Legislative Activity

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act prevents the U.S. government from denying foreign aid to nongovernmental organizations based on the legal health services they provide using their own private funds. It ensures that these organizations are not penalized for offering counseling or referrals that comply with local laws. Additionally, the bill prohibits the imposition of restrictive advocacy and lobbying requirements on these groups that exceed those applied to U.S.-based organizations.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' disapproval of the President's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, recognizing climate change as a threat and highlighting the increasing costs of extreme weather events. It commends entities supporting the Agreement, urges the President to reconsider, and encourages Congress to prioritize U.S. leadership on climate change.

The Ensuring Veterans’ Final Resting Place Act of 2025 expands eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) headstones and markers by removing a key date restriction for certain individuals. It also updates benefits for families choosing an urn or plaque instead of a traditional marker, effective for veterans who died on or after January 5, 2021. Finally, the bill extends the expiration date for certain existing limits on VA pension payments.

The Increased TSP Access Act of 2025 aims to expand and accelerate the delivery of conservation technical assistance to farmers and ranchers by diversifying the certification process for third-party providers. The bill authorizes non-federal entities and state agencies to certify providers, streamlines credentialing for qualified professionals, and mandates fair payment rates. These reforms are designed to increase capacity, improve transparency, and ensure more efficient implementation of conservation practices nationwide.

The FAIR Act (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act) proposes a 2026 pay adjustment for federal civilian employees. This legislation mandates a 3.3 percent increase in basic pay for both statutory and prevailing rate employees, alongside a 1 percent increase in locality pay.

The Equal COLA Act amends the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to ensure that retirees receive the full annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This legislation eliminates current discrepancies in calculation methods, providing federal annuitants with a COLA that matches the full percentage change in the price index.

The Saving the Civil Service Act protects the merit-based federal workforce by restricting the ability of agencies to reclassify competitive service positions into the excepted service. The bill establishes strict oversight, limits the number of positions that can be transferred, and mandates employee consent for such reclassifications. These measures ensure that federal staffing remains professional and protected from arbitrary political interference.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the railroad track maintenance credit by increasing the per-mile tax credit to $6,100 and implementing annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026. It also extends the eligibility window for qualifying maintenance expenditures to include costs incurred through 2023. These updates aim to provide greater financial support for ongoing railroad infrastructure improvements.

The Food Deserts Act establishes a federal grant program to help states create revolving loan funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. These funds provide affordable financing to support the opening and operation of stores that prioritize healthy, affordable food. By incentivizing local hiring and community-focused business practices, the Act aims to increase access to nutritious food in areas that need it most.

The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to restrict the President's authority to impose import duties or quotas. This bill clarifies that emergency economic powers do not include the ability to levy trade restrictions on goods entering the United States.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

The Department of Education Protection Act prohibits the Department of Education from using federal funds to reorganize, decentralize, or reduce its staffing and operations. This legislation mandates that the Department must maintain the structure, authority, and functions that were in place as of January 1, 2025.

The PRECEPT Nurses Act establishes a $2,000 annual tax credit for eligible healthcare professionals who provide at least 200 hours of clinical supervision to nursing students or newly hired nurses in designated health professional shortage areas. This initiative, effective from 2026 through 2032, aims to address nursing shortages by incentivizing hands-on training and mentorship. The bill also mandates periodic reporting to Congress to evaluate the program's effectiveness in expanding the nursing workforce.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to health insurance by removing the 400% federal poverty level income cap for premium tax credits. It also introduces a new sliding-scale contribution formula to ensure that insurance costs remain affordable for households across all income levels. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of menopause-related care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Following this assessment, the VA is required to develop a strategic plan to implement improvements and address gaps in care. This legislation aims to ensure veterans receive high-quality, informed support throughout all stages of menopause.

The Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 mandates that the VA provide comprehensive infertility treatments and fertility preservation services to enrolled veterans and their chosen partners. This legislation expands access to assisted reproductive technology, including IVF and gamete storage, regardless of marital status. It also provides coverage for partner travel expenses and establishes clear guidelines for consent and implementation.

The Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act ensures veterans do not pay more for contraception than the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for the medication. Additionally, it eliminates copayments for contraceptive items if health insurance coverage is required without cost-sharing under the Public Health Service Act.

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.