Legislative Activity

This bill establishes the Calumet National Heritage Area across parts of Indiana and Illinois, recognizing its unique blend of industrial history, cultural diversity, and significant natural resources. It designates the Calumet Heritage Partnership as the local entity responsible for developing and implementing a management plan for the area. The designation aims to conserve, restore, and promote the region's nationally distinctive landscape for residents and visitors.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities to designate an essential caregiver who can provide support and companionship. This legislation ensures that these caregivers maintain in-person access to residents even during public health emergencies when general visitation is restricted. By establishing clear protocols and an appeals process, the bill aims to prevent the harmful effects of isolation and ensure residents continue to receive vital care and advocacy.

This bill reauthorizes the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994 through fiscal year 2031. It ensures continued funding for the program using existing authorized appropriations, without authorizing new funds. The legislation also updates the definition of "State" within the original Act.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

This bill exempts specific, carefully defined less-than-lethal projectile devices and their ammunition from the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition. It also removes these qualifying devices from regulation under the National Firearms Act. The legislation establishes clear criteria, including velocity limits and design restrictions, to ensure the exemption applies only to tools intended for de-escalation rather than lethal force. Manufacturers can request official classification for their products to confirm eligibility for these tax and regulatory benefits.

This resolution strongly condemns the Iranian government for its ongoing, state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i religious minority, which violates international human rights laws. It documents systematic abuses, including economic restrictions, denial of education, and arbitrary arrests, noting that these actions may constitute a crime against humanity. The resolution calls on Iran to immediately release all imprisoned Bahais and urges the U.S. President and Secretary of State to condemn these violations and impose sanctions on responsible officials.

The Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act establishes a high-level Task Force, chaired by the Secretary of State, to develop and execute a comprehensive U.S. strategy against transnational criminal organizations running massive online scams, often utilizing victims of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. This strategy must focus on disrupting these operations, sanctioning responsible parties, and providing support for rescued victims. The bill authorizes $30 million over two years to fund these efforts and requires annual reporting to Congress on progress and impact.

The Energy Choice Act places federal restrictions on state and local governments, preventing them from enacting regulations that prohibit or limit energy service based on its type or source. This means local governments cannot ban or restrict access to energy services sold in interstate commerce. The legislation aims to ensure consistent access to various energy sources across jurisdictions.

The Claiming Age Clarity Act mandates that the Social Security Administration update its official terminology to provide clearer language regarding benefit claiming ages. This legislation replaces terms like "early eligibility age" and "full retirement age" with "minimum monthly benefit age" and "standard monthly benefit age," respectively. These changes must be implemented within 12 months of enactment or by January 1, 2027, whichever is later.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

The Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act of 2025 (ASAP Act) amends Medicare to cover early detection screening tests for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias starting in 2028. This coverage applies to FDA-cleared tests, including genomic sequencing and other equivalent diagnostic methods, designed to detect pre-symptomatic or early-stage conditions. The bill ensures these screenings are added to the list of covered medical services under Medicare.

This resolution expresses support for National Adoption Day and Month by promoting national awareness of adoption and the children awaiting permanent families. It highlights the significant number of children in foster care waiting for adoption and encourages all Americans to consider providing a safe, permanent, and well-being-focused home for these children. The resolution supports various avenues for achieving permanency, including reunification, kinship care, and adoption.

The Firearm Access During Shutdowns Act ensures that essential firearm-related government operations continue without interruption during a federal shutdown. This legislation specifically mandates the continuation of the FBI's NICS background check system and related processing at the ATF, Department of Commerce, and Department of State. By deeming these functions essential for protecting life and property, the bill prevents delays in firearm transfers and export licensing during lapses in appropriations.

The SAFE Drivers Act mandates that all applicants for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or learner's permit must pass a standardized English proficiency test approved by the FMCSA. This requirement applies immediately upon the bill's enactment for all new and renewing applicants. States are responsible for administering the test, and failure to comply with these new federal oversight rules may result in the withholding of federal highway funding.

This resolution strongly condemns the brutal October 7th attacks by Hamas, demanding the immediate and unconditional surrender of the terrorist group and the release of all hostages, including Americans. It reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense while urging international action against Hamas and condemning the global surge in antisemitism. The measure serves as a formal statement of U.S. policy and support following the attacks.

The Passenger Rail Liability Adjustment Act of 2025 modifies the effective date for scheduled adjustments to the liability cap for passenger rail services. Specifically, any liability cap change set to occur during calendar year 2026 will be delayed. The new cap amount will only take effect 90 days after the required public notice of the adjustment is officially issued.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Charles "Charlie" James Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. It strongly condemns his assassination as an act of political violence. The bill calls for a renewed national commitment to civil discourse and the founding principles of the United States.

The Fair Housing for Disabled Veterans Act ensures that veterans' disability compensation or pension payments are excluded when determining income eligibility for low-income housing tax credits and related rental project bonds. This change prevents veterans from being penalized for their service-related benefits when applying for affordable housing assistance. The Act takes effect immediately upon passage.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory, transparent exception processes for health plans that use "step therapy" protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients or their doctors can quickly request coverage for a prescribed medication when specific clinical criteria are met, such as previous treatment failure or risk of harm. Plans must decide on standard requests within 72 hours and urgent requests within 24 hours, and approved exceptions must last for at least one year. Furthermore, insurers must report detailed data annually on exception requests, approvals, and denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The GRID Power Act directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to rapidly update rules governing how new power plants connect to the electric grid. This legislation mandates that FERC prioritize and streamline the interconnection process for dispatchable power projects that demonstrably improve grid reliability and resilience. The goal is to ensure that necessary, dependable power sources can connect quickly while maintaining public input and regular review of the new procedures.