Legislation

The "Pell to Grad Act" expands Pell Grant eligibility to include certain postbaccalaureate students who have not exhausted their Pell Grant eligibility during their first bachelor's degree program. It also increases the maximum duration of Pell Grant eligibility from 12 to 16 semesters, allowing students to receive aid for a longer period of time.

The "Increasing Access to Quality Cardiac Rehabilitation Care Act of 2025" expands Medicare access to cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It allows these programs to be offered in physician's offices and permits physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and clinical nurse specialists to oversee exercise within these programs, in addition to physicians. These changes aim to increase patient access to these vital rehabilitation services.

The "District of Columbia Superior Court Jury Duty for Seniors Opt Out Act of 2025" allows individuals aged 70 or older to choose to be exempt from jury duty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to improve outcomes for individuals with triple-negative breast cancer by expanding research, increasing public education, and informing healthcare providers about the disease, particularly its prevalence and risk factors among minority women. The Act directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and coordinate research programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and distribute public information, and the Health Resources and Services Administration to inform healthcare providers. It authorizes appropriations for these activities from fiscal years 2026-2031.

This resolution recognizes and honors teachers who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification, highlighting their significant contributions to student learning and leadership. It acknowledges the rigorous standards required for certification and the positive impact these teachers have, especially in addressing learning loss. The resolution encourages increased support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification to further enhance educational quality. As of March 2025, there are 141,464 National Board Certified teachers.

The "Prevent Interruptions in Physical Therapy Act of 2025" ensures Medicare beneficiaries can continue receiving uninterrupted physical therapy services. It allows physical therapists to utilize temporary staffing arrangements, known as "locum tenens," when the regular therapist is temporarily unavailable. This ensures Medicare payments for services provided by qualified substitute physical therapists, maintaining consistent care for patients.

The "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act" or the "REPAIR Act" ensures vehicle owners and independent repair shops have access to necessary vehicle data, repair information, and tools, preventing manufacturers from creating barriers to repairs. It establishes an advisory committee to address competition issues in the auto repair industry and mandates that car buyers are informed of their rights to choose repair options. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce the Act, protecting consumers from unfair restrictions on vehicle repair and ensuring control over their vehicle data.

The "No American Land for Communist China Act" aims to safeguard U.S. national security by preventing Chinese government entities and businesses with significant Chinese government ownership from purchasing real estate near sensitive federal lands, including those managed by the Departments of Interior, Defense, Agriculture, and Energy, as well as Indian country. The President is tasked with enforcing this prohibition.

The Climate and Health Protection Act ensures the continuation of the Climate and Health program, managed by the CDC, to help communities prepare for the public health impacts of climate change. It authorizes \$110 million annually, starting in 2026, to support the program's efforts in providing guidance, developing tools, and offering leadership in climate change and health planning. These funds are specifically dedicated to the Climate and Health program and cannot be used for other purposes.

The "Tribal Climate Health Assurance Act of 2025" establishes the Climate Ready Tribes Initiative, led by the CDC Director in coordination with the National Indian Health Board, to help tribal communities prepare for and address the public health impacts of climate change. This initiative will use climate science to inform tribal governments, develop decision-support tools, and provide resources to lessen climate-related health risks. The act authorizes $110 million in appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and each year after to support these efforts.

The Pacific Island Flight Alternatives Act of 2025 (PIFAA) addresses the issue of expensive flights to and from Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands due to limited air competition. PIFAA allows foreign air carriers from Japan, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea to transport passengers and cargo between the U.S. and foreign locations through Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. This aims to increase air travel options and lower costs for these Pacific Island regions.

The "Securing our Radioactive Materials Act" mandates the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to enhance the security of radioactive materials. This includes considering socioeconomic factors in security decisions and immediately improving the tracking and verification processes for category 3 radioactive sources and licenses. The NRC is required to update its guidelines and regulations within a year to implement these changes.

The SAFE Lending Act of 2025 aims to protect consumers from abusive practices in electronic and small-dollar lending by increasing transparency, empowering consumer control over bank accounts, and restricting lead generation activities. It requires lenders to register with the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, ensures compliance with state laws, and expands consumer protections for electronic fund transfers and prepaid accounts. The Act also mandates a study on the availability of capital on Indian reservations and the impact of small-dollar credit on tribal members. Finally, the Act directs the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection to finalize rules necessary to implement the act within one year.

The African Burial Ground International Memorial Museum and Educational Center Act establishes a museum at the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York City. The museum will serve as a memorial, examine African cultural traditions, explore the history of slavery, and provide space for exhibits and research. The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire property for the museum, plan its construction, and operate it in consultation with an Advisory Council. It also outlines the composition and duties of the Advisory Council and authorizes appropriations for the museum's establishment and operation.

The Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act of 2025 aims to address environmental injustices by establishing an Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice, which will be responsible for developing strategies, coordinating efforts, and administering grants to support environmental justice initiatives. It also establishes a grant program to assist state, local, and tribal governments in enforcing environmental laws in communities disproportionately affected by environmental harm. The act defines environmental justice as the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, Tribal affiliation, or disability, in respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

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.