Legislation

This resolution designates March 14, 2025, as Black Midwives Day to recognize the crucial role of Black midwives in improving maternal and infant health outcomes, especially within the context of existing racial disparities. It calls for increased support and resources for Black midwives through funding, training, and policy changes at the federal, state, and local levels. The resolution aims to address the maternal health crisis by promoting equitable access to culturally competent care and reducing systemic barriers in midwifery.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a pioneering female surgeon during the Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for her meritorious service. It recognizes her contributions to medicine, her advocacy for women's rights, and her embodiment of service, courage, and resilience as a U.S. hero. The resolution also commits to preserving her story to inspire future generations to pursue justice and equality.

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 Leveling the Playing Field 2.0 Act aims to strengthen U.S. trade laws by addressing unfair subsidies, currency undervaluation, duty evasion, and circumvention of trade remedies. It refines the process for handling successive trade investigations, ensuring that the International Trade Commission considers prior findings and assesses cumulative effects on domestic industries. The act also empowers authorities to counteract cost distortions in foreign countries and prevent importers from avoiding duties. Additionally, it includes provisions related to trade with Canada and Mexico and sets effective dates for new regulations.

The Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 overhauls the regulation of hardrock mineral mining on federal lands by shifting to a leasing system, introducing new fees and royalties, and protecting sensitive areas. It requires federal agencies to consult with Indian Tribes before commencing mineral-related activities to protect tribal interests and rights. The Act sets environmental standards for hardrock mining, mandating permits and reclamation plans, and establishes a program to reclaim abandoned hardrock mines, funded by fees and royalties. Finally, it ensures responsible mineral extraction through enhanced oversight, regular inspections, and citizen empowerment, promoting transparency and accountability in mining operations on public lands.

The "EARLY Minds Act" amends the Public Health Service Act to emphasize early intervention for mental health by requiring states to outline prevention strategies in their plans. States can use up to 5% of their funding to support these programs. The Secretary must report to Congress biennially on state prevention and early intervention activities, including outcomes and demographics.

The "No Tax Dollars for the United Nations Immigration Invasion Act" prohibits the U.S. government from financially contributing to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It also mandates a study by the Comptroller General to identify all federal assistance programs that provide funds to these organizations, detailing amounts, restrictions, and potential repayments, as well as an audit of the Department of State’s Refugee Travel Loan Program. A report summarizing the study and audit results must be submitted to Congress within 180 days of the Act's enactment.

The "Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025" establishes English as the official language of the U.S., requiring the government to conduct official business in English and encouraging English language learning. It mandates a uniform English language standard for naturalization, ensuring new citizens can understand core American documents, while also providing exceptions for certain situations like language teaching, national security, and protection of rights. The bill also sets rules for interpreting U.S. laws, favoring interpretations that protect individual rights and state powers, and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop uniform English language testing for citizenship applicants.

The Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act extends and modifies the Conrad State 30 program, which allows foreign physicians to work in the U.S. in underserved areas in exchange for a waiver of certain visa requirements. It increases the number of available waivers, provides employment protections for participating physicians, and modifies the requirements for physicians seeking waivers, including allowing them to pursue permanent residency and extending their visas in certain circumstances. The Act also requires annual reporting on the program's usage.

The SAFER Voter Act seeks to eliminate the age restriction that prevents individuals under 21 from purchasing handguns and handgun ammunition from licensed federal firearms dealers. This bill would amend title 18 of the United States Code, specifically sections 922(b)(1) and 922(c)(1), to allow adults 18 and over to purchase handguns.

The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2027 to commemorate the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The coins' designs will represent Clemente's life, including his baseball achievements and humanitarian work. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation, supporting their educational programs, youth sports initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and historic preservation projects. The Act ensures that the coin program will not incur any net cost to the United States government.

The "Regulation Decimation Act" mandates that for every new regulation issued, federal agencies must repeal at least 10 existing regulations, prioritizing those related to the new rule. For major regulations, the cost of the new rule must be equal to or less than the cost of the repealed rules, as certified by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. The Act also requires agencies to review and identify costly, ineffective, or outdated rules and submit reports to Congress on rule reduction progress.

The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from fraud at cryptocurrency kiosks by requiring kiosk operators to register with the Treasury Department, disclose transaction terms, implement anti-fraud policies, use blockchain analytics, and provide customer support. It sets transaction limits for new customers, requires verbal confirmation for larger transactions, and mandates refunds for fraudulently induced transactions. The Act also establishes penalties for non-compliance and ensures a dedicated communication channel for law enforcement to report suspected fraud.

The Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act requires all Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers to provide hygienic and private lactation spaces for women veterans and members of the public to express breast milk. These spaces must be accessible to individuals with disabilities and include a chair, a working surface, and clear signage. Implementation must occur within two years of the Act's enactment.

The Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act aims to reduce contraband in prisons by increasing penalties for providing or attempting to provide a phone to an inmate. It mandates the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to review and update policies regarding inmates who make, possess, or try to obtain prohibited items to improve safety.

The "UNITED Act" aims to enhance U.S. economic strength and strategic interests by directing the President to pursue trade negotiations with the United Kingdom and authorizing the President to enter into a comprehensive trade agreement. It sets specific parameters for tariff modifications and requires ongoing consultation with Congress throughout the negotiation and implementation processes. The Act also ensures adherence to existing trade priorities and accountability standards, while preventing unilateral changes to the agreement without Congressional approval.

The SHOPP Act of 2025 expands the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program to increase access to healthy foods. It allows program incentives to be used for fresh frozen fruits and vegetables, increasing year-round availability. The act also includes legumes as eligible purchases, alongside fruits and vegetables, to promote diverse and nutritious food choices.

The "Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to enhance cooperation between federal and local law enforcement by allowing state and local officers to act as agents of the Department of Homeland Security and protecting them from liability when complying with immigration detainers. It defines "sanctuary jurisdictions" as those that restrict information sharing or compliance with federal detainment requests, and it makes these jurisdictions ineligible for certain federal grants, reallocating those funds to non-sanctuary jurisdictions. This act does not protect individuals who knowingly violate civil or constitutional rights.

The Rectifying UDAAP Act amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, modifying the rulemaking process for unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. It requires the CFPB to define "abusive act or practice," conduct cost-benefit analyses for new rules, and consider mitigating factors when assessing civil penalties. The act also sets new limitations and standards for the CFPB's enforcement authority, including where they can file enforcement actions, the clarity of their claims, and the remedies they can seek. Furthermore, it provides a notice and cure period for covered entities that self-report potential violations.

The "Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act" amends the Stafford Act to include algal blooms as a condition in which disaster relief and emergency assistance can be given. This change will allow states to receive federal assistance in the event of an algal bloom.