthcare by updating community care program eligibility and notification processes, enhancing mental health treatment program standards and access, and modernizing the VA's healthcare system through online tools and streamlined processes. It focuses on ensuring timely access to care, accommodating veterans' preferences, and improving the overall quality and efficiency of VA services. The bill also mandates increased transparency and accountability through regular reports to Congress.

The Improving Police CARE Act establishes federal standards for trauma kits purchased by law enforcement agencies receiving specific federal funding. This ensures that these kits, which must include essential bleeding control equipment, meet defined performance criteria set by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The bill also mandates consultation with medical and law enforcement experts to develop these required standards within 180 days of enactment.

The Unleashing AI Innovation in Financial Services Act establishes a framework for financial entities to test new Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects under regulatory supervision. This allows firms to apply for temporary waivers from specific rules by proposing an alternative compliance strategy that demonstrates public benefit and manages risk. Regulatory agencies must create "AI Innovation Labs" to review these applications, generally requiring approval within 120 days unless an immediate threat is identified. The goal is to foster responsible innovation in financial services while maintaining systemic stability and consumer protection.