Legislative Activity

This resolution recognizes the history, cultural identity, and significant contributions of the Chicano and Chicana community to the United States. It designates August as "Chicano/Chicana Heritage Month" to celebrate the community's profound impact on science, labor, education, and the arts. Furthermore, the bill highlights the ongoing struggle for civil rights and encourages nationwide observance to honor the Mexican-American experience.

The Stable Homes Act establishes a HUD-funded pilot program to help local governments create or expand pre-filing eviction diversion programs. These programs aim to resolve housing disputes through mediation, rental assistance, and legal support before formal eviction proceedings can begin. The initiative includes rigorous reporting requirements and oversight to ensure fairness, with the program set to run through 2030.

This resolution designates August 17 through August 23, 2026, as "Warehouse Worker Recognition Week" to honor the essential contributions of the logistics workforce to the U.S. economy. It highlights the critical role these employees play in the global supply chain while acknowledging the physical challenges and hazardous conditions they often face. The bill reaffirms a commitment to improving workplace safety and raising awareness for the millions of individuals who keep the nation's inventory moving.

The Protect American Values Act seeks to block the implementation and enforcement of the Department of Homeland Security’s "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility" rule. The bill asserts that this policy harms immigrant families and local economies by restricting access to essential food, housing, and medical care. Consequently, it prohibits the use of federal funds to carry out or administer the rule.

This resolution designates the first week of August as "National Community Health Center Week" to honor the vital role these centers play in providing comprehensive primary care to millions of Americans. It celebrates the 60-year legacy of community health centers in improving public health outcomes, supporting local economies, and expanding access to essential services. The bill encourages all Americans to visit their local centers and recognize the dedicated staff and partners who make this care possible.

The "No Surprise Bills for New Moms Act" ensures newborns receive automatic health coverage for the first 30 days of life under their parent's existing plan. It also mandates a 60-day special enrollment window, allowing parents to officially add their child to their insurance following the initial coverage period. This legislation aims to prevent unexpected medical costs for families by ensuring seamless insurance transitions for newborns.

The Businessowner Immigration Rights and Responsibilities Information Act of 2026 directs the Small Business Administration to develop and distribute comprehensive educational resources regarding immigration enforcement. These materials will provide small business owners and their employees with clear guidance on their legal rights, compliance responsibilities, and best practices for handling enforcement actions. Available in multiple languages, these resources aim to ensure businesses are well-informed and prepared while navigating complex immigration regulations.

The Right to IVF Act of 2026 establishes a nationwide statutory right to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) while prohibiting states from imposing restrictive barriers. The bill further expands family-building support by mandating comprehensive fertility coverage across private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and federal employee health plans. Additionally, it guarantees expanded access to fertility services and preservation for military service members and veterans.

The Sports Training, Recreation, and Opportunities for the Next Generation (STRONG Kids) Act establishes a federal grant program to expand access to youth sports and physical activity. By providing funding to national and regional organizations, the bill supports local initiatives that improve program quality, promote athlete safety, and reduce barriers to participation for underserved youth.

The "Combating Illicit Xylazine Act" aims to combat the illegal use of xylazine by adding it to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, which would allow for increased regulation and tracking of the substance. The bill includes exemptions and delayed effective dates for certain requirements to ease the transition for legitimate users, such as veterinarians and animal handlers. It also directs the Sentencing Commission to review sentencing guidelines for xylazine-related offenses and mandates reports to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use. Finally, it will include xylazine in Arcos tracking.

Tyler's Law mandates a comprehensive study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the frequency, cost, and impact of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments during overdose cases. Following the study, the Secretary must issue guidance on whether routine fentanyl testing should become standard practice for overdose patients. This guidance will also address staff training regarding existing drug test panels and the long-term health implications of such testing.

This resolution recognizes July 21, 2026, as Black Women’s Equal Pay Day to highlight the persistent and significant wage gap between Black women and white, non-Hispanic men. It calls attention to the systemic racial and gender-based barriers contributing to this disparity and reaffirms a commitment to achieving true pay equity.

The EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025 extends critical breast health education initiatives through 2031 and bolsters the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. By streamlining grant requirements and increasing funding through 2030, this legislation aims to reduce health disparities, improve access to life-saving screenings, and enhance patient support services. Additionally, it mandates a GAO study to identify and address barriers to equitable cancer care.

The AADAPT Act expands access to specialized dementia care by authorizing grants for public and nonprofit health centers to integrate these services into their programs. Additionally, the bill extends federal funding authorization through 2031 to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of these critical health outcomes.

The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding and support for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory through 2031. This legislation modernizes the management of cord blood supplies by prioritizing clinical utility, genetic diversity, and the use of the latest scientific standards. By streamlining inventory operations, the bill ensures that life-saving transplant resources remain accessible and effective for patients in need.

The FDA Modernization Act 3.0 directs the FDA to update federal regulations by replacing references to "animal testing" with the broader term "nonclinical tests." This update ensures regulatory consistency with modern testing standards and includes a technical correction to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

The Stop CHEATERS Act provides significant multi-year funding to the IRS to modernize its technology, improve taxpayer services, and strengthen tax enforcement. The bill specifically mandates that the agency prioritize auditing high-income individuals and large corporations to close the tax gap. Additionally, it requires regular reporting to Congress to ensure accountability and progress in these enforcement efforts.

Orlin’s Law establishes critical protections for immigrant parents in U.S. custody to prevent the unnecessary separation of families. The bill mandates that detained parents be prioritized for release, provided with the means to participate in family court proceedings, and granted access to resources for their children’s care. Additionally, it creates an Office of Detained Parent Coordination to oversee these protections and requires the government to provide alternatives to detention for parents.

This bill designates the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic." This renaming honors the legacy of Pat Tillman, a San Jose native and former NFL player who left his professional career to serve as an Army Ranger and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.