Legislative Activity

The Goldie's Act seeks to strengthen the USDA's enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by mandating annual inspections, requiring humane treatment of suffering animals, and imposing significant penalties for violations. It ensures transparency through mandated sharing of violation records and sets firm guidelines for determining penalties based on the severity and frequency of violations. The Act also enables legal action to recover unpaid penalties and penalizes the disobedience of "cease and desist" orders.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The "Retired Pay Restoration Act" expands eligibility for military retirees to receive both retired pay and veteran's disability compensation, regardless of disability rating. It removes the previous requirement that retirees have a service-connected disability rated at 50% or higher to receive both payments. This change ensures that qualified retirees, excluding certain Chapter 61 retirees, can receive both benefits without reduction. The act takes effect on January 1, 2021, applying to payments for months beginning on or after that date.

The "Health Care Affordability Act of 2025" expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals and families to qualify for financial assistance. The bill adjusts the premium tax credit calculation, providing a sliding scale based on income to ensure affordability. These changes will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide infertility treatments, including up to three IVF cycles resulting in a live birth or 10 attempted cycles, to eligible veterans and their partners. It permits the use of donated gametes or embryos with proper consent and covers travel expenses for partners. The Act also defines key terms and requires the VA to issue regulations for implementation within one year, while expanding services to include partners of veterans, regardless of marital status, and the use of donated gametes or embryos in the interim.

The Capitol Remembrance Act mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit within the Capitol Building to memorialize the January 6, 2021, attack. This exhibit will feature damaged property, photographs, and a plaque honoring law enforcement, fallen heroes, injured officers, and Capitol staff. The goal is to ensure future generations understand the events of that day and the sacrifices made to protect the Capitol. Appropriations are authorized to complete the exhibit within two years.

The Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act ensures veterans do not pay more for contraception than the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for the medication. Additionally, it eliminates copayments for contraceptive items if health insurance coverage is required without cost-sharing under the Public Health Service Act.

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act outlines the process for Washington, D.C., to become the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a separate U.S. Capital. It addresses the transition of laws, property, and governance, ensuring continued federal operations and representation for D.C. residents. The Act also covers federal responsibilities, courts, elections, and benefit programs during the transition, establishing a commission to oversee the process and mandating presidential certification.