Legislative Activity

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if state laws substantially provide these rights; if not, the Authority will administer collective bargaining procedures in those states. The act outlines specific rights and procedures, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while also addressing enforcement and exceptions. This law aims to ensure that public service workers have the ability to negotiate for fair wages, hours, and working conditions.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Protecting Data at the Border Act" aims to protect the digital privacy of individuals entering or leaving the U.S. by requiring a warrant based on probable cause to access their electronic devices and online accounts at the border. It sets limits on how long travelers can be detained while determining consent, restricts the use of illegally obtained data as evidence, and mandates annual reporting to Congress on digital searches conducted at the border. This bill also restricts the seizure of electronic devices unless there is probable cause to believe the device contains information related to a felony.

The "Armenian Genocide Education Act" directs the Librarian of Congress to develop and implement a program to support Armenian Genocide education by creating resources, offering teacher training, and encouraging the inclusion of these resources in school curriculums. The Act authorizes the Librarian of Congress to collect and manage donations to support these activities and requires an annual report to Congress on the program's progress. It also authorizes $2,000,000 in appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and each of the following four fiscal years to implement the Act.

The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act updates the resource limits for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, increasing the individual limit to $10,000 and the couple's limit to $20,000 by 2025. After 2025, these limits will be adjusted annually for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to allow SSI recipients to save more without losing their eligibility for benefits.

The "Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act" establishes the Foundation for Standards and Metrology, a nonprofit organization, to support the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in advancing measurement science, technical standards, and technology. The Foundation will foster collaboration among researchers, universities, industries, and nonprofits to boost U.S. economic security. It is governed by a Board of Directors and will support NIST through various activities, including research, commercialization, and education, and is authorized to receive and use funds to support its activities. The Foundation will develop strategic plans, publish annual reports, and adhere to strict standards of conduct and financial transparency.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

This bill seeks to block the sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel. Specifically, it disapproves of the transfer of over 35,000 MK 84 or BLU117 General Purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I2000 Penetrator warheads.

The "Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act" repeals Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, eliminating the President's authority to unilaterally impose tariffs based on unfair trade practices. This change aims to restore Congressional oversight on trade policy.

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025 aims to restore United States funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to address humanitarian needs in Gaza and support Palestinian refugees. It repeals previous legislation that prohibited funding to UNRWA and directs the Secretary of State to resume contributions, contingent upon UNRWA's progress in implementing recommendations for accountability and transparency. The Act also requires regular reports to Congress on UNRWA's progress and encourages cooperation between the U.S. and Israel to aid UNRWA in implementing reforms.

This bill designates specific federal lands within Utah's red rock canyons, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin Deserts as wilderness areas, incorporating them into the National Wilderness Preservation System. It outlines detailed administrative and management protocols for these areas, including land management, water rights, and the continuation of livestock grazing. The bill seeks to balance conservation with existing rights, protecting tribal interests, and ensuring state authority over fish and wildlife management. This act withdraws these lands from uses like mining and mineral leasing, subject to valid existing rights, aiming to preserve these natural landscapes for future generations.

The Reclaim Trade Powers Act repeals Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, thus eliminating the president's authority to address balance of payments issues through trade restrictions.

The "Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act" introduces the Affordable Housing Conversion Credit, a tax incentive for converting non-residential buildings into affordable housing units. This credit covers 20% to 35% of qualified conversion costs, depending on the location and project type, with a national cap of $12 billion allocated to states based on population and economic need. To qualify, conversions must meet specific criteria, including affordability requirements and building age, aimed at boosting affordable housing options and revitalizing communities. The credit is transferable and applies to buildings placed in service after the Act's enactment.

The COST of Relocations Act requires federal agencies to conduct a benefit-cost analysis and report to their Inspector General (OIG) before carrying out a "covered relocation" which involves moving or replacing a significant number of employees. The OIG then reviews the agency's report and submits its findings to Congress, assessing the justification for using federal funds and adherence to guidelines. This act aims to ensure transparency and careful evaluation of the financial and operational impacts of agency relocations.

The "No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act of 2025" eliminates the use of tax-exempt bonds to finance professional sports stadiums and arenas. This prohibition applies to bonds issued after the law is enacted, ensuring that public funds are not used to subsidize these private ventures.

The Raise the Age Act of 2025 prohibits licensed firearm dealers from selling certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to individuals under 21, with exceptions for active military members and law enforcement officers. It also requires purchasers of these firearms to certify they are at least 21 or a "qualified individual". Additionally, the Act mandates a report from the FBI Director on improving information-sharing protocols for the FBI's public access line.

The CREATE AI Act of 2025 aims to broaden access to artificial intelligence research and development resources, which are currently limited to large tech companies. It establishes a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) overseen by a steering committee and managed by a non-governmental entity. The NAIRR will provide computational resources, data, educational tools, and AI testbeds to researchers, educators, and students, prioritizing U.S.-based individuals. The Act also outlines processes for ensuring ethical and responsible AI development and allows for a fee schedule, including a free access tier, and authorizes the NAIRR to accept donations.

This resolution recognizes the significant gender pay gap, where women earn less than men for comparable work, and highlights the economic impact this disparity has on women, families, and the nation. It also acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women of color. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving equal pay and reducing the gender wage gap.

The Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act designates certain residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as Priority 2 refugees, waives the presumption that certain individuals seeking asylum are immigrants, and encourages allies to offer similar accommodations. It addresses persecution by the Chinese government, including forced detention, political indoctrination, and human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The act also requires regular reports on the processing of refugee applications and prioritizes diplomatic efforts to support these individuals in third countries. Finally, the Act ensures that applying for refugee or asylum status does not negatively impact nonimmigrant status applications and terminates 10 years after enactment.