Legislative Activity

The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025 establishes a national standard for carrying concealed handguns across state lines. This act allows individuals legally permitted to carry in their home state to carry concealed in any other state that allows its residents to carry concealed firearms. The law does not override private property restrictions or prohibitions on government property, but it provides protections and legal recourse for those traveling in compliance with the new federal standard.

The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act significantly reforms federal childcare funding by shifting subsidies toward direct parental vouchers, known as child care certificates, to increase parental choice. It also boosts support and payment rates for relative caregivers while removing burdensome regulations. Furthermore, the bill repeals the existing tax credit for dependent care expenses and establishes new pilot programs focused on preventing fraud and encouraging relative caregiving.

The Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2025 aims to protect pregnancy resource centers from discrimination by federal and state entities due to their commitment to offering life-affirming alternatives to abortion. This bill prohibits government agencies receiving federal funds from penalizing organizations that do not perform, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortion. Furthermore, it strengthens enforcement by allowing qualified parties to directly sue government entities for violating these conscience protections.

This resolution expresses support for designating March 18, 2025, as "National Agriculture Day." It recognizes and celebrates the significant impact of agriculture as a leading industry in the United States.

This bill requires institutions of higher education to immediately report to SEVIS if they become aware that an F-1 or J-1 visa student has endorsed or supported a designated foreign terrorist organization. Upon confirmation, the Secretary of State must revoke the student's visa, and the Secretary of Homeland Security must initiate deportation proceedings. This measure aims to swiftly address national security risks posed by international students supporting terrorism.

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.

The Fair and Open Competition Act of 2025 ensures fair competition on federally funded construction projects by prohibiting the government from requiring or penalizing bidders based on union agreements. This legislation aims to keep federal agencies neutral in labor relations while promoting cost savings and opening opportunities for all businesses. Exceptions to this neutrality rule are strictly limited to specific public health, safety, or national security emergencies.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to assist first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers in purchasing homes. This program offers eligible first-time homebuyers 100% financing with no down payment required. Instead of monthly premiums, borrowers pay an upfront FHA insurance premium at closing.

The Maintaining Cooperative Permitting Act of 2025 secures the existing state-run dredge and fill material permitting programs for Michigan, New Jersey, and Florida, preventing the EPA from unilaterally withdrawing approval for these specific programs. It establishes a 90-day transition period for Florida permitting authority and clarifies the process for approving future state programs similar to these established ones. Essentially, the bill locks in the current cooperative federalism structure for wetland permitting in these three states.

The Stop the Cartels Act aims to combat drug and human trafficking by prioritizing intelligence gathering, blocking funds to Mexico until cooperation barriers are removed, and designating drug cartels as Special Transnational Criminal Organizations. It also stops federal grant money from going to state or local governments that don't follow federal immigration laws and modifies current immigration laws, particularly concerning the treatment of alien minors and asylum eligibility. Additionally, the act reauthorizes and modifies federal programs aimed at preventing and treating substance abuse, increasing funding for certain block grants while eliminating or phasing out several other related programs.

The "Pay Our Troops Act of 2025" ensures that members of the Armed Forces, essential Department of Defense civilians, and contractors continue to receive pay and allowances during periods when regular funding is disrupted. This act provides necessary appropriations to cover these costs for fiscal year 2025. The Act's provisions will terminate upon the enactment of regular appropriations, a continuing resolution that provides funding for the same purpose, or on January 1, 2026.

The American Innovation Act of 2025 modifies the tax code to simplify and expand deductions for start-up and organizational expenditures for new businesses, allowing businesses to deduct up to $20,000 in start-up costs in the first year. The Act also preserves start-up net operating losses and tax credits after an ownership change, with specific conditions to ensure the continuation of the business. These changes aim to support new businesses by providing more immediate tax relief and ensuring that their losses and credits are not entirely forfeited after an ownership change. The provisions of this act generally apply to businesses starting after December 31, 2025.

The "Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2025" increases penalties for stealing firearms from licensed dealers. It sets stricter punishments, including up to 20 years in prison, for violating laws related to firearm theft. The act also mandates minimum prison sentences of 3 years for burglaries and 5 years for robberies targeting licensed firearm businesses.

The Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act establishes a grant program to expand commercial truck parking and improve safety. The program provides funds to states, local governments, and tribal entities for projects that increase parking availability, improve existing facilities, and use technology to manage parking. The Act also requires a biennial report to Congress on the availability of truck parking and the effectiveness of funded projects. It authorizes $151 million per fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 for these initiatives.

The PLUS for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to protect veterans by clarifying who can assist with VA claims, reinstating penalties for charging unauthorized fees, and ensuring fair representation. It requires agents and attorneys to apply for recognition, limits fees for initial claims, and mandates transparency regarding free services available to veterans. The Act also overrides conflicting state laws to ensure consistent enforcement of these protections.

The "End FEMA Benefits for Illegal Immigrants Act" terminates FEMA's program that funds shelters and services for migrants, which aimed to reduce overcrowding in Customs and Border Protection facilities. It also rescinds any remaining funds allocated to FEMA from previous appropriations acts that were intended for Customs and Border Protection operations.

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," in recognition of their courageous service and crucial contributions during World War II. The medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display, honoring the 761st as the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit and their significant role in the Allied victory in Europe. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

This resolution condemns the Iranian regime for its ongoing human rights abuses, state-sponsored terrorism, and regional instability. It expresses strong support for the Iranian people's struggle for a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic. Furthermore, the bill advocates for international accountability for the regime's crimes and calls for the protection of Iranian political refugees.

The "Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2025" freezes the wage rate for H-2A nonimmigrant workers at the level it was on December 31, 2023, through December 31, 2026. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Labor to use a primary duties evaluation when deciding the required wage for employees who perform multiple duties or tasks.

The "No American Land for Communist China Act" prohibits the President from allowing individuals or entities associated with the Chinese government from purchasing real estate near covered federal lands. Covered lands include those managed by the Departments of Interior, Defense, Agriculture (Forest Service), and Energy, as well as Indian country. This restriction applies to entities with at least 25% equity interest held by Chinese government-affiliated individuals or businesses. The Act defines "United States" broadly to include states, territories, and other U.S. possessions.