Legislative Activity

This bill establishes a national requirement for all U.S. Senate and House elections to use a ranked choice voting system, replacing traditional runoff elections. It mandates specific ballot designs, sets out a multi-round vote tabulation process, and prohibits separate runoff elections for federal offices. The legislation also provides federal funding to states to help implement these changes, which take effect for elections held on or after January 1, 2030.

This bill officially renames the United States Postal Service facility located at 300 Macedonia Lane in Knoxville, Tennessee. The facility will now be known as the Reverend Harold Middlebrook Post Office Building. This designation will be used in all future federal references to the building.

This bill, the Protecting Families from AI Data Center Energy Costs Act, directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to convene a technical conference on strategies to shield residential and small commercial utility customers from rising energy costs driven by large loads like AI data centers. Following the conference, FERC must submit a report to Congress detailing recommendations and best practices. The goal is to ensure utility costs remain manageable for everyday families and small businesses.

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act) mandates the Secretary of State to report on internet freedom in Iran. This report must assess the feasibility of using emerging technologies, like direct-to-cell wireless, to expand internet access. It will also analyze the impact of current drone and jamming technologies on these efforts.

This bill, the Save Oak Flat from Foreign Mining Act, withdraws approximately 2,422 acres of Forest Service land known as Oak Flat in Arizona from all forms of mineral entry and development. It specifically cancels the prior land exchange that would have transferred the land to Resolution Copper Mining, LLC. The Act prohibits the transfer of Oak Flat to the foreign-backed mining venture, citing national security and environmental concerns.

The Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act aims to increase housing accessibility through several tax incentives while simultaneously rescinding significant funding previously allocated for immigration enforcement. Key provisions establish new tax credits for first-time homebuyers, builders of starter homes, and the conversion of commercial buildings into affordable rentals. Additionally, the bill introduces a Renter Tax Credit for those spending over 30% of their income on rent, with an option for monthly advance payments.

This act establishes a permanent, fixed Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding allocation for Tennessee beginning in fiscal year 2026, based on its 2015 allotment. The funding amount will increase annually based on the consumer price index. Furthermore, the bill designates Tennessee as a "low DSH state" for all fiscal years after 2026.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act aims to overhaul immigration detention by establishing mandatory, high standards based on ABA guidelines and increasing transparency through rigorous, unannounced inspections. The bill prohibits the use of private, for-profit detention facilities within three years and ends the mandatory detention of most noncitizens, prioritizing release or community-based alternatives. Furthermore, it establishes new due process rights, including timely custody hearings, a presumption of release, and prohibitions on detaining children or using solitary confinement.

This resolution commemorates World AIDS Day and recognizes significant progress made in combating HIV/AIDS globally and domestically through programs like PEPFAR and the Ryan White Act. It highlights ongoing challenges, particularly disparities in impact, while encouraging continued robust funding for research, prevention, and treatment efforts worldwide. The resolution supports the goal of ending the HIV epidemic by 2030 through zero new transmissions and zero discrimination.

The Kidd's Stuttering Act aims to address childhood stuttering by expanding screening and coverage under Medicaid and CHIP. This legislation mandates the inclusion of stuttering screening in child health quality measures and requires its inclusion in Medicaid well-child visits starting in 2027. Furthermore, the Act ensures that treatment for stuttering is a mandatory Medicaid and CHIP benefit, requiring parity in treatment limitations compared to other speech disorders.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

The Count the Crimes to Cut Act mandates a comprehensive review and public indexing of all federal criminal offenses, both statutory and regulatory. It requires the Attorney General and various federal agencies to report on the elements, penalties, and enforcement history of these crimes. This legislation aims to increase transparency by creating publicly accessible indexes of all federal criminal offenses within two years of enactment.

This bill proposes amending the House Rules to increase the threshold required for disciplinary action against a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner. Specifically, it mandates that a supermajority of at least 60% of votes cast must support any resolution for censure, disapproval, or removal from committee membership. This change establishes a higher bar for imposing these specific forms of House discipline.

The Food Bank Emergency Support Act of 2025 establishes a \$462.5 million emergency fund to ensure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can continue providing full benefits during funding shortfalls or government shutdowns. These funds are specifically appropriated to prevent benefit reductions when other resources are insufficient. Furthermore, the Act ensures essential SNAP staff can continue working during a lapse in appropriations.

The John Lewis Every Child Deserves a Family Act prohibits discrimination based on religion, sex, or marital status in federally funded child welfare services. This aims to increase the number of stable, family-like placements for children, especially for LGBTQ youth who are overrepresented in foster care. The bill mandates federal guidance, training, and data collection to improve safety and well-being outcomes for all children involved in the system.

The Good Samaritan Menstrual Products Act provides liability protections for individuals, manufacturers, and nonprofit organizations that donate or distribute menstrual products in good faith to those in need. This protection covers the nature, age, or condition of apparently usable donated products. However, these protections do not apply in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

The Find It Early Act mandates that certain individuals at increased risk for breast cancer receive additional, recommended screenings with no out-of-pocket costs. This coverage requirement applies across private health plans, Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. These provisions are set to take effect starting January 1, 2026.

The EXPERTS Act of 2025 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the federal rulemaking process. It introduces new disclosure requirements for studies submitted during public comment periods and mandates greater public awareness of agency actions. Furthermore, the bill establishes the Office of the Public Advocate to improve public involvement and explicitly requires agencies to consider social equity in their cost-benefit analyses. Finally, it streamlines the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) review timeline and clarifies judicial review standards for agency interpretations.

The Housing Financial Literacy Act of 2025 incentivizes first-time homebuyers to complete financial literacy housing counseling programs. By completing the required counseling before applying for a loan or signing a sales agreement, eligible homebuyers will receive a 25 basis point discount on their mortgage insurance premium payments. This act aims to promote financial preparedness among new homeowners.

The Global Respect Act aims to promote and protect the human rights of LGBTQI individuals worldwide. It mandates the President to identify and report foreign persons responsible for human rights violations against LGBTQI people, leading to their inadmissibility to the United States. Furthermore, the Act requires enhanced tracking and reporting of violence and discrimination targeting individuals based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics in the annual human rights reports.