Legislative Activity

The "Community First Act" aims to reduce local jail populations and incarceration times by authorizing the Attorney General to award grants to eligible partnerships. These grants will support data analysis, strategic planning, and the implementation of various programs, including reducing cash bail, increasing pretrial services, and expanding diversion programs. Grantees must consult with local entities, analyze jail data, and meet specific incarceration reduction targets, with priority given to areas with high incarceration rates and plans to prevent jail bed increases. The Act authorizes \$20 million annually for planning grants and \$100 million annually for implementation grants from 2026 through 2030.

The DART Act of 2025 aims to reduce crime and recidivism by expanding the use of diversion and rehabilitation programs at the state and local levels through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program. This act broadens the scope of the grant program to include pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release rehabilitation programs. It also establishes a National Diversion and Rehabilitation Clearinghouse to share evidence-based practices and provide technical assistance to state and local governments, and non-profits. The act prioritizes programs that address the root causes of crime, promote trauma-informed practices, and incorporate mental health services, peer support, and restorative justice.

This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using federal funds to remove employees if the removals affect at least 3% of the total HHS workforce or 3% of a sub-agency/division's workforce within a 60-day period.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

The "Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025" aims to prevent increases in food insecurity when the thrifty food plan is re-evaluated or updated within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It ensures that adjustments to the diet's cost continue as outlined in existing guidelines.

The "Law Enforcement Training for Mental Health Crisis Response Act of 2025" aims to improve law enforcement responses to mental health crises by providing grants to state, local, and tribal agencies for behavioral health crisis response training. These grants will help equip officers with the tools to de-escalate crisis situations, reduce injuries and fatalities, and better serve individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues. The act requires the Attorney General to set training program standards and mandates annual reporting and auditing of grant fund usage. This program prioritizes training programs developed with healthcare professionals and individuals with lived experiences of mental illness.

This bill designates March 27, 2025, as "National Women in Agriculture Day" to recognize the vital role of women in agriculture. It highlights women's contributions as producers, educators, leaders, and mentors in the field. The bill encourages all citizens to acknowledge and celebrate the positive impact of women on U.S. agriculture.

The Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act mandates an independent study comparing the quality of mental health and addiction care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) providers versus non-VA providers. This study will assess health outcomes, use of evidence-based practices, coordination between providers, patient satisfaction, integrated care, continuous monitoring, and wait times. The results will be reported to Congress and made public.

This bill designates March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the need for increased research, early detection, and better treatment options for endometriosis. It acknowledges the significant impact of the disease on women's health, quality of life, and the high costs associated with diagnosis and care. The bill supports increased education for healthcare providers and culturally competent care, and encourages the public to participate in awareness and educational activities. The bill also shows commitment to supporting and funding endometriosis research for more effective treatments, increasing fertility, and, ultimately, a cure.

The "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025" reauthorizes and amends the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) to broaden its services, enhance support activities, and reduce disparities in cancer rates. It emphasizes prevention, detection, and control of breast and cervical cancer, ensuring alignment with evidence-based recommendations. The Act authorizes $235 million annually from 2026 through 2030 and requires a GAO study to assess the program's reach and identify barriers to access. Reporting frequency is adjusted to every 5 years and includes data on the preceding years.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance enforcement of equal pay requirements by redefining "sex," modifying the "bona fide factor" defense for pay disparities, broadening the definition of "same establishment," strengthening non-retaliation protections, and enhancing penalties for employers who violate equal pay provisions. The Act also requires training programs, research, education, and outreach initiatives to eliminate pay disparities, and establishes a National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Additionally, the Act directs the EEOC to collect compensation data, reinstates pay equity programs, prohibits the use of wage history in determining salary, and establishes a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to improve compliance and enforcement of equal pay laws.

The "Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act" redesignates the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and establishes the Ocmulgee Mounds National Preserve in Georgia. It allows the Secretary of the Interior to acquire land for both the Park and Preserve from willing sellers, but prohibits the use of eminent domain. The Act also establishes an Advisory Council to advise on the management of the Park and Preserve, and prioritizes hiring members of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Finally, the Act puts approximately 126 acres of land owned by the Tribe into trust for the Tribe's benefit.

This resolution recognizes the significant gender pay gap, where women earn less than men for comparable work, and highlights the economic impact this disparity has on women, families, and the nation. It also acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women of color. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving equal pay and reducing the gender wage gap.

The "BIRD Energy and US-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2025" expands and reauthorizes energy cooperation between the U.S. and Israel through 2035. It increases funding for cooperative research and the Energy Center, and broadens the scope of cooperation to include areas like hydrogen, fusion energy, and cybersecurity. This aims to foster innovation, enhance energy security, and promote economic benefits for both nations.

This resolution urges Congress and the administration to work together to address the decline in U.S. food and agricultural exports by expanding market access, reducing trade barriers, and supporting domestic trade promotion programs. It emphasizes the importance of trade agreements and the enforcement of existing commitments to ensure global competitiveness for U.S. farmers and ranchers. The resolution seeks a global trading system grounded in scientific principles to bolster the U.S. agricultural sector.

The Air America Act of 2025 authorizes the Director of the CIA to award payments to former employees of Air America and affiliated companies who supported the U.S. government between 1950 and 1976, or to their survivors. Eligible individuals or their survivors could receive up to $40,000 for five years of qualifying service, with additional amounts for longer service, with a cap on total awards at $60 million. The Act establishes application procedures, limitations on attorney fees, and prohibits judicial review of the Director's decisions, while also requiring regular reports to Congress on the status of the award payments. This act does not qualify anyone for federal benefits like retirement, disability, or death benefits.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

This bill recognizes and celebrates the 100th anniversary of Delta Air Lines, acknowledging its historical significance as the first U.S. airline to reach this milestone. It highlights Delta's growth, global connectivity, commitment to community, and industry leadership.

The HELPER Act of 2025 amends the National Housing Act to establish an FHA mortgage insurance program for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and teachers. This program allows the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages up to 100% of the appraised value for eligible first-time homebuyers, waiving down payment requirements but requiring an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Mortgagors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, completing a housing counseling program, and meeting employment and good standing requirements as a first responder. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 and requires reauthorization of the program after 5 years.

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing services, including preventative care, exams, and devices like dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Coverage for most services begins in 2026, with specific cost-sharing arrangements and limitations outlined in the bill. The Secretary has the authority to implement additional limitations and modify coverage based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The bill also requires the United States Preventive Services Task Force to include at least one oral health professional.