Legislative Activity

The BRAVE Burma Act extends existing accountability measures and strengthens U.S. efforts against the Burmese military regime. It mandates annual reviews of sanctions targeting Burmese state-owned businesses and the jet fuel industry. Crucially, the bill establishes a Senate-confirmed U.S. Special Envoy for Burma to coordinate policy, push for international sanctions, and advocate for a return to civilian-led democracy. The Act also directs the Treasury to oppose increases in Burma's shareholding at the IMF while the military junta is in power.

This bill establishes a Senior Investor Taskforce within the SEC to identify and address financial challenges facing investors over 65, including scams and cognitive decline issues. It also mandates a comprehensive Government Accountability Office (GAO) study on the economic costs and response mechanisms related to financial exploitation of older adults. The Taskforce will report its findings and recommendations to Congress every two years before automatically terminating after ten years.

The Greenlighting Growth Act aims to ease financial reporting burdens for emerging growth companies (EGCs) during their initial public offerings (IPOs) and other initial filings. Specifically, it exempts EGCs from providing detailed historical financial statements for acquired companies that predate their earliest audited reporting period. This exemption is permanent, even after a company ceases to be classified as an EGC.

The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act strictly prohibits the Federal Reserve from directly or indirectly issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) to individuals. This legislation prevents the Fed from developing, testing, or implementing any digital currency that functions as a direct liability of the Federal Reserve. Furthermore, Congress asserts that any authority to create such a digital asset must explicitly come from Congress itself.

The Equal Shot Act of 2025 prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from denying financial assistance to otherwise qualified applicants solely based on their involvement in the firearms industry. This legislation ensures that businesses defined as "firearm entities," their affiliates, or trade associations are not unfairly rejected for SBA loans or guarantees. The Act clearly defines these terms to prevent discrimination against businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, or servicing firearms and related accessories.

The Removing Burdens From Organ Donation Act mandates that hospitals electronically notify organ procurement agencies when a patient is declared deceased or near death. This law also grants these agencies electronic access to the potential donor's health records upon the update of the death status. Exemptions are available for hospitals facing significant hardship, cybersecurity attacks, or disaster situations. The Secretary must also issue guidance on best practices for implementing these new electronic notification procedures.

The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act generally prohibits federal agencies from banning the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters open to hunting or fishing. Exceptions are allowed only for specific federal units where scientific data proves lead use is causing wildlife decline, and the restriction aligns with state law or policy. This legislation aims to maintain traditional hunting and fishing practices across most federal domains.

This Act directs the SEC to expand its support for small businesses seeking capital, with a specific focus on traditionally underrepresented groups. The SEC must now provide targeted educational materials and host outreach events for businesses owned by women or minorities, those in rural areas, or those impacted by natural disasters. Additionally, the bill mandates annual meetings between the SEC and state securities commissions to improve coordination in supporting small business capital formation.

The Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act amends SEC reporting requirements for certain investment companies. This change allows these companies to exclude the indirect fees and expenses incurred from investing in an Acquired Fund, provided that Acquired Fund is a business development company. This simplifies the calculation of total "Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses" disclosed on registration statements.

The Protecting Private Job Creators Act addresses the application of an SEC rule (Rule 15c2-11) originally designed for stock markets to the fixed-income (bond) markets. This bill formally creates an exception, ensuring that this specific SEC regulation does not apply to quotations for fixed-income securities. This action aims to protect the vital financing mechanisms used by businesses in the debt markets.

This resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all its forms. It calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such incidents and urges all sectors of society to speak out against hate.

The Carla Walker Act establishes federal grants to improve forensic activities, specifically by funding the adoption of advanced whole genome sequencing and forensic genetic genealogy technology in public crime labs. These grants aim to help law enforcement generate investigative leads in unsolved cases or identify unknown human remains when standard DNA databases yield no results. The legislation also mandates that the Attorney General report back to Congress on the current use and future implementation needs of this technology.

This resolution strongly condemns the rise of antisemitism in the United States and around the world. It specifically honors the memory of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were tragically murdered while promoting peace. Ultimately, Congress reaffirms its commitment to combating all forms of hate and ensuring the vigorous enforcement of laws protecting religious freedom.

The Fair Audits and Inspections for Regulators’ Exams (FAIR Exams) Act establishes strict deadlines for federal regulators to complete financial examinations and issue reports. It also creates a new, independent Board to review complaints about examination practices and allows financial institutions to appeal "material supervisory determinations" *de novo*. Furthermore, the bill mandates faster regulatory responses to requests for permission or guidance and strengthens anti-retaliation protections for institutions using appeal rights.

The Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act prohibits federal banking agencies from using "reputational risk" as a factor in supervising, examining, or rating financial institutions. This legislation aims to ensure that bank oversight focuses strictly on financial safety and soundness, rather than public perception or political considerations. Agencies must remove all references to reputational risk from their guidance and report back to Congress on their compliance within 180 days.

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act of 2025 directs the SEC to establish new rules for allowing companies to deliver required investment documents to investors electronically rather than by mail. These rules must ensure investor choice, maintain readability, and protect personal information during the transition. The legislation only changes the method of delivery, not the content or timing requirements of the regulatory documents themselves.

The Helping Startups Continue To Grow Act revises the criteria for qualifying as an Emerging Growth Company (EGC) under federal securities laws. This bill significantly raises the revenue threshold for EGC status from \$1 billion to \$3 billion. It also modifies the timeframes and simplifies the language associated with maintaining EGC exemptions following an initial public offering.

This resolution formally honors law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, specifically recognizing the 345 officers whose service ended in 2024. It reaffirms support for all active officers and emphasizes the need to ensure they have the proper resources and training to perform their duties safely. The bill serves as a formal expression of gratitude and remembrance for their ultimate sacrifice.

This resolution formally congratulates His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the 267th pontiff of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It celebrates the significance of him being the first American-born Pope in the Church's history. The measure also commends his lifelong service, missionary spirit, and dedication to truth and mercy. Finally, it offers prayers for his leadership as he begins his papacy.

The CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 aims to overhaul how veterans receive assistance with their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. It establishes new rules for the recognition, fees, and conduct of agents and attorneys who represent veterans. The bill also mandates increased transparency regarding available assistance and requires a review of the entire representative recognition process.