Legislative Activity

This resolution condemns President Trump's attacks on the freedom of the press, asserting they undermine democracy and endanger journalists. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting press freedom, urging respect for journalists' rights and the cessation of censorship. The resolution also supports efforts to free imprisoned journalists and protect those facing threats.

The "Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act" aims to enhance financial literacy among servicemembers and their families regarding the protections offered by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). It mandates that servicemembers receive comprehensive training on consumer financial protections, especially concerning interest rate limits. The bill also requires that servicemembers are notified of their SCRA benefits upon entering military service or being called to active duty and requires financial institutions to apply the maximum interest rate reduction to all debts incurred before military service and provide multiple avenues for submitting necessary documentation.

The "Improving Diaper Affordability Act of 2025" aims to make diapers more affordable for families by classifying them as qualified medical expenses for tax-advantaged health accounts, such as HSAs and FSAs. Additionally, the bill prohibits state and local governments from imposing sales taxes on diapers. This will reduce the financial burden on families, especially low-income households, and improve the health and well-being of babies and their parents.

The Arctic Refuge Protection Act seeks to reinstate protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by repealing the 2017 law that opened the area to oil and gas development. It further designates approximately 1.5 million acres of the Refuge as wilderness, ensuring its preservation under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This area will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the Wilderness Act.

The "National POW/MIA Memorial and Museum Act" designates the POW-MIA Memorial and Museum in Jacksonville, Florida, as the National POW-MIA Memorial and Museum. It recognizes the museum's role in honoring and educating the public about prisoners of war and those missing in action since World War II. The Act requires the Museum's Director to submit a report to Congress, including a five-year budget, organizational structure, and governing documents. The designation may be withdrawn if the Museum does not operate satisfactorily or if the report is submitted late.

The Equality Act amends existing civil rights laws to explicitly include protections against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas such as public accommodations, employment, housing, credit, and jury selection. It clarifies and expands the definition of sex to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. The act ensures equal access to shared facilities and prohibits the use of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to justify discrimination. Ultimately, the Equality Act seeks to provide consistent and comprehensive protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals and women across various sectors.

The Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 prohibits unfair and deceptive advertising of hotel rooms and short-term rentals by requiring clear and upfront disclosure of the total price, including all mandatory fees, before purchase. It empowers the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce the law, while providing an affirmative defense for intermediaries who rely on inaccurate information from hotels and promptly correct errors. The act ensures consumers see the full price of accommodations, promoting transparency and preventing hidden fees.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

The Victims of Agent Orange Act of 2025 aims to address the ongoing health and environmental damage caused by the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. It directs the United States Agency for International Development to provide assistance for healthcare, caregiver support, housing, poverty reduction, and environmental remediation in Vietnam for those affected by Agent Orange. The Act also requires the Department of Health and Human Services to assess the health of Vietnamese Americans and establish centers to provide care and treatment for conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. Finally, the Act requires both agencies to submit quarterly reports to Congress on the implementation of the Act.

The Agent Orange Relief Act of 2025 aims to address the ongoing health consequences of Agent Orange exposure during the Vietnam War by expanding benefits to children of male veterans with certain birth defects, supporting public research into the health issues of those affected, and providing health assessment and assistance to Vietnamese Americans. This act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to create a plan to implement the provisions of this Act within 180 days of enactment, and implementation must be completed within 18 months of the Act's enactment. Additionally, the Act mandates quarterly reports to Congress on the progress of its implementation. The Act defines "Agent Orange" as any chemical compound that was part of an herbicide used in support of U.S. and allied military operations in Vietnam.

The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2025 increases the amount of expenses that qualify for the child and dependent care tax credit, and adjusts the income levels at which the credit phases out. It also makes the credit refundable and indexes certain amounts to inflation. These changes are intended to make the credit more accessible and beneficial for working families.

This bill expresses support for designating April as National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). It recognizes the significant contributions of Arab Americans to the culture, economy, and identity of the United States. The bill encourages public celebration of Arab American heritage through appropriate programs and activities.

This resolution expresses support for honoring Earth Day and its role in promoting environmental awareness and action. It recognizes the historical impact of Earth Day on environmental protection and highlights ongoing challenges like climate change. The resolution urges continued action, referencing recent legislation and emphasizing the need to address environmental injustices and promote environmental literacy. It also encourages the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Day and urges Americans to observe it through various environmental activities.

Recognizes the crucial role of linemen in maintaining the nation's energy infrastructure and public safety. It also supports designating April 18, 2025, as National Lineman Appreciation Day to honor their contributions and dangerous work.

The SERVICE Act requires federal agencies to submit a report to the Comptroller General and Congress before reducing their workforce by more than 5% in a fiscal year. This report must detail the anticipated financial and mission-related impacts of the workforce reduction. The Comptroller General then assesses the agency's report and publishes their findings on the Government Accountability Office's website.

The "Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act" aims to improve mental health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority groups by increasing funding for research, training, and outreach programs. It directs the National Institutes of Health to study mental health disparities, promotes culturally competent healthcare practices, and requires the development of a national outreach strategy to raise awareness and improve access to mental health services within these communities. The Act authorizes increased funding for various programs and research initiatives to address mental health disparities.

The Vote at Home Act of 2025 aims to expand access to voting in federal elections by promoting vote-by-mail and automatic voter registration through state motor vehicle authorities. It prohibits states from imposing unnecessary conditions on vote-by-mail eligibility, requires states to mail ballots to registered voters before federal elections, and ensures accessible ballots for individuals with disabilities. The act also streamlines voter registration processes when applying for or updating a driver's license, while implementing safeguards to protect voter information and election integrity. Finally, the bill ensures that blank and completed ballots for federal elections will be carried expeditiously and free of postage.

The Climate Change Financial Risk Act of 2025 mandates the Federal Reserve to develop climate change risk scenarios and assess the financial stability of large financial institutions under these scenarios. It establishes a technical group of climate scientists and economists to advise on these scenarios and requires these institutions to develop climate risk resolution plans. The Act also directs the Federal Reserve to survey smaller financial institutions to evaluate their preparedness for climate-related financial risks and report the findings publicly. Ultimately, this bill aims to ensure the financial system can withstand potential economic shocks caused by climate change.

The "Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2025" aims to address racism as a public health crisis by establishing a National Center on Antiracism and Health within the CDC to conduct research, develop interventions, and promote antiracism practices. The Act also establishes a law enforcement violence prevention program within the CDC to research the public health impacts of police violence, develop prevention strategies, and ensure comprehensive data collection and reporting on police misconduct. This bill seeks to promote racial equity in public health outcomes through research, data collection, and the implementation of evidence-based strategies.

The "Small Business Energy Loan Enhancement Act" increases the maximum loan amounts for certain energy-related projects from $5.5 million to $10 million. It requires the Small Business Administration to submit an annual report to Congress detailing the industries and geographic areas receiving these loans. This act aims to provide greater financial support for small businesses investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.