Legislative Activity

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 American Family Act establishes a refundable child tax credit with monthly advance payments, providing up to $300 per month per child, and creates a $500 tax credit for other dependents. The amount of the credit is reduced based on the taxpayer's income, with initial reductions starting at $150,000 for joint returns. The IRS will make monthly advance payments and establish an online portal for taxpayers to manage their payments and provide necessary information. This act terminates the existing annual child tax credit after 2024 and aims to provide regular financial support to families.

This resolution supports the Rise Up for LGBTQI+ Youth in Schools Initiative, advocating for safe and inclusive K-12 learning environments free from discrimination and erasure for all students, especially LGBTQI+ youth. It recognizes the challenges LGBTQI+ students face, including bullying, discrimination, and legislative attacks, and emphasizes the importance of affirming policies and practices to improve their well-being and educational outcomes. The resolution encourages states and localities to support the initiative and enact protective laws and policies.

The "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act" aims to increase investment in Title X family planning clinics by establishing a dedicated fund within the Department of Health and Human Services. It allocates significant annual funding from 2026-2035 for grants, contracts, and infrastructure improvements for these clinics. The bill ensures that subawards are based on service capabilities and mandates nondirective pregnancy counseling, requiring clinics to offer comprehensive information on all options, including prenatal care, adoption, and abortion.

The "Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act" aims to improve the hygienic handling of breast milk, baby formula, and related items during airport security screening. It mandates the TSA to update its guidance in consultation with maternal health organizations to minimize contamination risks and ensure hygienic standards are met during additional screenings. The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General will audit compliance and report on screening technologies' impact on these items.

The ELON MUSK Act prohibits special Government employees from holding or benefiting from federal contracts or agreements. Any existing federal contracts held by these employees must be terminated upon the law's enactment. This aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure ethical conduct within the government.

This bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President in Executive Order 14257 on April 2, 2025. The termination is enacted as per section 202 of the National Emergencies Act.

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The "Family Notification of Death, Injury, or Illness in Custody Act of 2025" aims to establish federal policies requiring detention agencies to promptly notify emergency contacts in the event of a detainee's death, serious illness, or injury. It mandates the Attorney General to develop and implement these policies for Department of Justice detention agencies, as well as provide model policies and support for state, tribal, and local agencies. The bill outlines specific procedures for collecting emergency contact information, notification timelines, communication protocols, and standards for handling belongings and remains. An ombudsman will be appointed to investigate complaints of notification failures.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if state laws substantially provide these rights; if not, the Authority will administer collective bargaining procedures in those states. The act outlines specific rights and procedures, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while also addressing enforcement and exceptions. This law aims to ensure that public service workers have the ability to negotiate for fair wages, hours, and working conditions.

This bill expresses support for designating April 7, 2025, as "World Health Day" and recognizes the importance of prioritizing public health. It acknowledges critical healthcare issues such as cost, access, and disparities, particularly affecting marginalized communities. The bill emphasizes the need for accessible, high-quality healthcare for all ages and the importance of interagency coordination to ensure well-being. It supports the WHO's focus on maternal and newborn health under the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures."

The End Kidney Deaths Act introduces a $10,000 per year tax credit for five years, up to $50,000, for individuals who make a qualified non-directed living kidney donation, where the donor does not know the recipient. This credit aims to incentivize kidney donations and will not be considered valuable consideration in violation of organ purchase prohibitions. The Act applies to donations made after December 31, 2026, and before January 1, 2037.

The "Expanding Access to School Meals Act of 2025" aims to eliminate reduced-price school breakfasts and lunches, and expand eligibility for free meals. The bill raises the income threshold for free school lunches to 224% of the poverty level and facilitates direct certification for children receiving Medicaid benefits. It also allows schools to retroactively claim reimbursement for eligible students and increases the Community Eligibility Program multiplier to expand access to free meals in high-poverty areas.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow HBCU grants to be used for strengthening arts and cultural programs, including financial aid, outreach, support services, art collection preservation, and paid apprenticeships. It allows HBCUs to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to carry out these activities. The bill aims to address underfunding in HBCU arts programs and promote diversity in the arts.

The "REAL AMERICA Act" aims to reward American workers and increase contributions from wealthy individuals by allowing deductions for cash tips and overtime compensation for those earning under $450,000, while also repealing the inclusion of Social Security benefits in gross income. It also modifies tax rules related to partnership interests, treating certain investment partnership income as ordinary income and subjecting it to self-employment tax, while repealing section 1061. These changes are intended to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, with some provisions applying from the date of enactment.

This bill expresses support for "Financial Literacy Month" and recognizes the critical importance of financial literacy and education for all Americans. It highlights the concerning statistics around financial insecurity and lack of financial knowledge in the US. The bill encourages participation in Financial Literacy Month to promote financial education through various programs and activities.

This bill designates the House Press Gallery in the United States Capitol as the "Frederick Douglass Press Gallery" to honor his legacy as a journalist and advocate for equality. It recognizes Douglass's significant contributions to journalism, his fight against slavery, and his advocacy for equal rights, while also acknowledging his historical connection to the congressional press galleries. This designation serves as a tribute to his enduring impact on American history and journalism.

The IDEA Full Funding Act aims to increase federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It authorizes and appropriates specific funding levels for IDEA, excluding section 619, with increasing amounts each year. The funding is determined by both a set dollar amount and a percentage based on the number of children with disabilities and average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater. The bill also mandates that the increased funding adhere to "cut-as-you-go" rules, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using federal funds to remove employees if the removals affect at least 3% of the total HHS workforce or 3% of a sub-agency/division's workforce within a 60-day period.