Legislative Activity

The "Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act" enables state Medicaid programs to provide comprehensive care through health homes for individuals with sickle cell disease starting January 1, 2026. It requires states with sickle cell disease-focused plans to provide dental and vision services and to report on healthcare quality, access, and expenditures. The Act also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish best practices for these state plans.

The United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with Union forces during the Civil War in recognition of their service and bravery. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the gold medal, which will then be given to the Smithsonian Institution for display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs, with proceeds going back to the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

This resolution formally declares racism a public health crisis in the United States, acknowledging it as a systemic driver of profound health inequities and disparities. It commits to a nationwide strategy to dismantle discriminatory policies, address the social determinants of health, and ensure equitable outcomes for all racial and ethnic minority groups.

The Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act establishes a federal grant program to support school-based mentoring for at-risk middle school students. By pairing students with trained success coaches, the program aims to improve academic outcomes and facilitate a smooth transition into high school through individualized goal setting and career preparation. Priority is given to high-need communities, ensuring that students in high-poverty, rural, or high-crime areas receive essential guidance and support.

The Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025 empowers the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct microbial sampling at concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) during foodborne illness investigations. This legislation ensures federal authorities can access necessary environmental and biological samples to identify the root causes of outbreaks. By mandating data sharing between agencies, the bill aims to improve public health response while maintaining established regulatory boundaries for USDA-inspected products.

The Students Helping Young Students Act of 2025 expands the Federal Work-Study program to allow students to earn compensation by working in after-school and summer educational activities at public elementary and secondary schools. This legislation prioritizes placements in low-income communities and ensures participating students receive the training necessary to support youth development. By integrating these roles into the work-study framework, the bill aims to strengthen community-based educational support while providing valuable experience for college students.

This resolution supports the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to honor the heritage, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States. It acknowledges their diverse backgrounds, contributions to various sectors, and the discrimination many have faced. The resolution encourages public celebration of Muslim-American achievements and contributions to the country.

This resolution designates January 23, 2025, as "Maternal Health Awareness Day" to raise awareness about maternal mortality, illness, and disparities in the United States. It supports initiatives to eliminate disparities in maternal health and ensure equitable maternity care for all women. The resolution also honors those who have died from pregnancy-related causes and promotes investments in improving maternal health outcomes.

The Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act establishes a 13-member commission tasked with investigating the legacy of slavery and systemic discrimination in the United States. The commission is charged with documenting these historical injustices and their ongoing impact on living African Americans to develop formal proposals for reparatory justice. Ultimately, the body will submit its findings and recommendations for remedies, including potential compensation and educational initiatives, to Congress.