Legislative Activity

The BRUSH Fires Act mandates a comprehensive, one-year study by the Forest Service to evaluate the effectiveness of current wildfire mitigation methods in shrubland ecosystems. This study must analyze fuel management, ignition source control, and implementation hurdles to determine best practices. The resulting report will provide Congress with recommendations for improving fire risk reduction and enhancing partnerships to protect communities near wildlands.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory, public code of conduct and a formal complaint process for Supreme Court Justices, modeled after procedures for lower federal judges. The bill also institutes stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and financial ties, and mandates judicial disqualification in cases involving recent lobbying contact or significant financial relationships with involved parties. Furthermore, it creates new review panels for disqualification motions and requires parties and *amici* to disclose financial supporters connected to the case.

The SNAP Administrator Retention Act of 2025 aims to improve staffing and retention for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by setting new minimum pay standards for state administrators based on comparable federal salaries. If states adopt these standards and have their pay structure approved, the federal government will cover 100% of their administrative personnel costs. This increased federal funding must supplement, not replace, existing state spending on SNAP administration.

The Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act establishes a new federal grant program to provide operating support for high-quality public transit services. This funding is specifically targeted to improve mobility and environmental outcomes, with a requirement that the majority of funds benefit underserved communities or areas of persistent poverty. The Act also increases the federal share for rural transit operating assistance up to 80%.

The Protecting Our Constitution and Communities Act aims to reassert Congress's exclusive constitutional authority over federal spending by clarifying that the President cannot unilaterally withhold appropriated funds. It strengthens the Comptroller General's oversight role and establishes new legal avenues for private citizens and governments to sue for damages if funds are improperly impounded. Furthermore, the bill tightens the definition of budgetary "contingencies" and ensures that judicial review of these spending disputes remains robust.

The Tribal Self-Determination and Co-Management in Forestry Act of 2025 mandates that federal land management agencies, including the DOI and the Forest Service, develop formal co-management plans with federally recognized Tribes for activities on historically or culturally connected lands. This legislation establishes a framework for Tribes to partner directly with federal agencies on planning, operations, and restoration work. Furthermore, it requires specialized training for federal employees on integrating Indigenous knowledge and ensures streamlined processes for Tribal participation in land management.

The Housing Stability for Dreamers Act ensures that individuals with current DACA status are eligible for key federal housing programs, including FHA mortgages and certain housing assistance. This legislation specifically prohibits federal agencies and mortgage purchasers like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac from denying benefits based solely on DACA status. Furthermore, it clarifies that DACA recipient veterans will not be disqualified from receiving earned VA housing loan guarantees.

This resolution strongly condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It details the resulting casualties and the ongoing hostage crisis, emphasizing the severe mistreatment of those held captive. The bill demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them safe return.

The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated federal Trust Fund, financed by an increase in the corporate tax rate, to support water infrastructure and affordability programs nationwide. The bill mandates a comprehensive EPA report analyzing water affordability, civil rights compliance, and public participation in water planning. It also significantly increases funding for household water well systems and revises state revolving loan fund rules to expand eligible projects, including lead line replacement and PFAS contamination cleanup. Finally, the Act creates new job training grants for the water sector and enhances drinking water assistance for colonias.

The Born in the USA Act of 2025 declares that Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional and contrary to the 14th Amendment. This Act prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement or enforce that Executive Order. It affirms the established constitutional right to birthright citizenship for nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.

The Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act of 2025 establishes new federal standards for required training programs for school food service personnel. This bill mandates that all required training must be paid for by the employer, conducted during regular work hours whenever possible, and offered at no cost to the employee. Furthermore, the Act strictly prohibits employers from penalizing staff who are unable to attend training sessions.

The GHOST Act of 2025 establishes a new Federal Interstate Firearm Parts Reporting System to track the shipment of specific gun components, including barrels, slides, and bolts, across state or international lines. Shippers must pre-register these covered components with the Attorney General, detailing sender, recipient, and shipping method, and later confirm delivery. The system allows for retroactive registration but imposes significant penalties for knowingly circumventing these tracking requirements.

The Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends child labor laws to prohibit individuals under 18 from having direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. This change ensures that agricultural work involving direct handling of tobacco falls under federal child labor protections. The bill specifically updates exemptions to reflect this new restriction on youth employment in tobacco agriculture.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It highlights the significant historical contributions of these communities to the United States, while also acknowledging past hardships and ongoing challenges. The bill encourages the nation to observe this month to appreciate the diversity and strength AANHPI individuals bring to the country.

The PSLF Payment Completion Fairness Act simplifies the requirements for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. This bill removes the confusing dual requirement that previously mandated simultaneous qualifying employment and payment status for service time to count. Moving forward, the focus is simply on having been employed in a qualifying job while making the required payments.

The Truth in Tariffs Act mandates that businesses clearly display the portion of a product's price attributable to "covered tariffs" imposed on or after January 20, 2025. This transparency requirement applies to sales made 30 days after enactment, excluding small business concerns. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcement, treating non-compliance as an unfair or deceptive business practice.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 declares that practices attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for payment constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice. Citing professional consensus on the ineffectiveness and harm of such "conversion therapy," the bill prohibits its provision and advertising. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the law allows both the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to file civil actions against violators.

The HOME Act of 2025 aims to combat the affordable housing crisis by prohibiting price gouging on rentals and sales during officially declared crisis periods. It mandates investigations into housing market manipulation, including excessive purchases by large investors, and establishes a new HUD unit to monitor and enforce fair housing practices. Furthermore, the bill directs regulators to set standards for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investments to protect renters from unfair rent hikes and requires a review of anti-competitive behavior in housing markets.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 5 through May 9, 2025, as "Teacher Appreciation Week" to honor the dedication of public school teachers nationwide. It recognizes the crucial support teachers offer for key educational policies, including funding for students with disabilities and loan forgiveness programs. Furthermore, the bill affirms that teachers must have a voice in shaping federal, state, and local education policy.