Legislative Activity

The FACTS Act addresses synthetic opioid misuse among secondary school students through several key strategies: establishing a pilot grant program for educational agencies and health organizations, creating an interagency task force to develop a national prevention strategy, amending the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to enhance school-based prevention efforts, expanding data collection on drug access in schools, and increasing access to overdose reversal medications while improving data collection on youth drug use.

This bill requests the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit documents to the House of Representatives regarding potential changes to the Administration for Community Living. The requested documents pertain to potential elimination, staff reductions, changes in responsibilities, dismissal of career staff, and grant terminations within the Administration for Community Living. The aim is to provide oversight regarding the sufficiency of staff to enforce laws and the impact of the "HHS Announces Transformation to Make America Healthy Again" communication. The requested documents must be submitted within 14 days of the resolution's adoption.

The Early Childhood Nutrition Improvement Act aims to improve the Child and Adult Care Food Program by refining eligibility criteria, streamlining the serious deficiency process, and authorizing reimbursements for additional meals or snacks in certain childcare settings. It mandates a review of the serious deficiency process, emphasizing fairness and consistency, and requires the establishment of an advisory committee focused on reducing unnecessary paperwork for program participants. Additionally, the Act adjusts reimbursement calculations and promotes the use of technology to modernize and simplify program administration, ultimately supporting working families and enhancing the economic viability of childcare programs.

The Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act modifies and clarifies the Marine Debris Act and the Marine Debris Foundation. These modifications include renaming sections, updating definitions, and expanding the list of eligible recipients for support to include Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and foreign governments. The act also refines the roles and responsibilities within the Marine Debris Foundation, including the appointment and oversight of the chief executive officer. Additionally, the Act extends the authorization for the Marine Debris Act through fiscal year 2029.

The Arts Education for All Act enhances arts education by expanding early childhood education programs, integrating arts into the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, incorporating creative programs into juvenile justice, and mandating research and assessment of arts education strategies. This bill supports training for child care providers, ensures equitable access to arts programs for disadvantaged students, and promotes rehabilitation through arts-based approaches in juvenile justice. By integrating arts into core subjects and supporting teacher development, the act aims to improve student achievement and provide a comprehensive, creative education for all students. Ultimately, this will lead to more effective rehabilitation and reduced recidivism rates among juvenile and adult offenders, offering new pathways for education and employment.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025 aims to strengthen protections against sexual harassment and assault within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill mandates comprehensive reporting, expands criminal referral requirements, and establishes a restricted reporting system to allow confidential disclosure of incidents. It also requires reporting of incidents on vessels to the Coast Guard and prohibits individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses from serving in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps. Additionally, the bill broadens the definition of "covered personnel" to include at-sea monitors, observers, and members of Regional Fishery Management Councils.

Recognizes the importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in providing nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults in care settings, supporting their health and development. Acknowledges the third week of March as National CACFP Week to raise awareness of the child and adult care food program of the Department of Agriculture. Urges the continued strengthening of CACFP through various measures, including increased meal reimbursements and reduced administrative burdens, to further enhance its positive impact and lower costs in the care economy.

This bill recognizes the League of Oregon Cities for its century-long support, advocacy, and resource provision to Oregon cities, enhancing the quality of life for Oregonians. It highlights the League's role in municipal governance, promotion of best practices, and collaboration among cities. The bill also acknowledges the League's support for congressional actions, such as Public Law 117167 and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which have significantly benefited Oregon's economy and infrastructure. It affirms the League as a key partner in strengthening the Federal-local partnership for the future.

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 "START Housing Act of 2025" reauthorizes and extends the Recovery Housing Program through 2031, prioritizing funding for states with the greatest need based on unemployment, labor force participation, drug overdose deaths, and unsheltered homelessness rates. It requires states to supplement existing funding and consult with relevant agencies to support individuals in stable housing, and allows HUD to use up to 2% of funds for technical assistance and best practices.

The "Project Turnkey Act" aims to combat homelessness by establishing a program that provides funds to eligible entities for the acquisition, rehabilitation, or conversion of vacant hotels and motels into housing and shelter. It authorizes $1 billion annually, to remain available until 2035, for a range of eligible activities, including rental assistance, supportive services, and the development of affordable housing. The Act prioritizes flexibility and speed in deploying resources, allowing the Secretary to waive certain requirements to expedite the use of funds while ensuring compliance with fair housing, labor, and environmental standards.

This bill expresses support for the nation's public K-12 schools and the Department of Education, highlighting the Department's role in providing critical funding and resources to students, schools, and families. It condemns any actions that would defund public education or weaken the Department of Education. The bill affirms that public education investment should not be diverted to private K-12 schools through vouchers. It also rejects any claim that the executive branch has the authority to dismantle or relocate major offices within the Department of Education, dismantle or relocate the Department of Education, reduce federal funding for public education, block major federal grant programs for education, or transfer education funding burdens to state and local governments.

The "Stop Antiabortion Disinformation Act" or the "SAD Act" aims to prevent deceptive advertising related to reproductive health services, particularly concerning contraception, abortion services, or the employment of licensed medical personnel. It empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce these prohibitions, treat violations as FTC Act violations, and pursue civil actions against violators, including imposing significant civil penalties. The FTC is required to report to Congress on its enforcement activities under this act.

The "Build Housing with Care Act of 2025" establishes a grant program to encourage the co-location of affordable housing and child care services. The program, managed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, will award competitive grants to eligible entities for projects that design, plan, construct, or renovate co-location facilities. The bill prioritizes entities operating in childcare deserts or serving low-income families and requires a report to Congress on the program's implementation. Additionally, the bill directs the Comptroller General to study child care access for public housing residents and provide recommendations for improvement.

The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2025 updates and expands the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act of 1998. It enhances research, monitoring, and response efforts related to harmful algal blooms and hypoxia in marine, estuarine, and freshwater systems, and establishes a national observing network and incubator program. The act also allows for waivers of non-federal share requirements and authorizes contracts and grants to assess the impacts of significant events, with specific considerations for Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Finally, it authorizes specific appropriations for these activities through 2030.