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 MAWS Act of 2025 establishes a three-year pilot program to support watermen by funding businesses to purchase blue catfish caught within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This initiative requires setting a minimum purchase price based on market conditions and stakeholder input. Following the program, a comprehensive report will be submitted to Congress detailing ecological and economic impacts, along with policy recommendations.

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 Veterans Scam And Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, or VSAFE Act, establishes a dedicated Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This officer will centralize the VA's efforts to prevent, report, and respond to fraud and scams targeting veterans. The role includes developing guidance, promoting reporting resources, and coordinating with other federal agencies to better protect veterans and their families.

This resolution expresses strong support for the Iranian people protesting for freedom, democracy, and basic human rights against the repressive Islamic Republic. It condemns the regime's brutal crackdown on demonstrators and demands an end to violence and the release of political prisoners. Furthermore, it urges the U.S. government to work with allies to deter further lethal violence against protesters.

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.

This bill aims to secure critical mineral and energy supply chains by establishing international partnerships and diplomatic frameworks to reduce reliance on strategic competitors. It authorizes new programs for joint investment with allies and creates dedicated offices within the State and Energy Departments to coordinate these efforts. Furthermore, the legislation establishes fellowship programs to build a skilled American workforce in the international mining sector.

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.

The Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act reauthorizes and updates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Chesapeake Bay Office. This legislation solidifies the Office's role as NOAA's primary representative in the watershed, focusing its functions on coordination, education, and scientific support. The bill authorizes specific programs for integrated coastal observations, watershed education and training, and the management of coastal and living resources.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Electric Supply Chain Act mandates the Secretary of Energy to conduct and report on periodic assessments of the electricity generation and transmission supply chain. These assessments must detail trends, risks, national security considerations, and barriers to expanding domestic capacity. The resulting reports will provide Congress with crucial information and recommendations to secure and strengthen the nation's electric supply chain.

This Act mandates that the Secretaries of the military departments develop comprehensive master plans for each Service Academy to address critical infrastructure needs. These plans must detail failing infrastructure, propose replacement or renovation within five years, and assess risks from various threats. The Secretaries are required to submit these plans to Congress by December 1, 2027.

This bill exempts specific, carefully defined less-than-lethal projectile devices and their ammunition from the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. It also removes these qualifying devices from regulation under the National Firearms Act. The legislation establishes clear criteria, including velocity limits and design restrictions, to ensure the exemption applies only to tools intended for de-escalation rather than lethal force. Manufacturers can request official classification for their products to confirm eligibility for these tax and regulatory benefits.

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to deliver timely and relevant information via text message to service members and their adult dependents stationed at Marine Corps bases in Okinawa, Japan. The program will automatically enroll recipients, who will receive updates on employment, childcare, TRICARE benefits, and policy changes. The Secretary must report on the program's implementation, usage, and recommendations for potential expansion by October 2027.

This resolution designates December 8, 2025, as "Jimmy Lai Day" to honor his advocacy for press freedom, religious freedom, and democracy in Hong Kong. It condemns the actions of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities for suppressing fundamental freedoms and calls for the immediate release of Jimmy Lai and all unjustly imprisoned pro-democracy advocates.

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act) mandates the Secretary of State to report on internet freedom in Iran. This report must assess the feasibility of using emerging technologies, like direct-to-cell wireless, to expand internet access. It will also analyze the impact of current drone and jamming technologies on these efforts.

The Energy Choice Act prevents state and local governments from enacting bans or restrictions on the type or source of energy services consumers can access. This legislation protects consumer choice across various energy sources, including natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and electricity, provided the energy is sold across state lines. Essentially, it limits local interference with energy delivery options.

The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act formally recognizes the installation of high-efficiency mechanical insulation as a key energy and water efficiency measure for federal buildings. This legislation mandates that mechanical insulation must meet or exceed ASHRAE Standard 90.1 requirements to qualify for these efficiency designations. Consequently, future energy and water evaluations for federal facilities must specifically identify potential savings opportunities related to mechanical insulation upgrades.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 46164 Westlake Drive in Sterling, Virginia, as the "Firefighter Trevor Brown Post Office Building." This action ensures that all official records and documents will use this new name for the specified location.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 10660 Page Avenue in Fairfax, Virginia. The building will henceforth be known as the "Congressman Gerald E. Connolly Post Office Building." This designation will apply to all future official references to the facility.