Legislative Activity

This resolution recognizes the importance of the Rangel, Pickering, Clarke, and Payne fellowship programs in promoting diversity within U.S. foreign affairs agencies like the State Department and USAID. It emphasizes that these programs strengthen national security by ensuring a workforce that reflects the diversity of the American people. The resolution also acknowledges that terminating these programs would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and would weaken national security.

The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that federal anti-discrimination, labor, and equal access laws take precedence over religious freedom claims in specific circumstances. This legislation clarifies that RFRA protections cannot be used to override requirements in federal contracts or agreements involving government funding. Furthermore, the Act explicitly limits the application of RFRA to challenges against government actions, precluding its use in private litigation between non-governmental parties.

This Act establishes a new Office within the State Department, led by a Special Envoy, dedicated to monitoring and combating international Islamophobia. It mandates that the State Department specifically track and report on acts of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim incitement in its annual human rights and religious freedom reports. The goal is to systematically address and document prejudice and violence targeting Muslims abroad.

This resolution celebrates Black History Month by honoring the profound contributions and resilience of African Americans throughout United States history. It acknowledges both the struggles of the past and the significant achievements of individuals who have shaped the nation’s progress. By recognizing this history, the resolution encourages all Americans to reflect on our shared past and continue working toward a future of unity and justice.

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle in federally funded programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. This bill aims to protect individuals from race-based hair discrimination by explicitly including hair texture and hairstyles commonly associated with a particular race or national origin in the definition of discrimination. It enforces these protections under existing civil rights laws, ensuring that people are not denied opportunities due to their natural or protective hairstyles. The act clarifies that it does not change the existing definitions of race or national origin in existing civil rights laws.

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 "Temporary Extension of Fentanyl-Related Substances Scheduling Act" extends the temporary scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances, which was set to expire on March 31, 2025, to September 30, 2025. This extension allows law enforcement to continue to treat fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs, helping to combat the opioid crisis.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.