Legislative Activity

The Improving Drought Monitoring Act extends the authorization for the U.S. Drought Monitor program through 2030. It establishes an interagency working group to improve the accuracy and consistency of drought data used in the Monitor. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service coordinate their drought response activities to ensure consistent severity determinations.

The Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive review of the technical assistance the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides for clean water infrastructure projects. This review will examine what assistance is available, how partners are selected, and whether the aid effectively meets community needs without duplication. Following the report, the EPA Administrator must submit annual plans to Congress detailing steps taken to implement the GAO's recommendations.

The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act establishes federal crimes for knowingly transporting a minor across state lines to circumvent her home state's parental involvement laws for an abortion. It also mandates that physicians performing out-of-state abortions on minors must provide at least 24 hours of actual or constructive notice to a parent, unless specific exceptions apply. The law protects the minor and her parents from prosecution under the transportation provision and includes civil remedies for parents harmed by violations.

This resolution recognizes the critical importance of the Interstate Highway System for national commerce and security. It specifically supports the planning and development of a new interstate route through southern Ohio, starting south of Columbus. This new highway is intended to boost economic opportunities and support key energy and defense infrastructure in the region.

The Make American Guns Again (MAGA) Act of 2025 requires the Secretary of Defense to study the prevalence of foreign-made or foreign-owned small arms and light weapons used by the U.S. military. Within 180 days, the Secretary must report these findings to Congress and the President. This report must also include recommendations for increasing the procurement of domestically manufactured and owned small arms.

The Confidence in Clean Water Permits Act clarifies when a facility is considered compliant with its clean water permit under Section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It broadens compliance to cover pollutants identified during the permit application process, even without specific numerical limits listed. Furthermore, the bill establishes clear requirements for the EPA Administrator when imposing additional water quality-based limitations on permits.

The Drug-price Transparency for Consumers Act of 2025 mandates that direct-to-consumer advertisements for prescription drugs covered by Medicare or Medicaid must disclose the Wholesale Acquisition Cost (WAC) for a 30-day supply, provided the cost exceeds $35. This aims to increase consumer awareness of drug pricing, as current advertising practices often drive demand for expensive, newly approved medications without providing cost transparency. Failure to comply with this new disclosure requirement will result in significant civil monetary penalties.

Connor's Law establishes a mandatory English language proficiency requirement for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators seeking a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). This ensures drivers can effectively communicate, understand traffic signs, and complete necessary documentation in English. Failure to meet this standard will result in an immediate out-of-service order for the driver.

The United States Automobile Consumer Assistance and Relief Act (USA CAR Act) introduces a new federal income tax deduction for interest paid on loans used to purchase automobiles assembled in the United States. This "qualified automobile interest" can be deducted "above-the-line," reducing a taxpayer's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). These provisions apply to loans taken out on or after the date the Act is enacted.

The Protecting American Farmland Act prohibits federal agencies from funding solar energy projects that convert prime farmland. Furthermore, the bill eliminates several key federal tax credits—including the residential clean energy credit and various production/investment credits—for solar energy facilities constructed on land defined as prime farmland. These restrictions apply to projects placed into service after the law's enactment date.

The Rural Broadband Assistance Act establishes a new program to provide technical assistance and training for rural broadband projects. This initiative allows the Secretary to award grants to qualified organizations that will help eligible rural entities prepare applications, secure funding, and manage broadband facilities. The goal is to streamline the process of bringing high-speed internet access to underserved rural communities.

The United States Automobile Consumer Assistance and Relief Act (USA CAR Act) introduces a new tax deduction for interest paid on car loans. This deduction applies only to "qualified automobile interest," defined as interest on loans taken out after January 1, 2025, to purchase a vehicle assembled in the United States. This aims to provide financial relief for consumers purchasing domestically assembled vehicles.

The Fight Fentanyl Act strengthens federal efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis by updating the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. This legislation mandates increased reporting on fentanyl investigations, sets dedicated funding levels through 2030, and expands HIDTA purposes to prioritize fentanyl interdiction. Furthermore, it requires the Attorney General to ensure sufficient prosecutorial resources are dedicated to fentanyl trafficking cases through temporary AUSA assignments.

This resolution officially honors the life and 203rd birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, America's 18th President and a native son of Ohio. It recognizes his pivotal role in winning the Civil War and his subsequent efforts to advance civil rights as President. Furthermore, the resolution acknowledges the preservation work being done by The Land of US Grant, Inc. in Georgetown, Ohio.

The Bridging the Broadband Gap Act of 2025 amends the BEAD Program to allow grant recipients to establish household voucher programs. These vouchers prioritize low-income households in areas deemed to have inadequate internet service. The funds can cover up to 50% of equipment costs or the full monthly service charge for satellite or fixed wireless broadband for a period of 12 consecutive months.

The College Admissions Accountability Act of 2025 establishes a new Special Inspector General (SIG) within the Department of Education to investigate allegations of unlawful racial discrimination in college admissions and financial aid. This office is created in response to the Supreme Court's ruling on race-conscious admissions and will review compliance with the 14th Amendment and Title VI. The SIG has the power to recommend corrective actions, including the loss of federal funding for non-compliant institutions.

The Expanding Appalachia’s Broadband Access Act mandates a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on utilizing low-orbit satellites to improve internet access across the Appalachian region. This investigation will assess the viability, economic impact, and cost-effectiveness of these satellite systems for supporting regional businesses and economic development. The findings will be reported directly to Congress.

The Veterans First Act of 2025 redirects $2 billion from foreign aid to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This funding is specifically allocated to provide grants for the construction, renovation, and improvement of state-run veterans' homes and facilities. The bill ensures these funds remain available until fully utilized for veteran care infrastructure projects.

The Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025 amends immigration law to make non-citizens inadmissible or deportable if they have been convicted of, or admit to committing, fraud against the U.S. government or the unlawful receipt of public benefits. This legislation targets individuals who cheat federal, state, or local benefit programs. The Act specifically covers those who have been convicted of or conspired to commit such fraudulent acts.

The "Regulation Decimation Act" mandates that before a new regulation can be enacted, agencies must repeal at least ten existing regulations related to the new rule, to the extent practicable. For major rules, the cost of the new rule must be less than or equal to the cost of the repealed rules. The Act also requires agencies to review existing rules to identify those that are costly, ineffective, duplicative, or outdated, and the President to report to Congress on the status of rule reduction.