Legislative Activity

The Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act prioritizes federal funding for research and extension programs specifically aimed at controlling the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. This legislation ensures that developing effective tools and treatments against this pest becomes a high-priority initiative. Additionally, the Act extends the authorization for several existing high-priority agricultural research programs until 2030.

The Modern Firearm Safety Act preempts state and local governments from imposing handgun design or feature requirements beyond existing federal law. This bill prevents jurisdictions from mandating specific features, such as loaded chamber indicators or magazine insertion sensors, on handguns sold or shipped across state lines. The goal is to standardize federal requirements and limit local restrictions on firearm manufacturing and commerce.

This bill establishes the United States-Israel PTSD Collaborative Research Act to foster scientific partnerships between the two nations. It creates a grant program, managed by the Secretary of Defense, to fund joint research projects between U.S. academic or non-profit entities and Israeli institutions specializing in PTSD treatment. The goal is to advance new and improved methods for diagnosing and treating post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2025 establishes a structured process for distributing up to 2,000 additional, federally funded residency positions annually between fiscal years 2026 and 2032. This distribution prioritizes hospitals serving in underserved areas, those already training above their limit, and those committed to primary care and general surgery training. The bill also mandates a study and report by the Comptroller General on effective strategies to increase diversity within the health professional workforce.

The Living Donor Protection Act of 2025 prohibits life, disability, and long-term care insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums solely because an individual is a living organ donor. This legislation ensures that living donors are not financially penalized for their altruistic act. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of HHS to update educational materials to accurately reflect the insurance protections afforded to living donors.

This bill amends the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to explicitly clarify that time taken off for an employee's own organ donation surgery qualifies as a serious health condition. This ensures both private and federal sector workers receive FMLA protection for recovery from organ donation. The legislation also specifies how federal employees must substitute existing paid leave when taking FMLA time for this purpose.

The Samaritan Efforts to Ensure Key Health Emergency and Life-saving Protections Act (SEEK HELP Act) establishes federal Good Samaritan protections for individuals who administer opioid overdose reversal drugs or seek medical help during an overdose. It shields these individuals from civil liability and certain criminal prosecution related to controlled substance possession when seeking aid. Furthermore, the Act mandates public awareness campaigns and a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the effectiveness of these overdose protection laws across the states.

The Bubble Tax Modernization Act of 2025 simplifies federal excise tax treatment for certain low alcohol by volume (ABV) wines. This legislation reclassifies qualifying low ABV wines (under 8.5% ABV and low carbonation) as standard still wines for tax calculation purposes under Section 5041(h). These changes will take effect for wine removed from bond after December 31, 2025.

This Act aims to prevent the proliferation of Iranian-made drones, which are being supplied to U.S. adversaries, by targeting the flow of Western technology used in their production. It mandates the Departments of Commerce and State to develop comprehensive strategies to stop the export of critical dual-use components, such as microelectronics, to Iran. Furthermore, the Department of Defense must identify military options to block Iran's access to these drone-related technologies and software.

The Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025 establishes two grant programs totaling \$10 million annually to boost construction and manufacturing apprenticeships. The first program funds community outreach to recruit students and connect programs with local employers, particularly in rural areas. The second program provides funds for expanded academic advising and student support services to improve program retention and completion rates. The Act also formally defines specialized apprenticeship colleges and sets reporting requirements for grant recipients.

The No DOT Funds for Sanctuary Cities Act prohibits the Secretary of Transportation from awarding federal transportation funds to any city designated as a "sanctuary city." This designation applies to localities with policies that restrict sharing immigration status information or complying with certain federal immigration detainers. Waivers for funding may only be granted if the Secretary certifies the activity is in the national interest and notifies relevant Congressional committees.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act strictly prohibits the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to individuals. This legislation prevents the Fed from developing, testing, or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, Congress asserts that any authority to create such a digital asset must explicitly come from Congress itself.

The Waste and Illegal Property Eradication (WIPE) Act authorizes the Department of Defense (DoD) to use portable, expeditionary waste disposal systems for destroying seized contraband, counterfeit goods, and unauthorized equipment. This legislation specifically prohibits the DoD from using open-air burn pits for these materials. The Act funds the acquisition of these new disposal systems by reallocating existing funds designated for open-air burn pit operations.

The Freedom from Improper Regulation and Enforcement (FIRE) Act prohibits the federal government from creating or enforcing any rule that restricts firearm magazines based on their ammunition capacity. Furthermore, this Act voids any existing or future state or local laws that attempt to impose such capacity limits or penalties. In essence, the bill prevents regulation of firearm magazines based solely on how many rounds they can hold.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to otherwise qualified applicants solely based on their involvement in the firearms industry. This legislation ensures that businesses defined as "firearm entities," their affiliates, or trade associations are not unfairly rejected for SBA loans or guarantees. The Act clearly defines these terms to prevent discrimination against businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, or servicing firearms and related accessories.

The Securing Help for Involuntary Employment Loss and Displacement Act (SHIELD Act) revises federal requirements for state unemployment programs regarding labor disputes. This bill mandates that states deny regular unemployment benefits to individuals unemployed due to a strike or labor dispute in which they actively participated or had a direct stake. The new federal conditions take effect in two years, though states may adopt them sooner.

This bill reauthorizes the Public Health and Bio-Preparedness Workforce Loan Repayment Program through fiscal year 2030. It ensures continued support for professionals working in public health and bio-preparedness by extending their eligibility for loan repayment. This action secures the program for five additional years.

The BIRD Health Act of 2025 establishes a new cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel to accelerate joint research and development in healthcare innovation. Managed by the BIRD Foundation under the oversight of HHS, this program will fund projects spanning medical devices, digital health, and biomanufacturing. The goal is to leverage bilateral expertise to bring new health technologies to market while strengthening both nations' healthcare ecosystems.

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act addresses significant delays in obtaining death certificates for veterans who die from natural causes, often due to VA medical staff delays. This bill mandates that VA medical providers must certify a veteran's death within 48 hours or allow the local medical examiner to step in. Furthermore, the VA must annually report on its compliance with this new timely certification requirement.

This resolution formally condemns the violent attack on the U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, on July 7, 2025. It expresses support for the injured agents and reaffirms Congress's strong backing for the dedicated men and women of the Border Patrol. The bill emphasizes that such violence against law enforcement is unacceptable and undermines national security efforts.