Legislative Activity

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 Pink Tax Repeal Act prohibits businesses from charging different prices for substantially similar consumer products or services based solely on the buyer's gender. This legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce the ban as an unfair business practice. State Attorneys General are also authorized to file lawsuits to stop violations and seek restitution for affected residents.

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 Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

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 International Financial Institution Improvements Act of 2025 aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. engagement with the World Bank, IMF, and other multilateral development banks. It mandates clearer public reporting, requires consultation with civil society organizations on lending decisions, and directs U.S. representatives to advocate for stronger human rights, anti-corruption, and climate-related policies. The bill also authorizes increased U.S. financial commitments to development funds focused on Africa and Europe, contingent upon future Congressional appropriations.

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.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of investigations. It grants the Attorney General explicit authority to file civil actions seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day, and mandates that collected fines help cover temporary animal care costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a formal agreement for coordinated enforcement.

The Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program managed by the National Science Foundation. This program is designed to increase the participation and retention of women, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Funds will support activities such as mentoring, internships, and outreach aimed at addressing documented gaps in STEM education and the workforce. Congress has authorized $15 million annually for this initiative from 2026 through 2030.

The Fresh Start Act of 2025 incentivizes states to adopt automatic criminal record expungement laws by tying them to federal gun violence prevention grants. This legislation requires states receiving these funds to automatically clear or seal eligible criminal records without requiring individual action or payment of outstanding fees. Recipients must also annually report detailed data on the process, broken down by race, ethnicity, and gender, which the Attorney General will then make public.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 comprehensively defines and bans the manufacture, sale, and transfer of specific semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill grandfathers existing weapons but imposes new requirements for their secure storage and mandates dealer involvement for future private transfers. It also allows federal grant money to be used by states for buy-back programs targeting these banned items.

The Equality Act comprehensively expands federal civil rights protections against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity across key areas of American life. It amends existing laws to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations, housing, credit, employment, and federal funding. The purpose of the bill is to provide consistent, explicit, and comprehensive remedies for individuals facing bias in these essential sectors.

The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund state, local, and tribal governments, as well as eligible gun dealers, to conduct local gun buyback events. These buybacks must utilize specially designed "smart prepaid cards" that are technologically barred from purchasing firearms or ammunition. The bill also creates a new federal crime with significant penalties for anyone using or accepting these specific prepaid cards to illegally acquire or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

The Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025 establishes a competitive grant program to fund national organizations in developing comprehensive, out-of-school workforce readiness programs for youth aged 6 to 18. This Act aims to boost employment opportunities by connecting youth education and training with employer needs through community partnerships. Furthermore, it strengthens youth voices by mandating the reestablishment and integration of Youth Councils within local workforce boards to advise on training and readiness initiatives.

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 resolution officially congratulates The Ohio State University football team for winning the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. It recognizes the team's victory over Notre Dame, highlights key player and coaching achievements, and acknowledges the support of the entire university community. Official copies of this commendation will be presented to the university president, athletic director, and head coach.

The Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 establishes an Advisory Council, led by HHS, to assess the needs of gun violence victims and service providers. This Council will survey stakeholders, review existing support programs, and identify best practices for medical, financial, and mental health assistance. Its primary function is to compile and widely distribute a comprehensive list of available federal, state, and nonprofit resources to ensure victims can easily access necessary aid.

The Child Care Nutrition Enhancement Act of 2025 increases federal support for child care nutrition programs. This bill mandates an additional 10 cents in reimbursement for every meal or snack served through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). It also streamlines the calculation methods for payments made to family and group day care homes participating in the program.

The Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act significantly increases the maximum loan amounts available to eligible small businesses under specific Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, raising the limit from $\$5.5$ million to $\$10$ million. This legislation also mandates that the SBA report annually to Congress detailing the industries and geographic areas benefiting from these enhanced loan categories. The goal is to provide greater financial resources for small businesses through SBA lending.

The Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025 establishes a new National Center on Antiracism and Health within the CDC to declare racism a public health crisis and develop policies to dismantle structural inequities. It also creates a dedicated program within the CDC to research the health consequences of police violence and develop public health strategies to prevent related injuries and deaths. Both initiatives mandate extensive data collection, research funding, and public education to promote racial equity in health outcomes.