Legislative Activity

The Building Civic Bridges Act establishes a new Office of Civic Bridgebuilding within the National and Community Service Corporation to promote activities that unite divided communities. This Office will manage a competitive, research-backed grant program to fund local projects focused on reducing conflict and improving social cohesion. The Act mandates that the program be implemented using only donated funds, with no new federal appropriations authorized.

The Head Start for Our Future Act updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 by replacing the term "literacy training" with "child development and early learning" when describing eligible community services. This change explicitly ensures that Head Start and Early Head Start programs are recognized under this section of the law. The bill aims to better reflect the comprehensive nature of early childhood education services.

The Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act allows for cost-of-living adjustments to payments for hospital outpatient services provided in Alaska and Hawaii, starting in 2026. This change specifically targets the non-labor related portion of service costs, recognizing the higher operating expenses in these states. Crucially, these adjustments do not need to be budget neutral.

The Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to increase the number of mental health professionals in high-need school districts. This funding is specifically designed to help eligible agencies recruit, hire, and retain school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Grantees must demonstrate a plan to improve student-to-provider ratios and report annually on staffing improvements and provider retention.

The Save our Lone Emergency Services (SOLES) Act ensures that sole community hospitals in Alaska and Hawaii receive adequate Medicare reimbursement for outpatient services. If standard payments fall below 94% of the hospital's actual costs, Medicare must increase the payment to cover the difference. This targeted financial support is exempt from budget neutrality requirements to stabilize essential remote healthcare access.

The Appropriations Compliance and Training Act mandates annual training on federal appropriations law for certain high-level government employees in covered positions. This ensures employees handling federal funds understand key spending rules, such as the bona fide needs rule and relevant statutes. Agencies must track completion, and non-compliant employees face escalating penalties, including loss of spending authority and IT access.

The PFAS National Drinking Water Standard Act of 2025 immediately establishes the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule on PFAS as official federal law. This action codifies the specific National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS as it existed on June 25, 2024. Essentially, the bill bypasses standard procedures to enact the EPA's established PFAS drinking water standards into law right away.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 significantly expands and permanently secures access to Medicare telehealth services by eliminating outdated geographic restrictions and allowing more practitioners to offer remote care. The bill also strengthens program integrity by dedicating funds for telehealth oversight while clarifying rules around providing necessary technology to patients. Finally, it mandates the creation of tailored educational resources and public reporting to improve quality measurement and transparency in remote care delivery.

The Safe Storage Saves Lives Act expands federal requirements to ensure a compatible gun lock is provided with the sale of **every** firearm, not just handguns. It clarifies the definition of secure storage devices and mandates that sellers must have a compatible safety device available for every firearm offered for sale. Finally, the bill suggests that fines collected from violations should fund programs to distribute free or low-cost gun safety devices or public awareness campaigns.

This resolution expresses the House's support for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ individuals across the United States. It recognizes key Supreme Court decisions that advanced equality and highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive legal protections against discrimination. Finally, the bill proposes designating June 26th as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate these legal victories.

The Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act makes it illegal for individuals released on bail or under specific court orders to purchase or possess a firearm if that order explicitly prohibits it. This legislation updates federal gun laws, including the Gun Control Act and the Brady Act, to incorporate these pretrial release restrictions into existing prohibitions for firearm dealers and background checks. Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program to incentivize states and Tribal nations to report these specific court orders restricting firearm possession to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act of 2025 aims to improve services and support for older adults who identify as LGBTQI. This bill establishes a new Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging and mandates the creation of a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging. Furthermore, it updates definitions, ensures eligibility for federal grants, and requires specific data collection on discrimination faced by this population in aging services.

The PRIDE Act of 2025 aims to update the Internal Revenue Code to ensure equal treatment and inclusive language for all married couples. It extends the deadline for certain legally married couples to file amended joint tax returns following past recognition changes. Furthermore, the bill systematically replaces gendered terms like "husband," "wife," and "his" with gender-neutral language such as "spouse" and "individual" across numerous tax provisions. These changes ensure consistent, equitable application of tax law regardless of gender identity.

This resolution formally recognizes the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States. It serves as a declaration by Congress affirming that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and encouraging the celebration of Pride Month. The bill highlights key historical milestones, legal victories, and acknowledges the persistent challenges and violence faced by the community. Ultimately, it commits the U.S. to continuing the pursuit of full equality for all citizens.

The Empower Charter School Educators to Lead Act updates federal grants supporting high-quality charter schools by enhancing technical assistance for authorizing agencies. It establishes new educator-led experience requirements for entities receiving pre-charter planning subgrants. The bill also modifies the required allocation percentages for how state entities distribute these grant funds.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

This resolution formally supports designating July 21, 2025, as "Guam Liberation Day" to honor the island's history. It recognizes the suffering of the CHamoru people under Japanese occupation and commemorates the sacrifices of U.S. servicemembers during the 1944 liberation campaign. The bill encourages the President to issue a proclamation observing this important anniversary across the nation.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

This resolution directs the President, under the War Powers Resolution, to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving Iran. The order mandates withdrawal unless forces are necessary for imminent self-defense of the U.S. or its allies. Any continued defensive action must comply with existing War Powers reporting requirements.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends existing federal law to significantly enhance collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring. This bill mandates increased input from diverse stakeholders, including industry, coastal networks, and Indigenous groups, in guiding federal research priorities. Furthermore, it restructures the Advisory Board to ensure stronger representation from Tribal entities and requires the development of specific coordination policies with affected Tribes. The legislation also directs NOAA to prioritize collaboration with State, local, and Tribal governments when conducting vulnerability assessments.