Legislative Activity

The Lejeune Untaxed Compensation and Settlements Act of 2025 amends the Internal Revenue Code to ensure that damages received under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 are not subject to federal income tax. This legislation specifically excludes these settlement amounts from an individual's gross income. The exclusion applies to all qualifying damages received after the date the Act is enacted.

The Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Act of 2025 establishes a program to provide a one-time payment of $\$150,000$ to eligible U.S. survivors harmed by in utero exposure to thalidomide. This Act mandates the creation of a compensation program managed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with petitions accepted until May 31, 2034. Compensation received under this Act will not affect an individual's eligibility for federal means-tested welfare programs or be counted as taxable income. The Secretary is also required to conduct annual reviews and report recommendations to Congress regarding survivor support.

The Improving Police CARE Act establishes new federal standards for trauma kits purchased with grant funds, ensuring they contain essential life-saving components for controlling severe bleeding. The Bureau of Justice Assistance must develop these performance standards in consultation with medical and law enforcement experts. Additionally, the Act encourages best practices for training officers on the use, deployment, and maintenance of these critical first aid kits.

The No CDLs for Illegals Act amends federal law to require proof of citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or valid work authorization for obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL). It mandates that states use the SAVE system to verify the lawful presence of non-citizen applicants. Furthermore, the bill establishes penalties, including the suspension of federal transportation funds, for states that issue CDLs in violation of these new documentation and verification requirements.

The BOPEN Act of 2025 ensures the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) can continue paying its essential staff salaries and operating costs if Congress fails to pass the regular budget for fiscal years 2026 or 2027. This automatic funding mechanism draws directly from the Treasury to maintain operations during funding gaps. However, this provision explicitly excludes high-level BOP officers requiring Presidential appointment and Senate confirmation.

This bill prohibits the provision of federal funds to any local educational agency that imposes or enforces a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on students attending its public elementary or secondary schools. Essentially, local school districts that require student COVID-19 vaccination for enrollment will lose their federal funding.

The PAW Act of 2025, or Protect American Widows Act, amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the definition of "surviving spouse" for tax purposes. This legislation removes the previous two-year limit, allowing individuals to qualify as a surviving spouse for up to five taxable years following the death of their spouse. This change aims to provide extended tax benefits to surviving spouses starting with tax years after December 31, 2024.

The Stronger Schools Act establishes a competitive grant program for local school districts to enhance physical safety at elementary and secondary schools. Funds must be used to hire armed School Resource Officers and implement single-point entry systems featuring locked waiting rooms and metal detectors for visitor screening. The Secretary of Education will oversee the grant process and report on implementation to Congress within one year of enactment.

This bill ensures the continued operation of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the event that Congress fails to pass necessary funding. It automatically appropriates funds to keep the FAA running for up to 30 days during a lapse in appropriations. This measure prevents an immediate shutdown of critical FAA functions while budget negotiations continue.

This bill ensures the continued operation of the U.S. Coast Guard in the event of a lapse in appropriations. It provides necessary funding to keep the Coast Guard running for up to 30 days, or until a new budget is enacted. This measure prevents a shutdown of essential Coast Guard services during funding impasses.

The Dam Assessment and Mitigation Support (DAMS) Act updates the National Dam Safety Program by removing an outdated rule for dam rehabilitation and standardizing how states prioritize repairs for high-hazard dams. This legislation requires states to adopt the federal risk-based system if they lack their own, and it extends federal funding authorization for the program through 2031.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating September as "Founding Fathers' Month" to honor the leaders who established American democracy. It encourages schools and public groups nationwide to host educational events highlighting the Founders' sacrifices and contributions. The bill aims to combat declining civic knowledge by focusing attention on founding principles at the start of the school year.

This resolution formally recognizes and honors the service, sacrifice, and dedication of all members of the Armed Forces who served in the war in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. It specifically remembers those who lost their lives, including the 13 service members killed during the final withdrawal. Furthermore, the bill expresses profound gratitude to all veterans and their families, reaffirming the government's commitment to providing them with necessary support and care.

This resolution expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for designating August 2026 as Veterans Appreciation Month. The measure aims to formally recognize the profound sacrifices made by those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Furthermore, it underscores the ongoing national commitment to ensuring veterans receive the care and protection they deserve.

The "No Medicaid for Illegals Act" prohibits federal reimbursement to states for Medicaid and CHIP costs associated with individuals whose citizenship or immigration status has not been verified by the end of a specified review period. This legislation removes mandatory requirements for states to provide coverage while verifying documentation, giving them the option to offer temporary assistance only if they elect to do so. Essentially, federal funding ceases for coverage provided during status verification unless the state has chosen to temporarily cover the applicant.

This resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all its forms. It calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such incidents and urges all sectors of society to speak out against hate.

The Kids Information Data Security (KIDS) Act prohibits healthcare providers participating in Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP from asking minors (under 18) about their gender identity or sexual preference on intake forms. Providers may only collect information strictly necessary for diagnosing, treating, or preventing the specific condition for which the minor is seeking care. The bill also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a system for reporting violations of this restriction.

This bill grants Luana S. Cordeiro eligibility to apply for lawful permanent resident status, overriding standard immigration restrictions. If she files her application within two years, any existing grounds for removal or inadmissibility against her will be canceled. This special relief is limited only to Ms. Cordeiro and does not extend benefits to her family members.

The Bridge Protection Act establishes new federal requirements for owners of older bridges over navigable waters seeking federal funding. These owners must conduct vulnerability assessments against ship or barge collisions using the AASHTO Method II. If a bridge is deemed high-risk, owners must implement a mitigation plan or risk losing future federal grants for that structure. The Act also creates a dedicated grant program to help fund these necessary safety assessments and physical improvements.

The Kidney Donation Anti-Discrimination Act prohibits life insurance companies from denying coverage, increasing premiums, or canceling policies solely because an individual is a living kidney donor. This federal law ensures that living donors are not penalized financially for their altruistic act, unless unrelated health risks are present. Individuals harmed by discrimination under this Act have the right to sue in federal court.