Legislative Activity

The Justice for Angel Families Act establishes new federal grants to compensate families of homicide victims killed by certain unlawfully present aliens or drug traffickers, covering medical, funeral, and emotional distress-related wage costs. Additionally, the bill creates a new Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement Office within DHS to provide proactive support, resources, and updates to victims of crimes committed by removable aliens. This office will operate a dedicated hotline and report annually to Congress on its impact and victim demographics.

This bill seeks to formally reject a recent rule submitted by the Department of Energy (DOE) concerning new energy conservation standards for consumer gas-fired instantaneous water heaters. By invoking congressional disapproval, the legislation immediately cancels the DOE's proposed efficiency standards. In essence, Congress is overriding the DOE's attempt to implement these specific new regulations for tankless gas water heaters.

The Fiscal Commission Act establishes a bipartisan commission tasked with developing legislative recommendations to improve the nation's long-term fiscal health, aiming to reduce the national debt ratio to 100% of GDP by 2039. This Commission, composed of appointed members from both chambers of Congress and outside experts, must submit its final report and proposed legislation within a specific timeframe. The Act also creates an expedited, amendment-free process for Congress to consider and vote on any resulting "implementing bills."

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Constitutional Hearing Protection Act aims to treat firearm silencers equally under federal tax law by updating definitions and removing certain registration requirements if existing firearm laws are followed. The bill also preempts state and local governments from imposing special taxes or registration burdens on silencers. Furthermore, it mandates the destruction of existing federal records identifying silencer owners within one year of enactment.

The No Official Palestine Entry Act of 2025 aims to restrict the Palestine Liberation Organization's status within United Nations agencies to observer status or less. It also modifies existing law to limit the United States' status in UN organizations to something beyond mere observer status, but short of full membership. This Act explicitly states that its provisions do not apply to Taiwan.

The Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from automatically sharing a veteran's information with the DOJ for national background checks solely based on the appointment of a fiduciary. This bill prohibits the VA from classifying a veteran as a "mental defective" based only on an administrative finding of incompetence or the need for a fiduciary. Furthermore, the VA must notify the Attorney General if previously shared information based on fiduciary status is no longer valid.

This bill establishes new procedures for the IRS when errors occur in payroll tax filings made by third-party payors, such as Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs). It clarifies the responsibility for resulting tax liabilities or penalties based on whether the payor relied on erroneous information provided by the employer. The legislation aims to fairly allocate responsibility between the employer and the third-party payor when mistakes happen during tax certification and filing.

The DEFENSE Act authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to deputize state and local police to use drone countermeasures for protecting specific large public events and restricted areas. This authority is contingent upon officers completing mandatory, specialized training developed in coordination with the FAA. The bill also mandates federal oversight and limits the use of equipment to an officially approved list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.

This bill directs the U.S. Trade Representative to swiftly investigate and report on any South Korean digital trade policies that unfairly target or restrict U.S. businesses. If such discriminatory actions are found, the U.S. is authorized to initiate trade enforcement actions, including WTO complaints or investigations under Section 301. The Act emphasizes the need to enforce fair digital trade practices to strengthen the U.S.-Korea economic partnership.

The Lifting Overburdensome Commerce Obstructions and Motives (LOCOMOTIVES) Act clarifies and strengthens federal authority over emission standards for existing locomotives and engines. This legislation limits the ability of states to set their own pollution control standards for certain railroad equipment. Specifically, it expands federal preemption to cover more nonroad engines and locomotives engaged in commerce.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act expands Medicare Part B coverage to include services provided by pharmacists starting January 1, 2026. This coverage is specifically for testing or treatment related to COVID-19, the flu, RSV, strep throat, or during a declared public health emergency. The bill outlines payment structures, generally covering 80% of the cost, and prohibits pharmacists from balance billing Medicare patients for these covered services.

The JOBS for Success Act of 2025 aims to boost employment and economic opportunity by investing in workforce development programs and expanding access to essential supportive services. This legislation focuses on connecting individuals with in-demand job training and resources necessary for long-term career success.

The Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025 aims to significantly boost employee ownership in S corporations through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The bill extends key tax deferral benefits for stock sales to ESOPs and removes a major restriction on this tax treatment. Furthermore, it establishes new government offices and an Advocate for Employee Ownership to provide technical assistance and resolve disputes, while ensuring ESOP-owned businesses retain small business status for federal programs.

The ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2025 significantly overhauls federal funding to expand high-speed internet access in underserved rural areas. This legislation prioritizes grants and loans for projects delivering at least 100 Mbps symmetrical speeds, focusing heavily on communities currently lacking adequate service. The bill sets strict buildout timelines, mandates participation in affordability programs, and establishes specific priority criteria for funding distribution through 2030.

The Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act prohibits federal agencies from awarding contracts over \$100,000 to companies that boycott Israel. Companies seeking these contracts must certify they are not currently boycotting Israel and agree not to start one during the contract period. Agencies must terminate contracts if a violation is found, unless the company ceases the boycott.

This bill aims to enhance safety for individuals outside their vehicles and for workers in construction zones by updating federal highway safety programs. It mandates improved data collection on roadside and work zone crashes and expands public awareness campaigns to cover disabled vehicles and work zones. Furthermore, the legislation establishes two specialized working groups to develop strategies and share data to reduce fatalities and injuries in these specific high-risk areas.

The Fight Fentanyl Act strengthens federal efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis by updating the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program. This legislation mandates increased reporting on fentanyl investigations, sets dedicated funding levels through 2030, and expands HIDTA purposes to prioritize fentanyl interdiction. Furthermore, it requires the Attorney General to ensure sufficient prosecutorial resources are dedicated to fentanyl trafficking cases through temporary AUSA assignments.

This resolution strongly affirms the constitutional right to keep and bear arms under the Second Amendment. It criticizes recent actions by the Biden administration and federal agencies, such as the ATF, for implementing what are viewed as infringements on these freedoms. The resolution commends former President Trump for his past efforts to protect Second Amendment rights against such measures.