Legislative Activity

The "HALT Fentanyl Act" permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, streamlining research registration processes while maintaining controls. It also updates penalties for trafficking, importing, and exporting fentanyl-related substances, treating them similarly to fentanyl analogues. Additionally, the Act addresses technical errors in previous legislation and mandates the Attorney General to issue rules for implementation.

The "Restoring Military Focus Act" eliminates the Chief Diversity Officer position within the Department of Defense. It repeals section 147 of title 10, United States Code, and repeals section 913 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021. The bill also prohibits the use of federal funds to create similar positions within the Department of Defense.

The "Respect State Housing Laws Act" repeals a provision in the CARES Act that restricted states' abilities to enforce their own eviction moratoriums. This change clarifies that state laws regarding evictions should be respected and not overridden by federal measures. By removing the subsection, the bill aims to restore states' authority over housing regulations and eviction processes within their jurisdictions.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' personal information with the national instant criminal background check system (NICS) based solely on the fact that the veteran requires assistance managing their benefits. Information can only be shared if a judge has determined the veteran to be a danger to themselves or others.

The "Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act" repeals the inclusion of Social Security benefits in gross income, effectively ending the taxation of these benefits for taxable years beginning after the enactment of this law. The Act mandates the allocation of funds each fiscal year to the Social Security Act or the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974, ensuring these programs are not negatively impacted by the tax elimination. The amount allocated must equal the reduction in transfers to these funds because of the change. Congress intends to offset the revenue reduction without raising taxes.

The "Preventing SBA Assistance from Going to China Act" amends the Small Business Act to prevent businesses with significant ties to the People's Republic of China from being classified as a small business. A business is ineligible if it is based or incorporated in China, or if more than 25% of its voting stock is owned by Chinese citizens or entities. This ensures that SBA assistance is not directed towards businesses affiliated with the Chinese government.

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025" requires the Department of Transportation to mandate that all new vehicles include AM radio receivers as standard equipment, ensuring continued access to AM broadcasts for drivers. The Act directs the Comptroller General to study the role of AM radio in emergency alerts and allows manufacturers producing fewer than 40,000 vehicles in 2022 at least four years to comply. The rule will sunset 10 years after the enactment of this Act.

The "Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act" amends Title 36 of the United States Code to define "female" and "male" based on reproductive systems. It stipulates that individuals whose sex is male are prohibited from participating in amateur athletic competitions designated for females.

The "Chinese Spy Balloon Assessment Act" mandates the Secretary of Defense to deliver a report to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees. This report will detail the national security implications resulting from China's surveillance activities, specifically those conducted via the high-altitude balloon that was downed in U.S. airspace in February 2023, including any impact on military installations. The report will include an analysis of recovered technology and materials, identifying their origins where possible.

The "Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2025" mandates that pasteurized orange juice must have a minimum of 10.0% orange juice soluble solids by weight, excluding added sweeteners. This act revises existing standards for pasteurized orange juice, but allows the Secretary of Health and Human Services to modify these standards in the future.

The Dismantle DEI Act of 2025 seeks to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives within the federal government, training programs, contracting, grants, advisory committees, and educational accreditation. It restricts the use of federal funds for DEI-related activities, prohibits the promotion of specific concepts related to race, gender, and identity, and protects federal employees from being penalized for disagreeing with DEI programs. The act also empowers individuals to sue over violations of the act. This legislation aims to ensure non-discrimination in federal programs and activities and sets standards for accrediting agencies.

The "Ensuring Justice for Victims of Partial-Birth Abortion Act" mandates the Attorney General to investigate potential violations of the partial-birth abortion ban, including the remains of five babies discovered in Washington, D.C., and requires mandatory reporting of violations by healthcare workers. It also directs the Attorney General to produce an annual report on enforcement actions related to the partial-birth abortion ban and tasks the Comptroller General with reviewing past enforcement actions and providing recommendations for improvement.

The "Fighting Budget Waste Act" requires the President and the Office of Management and Budget to consider the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) annual report on government efficiency when preparing the annual budget submission. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget must then submit a report to Congress detailing their findings related to the GAO's recommendations. This aims to reduce government waste by incorporating GAO's insights into the budget process.

The Veterans ACCESS Act of 2025 seeks to improve veterans' healthcare by revising the Veterans Community Care Program, enhancing mental health treatment programs, and implementing other healthcare improvements. Title I revises eligibility standards for community care, ensures veterans are informed about their options, and addresses care preferences and telehealth options. Title II standardizes eligibility for mental health programs, improves care quality, and ensures timely access to treatment. Title III focuses on improving healthcare services through online tools, modifying innovation programs, and increasing reporting on healthcare processes.

The "Second Chance for Moms Act of 2025" requires a warning label on mifepristone indicating its effects may be reversed with progesterone, potentially increasing fetal survival, and provides a hotline number for further information. It also directs the Secretary to establish a 24/7 toll-free hotline for women seeking to reverse the effects of mifepristone, offering referrals exclusively to healthcare providers who offer abortion pill reversal.

The "Dignity for Aborted Children Act" requires abortion providers to offer patients the option to take possession of fetal remains for burial or cremation, or to have the provider arrange for interment or cremation. Abortion providers must obtain consent, maintain records, and submit annual reports on abortion procedures and fetal tissue disposal. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, but patients are protected from prosecution.

The "Pregnancy Is Not an Illness Act of 2025" prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from classifying pregnancy as an illness when approving abortion drugs or setting risk management strategies for these drugs. It invalidates any prior abortion drug approvals that were based on classifying pregnancy as an illness, including the approval of mifepristone.

The "Parental Notification and Intervention Act of 2025" requires parental notification before an abortion can be performed on an unemancipated minor, with exceptions for medical emergencies or court waivers. It allows parents to sue in federal court to stop an abortion from occurring. States can enact stricter parental notification or intervention laws. The act would take effect immediately upon becoming law.

The "PROTECTS Act of 2025" prohibits federal funds from being used for gender transition procedures for individuals under 18, including surgeries and hormone therapies, with exceptions for certain medical conditions and genetic disorders. The bill defines "sex" as biologically determined male or female based on reproductive systems.

The "No Abortion Coverage for Medicaid Act" seeks to codify the Hyde Amendment by ensuring that federal Medicaid funds are not used for abortions or health coverage that includes abortion services. This includes prohibiting the use of federal funds for travel or lodging related to obtaining an abortion. Exceptions are made only in cases of rape, incest, to save the mother's life, or for the treatment of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.