Legislative Activity

This bill expresses Congressional support for local law enforcement officers, acknowledging their dedication to protecting communities, upholding the law, and ensuring public safety. It extends gratitude to officers and their families for their service and honors the memory of those who died in the line of duty. The bill also encourages collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve to improve safety and trust.

The FUTURE Networks Act establishes a 6G Task Force to be appointed by the FCC Chair. This task force will include representatives from various sectors, excluding entities deemed "not trusted," and will focus on studying and reporting on the development, potential uses, and limitations of sixth-generation wireless technology. The goal is to develop strategies for collaboration across different levels of government to effectively leverage this technology. The task force will publish a report within one year of being established.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The EBSA Investigations Transparency Act requires the Secretary of Labor to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the status of enforcement cases and investigations under ERISA Section 504(a). This report must include the office that opened the investigation, dates of key actions, and whether the investigation concluded within 36 months of the initial document request. The report will also detail reasons for delays and estimated completion dates for investigations exceeding the 36-month timeframe, without including identifying information of private parties.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and countering its support for terrorism by imposing sanctions on those involved in Iran's energy sector and those who provide financial support for its destabilizing activities. It mandates sanctions on foreign entities involved in processing, exporting, or selling Iranian oil, gas, and petrochemicals, while also establishing an interagency working group to coordinate and enforce these sanctions. The Act also amends existing legislation to require the identification of individuals involved in sanctionable activities or sanctions evasion related to Iranian oil and gas sales.

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 aims to increase affordable housing options by updating state housing credit formulas, refining tenant eligibility rules, and improving credit eligibility and determination. This includes adjusting income verification processes, modifying student occupancy rules, and protecting domestic abuse victims. The bill also focuses on Native American and rural assistance by addressing housing needs in Indian areas and streamlining income eligibility for rural projects. Additionally, it revises rules for exempt facility bonds and renames the "low-income housing tax credit" to the "affordable housing tax credit" while encouraging data sharing and discouraging discriminatory land use policies.

The "Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025" clarifies that student-athletes are not considered employees of their institution, conference, or association. This classification applies under any Federal or State law or regulation, ensuring that their participation in varsity intercollegiate athletics does not create an employer-employee relationship. The bill also defines key terms such as "association," "conference," "institution," and "student-athlete" to provide clarity on the scope and application of the Act.

The "RIFLE Act" repeals the existing tax on firearm transfers outlined in Section 5811 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Additionally, it amends related sections of the code to align with the repeal. The act clarifies that it does not grant the Consumer Product Safety Commission any authority over firearms regulated under the Internal Revenue Code.

The Free Speech Fairness Act aims to protect the free speech rights of 501(c)(3) organizations by allowing them to make statements about political campaigns without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. This protection applies if the statements are made during the regular course of the organization's activities and incur only minimal additional expenses.

The DETERRENT Act aims to increase transparency and oversight of foreign funding and influence in higher education. It mandates institutions to disclose foreign gifts, contracts, and investments of concern, especially those tied to countries or entities that pose a risk to U.S. national security. The Act also requires institutions to maintain policies regarding conflicts of interest and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential ineligibility for federal student aid programs. Additionally, the Department of Education is required to maintain a public database of disclosed information and share it with relevant federal agencies.

The "Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today Act" or "SHORT Act" modifies firearm regulations by redefining "firearm" under the National Firearms Act, removing short-barreled rifles and shotguns from certain restrictions, and preempting state laws that tax, mark, record, or register these weapons. The Act also mandates the destruction of records related to these specific weapons held by the Attorney General.

The "Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act" enables individuals with valid concealed carry permits or the legal right to carry concealed firearms in their home state to do so across state lines, provided they are not federally prohibited from possessing firearms and carry a valid photo ID. This law respects private and state/local government restrictions on firearms, protects individuals from unwarranted arrest, and allows legal action for violations of these rights. It also permits concealed carry in National Parks and other federal lands open to the public and clarifies that handguns include magazines and ammunition.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The "Great Lakes Mass Marking Program Act of 2025" establishes a program within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to mass mark hatchery fish in the Great Lakes. This program aims to evaluate the success of fish hatchery operations and fisheries management, supporting the recovery of native species, recreational fishing, and the Great Lakes regional economy. The Act authorizes $5,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030 for program implementation, including equipment, tagging, personnel, and data sharing among stakeholders. This collaborative effort will involve federal, state, and tribal agencies to improve fisheries management and ecosystem restoration in the Great Lakes.

**ESA Amendments Act of 2025 Summary:** The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 seeks to modify and update the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by prioritizing conservation efforts, incentivizing private land stewardship, and increasing transparency and accountability. The act focuses on streamlining regulations, limiting legal challenges, and ensuring that decisions are based on sound science and economic considerations. These changes aim to balance species protection with the needs of private landowners and state management, while also addressing international trade regulations.

This bill expresses support for designating March 6, 2025, as "Great Lakes Day" to recognize the environmental and economic importance of the Great Lakes region. It highlights the Great Lakes' significance as a vital freshwater resource, economic driver, and ancestral home to Native American Tribes. The bill also supports initiatives like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and encourages efforts to protect Lake St. Clair. Ultimately, it aims to raise awareness about the need to preserve and protect the Great Lakes for future generations.

The "Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025" seeks to enhance U.S. leadership in global 5G and future wireless technology standards. It directs the Assistant Secretary to encourage U.S. companies' participation in standards-setting bodies, excluding those deemed a national security risk. The Assistant Secretary will also provide technical expertise to facilitate this participation and must brief Congress on the strategy within 60 days.

This bill expresses support for the Iranian people's desire for a democratic, secular, and nonnuclear republic, while condemning the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, support for terrorism, and attempts to develop nuclear weapons. It affirms the right of the Iranian people to self-determination and supports continued sanctions against the current regime. The bill also calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees in Albania.

The "Death Tax Repeal Act" eliminates both estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes, effective from the date of enactment. It adjusts gift tax calculations by setting the lifetime gift exemption at $10,000,000, with inflation adjustments after 2011. The Act also includes transitional rules for applying certain sections of the Internal Revenue Code during the enactment year.

The Supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act prevents Congress from imposing new performance fees on local radio stations for playing music. It emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between broadcasters and the recording industry, where radio provides free publicity that boosts music sales and supports artists. The act recognizes local radio's crucial role in communities by providing news, weather updates, and public service announcements. Ultimately, this bill aims to protect local radio stations and businesses from economic harm, ensuring they can continue serving their communities without additional financial burdens.