Michael Lawler

Foreign Service Modernization Act

The bill would update how the U.S. Foreign Service operates, likely making changes to how diplomats are hired, trained, paid, or assigned to work abroad. The changes would affect career diplomats, embassy staff, and potentially how the State Department conducts international relations and trade negotiations. Congress is still reviewing the specific details to determine which committees should handle different parts of the proposal.

PRC Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers Moratorium Act

The proposal would prevent brokers, dealers, and investment advisers that have certain ties to China from getting permission to operate in the U.S. financial system. This would affect financial firms and professionals who want to work with American investors but have connections to the Chinese government or Chinese companies. The measure aims to reduce potential national security risks by limiting foreign influence in the U.S. securities industry.

To amend the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to make it a felony offense for any person who is seeking to be a candidate in an election for Federal office or an employee or agent of such a person to knowingly fraudulently sign any materials or documentation required to be filed as a condition of ballot access for such election, and for other purposes.

The proposal would make it a felony crime for candidates running for federal office, or their staff and representatives, to knowingly sign false or fraudulent paperwork when filing to get on the ballot. Currently, such ballot access fraud is treated as a less serious offense, but this bill would increase the penalty to a felony conviction. The change would apply to anyone involved in submitting false election documents, from the candidate themselves to campaign employees.

Radiation Health Research Act

The federal government would create a research program to study how nuclear radiation affects women's health, filling a gap in current medical knowledge since most past radiation studies focused on men. The National Institutes of Health would design and run this program to better understand the unique health risks women face from radiation exposure, which could improve medical treatments and safety guidelines for female patients and workers. This affects women in medical fields, nuclear industry workers, and patients who receive radiation-based medical treatments.

Early Access to Screening Act

The proposal would require Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans to cover annual mammogram screenings for women starting at age 30 with no out-of-pocket costs to patients. Currently, most insurance plans only cover routine mammograms for women starting at age 40 or 50, so this would expand access to earlier breast cancer screening. The change would affect millions of women and their insurance providers across the country.

Energy Affordability and Reliability Act of 2026

The proposal would establish new rules and incentives aimed at keeping energy costs down for households and businesses while ensuring reliable power supplies across the country. It would likely affect how electricity is generated and distributed, potentially influencing which energy sources utilities invest in and how much consumers pay on their monthly bills. The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to determine whether it should move forward for a vote.

Pets Belong with Families Act

This bill would change the rules about what pet restrictions public housing authorities can enforce on residents who own pets. The legislation aims to make pet policies in government-subsidized housing more reasonable and flexible for low-income families and individuals who want to keep animals in their homes.

Critical Undersea Infrastructure Resilience Initiative Act

This bill aims to protect underwater cables and pipelines that carry internet, power, and other critical services between countries from damage or sabotage. It likely establishes new rules, monitoring systems, or international agreements to prevent accidents and attacks on this undersea infrastructure that modern economies depend on. The measure affects telecommunications companies, energy providers, and potentially international relations as countries work together to secure these vital connections.

Fair Credit Reporting Reseller Accuracy Act

Companies that resell credit reports and other financial information would have to verify the accuracy of that data before selling it to others, and would face penalties if they knowingly distribute incorrect information that harms consumers. This affects credit reporting agencies, data brokers, and any business that buys and resells consumer financial records to lenders, employers, or other organizations. The goal is to reduce the spread of errors in credit files that can unfairly damage people's ability to get loans or jobs.

Transparency in Foreign Assistance Act

This bill would require the federal government to publicly disclose detailed information about how it spends money on foreign aid programs, including who receives the funds and what results those programs achieve. The goal is to make it easier for Congress, taxpayers, and the public to track where foreign assistance dollars go and whether they're being used effectively. The measure affects federal agencies that distribute international aid and would increase accountability for how the U.S. government manages its overseas assistance spending.

Advance Global Health Act

This bill would expand U.S. government programs and funding aimed at improving health conditions in developing countries, likely through increased support for disease prevention, medical research, and healthcare infrastructure abroad. The measure affects international health organizations, U.S. aid agencies, and countries receiving American health assistance. The bill has advanced through committee with strong bipartisan support.

ADA 30 Days to Comply Act

This bill would give businesses and organizations 30 days to fix violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) after being notified of a problem, rather than facing immediate legal action. The goal is to encourage compliance by allowing time for corrections before lawsuits are filed, affecting employers, public facilities, and other entities that serve people with disabilities. Supporters argue this gives good-faith actors a chance to remedy issues quickly, while critics worry it could delay justice for people with disabilities.

HOWIE Act

The HOWIE Act addresses transportation and public works policy, though the specific details of what it would change are unclear from the title alone. Based on its referral to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the bill likely proposes modifications to how the federal government funds, manages, or regulates roads, bridges, transit systems, or other infrastructure projects. The bill would affect states, cities, construction companies, and potentially commuters depending on what specific transportation policies it modifies.

Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025

Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025 This bill imposes sanctions on certain foreign persons (individuals and entities) that are involved in Iran's petroleum sector as well as certain associated persons. The bill also requires or authorizes actions to facilitate the enforcement of sanctions on Iran. Specifically, the bill requires the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on any foreign person that, after the bill's enactment, knowingly engages in any transaction related to the processing, export, or sale of oil, condensates, gas, liquefied natural gas, or other petrochemical products in whole or in part from Iran. The President must also impose sanctions on certain foreign persons associated with a sanctioned individual or entity. For example, the President must sanction the subsidiaries and corporate officers of a sanctioned business. The bill provides certain exceptions to these sanctions, including specifying that sanctions do not apply to the importation of goods or to conducting or facilitating transactions for humanitarian assistance. The Department of State must establish an interagency working group that shall seek to establish a multilateral contact group to coordinate international efforts to enforce sanctions on Iran. The bill expands the State Department rewards program to authorize a reward payment to any individual who furnishes information leading to the identification of a person (1) subject to sanctions under this bill, or (2) that has attempted or is attempting to evade sanctions under this bill.

H–1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act

This bill would make it easier for foreign-trained doctors and other healthcare workers to come to the United States and work by adjusting immigration rules, likely increasing the number of H-1B visas available for medical professionals. The change would help hospitals and clinics fill staffing shortages, particularly in areas where there aren't enough American-trained doctors, though it could affect job opportunities and wages for U.S. healthcare workers.

Dream’s Caregiver Health and Wellness Act

This bill would likely establish health and wellness programs or protections for people who work as caregivers, such as home health aides, nursing assistants, or family caregivers. The legislation probably aims to improve access to healthcare, mental health support, or other wellness benefits for this workforce, which often faces physical demands and limited access to employer-provided health coverage. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for consideration.

Economic Recovery for Nuclear-Affected Communities Act

This bill would provide financial assistance and economic support to communities that have been negatively affected by nuclear energy facilities, accidents, or closures. The aid could include funding for job retraining, business development, and infrastructure improvements in areas where nuclear plants have shut down or caused economic hardship. The bill is currently being reviewed by multiple House committees to determine which parts fall under their respective areas of responsibility.

Annual Public Housing Inspections Accountability Act

This bill would require the federal government to conduct yearly inspections of public housing units to ensure they meet safety and quality standards, and would hold housing authorities accountable if properties fall into disrepair. The measure aims to protect low-income residents living in public housing by making sure their homes are properly maintained and inspected on a regular schedule. It affects public housing authorities, property managers, and the millions of Americans who depend on affordable public housing.

Public Housing Rent Reduction for First Responders Act

This bill would reduce rent payments for firefighters, police officers, and other first responders who live in public housing, recognizing their service to their communities. The measure aims to make housing more affordable for these essential workers by lowering what they pay to live in government-owned apartment buildings. First responders and their families would benefit from reduced monthly housing costs.

Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026

This bill would impose sanctions and other penalties on Iranian government officials and entities responsible for human rights abuses and internet censorship, while also supporting tools and programs that help Iranian citizens access unrestricted internet and information. The legislation aims to hold Iran accountable for suppressing political freedoms and controlling what its citizens can see online, affecting both Iranian officials and companies that help enforce these restrictions. It would likely provide funding and resources to help Iranians bypass government censorship and document violations of basic rights.

Improving Housing Access Act

This bill aims to make it easier for people to find and afford housing by likely addressing barriers in the rental and home-buying process, such as credit requirements, down payment assistance, or discrimination. It would affect renters, homebuyers, landlords, and possibly lenders or housing developers. The specific changes would depend on the bill's detailed provisions, which are currently being reviewed by the House Financial Services Committee.

Affordable Housing Barriers Transparency Act

This bill would require developers, lenders, and local governments to publicly disclose the rules, fees, and other barriers that make it harder and more expensive to build affordable housing. By shining a light on what's blocking affordable housing projects, the bill aims to help policymakers and the public understand why affordable homes are difficult to construct and identify which regulations or practices need to be changed. The transparency would affect housing developers, financial institutions, and local zoning authorities.

Superfund Area Facts and Exposure Act

This bill would require the government to provide clear, accessible information to people living near or considering buying homes in areas contaminated by hazardous waste (known as Superfund sites), so they can make informed decisions about their health and property. The legislation aims to ensure that homebuyers, renters, and current residents understand the environmental risks and cleanup status of these polluted areas. This would primarily affect people in communities with industrial contamination and those in the real estate industry who sell or rent properties near these sites.

Housing for America’s Middle Class Act of 2026

This bill aims to make housing more affordable and accessible for middle-class Americans, likely through measures such as tax incentives, down payment assistance, or changes to lending rules that help people buy homes. The proposal would affect homebuyers, real estate companies, banks, and potentially local housing markets across the country. Congress is currently reviewing the bill's details to determine which committees should handle different parts of it.

Housing for Heroes Act of 2026

This bill would likely create or expand housing programs specifically for veterans, helping them access affordable homes or down payment assistance after leaving military service. The legislation would probably work through federal housing agencies to make it easier for veterans to buy or rent homes compared to other Americans. Veterans and their families would be the main beneficiaries, while housing developers and lenders would need to follow new rules to participate in these programs.

Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2026, as "Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day".

This resolution would officially recognize September 19, 2026, as a national day to raise awareness about autism in Black communities and promote acceptance of autistic Black individuals. The designation aims to highlight the unique experiences and challenges that Black people with autism face, including higher rates of misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. While the resolution itself doesn't create new programs or funding, it would encourage public recognition and education about this topic.

Expressing support for the designation of the year 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer".

This resolution asks Congress to officially recognize 2026 as the "National Year of the Volunteer" to highlight and celebrate the contributions of volunteers across the country. The designation would draw attention to volunteer work in various fields, including health and community service, and encourage more Americans to get involved in volunteering efforts. While the resolution itself doesn't create new programs or funding, it serves as a symbolic endorsement of volunteer service.

TANF Hygiene Access Act

This bill would provide federal funding to help low-income families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) afford basic hygiene products like soap, toothpaste, and menstrual products. The money would be distributed through existing TANF programs to states, which could use it to help eligible families purchase these essential items. The goal is to reduce barriers to health and dignity for people living in poverty.

To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act to require a biennial report on the progress of the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council in implementing the national workforce strategic plan, and for other purposes.

The federal government would be required to report every two years on how well it's making progress on training and developing workers in quantum computing and related fields. These reports would track whether the government's plans to build a skilled workforce in this cutting-edge technology area are actually working and where improvements are needed. The requirement would help Congress and the public understand if the nation is keeping up with other countries in preparing people for quantum science jobs.

GRAS Oversight and Transparency Act

This bill would increase oversight of food additives that the FDA currently allows companies to determine are safe on their own, without formal FDA approval. The legislation would require the FDA to review these self-approved additives and establish clearer safety standards, giving the agency and the public more transparency about what chemicals are being added to food products. The changes would primarily affect food manufacturers and could lead to stricter rules about which additives are permitted in consumer foods.

FAIR MAP Act

The FAIR MAP Act addresses how congressional districts are drawn after the census, likely aiming to reduce partisan gerrymandering where politicians manipulate district boundaries to favor one party. The bill would probably establish new rules or standards for redistricting to make the process more fair and transparent, affecting how elections are conducted across the country. This impacts voters, politicians, and anyone concerned with fair representation in Congress.

CHAT Act

The CHAT Act appears to address commercial practices related to artificial intelligence or digital communications, though the specific details would depend on the bill's full text. Based on its referral to the Energy and Commerce Committee, it likely aims to regulate how companies use certain technologies or protect consumers in digital transactions. The bill would affect businesses that develop or deploy these technologies as well as the consumers and workers who interact with them.

Revitalizing America’s Housing Act

This bill aims to address America's housing shortage and affordability crisis by likely proposing new funding, tax incentives, or regulatory changes to encourage home construction and make housing more accessible to low- and middle-income families. The legislation would probably affect homebuilders, developers, renters, first-time homebuyers, and communities struggling with housing costs. The specific details of how it would achieve these goals are still being developed as the bill moves through the subcommittee review process.

Professional Student Degree Act

The bill would likely establish or modify requirements for professional degree programs (such as law, medicine, or engineering) to ensure they meet certain educational standards or provide specific protections for students. Based on the vague title, it could address issues like student debt, program accreditation, curriculum requirements, or licensing standards for graduates of these programs. The bill is currently under review by the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2025

United States Cadet Nurse Corps Service Recognition Act of 2025 This bill recognizes service as a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps between July 1, 1943, and December 31, 1948, as active duty service. The active duty designation entitles qualifying individuals to certain benefits afforded to veterans, such as burial benefits (not including interment or inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery) and honorary veteran status. Under the bill, the Department of Defense (DOD) must issue individuals who served in the corps during the specified period a discharge from their service under honorable conditions if such a discharge is warranted based on the duration and nature of the service. Such individuals are not entitled to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits aside from those related to burials and memorials. The bill also authorizes DOD to produce a service medal or other commendation, memorial plaque, or grave marker to honor the individuals.

Executive Transparency Act

This bill would likely require the executive branch to disclose more information about its operations and decision-making to Congress and the public, such as details about regulations, spending, or policy decisions. The goal appears to be making it easier for lawmakers and citizens to understand what federal agencies are doing and hold them accountable. It would primarily affect federal agencies and officials who would need to provide these additional disclosures.

Homeless Children and Youth Act of 2025

This bill would establish or expand federal programs to help homeless children and young people find stable housing and access education and support services. It would likely affect homeless youth, school districts, housing agencies, and nonprofits that work with vulnerable young people by providing funding and coordinating efforts to keep kids in school and off the streets.

Community Investment and Prosperity Act

The bill aims to increase investment and economic development in underserved communities by likely creating new financial incentives or programs for banks and investors to fund projects in low-income neighborhoods. This could affect both financial institutions that participate in community lending and residents of disadvantaged areas seeking access to capital for businesses, housing, or other development. The specific mechanisms—such as tax breaks, grants, or regulatory changes—would determine how much money flows into these communities and who benefits most.

Expressing support for the recognition of September 29, 2025, as "International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste".

This resolution expresses support for the recognition of International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

HEAL Act

Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act or the HEAL Act This bill modifies the administration of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) beneficiary travel benefit available to individuals traveling for vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for examination, treatment, or care. The bill increases the mileage reimbursement rate for beneficiary travel to or from VA facilities in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for the purpose of examination, treatment or care. Specifically, the bill raises the rate from 41.5 cents per mile to the rate for a privately owned automobile when no government vehicle is available (currently 70 cents per mile). The bill prohibits the VA from requiring a deductible for beneficiary travel for examination, treatment, or care. The bill also provides that veterans service organizations and veterans service agencies that provide transportation for examinations, treatment, or care to veterans may be allowed expenses of travel upon the same basis as such veteran beneficiaries.

Expressing support for the designation of September 19, 2025, as "Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day".

This resolution would officially recognize September 19, 2025, as "Black Autism Acceptance and Awareness Day" to highlight autism in Black communities and promote understanding and acceptance. The designation aims to raise awareness about how autism presents differently across racial groups and to address disparities in diagnosis and support for Black autistic individuals. While symbolic rather than creating new programs or funding, the recognition could help draw attention to the needs of Black autistic people and their families.

Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the nation's highest civilian honors, to Welles Remy Crowther, a man who died helping others escape the World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 attacks. The medal recognizes exceptional bravery and service to the country, and awarding it to Crowther honors his heroic actions and sacrifice. This is a ceremonial measure that does not affect laws or government operations, but rather commemorates an individual's extraordinary courage.

Stop CMV Act of 2025

This bill aims to address cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common virus that can cause serious complications in newborns and people with weakened immune systems, though the specific measures are not detailed in the current status. The legislation likely focuses on prevention, treatment, or research efforts related to CMV infections that affect vulnerable populations like infants and immunocompromised patients. Once referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the bill will be reviewed for its potential impact on public health policy and medical care.

Protecting Older Americans Act of 2025

The legislation would strengthen legal protections and enforcement mechanisms to prevent fraud, abuse, and exploitation targeting seniors, including measures to improve reporting of elder abuse and increase penalties for crimes against older Americans. It would affect elderly citizens, law enforcement agencies, and potentially financial institutions and caregivers who interact with seniors. The bill aims to give prosecutors and investigators better tools to combat scams, financial exploitation, and physical abuse that disproportionately harm older adults.

Transit Funding Flexibility Act

This bill would give states and local transit agencies more flexibility in how they spend federal transportation money, allowing them to shift funds between different types of projects like buses, trains, and road repairs based on their community's needs. The change would reduce restrictions that currently require transit agencies to use federal dollars for specific purposes, giving them more control over their own transportation priorities. Commuters and transit riders could see different impacts depending on which projects their local agencies choose to prioritize with the newfound flexibility.

Abraham Accords Defense Against Terror Act

This bill would strengthen security cooperation and defense partnerships between the United States and countries that have signed the Abraham Accords (peace agreements between Israel and several Arab nations), while also coordinating efforts to counter terrorism and extremist threats in the Middle East. The legislation aims to deepen military and intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and coordinated security operations among these allied nations to address shared security challenges in the region.

Syria Sanctions Accountability Act of 2025

This bill would require the federal government to maintain and enforce economic sanctions against Syria's government and provide Congress with regular reports on how those sanctions are being implemented and what their effects are. The legislation aims to hold Syria accountable for human rights violations and other actions the U.S. considers harmful, while keeping lawmakers informed about the impact of these trade restrictions on the Syrian economy and population.

VET PFAS Act

Veterans Exposed to Toxic PFAS Act or the VET PFAS Act This bill provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services to veterans and their family members (including those in utero) who have specified conditions and resided at a military installation where individuals were exposed to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. Hospital care and medical services may not be furnished for a condition that is found to have resulted from a cause other than the exposure to PFAS at a military installation. The VA may provide reimbursement for hospital care or medical services provided to a family member only after the family member or provider has exhausted all claims and remedies otherwise available for payment of such care. For disability compensation purposes, the bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified conditions in veterans who served at a military installation at which individuals were exposed to PFAS. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.

HUD Accountability Act of 2025

This bill would establish new oversight and accountability measures for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), likely requiring the agency to improve how it manages federal housing programs and spending. The changes would affect HUD's operations and potentially impact people who rely on federal housing assistance, public housing residents, and communities receiving development grants. The bill aims to ensure taxpayer money for housing programs is spent effectively and that HUD operates more transparently.

Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization Act

Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization Act This bill requires the President to establish a task force to (1) analyze the conduct of China and North Korea, as well as the security situation in the Indo-Pacific; and (2) determine whether a collective security agreement between the United States and Indo-Pacific allies and partners could serve as an effective deterrent to further aggression. The Department of State shall report to Congress on the analysis and any recommendations of the task force.

PFAS–Free Procurement Act of 2025

PFAS–Free Procurement Act of 2025 This bill prohibits an executive agency from renewing or entering into a contract for the procurement of covered items that contain perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Under the bill, covered items means (1) nonstick cookware and cooking utensils; and (2) furniture, carpet, and any rug treated with stain-resistant coating. Both PFOS and PFOA are types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. PFAS are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. The bill also specifies that agencies must prioritize the procurement of covered items that do not contain PFAS.

Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act

This bill would require colleges and universities to take action against antisemitic harassment and discrimination on campus, likely by enforcing existing civil rights laws more strictly and possibly creating new reporting requirements or penalties for schools that fail to address such incidents. The measure aims to protect Jewish students from hostile environments while attending college, though it could affect how schools handle complaints and disciplinary processes related to antisemitism.

Doctors in our Borders Act

This bill would likely make it easier for foreign-trained doctors to work in the United States by streamlining immigration processes or visa requirements for medical professionals. The goal appears to be addressing doctor shortages in certain areas by removing barriers that currently prevent qualified international physicians from practicing in America. The change would affect both the doctors seeking to work here and hospitals or clinics looking to hire them.

Endowment Accountability Act

Endowment Accountability Act This bill increases the excise tax on the net investment income of certain private university and college endowments. The bill also expands the number of endowments subject to the excise tax by lowering the endowment asset amount per-student threshold. Under current law, certain private universities and colleges with 500 or more tuition-paying students (of which more than 50% are located in the United States) and endowments that are at least $500,000 per student (per-student threshold) pay an excise tax in the amount of 1.4% on the net investment income from such endowments. The bill increases the amount of the excise tax to 10% of the net investment income from such university and college endowments and lowers the per-student threshold to $200,000.

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025

Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2025 This bill provides statutory authority for the requirement that the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights take into consideration the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA's) working definition of antisemitism when reviewing or investigating complaints of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. According to the IHRA's working definition, antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

IGO Anti-Boycott Act

IGO Anti-Boycott Act This bill penalizes U.S. persons (individuals or entities) that participate in certain boycotts imposed by international governmental organizations (IGOs). The bill expands an existing law that prohibits various actions by U.S. persons in relation to boycotts imposed by foreign governments on a country that is friendly to the United States and not itself the object of a U.S. boycott. This bill applies those prohibitions to similar boycotts imposed by IGOs. Prohibited actions include (1) refusing to do business with companies organized under the laws of the boycotted country, if the refusal is pursuant to an agreement with or request from the country or IGO imposing the boycott; (2) furnishing information about whether any person has a business relationship with or in the boycotted country; and (3) furnishing information about whether someone is associated with charitable or fraternal organizations that support the boycotted country. Criminal penalties for willful violations of this law include fines of up to $1 million. In addition to such fines, individuals may be imprisoned for up to 20 years. Civil penalties may include fines and revocations of export licenses for certain national security-related items. The bill also requires the President to annually submit to Congress and make available to the public a report describing these boycotts and listing the foreign countries and international organizations involved in fostering or imposing them.