Legislative Activity

The PROTECT Military Families Act establishes a new parole program to allow certain close relatives of current and former U.S. service members to enter the United States. This parole is granted in one-year increments to spouses, widows/widowers, parents, or children of eligible military personnel. Denials of this parole are highly restricted and require joint written justification from the Secretaries of Homeland Security, Defense, and Veterans Affairs.

The "No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act" prohibits the use of any federal funds to compensate individuals prosecuted for involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This includes blocking payments from the Judgment Fund or any victim compensation fund. Furthermore, the bill prevents the U.S. Treasury from refunding court-ordered restitution, fines, or special assessments paid by those convicted for their actions during the attack.

This act prohibits the use of any federal funds to pay legal settlements to individuals convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. This ban specifically applies to settlements covering alleged harm suffered by the individual during the events or during their subsequent prosecution.

This resolution observes the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. It expresses gratitude for the bravery and essential work of the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and all Capitol personnel who defended the building and ensured the continuation of government functions. The resolution also reaffirms a commitment to protecting American democracy and the Constitution.

This joint resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of a recent rule issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) concerning adherence to the text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). By invoking the Congressional Review Act, this resolution immediately nullifies the proposed HHS policy. Consequently, the new rule regarding APA adherence will have no legal effect.

The Shadow Docket Sunlight Act of 2025 mandates that the Supreme Court provide written explanations and disclose the votes of participating justices for emergency orders concerning preliminary injunctive relief or stays thereof. These explanations must address key legal standards, such as the likelihood of success on the merits and irreparable harm. The bill also establishes a reporting requirement for the Federal Judicial Center to assess compliance with these new transparency measures.

The Schedules That Work Act aims to provide employees, particularly those in retail, food service, and warehouse sectors, with greater stability and predictability in their work hours. It grants employees the right to request schedule changes for caregiving, education, or other needs, and requires employers to discuss these requests in good faith. Furthermore, the Act mandates advance notice of schedules, predictability pay for last-minute changes, and a minimum rest period between shifts.

The Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act aims to expand protections for part-time and temporary workers. It eliminates the hours-of-service requirement for FMLA leave, making eligibility based only on 90 days of employment. Furthermore, the bill prohibits discrimination against these workers regarding pay, scheduling, and benefits compared to their full-time counterparts. It also mandates that employers must offer available hours to existing employees before hiring new staff.

This Act, titled the "States' Right to Regulate AI Act," prohibits the use of federal funds to implement or enforce a specific Executive Order concerning a national policy framework for Artificial Intelligence. Essentially, it prevents the federal government from using its money to enforce that particular AI regulation order.

The Student Loan Tax Elimination Act aims to reduce the cost of federal student loans by eliminating origination fees. This change will apply to new Federal Direct Loans and Direct Consolidation Loans disbursed or applied for after July 1 following the enactment of the law.

The Medicare Investment and Gun Violence Prevention Act restores the federal tax on firearm transfers and manufacturing to \$200 per firearm. Additionally, it allocates \$1.7 billion in new funding to the Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for fiscal year 2026.

This Act establishes the **Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act** to create direct employer liability for federal law enforcement agencies when their officers violate an individual's constitutional or legal rights. It allows civil actions against the United States for officer misconduct, regardless of whether an official policy caused the violation or if the officer has individual immunity. This measure waives sovereign immunity for claims against federal agencies under these circumstances.

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 aims to protect Medicare beneficiaries by prohibiting the implementation of the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) model. This legislation prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from introducing the WISeR model or any substantially similar payment and service delivery system under Medicare.

The Background Check Completion Act of 2025 mandates that a completed background check must occur before any firearm transfer can take place. This law removes the previous "default proceed" provision that allowed transfers after three business days if the check was incomplete. It also updates related federal laws to align with this new, stricter requirement.

The Moving Transit Forward Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to improve public transportation in urbanized areas. These grants can fund operating costs and planning to enhance service quality, frequency, and geographic availability. Additionally, funds are available for capital projects and operating expenses dedicated to increasing system safety and security. Funding is distributed to urban areas based on a ratio of their reported operating expenses.

The Keeping All Students Safe Act prohibits dangerous restraint and seclusion practices in federally funded schools and educational programs. It establishes strict national standards for when physical restraint is permitted, mandates comprehensive staff training, and empowers parents with immediate notification rights and the ability to sue for violations. Furthermore, the bill requires states to submit plans, publicly report data on restraint incidents, and utilize federal grants to implement preventative, evidence-based safety strategies.

The FAAN Act establishes a new grant program to support nursing schools in addressing critical workforce shortages and modernizing education. These funds aim to increase faculty and student capacity, enhance preparedness for public health emergencies, and improve educational infrastructure. Priority is given to schools serving medically underserved, rural, or minority-serving areas.

The International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025 establishes a permanent program within the Department of State, led by a dedicated Special Envoy, to protect and promote the human rights of LGBTQI people globally. This bill mandates the creation of a comprehensive U.S. Global Strategy to address international discrimination and violence against this community. Furthermore, it authorizes foreign assistance to support local organizations and requires detailed reporting on LGBTQI human rights abuses in annual State Department reports.

The Justice for Breonna Taylor Act prohibits federal law enforcement officers from executing "no-knock" warrants, which allow entry without announcing authority or purpose. Furthermore, it conditions Department of Justice funding for state and local agencies on their compliance with the same prohibition against executing such warrants.

This resolution honors the extraordinary life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall. It recognizes her groundbreaking scientific contributions to primatology and her tireless global advocacy for wildlife conservation and environmental education. The resolution pays tribute to her dedication to protecting chimpanzees and inspiring humanity to live in greater harmony with the natural world.