Legislative Activity

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills Opportunity Act of 2025 modernizes GI Bill benefits by establishing new timelines for repaying service members' educational contributions. It also updates rules for independent study programs, provides service members with options for managing coursework during active duty, and sets new notification requirements for VA compliance surveys and handbook updates. These provisions aim to improve educational support and administrative clarity for veterans and educational institutions.

The Medal of Sacrifice Act establishes a new national award, the Medal of Sacrifice, to honor law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. This act creates a Presidential Commission to administer the award, advise on its design, and make final eligibility determinations, especially in cases involving prior findings of wrongdoing. The medal itself is a distinct silver and gold vermeil design featuring patriotic and heraldic elements.

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act establishes a process for victims of human trafficking to seek the expungement of federal arrests and the vacatur of certain federal criminal convictions resulting from their victimization. It also creates a new duress defense in federal criminal trials for individuals who committed offenses while being trafficked. Furthermore, the bill allows courts to reduce the sentences of current prisoners who committed offenses as a direct result of trafficking.

This bill mandates the President to withdraw all United States Armed Forces from Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has formally declared war or passed specific legislation authorizing the use of military force in that country.

The Wintergreen Emergency Egress Act mandates the Secretary of the Interior to issue a specific right-of-way for an emergency egress route near Milepost 9.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This issuance is contingent upon the completion of an evaluation of non-federal alternative routes, an analysis of fire ecology behavior, and necessary environmental reviews. This ensures a designated emergency exit is established after critical safety and environmental prerequisites are met.

The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act aims to improve public access to ocean data within the Exclusive Economic Zone. It mandates the standardization and online publication of geospatial data regarding fishing restrictions and recreational activities. This effort requires the Secretary of Commerce to coordinate with various governmental and non-federal partners to ensure data accessibility while preserving existing agency authority and Tribal rights.

The AI for Main Street Act directs Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to assist small businesses in evaluating and implementing artificial intelligence in their operations. This support includes providing guidance, training on best practices, and outreach regarding AI use for planning, security, and compliance. The bill also formally defines artificial intelligence within the Small Business Act.

The Main Street Parity Act modifies the criteria for Small Business Investment Act loans used for acquiring, building, or expanding business facilities. Specifically, it removes certain restrictive clauses related to facility loan eligibility under Section 502(3)(C). This aims to streamline or broaden the requirements for small businesses seeking capital for physical expansion.

The No Delay in Representation Act ensures that individuals elected to the House of Representatives through special elections are seated promptly. It mandates that these new members must be given the opportunity to take the oath of office within five legislative days of their election certification. This act aims to prevent delays in representation for newly elected members.

The New Opportunities for Business Ownership and Self-Sufficiency Act modifies state self-employment assistance programs by removing the requirement that participants must be near exhausting unemployment benefits. This legislation expands program access by increasing the participant cap to 10% and focusing participation on approved entrepreneurial training or business plan execution. Participants will be required to certify their self-employment activities weekly.

This resolution initiates impeachment proceedings against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Lynn Arnold Noem for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge her with willfully refusing to comply with Congressional oversight laws and violating the Impoundment Control Act by improperly withholding funds. Further articles allege she directed widespread misconduct by ICE agents that violated federal law and constitutional rights, and misused taxpayer funds for personal gain through improper contracting.

This bill prohibits the use of any federal funds to support, finance, or insure Venezuela's oil and petroleum infrastructure. It ensures taxpayer money is not used to aid the development or expansion of the Venezuelan oil sector. Furthermore, the Secretary of State must submit an annual report to Congress detailing compliance with this prohibition.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 targets the increasing threat posed by organized theft groups impacting retail and the national supply chain. This bill strengthens federal law by expanding money laundering statutes and lowering thresholds for property crimes related to theft. Crucially, it establishes a new federal coordination center within Homeland Security Investigations to align efforts across all levels of law enforcement and the private sector to combat these cross-jurisdictional crimes.

The Remote Access Security Act amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to establish new controls on the remote access of sensitive U.S. items by foreign persons. This legislation grants the Secretary of Commerce authority to regulate such access when it poses a serious risk to national security. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Secretary consult with key congressional committees before issuing new regulations on remote access controls.

This bill amends the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to temporarily exclude certain False Claims Act recoveries from being deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. It also mandates a comprehensive audit by the Department of Justice Inspector General on the Fund's sustainability and the impact of recent legislative changes. The resulting report will provide recommendations for improving the Fund's effectiveness and oversight.

This resolution expresses strong opposition to elective declawing (onychectomy) of cats, deeming the procedure inhumane due to the lifelong pain and adverse behavioral effects it causes. It defines declawing broadly to include any procedure that disables a cat's claws and affirms that it should only be performed when medically necessary for the cat's health. The bill urges states to prohibit the practice on animal welfare and public health grounds, noting that humane alternatives exist.

The Public Integrity in Financial Prediction Markets Act of 2026 prohibits federal officials and employees from trading in prediction market contracts while possessing material, nonpublic government information. This ban specifically targets transactions related to government policy, actions, or political outcomes. The goal is to prevent insider trading within these emerging financial markets by those with privileged access to government knowledge.

This resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting, honoring the six victims who lost their lives and the thirteen injured. It recognizes the courage of survivors, including former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and acknowledges her national advocacy against gun violence. The bill reaffirms a commitment to civility, condemning political violence while celebrating the resilience of the Tucson community.

The National Flood Insurance Program Affordability Act establishes a means-tested financial assistance program to lower flood insurance costs for eligible homeowners, small businesses, and non-profits. This program provides graduated discounts on premiums for policyholders whose household income is at or below 120% of the area median income. Additionally, the bill mandates that FEMA implement monthly installment payment options for flood insurance premiums within 180 days of enactment.

This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for military force in or against Venezuela through the end of 2026. This restriction remains in place unless Congress formally declares war or passes a new, specific authorization for military action that complies with the War Powers Resolution. An exception is made for necessary defensive actions, such as repelling a sudden attack.