Legislative Activity

This resolution formally condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them access to necessary medical care. The document further affirms that taking hostages is a clear violation of international law.

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 addresses the growing public health crisis of obesity, particularly among Medicare beneficiaries. This bill expands Medicare coverage for intensive behavioral therapy by allowing more types of qualified healthcare providers to furnish the treatment. Furthermore, it amends Medicare Part D to allow coverage for prescription medications used to treat obesity or weight management in individuals with related health conditions. Finally, the Act requires the Secretary of HHS to report regularly to Congress on the implementation and coordination of federal obesity-related efforts.

This bill, the Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act, prohibits employers from terminating or altering group health plan coverage for employees during a lawful strike or a lockout intended to gain leverage in collective bargaining. The Act establishes significant civil penalties, up to $\$150,000$ per violation, for employers who illegally cut off this coverage. Furthermore, it allows for individual directors and officers to be held personally liable for these violations.

The POST GRAD Act aims to reinstate the government's authority to issue Federal Direct Stafford Loans specifically to graduate and professional students. This extension of loan-making authority is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2023. Furthermore, the Act exempts these changes from certain standard rulemaking and review requirements under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act repeals key liability protections for gun manufacturers found in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation also mandates that records from the federal Firearms Trace System database must be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil proceedings. The bill aims to allow victims of gun violence greater access to information for civil lawsuits.

The No Place for LGBTQ Hate Act immediately repeals specific Executive Orders that targeted LGBTQI individuals, preventing any federal funds from being used to enforce them. This legislation specifically cancels orders known for mandating discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The bill also includes a provision to ensure it does not infringe upon the President's existing constitutional authority.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and the entire month of June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." The designation aims to honor victims of gun violence and raise public awareness about the ongoing crisis. The measure encourages Americans to wear orange on that day and promote gun safety practices throughout the month.

The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act mandates that colleges and universities prominently display critical mental health and suicide prevention resources on student ID cards or main websites. This includes contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and the campus mental health center. Schools will have one year after the Act's enactment to comply with these new requirements.

The Vote at Home Act of 2025 aims to modernize federal elections by establishing nationwide standards for voting by mail. It mandates that states mail ballots to all registered voters at least two weeks before federal elections and requires free postage for return ballots. Additionally, the bill overhauls voter registration by streamlining processes at the DMV and implementing automatic registration for eligible citizens who provide proof of citizenship when obtaining a driver's license.

The Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the ability of victims and heirs to sue for the recovery of art and property stolen by the Nazis. This update explicitly blocks time-based and non-merits defenses, such as laches or the act of state doctrine, ensuring claims are decided on their facts. The law also expands the scope of recoverable property and clarifies that these provisions apply immediately to pending and future cases.

The CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Bond Guarantee Program. This legislation adjusts the calculation and sets new annual limits for government guarantees on bonds issued for community and economic development. Furthermore, it extends the program's authorization period and mandates the Treasury Secretary to report twice on the program's effectiveness to Congress.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

This Act establishes the **Historic Greenwood District-Black Wall Street National Monument** within the National Park System to preserve and interpret the history of the district and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The Secretary of the Interior is tasked with acquiring necessary land and developing a management plan for the Monument. An 11-member Advisory Commission, heavily weighted toward descendants of 1921 residents, will be created to advise the Secretary on the Monument's development and management for a period of ten years.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves critical federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation specifically reauthorizes key demonstration projects through 2030 and broadens the scope of services these grants can cover. Updates now explicitly allow funding for substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery support and reentry housing services. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal investment in evidence-based reentry initiatives through the end of the decade.

The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated, comprehensive research program within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) focused on Down syndrome. This new initiative, the INCLUDE Project, will fund studies across basic science, clinical trials, and biomarker identification to better understand and treat co-occurring medical conditions. The ultimate goal is to improve the health, quality of life, and daily functioning for individuals with Down syndrome.

This Act mandates the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history across federally supported K-12 American history and civics education programs. It recognizes the significant, yet often erased, contributions and historical injustices faced by AAPI communities, including discriminatory immigration laws and internment. The legislation specifically updates federal education authorizations to ensure AAPI history is explicitly taught and partners the Presidential and Congressional Academies with the Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center.

This resolution affirms that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental American values necessary to address persistent discrimination. It highlights widespread disparities across housing, employment, education, and healthcare affecting marginalized groups. The bill encourages all sectors of society to adopt policies that promote DEIA to ensure equal opportunity and strengthen the nation.

The Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2025 aims to increase transparency and accountability within agricultural checkoff programs. This bill establishes strict new rules prohibiting checkoff boards from using funds for lobbying or engaging in anticompetitive behavior. It mandates public disclosure of all spending records and requires regular audits by the Department of Agriculture's Inspector General to ensure compliance.

The College for All Act of 2025 establishes a federal-state partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees at public colleges for eligible students, while also creating grants to cover costs at private HBCUs and MSIs. The bill significantly increases funding for Federal Pell Grants, expands eligibility to include "Dreamer students," and introduces new grants to improve student success at underfunded institutions. Overall, this comprehensive legislation aims to make public higher education tuition-free and increase support for students at minority-serving institutions.