Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress to observe August 30, 2025, as the 135th anniversary of the 1890 Institutions. It recognizes the vital history and ongoing contributions of these 19 historically Black land-grant universities to education, research, and community extension. The bill encourages federal and state partners to celebrate this milestone and reaffirms commitment to strengthening federal collaboration with these institutions.

The Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2025 updates federal food assistance by basing benefit calculations on a new, higher "low-cost food plan" standard. It also modifies income calculations by removing the cap on excess shelter deductions and establishing a standardized, inflation-adjusted medical expense deduction. Finally, this Act completely eliminates the time limit restrictions previously placed on receiving food assistance benefits.

This resolution expresses support for designating the week of August 25 through August 31, 2025, as "Black Breastfeeding Week." It highlights significant health disparities and systemic barriers that negatively impact breastfeeding rates among Black mothers. The designation aims to raise awareness about the critical role of breastfeeding in reducing infant mortality and improving maternal health in Black communities. Ultimately, the bill calls for comprehensive policy support to address structural racism affecting Black families' access to healthcare and essential resources.

This resolution formally recognizes the significant and persistent wage disparity faced by Black women in the United States. It highlights that despite existing equal pay laws, Black women earn substantially less than their male counterparts, leading to massive lifetime earnings losses. Congress uses this measure to emphasize the urgent need to address both racial and gender discrimination to achieve true pay equity.

The American Neighborhoods Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal excise tax on certain large-scale owners who hold more than 75 single-family residences. Revenue generated from this tax will fund a new Housing Trust Fund dedicated to providing down payment assistance grants to homebuyers through state agencies. The law aims to incentivize the sale of excess housing inventory while supporting first-time buyers.

The Real Education and Access for Healthy Youth Act of 2025 aims to establish comprehensive, evidence-based, and culturally responsive sex education and health services for young people aged 10 to 29. The bill creates competitive grant programs to fund sex education in K-12 schools and higher education, support educator training, and improve access to youth-friendly sexual health services, especially for underserved communities. It explicitly mandates that all funded programs must be medically accurate, inclusive of all identities, and centered on principles of consent and reproductive justice. The Act authorizes $100 million annually and repeals prior funding streams dedicated to abstinence-only education.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 11–17, 2025, as the eighth annual Black Maternal Health Week to raise national awareness of the severe maternal and reproductive health crisis facing Black women and birthing people. It highlights the unacceptable disparity where Black women are significantly more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, emphasizing that most of these deaths are preventable. The bill calls for targeted investments, policy changes addressing systemic barriers, and the centering of Black women's voices in developing solutions to achieve equitable maternal health outcomes.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act to provide additional funding opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) specifically focused on the arts. It recognizes the crucial role HBCUs play in preserving and promoting Black art and culture. The legislation authorizes HBCUs to use grant funds for student support, outreach, exhibitions, and partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts to strengthen their arts programs.

This resolution formally recognizes and honors the enduring legacy and vital contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the nation. It reaffirms the Federal Government's commitment to supporting these essential institutions that drive economic growth and produce a disproportionate number of professionals in critical fields. The measure serves as a strong statement celebrating HBCUs as centers of excellence and opportunity.

The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 aims to clarify and simplify eligibility rules for striking workers seeking Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This legislation removes outdated restrictions and clarifies the precise conditions under which participation in a labor strike affects a worker's SNAP eligibility. The goal is to streamline the existing law regarding striker access to food assistance.

The Fair Play for Women Act aims to bolster Title IX enforcement in athletics by increasing transparency, enhancing training, and establishing clear accountability measures for educational institutions. It mandates detailed reporting on athletic opportunities, participation, and funding, broken down by sex and race, for both colleges and K-12 schools. The Act also requires annual Title IX training for athletic staff and athletes, and establishes a public database of Title IX coordinators. Finally, the Department of Education is empowered to impose civil penalties on institutions found to be non-compliant with Title IX.

This bill recognizes the 65th anniversary of the Greensboro Four sit-in, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement that began on February 1, 1960. It acknowledges the Greensboro Four's significant contribution to the fight against racial inequality and encourages states to include their story in educational curricula. The bill also recognizes the importance of sit-ins as a form of nonviolent resistance and the enrichment that ethnic and racial diversity brings to the United States.

This bill recognizes and commends Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for 117 years of service since its founding in 1908. It acknowledges the sorority's global impact, its commitment to scholarship, unity, and service, and its various initiatives aimed at community enhancement and social justice. The bill also recognizes Vice President Kamala Harris as a member of the sorority.