Legislative Activity

The "COLUMBIA Act of 2025" mandates the Department of Education to establish a program that appoints independent antisemitism monitors to oversee higher education institutions with high rates of antisemitic activity. These monitors will assess and report on the institution's efforts to combat antisemitism, providing recommendations for improvement and submitting public reports. Institutions will be responsible for covering the monitor's expenses, and the monitor will provide quarterly and annual reports to various stakeholders, including Congress and the Department of Education. The goal is to ensure greater accountability and proactive measures against antisemitism in higher education.

The Housing Temperature Safety Act of 2025 establishes a pilot program where the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will provide grants to install and test temperature sensors in federally assisted rental properties. The goal is to ensure these properties meet temperature requirements, with resident consent and data protection measures in place. HUD will conduct interim and final evaluations, reporting to Congress on the program's impact, sensor technology comparisons, and any barriers encountered. The act aims to improve living conditions and address temperature-related issues in housing.

This bill requires the Department of Defense to share best practices and offer training to state and local first responders. The training would focus on effectively aiding victims of trauma-related injuries.

The No Foreign Gifts Act of 2025 prohibits colleges and universities that receive federal funding from accepting gifts from countries that support foreign terrorist organizations, as determined by the Secretary of State, or from China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. Institutions must report any gift offers from these countries to the Secretary to remain eligible for federal funding.

This bill directs the Attorney General to conduct a study, through the Bureau of Justice Assistance, on the effectiveness of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in reducing gun violence. The study must be completed within one year and will provide data on how well these orders work.

The "Investing in Safer Traffic Stops Act of 2025" aims to improve traffic stop safety by establishing a grant program. This program, managed by the Attorney General, will provide funding to local, State, and Tribal governments to facilitate the enforcement of traffic violations by civilians or traffic monitoring technology rather than law enforcement officers. The goal is to reduce interactions between law enforcement and the public during routine traffic stops, potentially minimizing escalations and promoting safer outcomes. The act authorizes $100 million in funding annually from 2026 to 2031 to support these initiatives.

This bill establishes a federal private right of action allowing individuals injured by ghost guns, or their families if a death occurred, to sue the manufacturer of any component of the ghost gun or anyone who facilitated its sale. Lawsuits can be filed in the district where the injury or death occurred, with exceptions for self-defense or law enforcement actions. "Ghost gun" is defined as any unserialized firearm, including parts that can be assembled or converted into a firearm.

The Iron Pipeline Review Act directs the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) to submit an annual report to Congress on firearms trafficked along Interstate 95. This report will include an analysis of the number of firearms trafficked, the effectiveness of counter-trafficking measures, and recommendations for improving law enforcement efforts. The report will also include proposals for legislative actions and funding needed to counter firearm trafficking. The initial report is due one year after the enactment of the act.