Legislative Activity

The Dads Matter Act of 2025 aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes by increasing awareness and support for father engagement during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. The bill mandates a national public awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of involved fathers, such as better prenatal attendance and reduced maternal depression. Furthermore, it requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance encouraging healthcare providers to educate and include fathers in maternal and infant care.

The LASSO Act establishes a pilot program to test the use of unmanned aerial systems (drones) for the humane gathering and management of wild free-roaming horses and burros. It allocates specific funding for grants to organizations with expertise in drone technology and equine welfare research. The resulting data will be reported to Congress and the public to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology.

The Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act mandates a comprehensive study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into the online sale and trafficking of fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and methamphetamine. This study will examine supply chains, financial transactions, current federal enforcement strategies, and the role of technology platforms in combating these illegal sales. The GAO is required to submit a full report detailing its findings and recommendations to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment.

The Organic Science and Research Investment Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost federal support for organic agriculture. It establishes a new Initiative to coordinate and expand USDA organic research efforts while increasing funding for the existing Organic Research and Extension Initiative through 2030. The bill also creates dedicated funding for research focused on the transition to organic farming and mandates a comprehensive economic impact study of the organic sector.

The "If You See It, Squish It Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to launch a national awareness campaign about the invasive spotted lanternfly. This campaign must include public service announcements encouraging the public to kill any lanternflies they encounter. The goal is to educate citizens on the threat this pest poses to local agriculture.

The Child Rescue Act establishes the United States Working Group on Children in Imminent Danger of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to study and recommend strategies for law enforcement to better find and rescue children at risk. This new group, overseen by the Attorney General, must assess the scale of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) distribution and its link to physical abuse. The Working Group is tasked with providing Congress with comprehensive recommendations on necessary resources, investigative priorities, and policy changes within one year.

The Nitazene Control Act of 2025 permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes (2-Benzylbenzimidazole opioids) as Schedule I controlled substances. This action is taken due to their extreme danger, high potential for abuse, and role in fatal overdoses across the country. By scheduling the entire chemical class at once, the bill aims to proactively stop the emergence of new, dangerous analogs. This permanent scheduling subjects nitazenes to the strictest federal controls, mirroring those applied to fentanyl.

The LOCAL Foods Act of 2025 expands exemptions from federal meat inspection for small-scale, personal processing operations. This allows owners of livestock, even partial owners, to have their animals slaughtered and processed without federal inspection, provided the resulting meat is strictly for the owner, their household, guests, or employees. The bill emphasizes that the owner must maintain control and proper identification of the meat, even when using an agent for processing.

The AI Sovereignty Act mandates the Secretary of Commerce to report on the extent of critical artificial intelligence development and research being moved overseas. This report must identify offshoring locations, foreign partnerships, and the acquisition of U.S. AI assets by foreign entities. Based on these findings, the Act requires the Secretary to recommend strategies to strengthen domestic AI capabilities and discourage further offshoring.

This bill, the China Advanced Technology Monitoring Act, mandates the Secretary of Defense to produce an annual, detailed report to Congress for five years assessing China's capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing. The report must track China's progress across the entire chip supply chain, analyze the effectiveness of current U.S. export controls, and recommend strategies to counter China's technological ambitions. This comprehensive monitoring aims to inform U.S. policy regarding national security and economic competitiveness.

The Semiconductor Sovereignty Act mandates a comprehensive report from the Secretary of Commerce detailing the current state and historical trends of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research. This report must identify critical supply chain vulnerabilities, assess national security risks from offshoring, and project future trends. Based on these findings, the Act requires the Secretary to recommend concrete strategies to boost domestic production, discourage overseas manufacturing, and maintain U.S. technological competitiveness. Annual updates are required to ensure these strategies remain relevant.

The Nitazene Control Act permanently classifies the entire class of highly potent synthetic opioids known as nitazenes as Schedule I controlled substances. This action aims to proactively combat the rising threat of these dangerous analogues, which are often more potent than fentanyl. By scheduling the entire chemical class, the law seeks to simplify enforcement and enhance public health protection against fatal overdoses. The Act also includes provisions to ensure ongoing, approved medical research can continue temporarily under specific conditions.

The Violent Antisemitism Threat Assessment Act mandates the Secretary of Defense to produce a comprehensive report by March 20, 2026. This report must detail the threat posed by violent antisemitism when integrated within transnational extremist movements. It will specifically analyze antisemitic ideology, related violence, propaganda, and the resulting danger to U.S. persons and interests globally.

The Farm Credit Adjustment Act grants the Farm Credit Administration the option to extend mandatory examination cycles for low-risk Farm Credit System institutions from the current frequency to once every 24 months. This change provides regulatory flexibility for institutions deemed stable by the FCA. This new examination option will take effect starting October 1, 2026.

The Cutting Paperwork for Taxpayers Act aims to simplify tax filing by making interest received on tax overpayments non-taxable income for individual taxpayers and eligible small businesses. This change means that any interest the government pays back to you when refunding an overpayment will no longer be subject to federal income tax. The provision applies to all tax years beginning after the date of enactment.

This Act grants federal recognition to the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia, acknowledging their long history and right to federal services and benefits. It defines the Tribe's service area as King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties in Virginia. The legislation also outlines procedures for the Secretary of the Interior to take tribal land into trust, while explicitly prohibiting gaming on such lands. Finally, it preserves the Tribe's existing hunting, fishing, and water rights.

The Military Family GI Bill Promise Act expands the ability for service members to transfer their Post-9/11 education benefits to dependents. This legislation removes the requirement that the transfer must occur while the service member is actively serving. To qualify, individuals must now meet updated service requirements, including 10 years in the uniformed services with at least six years in the Armed Forces.

The Accountability Doesn't Expire Act extends the operational life of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee until 2030 to ensure continued oversight of pandemic spending. Additionally, this bill mandates that the Committee report to Congress on the impact of extending the statute of limitations for prosecuting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan fraud.

The UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program to help public schools implement strict policies banning personal electronic devices during school hours. To qualify for funding, states must already have a comprehensive policy in place that allows for necessary medical and disability-related exceptions. Grant funds are specifically designated for schools to purchase secure storage solutions, such as lockable lockers or pouches, to safely store student devices.

The Mission UNPLUGGED Act mandates the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) to establish a policy banning student use of personal electronic devices during school hours. This policy must allow for necessary exceptions, such as medical needs or emergencies, while providing schools with resources for implementation. The Director must report annually for five years on the policy's impact, including costs, student performance, and mental health outcomes.