Legislative Activity

The Noncontiguous Energy Relief and Access Act of 2025 creates a specific exemption for shipping essential energy products and equipment between the mainland United States and noncontiguous areas like Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This change waives certain existing maritime restrictions for the transport of fuel, generators, and related materials necessary for energy infrastructure in these regions. The goal is to streamline the movement of vital energy supplies to these territories.

The Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act mandates the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to rapidly adopt key industry standards as federal safety rules for lithium-ion batteries in small electric vehicles and personal mobility devices. This legislation ensures these standards automatically update to the newest industry revisions unless the CPSC finds a revision compromises safety. Furthermore, the CPSC must report to Congress five years after enactment regarding battery hazards and compliance.

The HOUTHI PC SMALL GROUP Act of 2025 establishes a new federal crime prohibiting the intentional sharing of classified information via mobile or desktop messaging applications. This legislation aims to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive national security secrets through modern communication platforms. Violators knowingly sharing such information face significant penalties, including fines and up to ten years in prison.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that a "National Garifuna Immigrant Heritage Month" should be established in April. This commemoration aims to celebrate the significant contributions of Americans of Garifuna immigrant heritage to the nation's history and culture. Establishing this month would recognize the unique background of these Black Indigenous immigrants from Central America.

The BODEGA Act of 2025 amends federal law to explicitly allow grant funds to be used for installing panic buttons and surveillance equipment in private businesses. This new provision specifically makes specialized retail stores, classified under NAICS code 445131, eligible for this security upgrade funding. The bill enhances federal assistance for security improvements in certain small businesses.

The Coordinated Agency Response Enhancement (CARE) Act mandates that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) establish a comprehensive, department-wide system for reviewing responses to public health emergencies. This new after-action program must identify failures, implement fixes, and improve coordination across all HHS agencies and external partners. Additionally, the Act requires HHS to develop and maintain a clear risk communication strategy focused on accurately informing and prioritizing vulnerable populations during health crises. The Inspector General will oversee the effectiveness of these new review processes.

The "Securing our Radioactive Materials Act" mandates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enhance the security of radioactive materials. This includes considering socioeconomic factors in security decisions and immediately improving the tracking and verification processes for category 3 radioactive sources and licenses. The NRC is required to update its guidelines and regulations within a year to implement these changes.

The PURE Water Act introduces a tax credit for individuals who install certified water filters in their homes. This credit covers a percentage of the costs for filters that remove at least 90% of lead, PFAS, and PFOA from drinking water in primary and secondary residences, with a maximum credit of $2,500 annually. Unused credits can be carried forward, but the property's value increase is reduced by the credit amount received. This act aims to encourage the adoption of water filtration systems, ensuring safer drinking water for households.

This bill expresses support for the people of Puerto Rico and urges the federal government to expedite the rebuilding of its electrical grid. It highlights the frequent power outages, unreliable service, and high energy costs impacting over 3 million American citizens. The bill calls for swift action from the President and federal agencies to address the electric grid crisis and build a stronger, more resilient system. It also acknowledges the slow progress of recovery efforts despite billions of dollars allocated by Congress.

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.

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.

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 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.