Elise M. Stefanik

Truman Scholarship Clean House Act

Truman Scholarship Clean House Act This bill makes changes to the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, which awards scholarships to students who plan to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service. Specifically, the bill dissolves the current Board of Trustees (which oversees the foundation) and terminates all members of the board effective 90 days after the bill's enactment. New board members must be appointed as outlined by the bill. Additionally, the bill (1) prohibits any board member (other than the Secretary of Education or the Secretary's designee) from serving more than two six-year terms, and (2) establishes a quorum as seven board members. The board must appoint a new executive secretary of the foundation, who must (1) be appointed by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the board, and (2) serve a four-year term (but may be reappointed). The bill establishes certain requirements for regional review panels, including that each panel must consist of at least five members appointed annually by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the board and no more than half of the panel may be affiliated with the same political party. The bill establishes additional scholarship conditions, including by (1) stopping payments to scholarship recipients who commit certain actions (e.g., served as a leader in a student organization suspended for misconduct), and (2) requiring recipients who have their scholarship payments stopped or who are not employed in public service for a certain time period to repay their scholarship with 6% interest.

Student Protection and University Accountability Act

Colleges and universities would be required to publicly disclose more detailed information about how they handle civil rights complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions related to discrimination and harassment. Students, parents, and the public would gain better access to data about these cases, allowing them to see how schools are addressing issues like sexual misconduct, racial discrimination, and other civil rights violations. This increased transparency would help hold institutions accountable for their civil rights responsibilities.

To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Agreement of Settlement and Compromise to Resolve the Akwesasne Mohawk Land Claim in the State of New York, and for other purposes.

This bill recognizes and settles the Akwesasne land claim in northern New York. (Akwesasne is a Mohawk territory that extends into the United States and Canada, specifically New York, Ontario, and Quebec.) The bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified settlement agreement entered into by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT), the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the State of New York, Franklin and Saint Lawrence Counties in New York, the towns of Fort Covington and Bombay in New York, and the New York Power Authority. (Among its provisions, the settlement agreement restores land rights and provides access to land to SRMT, provides tuition assistance for tribal members to certain postsecondary institutions, and requires the New York Power Authority to make annual payments to SRMT.) Additionally, the bill authorizes, ratifies, and confirms any transfer of land, right-of-way, or easement that is the subject of claims in specified court cases. The bill also recognizes as Indian country any land owned or subsequently acquired by SRMT within the settlement acquisition areas. (The term Indian country , for purposes of criminal jurisdiction, generally refers to all lands within a tribal reservation, dependent Indian communities, and tribal allotments.)

No Federal Funds for Cashless Bail Act

No Federal Funds for Cashless Bail Act This bill prohibits the receipt of funds under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program by a state or local government that has in effect a law or policy that substantially limits cash bail for individuals who are charged with certain criminal offenses that pose a clear threat to public safety and order. Under the bill, the criminal offenses that pose a threat to public safety and order include criminal offenses involving a violent or sexual act (e.g., burglary, murder, or rape) and offenses that promote public disorder (e.g., looting or vandalism).

To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to require each institution of higher education to certify as part of an application for a research and development award that such institution does not operate certain branch campuses, and for other purposes.

Colleges and universities seeking federal research funding would need to certify that they don't operate certain types of branch campuses in order to qualify for grants. The requirement aims to restrict funding to institutions meeting specific criteria about their campus operations. This would affect how universities apply for and receive federal research dollars from the government.

To amend the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 to prohibit certain institutions of higher education from receiving research and development awards, and for other purposes.

The proposal would prevent certain colleges and universities from receiving federal research funding from the Department of Defense unless they meet specific requirements, likely related to campus policies or institutional practices. This would affect academic institutions that conduct defense-related research and the scientists and students who work on those projects. The bill is currently under review by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

American Security Robotics Act of 2026

This bill would likely establish rules and standards for how federal agencies can use robotic systems and automation technology in their operations, potentially addressing concerns about security, safety, and oversight of these technologies. The legislation would probably affect federal employees, agency budgets, and the companies that develop or sell robotics to the government by setting requirements for how these systems must be tested, monitored, and controlled. The bill is still in early stages and has been sent to the House committee responsible for reviewing government efficiency and accountability.

Trucking Security and CCP Disclosure Act of 2026

This bill would require trucking companies to disclose their connections to Chinese Communist Party entities and implement security measures to prevent foreign control or influence over the trucking industry. The legislation aims to protect national security by ensuring that companies transporting goods across the U.S. are not compromised by foreign governments or their affiliates. It would affect trucking companies, freight operators, and potentially shippers who use their services.

LCBP Enhancements Act of 2026

This bill would strengthen environmental protections and cleanup efforts related to the Lake Champlain Basin, likely by increasing funding, expanding restoration programs, or tightening pollution controls in the region. The changes would affect communities around Lake Champlain (spanning Vermont and New York), environmental organizations, and potentially industries operating in or near the basin. The bill has been sent to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for review.

Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act

Strengthening America’s Turning Point Act This bill renames the Saratoga National Historical Park, located in Stillwater, New York, as Saratoga National Battlefield Park.

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act

Ernest Peltz Accrued Veterans Benefits Act This bill establishes procedures for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to issue a pension that was due but unpaid at the time of a veteran’s death. Specifically, if the VA issues a decision awarding entitlement to a pension to a veteran prior to the veteran’s death but issues the payment after the veteran dies, the pension must be paid to the first available recipient on the following list: (1) the veteran’s living spouse; (2) the veteran’s living children; (3) the veteran’s living dependent parents; or (4) the estate of the veteran, unless the estate will escheat (i.e., transfer to the state). To be eligible for such pension payments, a claimant of accrued benefits must file an application within one year after the veteran's death. If no application for accrued benefits is filed within one year following the death of the veteran, the pension must be paid to the veteran’s estate unless the estate will escheat.

District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025

District of Columbia Cash Bail Reform Act of 2025 This bill mandates, in the District of Columbia (DC), pretrial and post-conviction detention for crimes of violence and dangerous crimes and cash bail to obtain pretrial release for public safety or order crimes. Under current DC law, a court may generally order a defendant released before trial based on the judge’s assessment of the risks posed by the defendant's release. If the defendant is charged with a crime of violence or a dangerous crime, the court must determine conditions for release; if the defendant has a prior history of such crimes, is charged with a crime that involves deadly weapons, or is charged with a crime of violence, there is a rebuttable presumption that the defendant must be detained. The bill requires defendants charged with a crime of violence or a dangerous crime to be detained while awaiting trial. It also prohibits a court from releasing a defendant charged with a public safety or order crime without a secured appearance bond (i.e., money or property subject to forfeiture). Public safety or order crimes include fleeing from a law enforcement officer, rioting, and stalking. Current DC law also allows individuals who are convicted of an offense to be released pending sentencing or an appeal if the court finds the individual is unlikely to flee or pose a danger to others. The bill requires individuals who are convicted of a crime of violence or a dangerous crime to be detained in these circumstances.

INFANT Act of 2025

Improving Newborn Formula Access for a Nutritious Tomorrow Act of 2025 or the INFANT Act of 2025 This bill requires a state to select two infant formula manufacturers as suppliers under the competitive bidding process for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Currently, a state may only select a single infant formula manufacturer as a supplier. Specifically, the bill redefines competitive bidding to mean a procurement process under which a state agency selects two manufacturers for a product; a state may designate one of the manufacturers as the primary manufacturer and one as the secondary manufacturer.

WWII Nurses Congressional Gold Medal Act

This bill would award the Congressional Gold Medal to nurses who served in World War II, honoring their contributions to the military during the war. The medal is one of the highest civilian honors Congress can give and recognizes exceptional service to the nation. The bill has been sent to committees to review before a vote can take place.

Trusted Foreign Auditing Act of 2025

The legislation would establish new rules for how foreign accounting firms can audit American companies, likely creating standards to verify that these international auditors meet U.S. security and quality requirements. This would affect publicly traded companies, investors, and the accounting industry by potentially restricting which foreign firms can conduct audits or requiring additional oversight of their work. The goal appears to be protecting American financial markets and investors from risks associated with audits performed by firms outside U.S. regulatory control.

American Investment Accountability Act

The proposal would establish new rules requiring American investment firms and financial companies to disclose and potentially limit their investments in foreign countries, particularly those considered adversaries or security risks to the United States. It aims to give Congress and regulators better visibility into where American money is flowing internationally and could restrict certain investments that officials believe threaten national security or economic interests. The measure would affect investment companies, pension funds, and other financial institutions that manage money for American workers and retirees.

Advancing Skills-Based Hiring Act of 2025

The legislation would encourage employers to hire workers based on their actual skills and abilities rather than requiring specific educational degrees or credentials. This could open job opportunities for people who have learned skills through work experience, apprenticeships, or alternative training programs instead of traditional four-year college degrees. The change would primarily affect job seekers looking to enter fields like technology, trades, and other industries where practical skills matter more than formal education requirements.

Drones for First Responders Act

Drones for First Responders Act This bill imposes additional duties (i.e., tariffs) and limitations on the importation of unmanned aircraft (i.e., drones) and drone components sourced from China. Specifically, the bill imposes an additional duty on Chinese drones that incrementally increases from 30% (30 days after the bill's enactment) to $100 each plus 50% (four years after the bill's enactment and thereafter). Beginning in 2031, a drone may not enter the United States unless it is accompanied by a document required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish that the drone does not contain specified components (e.g., radios or cameras) manufactured in China. CBP must confirm the document's veracity. The Federal Aviation Administration must provide CBP with a list of drones that qualify for an exemption from the prohibition. Generally, drones may not enter the United States under an exemption if they are wholly manufactured by a covered foreign entity (e.g., a Chinese military company) or in a foreign adversary country (i.e., North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran). The bill also (1) establishes the Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders Fund within the Treasury, (2) requires revenues from tariffs imposed on Chinese drones to be deposited into the fund, and (3) authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to use the fund to make grants to first responders, farmers and ranchers, and providers of critical infrastructure for secure drones (i.e., drones that are not manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country).

Stamp Out Invasive Species Act

This bill would authorize funding and establish programs to identify, monitor, and control invasive species that damage ecosystems, agriculture, and natural resources across the United States. It would affect environmental agencies, farmers, landowners, and conservation groups by providing tools and resources to prevent non-native plants and animals from spreading and harming native wildlife and crops. The legislation aims to reduce the economic and ecological damage caused by invasive species through coordinated federal efforts and prevention strategies.