Legislative Activity

The "Alien Removal Not Resort Stays Act" terminates federal funding for FEMA's Shelter and Services Program, which provides aid to migrants. Funds will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE will use the funds for enforcement, detention, and removal operations.

The U.S. Citrus Protection Act prohibits the importation of commercially produced fresh citrus fruit from China into the United States. This ban will take effect 90 days after the enactment of the Act.

The "Make American Flags in America Act of 2025" mandates that U.S. flags displayed on Federal property or bought by Federal agencies be entirely manufactured in the U.S. using 100% U.S.-made materials, in accordance with international agreements. It also directs the Federal Trade Commission to study and report on country-of-origin labeling enforcement for U.S. flags, aiming to improve enforcement and deter violations.

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 Susan Muffley Act of 2025 ensures that eligible participants and beneficiaries under specific pension plans, like the Delphi and PHI retirement programs, receive their full vested benefits. It directs the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) to recalculate benefits, provide lump-sum payments for past-due amounts with interest, and establishes a trust fund within the Treasury to cover these increased payments. The act also includes provisions for the tax treatment of lump-sum payments, allowing recipients to spread the income over three years unless they elect otherwise.

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.

This bill expresses support for designating February 15-22, 2025, as "National FFA Week," celebrating the National FFA Organization's role in developing future leaders through agricultural education. It also recognizes the 90th anniversary of New Farmers of America and the 75th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America federal charter.

The "One Flag for All Act" generally prohibits the display of flags other than the U.S. flag on the exterior or in public areas of covered federal buildings. There are explicit exceptions for flags such as POW/MIA flags, state flags displayed at a Member of Congress's office, flags representing the Armed Forces, flags of historical significance, and flags representing local jurisdictions where the building is located. The bill defines "covered public buildings" broadly, including federal buildings, Senate and House buildings, military installations, and U.S. embassies and consulates.

The SAFE for America Act of 2025 eliminates the Diversity Visa Program, which makes visas available to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. This is achieved through repealing subsection (c) of Section 203 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Act also makes corresponding technical amendments to other sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act to reflect this change. These changes would take effect beginning October 1, 2025.

The "Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act" updates the definition of "customs waters" to align with international law, Presidential Proclamation 5928, and Presidential Proclamation 7219. It extends U.S. customs authority to include the territorial sea and contiguous zone, as permitted by international law. These changes will take effect the day after the Act is enacted.

The "Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act" prioritizes uninterrupted healthcare for veterans. It amends the Veterans Community Care Program to specifically consider continuity of care when making decisions about veterans' healthcare services. This ensures veterans can maintain consistent relationships with healthcare providers and receive seamless, ongoing treatment.

The "National Right-to-Work Act" amends both the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act to protect an employee's right to choose whether or not to join or support a labor union. It eliminates the possibility of mandatory union membership or dues payments as a condition of employment, ensuring that employees cannot be forced to join or support a union against their will.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the illegal use of xylazine by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for increased regulation and tracking of the substance. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to ease the transition for legitimate users, such as veterinarians and animal handlers. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines for xylazine-related offenses and mandates reports to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use. Finally, it will include xylazine in Arcos tracking.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster the defense relationship between the United States and Israel through joint initiatives and increased cooperation. It establishes programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. The act also mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

This bill transfers the responsibilities of the Food for Peace Act from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). It ensures the continuation of programs like the Famine Early Warning Systems Network and allows the Secretary of Agriculture to amend regulations and utilize existing statutory authorities to maintain program continuity. The Secretary of Agriculture will consult with the Secretary of State when carrying out authorities under title II of the Food for Peace Act.

The "Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act" prevents payment card networks from assigning a unique merchant category code to firearm retailers. The Attorney General is responsible for enforcing the Act, investigating complaints, and reporting to Congress. This law overrides state and local laws regarding merchant category codes for firearm retailers and does not establish a private right of action.

This bill prohibits the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida from being designated as wilderness or included in the National Wilderness Preservation System. This ensures the area will not receive the specific protections and management guidelines associated with wilderness areas.

The "No Social Security for Illegal Aliens Act of 2025" amends the Social Security Act to exclude wages and self-employment income earned by unauthorized aliens in the U.S. from being used to calculate Social Security benefits. This change applies to income earned both before, on, and after the law's enactment, with benefit adjustments taking effect after enactment. The Social Security Administration will recalculate insurance amounts to reflect these changes.

The "Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to exclude the net value of a family farm (on which the family resides) or a small business (with no more than 100 employees and owned/controlled by the family) from consideration as an asset when determining financial need for federal student aid. This change aims to make higher education more accessible for students from family farm and small business backgrounds.

The "Unemployment Integrity Act of 2025" aims to reform unemployment compensation by requiring claimants to participate in reemployment services and interviews, and by enabling employers to report noncompliance. It also mandates a study and potential increase in random audits to improve the administration of state unemployment compensation laws. Additionally, the Act limits funds transfers for extended unemployment compensation to states that meet specific work search requirements.