Legislative Activity

The American Innovation Act establishes significant, multi-year funding authorizations through fiscal year 2036 for key federal science and innovation agencies, including the NSF, DOE Office of Science, DoD, NIST, and NASA. These appropriations are protected from future budget sequestration and are set to automatically adjust for inflation starting in fiscal year 2036. The bill ensures these dedicated innovation funds remain available until expended.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act significantly overhauls federal regulation of gun dealers by mandating enhanced physical security, stricter inventory tracking, and increased record-keeping requirements. The bill repeals outdated restrictions on the ATF, increases licensing fees, and establishes new regulations for online firearm transfer facilitators. Furthermore, it strengthens enforcement by increasing penalties for compliance failures and mandating more frequent inspections for high-risk dealers.

The IDEA Full Funding Act establishes mandatory, increasing funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs through fiscal year 2035. This legislation sets specific appropriation targets based on student counts and national average spending to ensure greater financial support for special education services. Furthermore, the bill requires that these new IDEA appropriations adhere to "cut-as-you-go" budget offset rules.

The Defending American Diplomacy Act prohibits the Secretary of State from implementing any reorganization of the State Department without specific statutory authorization from Congress and the submission of a detailed plan. This plan must thoroughly analyze the impact on foreign policy goals, operations, and personnel. If the Secretary proceeds without authorization, specific funding restrictions against the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel for high-level appointees will take effect.

The New Producer Economic Security Act establishes a new federal program to fund community-led projects that help new and disadvantaged farmers, ranchers, and forest owners gain access to land, capital, and markets. Run by the USDA's Farm Service Agency, the initiative aims to ensure the long-term economic viability and security of these producers. Eligible entities will apply for grants to provide direct assistance, technical support, and financial tools to qualified beneficiaries. Priority will be given to projects that offer direct financial aid, support land affordability, and involve strong local partnerships.

The Reentry Act of 2025 allows incarcerated individuals to receive medical assistance through Medicaid during the 30 days immediately preceding their release. This legislation also mandates a comprehensive report from MACPAC analyzing current healthcare standards within correctional facilities. The report will examine the impact of this coverage change and offer recommendations for improving healthcare access for those transitioning back into the community.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 aims to significantly improve support and benefits for those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). The bill mandates a review of coverage for technology-related trauma and overhauls the disability claims process to be more sensitive and evidence-flexible. Furthermore, it expands access to VA health care for MST survivors, including those in reserve components, and ensures timely communication of available support services upon filing a claim.

This bill restricts the use of federal funds to carry out large-scale removals of employees within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Specifically, it prohibits using federal money for terminations if 3% or more of the total HHS workforce, or 3% or more of any individual sub-agency's staff, are removed within a 60-day period. This measure aims to prevent sudden, mass layoffs across the department and its major divisions.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 imposes sweeping economic penalties on the Russian Federation in response to its aggression against Ukraine. This legislation mandates severe, immediate sanctions against key Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities, including asset freezes and trade prohibitions. Furthermore, the Act dramatically increases import duties on Russian goods and requires the President to review and reimpose these measures until Russia negotiates a lasting peace with Ukraine.

The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates the definition of a family caregiver to include any unpaid individual providing care. Crucially, this bill extends the federal funding authorization for lifespan respite care programs through fiscal years 2025 through 2029. This ensures continued support for caregivers needing temporary relief.

This Act mandates the Secretary of Labor to establish an interim and then a final standard requiring comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans for employers in the healthcare and social service sectors. These plans must be developed with employee input and detail risk assessments, hazard controls, reporting procedures, and annual training. Furthermore, the bill amends the Social Security Act to require Medicare-funded hospitals and skilled nursing facilities not covered by OSHA to comply with these new federal workplace violence prevention standards. The legislation also establishes clear definitions for workplace violence and includes strong anti-retaliation protections for employees who exercise their rights under the Act.

The Taiwan Allies Fund Act establishes a dedicated fund to support countries that maintain relationships with Taiwan despite pressure from the People's Republic of China (PRC). This fund authorizes up to $40 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2028 to help eligible nations counter PRC coercion. Aid will focus on strengthening democratic partnerships, supporting Taiwan's international participation, and offering alternatives to PRC economic influence. The Secretary of State will manage the fund, coordinating with Taiwan, and must report annually to Congress on the fund's activities and Taiwan's matching contributions.

The Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025 mandates that any adjustment to the Thrifty Food Plan used for calculating SNAP benefits must not result in an increase in food insecurity. This ensures that updates to the cost of the food plan do not negatively impact households' ability to afford adequate nutrition.

The Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025 mandates the creation of a national public health campaign by the Secretary of HHS to educate the public on accessing abortion and related health services legally and safely. This campaign must provide medically accurate information on care options, including telehealth and medication abortion, while also teaching people how to recognize disinformation and protect their health data. The effort must be culturally competent and accessible to underserved communities, explicitly prohibiting the promotion of misinformation or abstinence-only programs.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and halt a specific proposed foreign military sale of defense articles and services to Israel. The blocked sale includes various 1,000-pound bomb bodies and associated Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits. This action uses congressional authority to stop the transfer outlined in Transmittal No. 2526.

The Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 expands access to credit and financial services from Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations. This legislation specifically allows these entities to offer loans to businesses that provide essential services directly supporting the operations of aquatic product producers and harvesters. The bill amends the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to include these vital support industries.

The Transgender Health Care Access Act aims to improve access to gender-affirming care by addressing critical gaps in medical education and provider capacity. The bill establishes grant programs to develop and implement comprehensive training curricula for medical professionals across various settings, including rural areas. Furthermore, it provides funding to expand the ability of community health centers to deliver culturally competent and necessary care to transgender individuals. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to ensure that healthcare providers are adequately trained and equipped to meet the medical needs of the transgender population.

This joint resolution expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a proposed foreign military sale to Israel. Specifically, it blocks the transfer of 35,529 general-purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I2000 Penetrator warheads. The bill uses congressional authority to prohibit this specific arms transfer that was previously submitted for review.

The Hot Foods Act of 2025 removes the general federal ban on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods. This legislation clarifies that hot foods are now eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, while also setting a new rule that limits SNAP-participating retailers to deriving no more than 50% of their gross sales from these ready-to-eat hot items. The act updates existing statutes to reflect this expanded purchasing power for recipients.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the International Transgender Day of Visibility. Congress acknowledges the achievements of transgender individuals while highlighting the ongoing discrimination and violence they face. The resolution encourages appropriate ceremonies and activities to observe the day and celebrate the community's leadership and fight for equality.