Legislative Activity

The Cable Transparency Act modernizes how cable franchise agreements are managed by streamlining the process for operators to modify existing rules based on good cause, such as new technology or legal compliance. It establishes clear, time-bound procedures for local authorities to approve or deny these requests, often resulting in automatic approval if deadlines are missed. Furthermore, the Act restricts the ability of both operators and franchising authorities to unilaterally terminate existing agreements, setting high standards for revocation.

The BIRD Health Act of 2025 establishes a new cooperative program between the U.S. and Israel to accelerate joint research and development in healthcare innovation. Managed by the BIRD Foundation under the oversight of HHS, this program will fund projects spanning medical devices, digital health, and biomanufacturing. The goal is to leverage bilateral expertise to bring new health technologies to market while strengthening both nations' healthcare ecosystems.

The School Resource Officer Reform Act provides tax benefits and expands death benefits for certain school resource officers. Specifically, it excludes the compensation of retired, armed peace officers serving in schools from federal income and FICA taxes. Additionally, the bill amends federal law to ensure school resource officers are eligible for Public Safety Officers' Death Benefits if they die in the line of duty.

The Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act mandates the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, within 18 months. This legislation requires a joint plan for the transfer and ensures the shuttle remains on public display for STEM education near the Houston center. Ultimately, NASA is authorized to transfer ownership to a selected nonprofit organization, provided the display requirements are maintained.

The Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act aims to increase the pay for certain Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees currently receiving the "Rest of US" locality pay rate. This bill mandates that their pay locality be adjusted to the nearest established locality offering a higher rate, provided it is within 200 miles of their worksite. This change is designed to ensure fairer compensation for these federal correctional staff.

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 resolution formally honors mothers and recognizes the vital role they play in raising the next generation, coinciding with Mother's Day. It reaffirms that motherhood is defined by women and strongly rejects alternative terminology that diminishes this role. Ultimately, the bill encourages the nation to celebrate the invaluable contributions of mothers to families and the country.

The Police Officers Protecting Children Act amends federal law to allow qualified active and retired law enforcement officers to carry and discharge concealed firearms within a school zone, provided they meet existing authorization requirements. This legislation clarifies exceptions to the general prohibition on firearms in school zones for these specific personnel.

The Next Generation Pipelines Research and Development Act establishes new federal programs to advance pipeline safety, efficiency, and modernization through research, demonstration projects, and coordination across energy and transportation agencies. The bill creates an Advanced Pipeline Materials and Technologies Demonstration Initiative and a Joint Research and Development Program to fund innovative solutions for leak detection, material science, and smart pipeline systems. It also mandates the creation of a National Pipeline Modernization Center and a specialized measurement program at NIST, subject to appropriations.

This bill, the Protecting America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, strictly prohibits the sale or release of oil from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to any entity owned, controlled, or influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. Furthermore, it prevents the sale of SPR products to non-Chinese buyers if those products are intended for export to the People's Republic of China. The legislation aims to safeguard U.S. energy reserves from benefiting the Chinese government.

This resolution formally censures Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas for making inappropriate and discriminatory remarks, including recent comments directed at the Governor of Texas. The action requires Representative Crockett to stand in the well of the House while the Speaker publicly reads the resolution aloud. This serves as an official reprimand for her conduct.

The "Upholding a Secure Postal System Act" mandates the Comptroller General to produce annual reports for five years on mail theft, delays, employee misconduct, and property crimes within the Postal Service. These reports will assess the Postal Service's strategies to combat these issues and provide recommendations for enhancements from both the Postal Service and Congress. The goal of the act is to improve the security and reliability of the postal system.

The Ban Offshore Abortion Tourism Act, or BOAT Act, prohibits abortions performed in U.S. maritime jurisdiction, with exceptions only to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest that meet certain requirements. The bill establishes penalties for anyone who performs an illegal abortion in these jurisdictions, while protecting the woman from prosecution. It also allows civil actions against abortion providers who perform illegal abortions, and provides remedies for women and, in certain cases, parents of minors who have undergone such procedures.

The Officer John Barnes Act requires the Bureau to inform claimants of their benefit eligibility determination within 270 days of receiving a claim.