Legislative Activity

This joint resolution commemorates October 2025 as Head Start Awareness Month to recognize the program's enduring positive impact. It honors Head Start's 60-year legacy of preparing over 40 million children and their families for success through comprehensive health, nutrition, and educational support. The resolution highlights the program's role in promoting long-term academic achievement and empowering parents.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital contributions of medical research to public health and economic growth across the nation. It specifically designates September 15 through September 19, 2025, as "Medical Research Week." The bill emphasizes the critical role of sustained federal funding, particularly for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in driving life-saving discoveries and ensuring national health security. It encourages public appreciation for the scientists and institutions conducting this essential work.

The Gun Safety Incentive Act aims to promote responsible firearm ownership by establishing voluntary best practices for safe storage developed by the Attorney General. It mandates clear safe storage warnings on newly manufactured firearms and expands existing federal law to require safe storage information for all firearm purchases, including rifles and shotguns. Furthermore, the Act establishes a grant program to help states and Tribes distribute free safe storage devices and creates a tax credit for businesses selling these devices.

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the history, culture, and significant contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States. It highlights the deep roots and ongoing influence of the Caribbean diaspora across all sectors of American life. The bill encourages the nation to observe National Caribbean American Heritage Month and affirms that this diversity enriches the country.

The Medical Research for Our Troops Act increases the budget for the Defense Health Agency's research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). This legislation specifically restores and increases funding for these critical defense health programs. The restored funds must be used to support all previously directed medical research programs and initiatives as outlined in prior appropriations acts.

This resolution officially designates the Friday before Memorial Day as **National Poppy Day** to honor U.S. veterans. It recognizes the poppy as a long-standing symbol of remembrance for those who died in service, inspired by World War I. The bill encourages all citizens to wear a red poppy on this day to show appreciation for our fallen service members.

The UNRWA Funding Emergency Restoration Act of 2025 aims to immediately restart U.S. funding for the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees, which was previously frozen. This bill mandates the cancellation of existing restrictions and requires the Secretary of State to resume aid payments while ensuring accountability based on an independent review. Furthermore, it urges Israel to cooperate with UNRWA investigations to maintain agency neutrality.

The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to include oversight of amusement park rides permanently fixed to a site. It authorizes an additional $11.5 million annually to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, allocating $6.5 million specifically for permanently fixed amusement rides. The Act defines covered devices as mechanical devices carrying passengers for amusement along a fixed route, typically controlled by an employee.

Recognizes the start of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, commencing on February 28, 2025. It acknowledges the contributions of Muslims in the United States and worldwide, and expresses support to Muslims globally, recognizing Islam as a major world religion.

This bill recognizes January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to celebrate the heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States. It acknowledges their diverse backgrounds, contributions across various sectors, and service in the Armed Forces. The bill supports raising public awareness and encourages the observance of the month with celebratory events.

The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali posthumously, in recognition of his achievements as an athlete, civil rights champion, and humanitarian. Following the presentation, the medal will be given to his wife, Lonnie Ali. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs, with proceeds deposited into the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The Young Americans Financial Literacy Act addresses the widespread need for improved financial education among young people aged 8 to 24. This bill authorizes funding for competitive grants to establish Centers of Excellence focused on developing and implementing research-backed financial literacy programs. These centers will create educational materials, train educators, and specifically target issues like student debt management for young adults. The goal is to improve financial well-being and stability through targeted, measurable educational interventions.

The Food Deserts Act establishes a grant program providing funds to states to create revolving loan funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. These funds will offer loans to establish new grocery stores or support existing ones, emphasizing the availability of healthful foods at affordable prices. States will prioritize entities that hire locally, offer nutritional education, and source food from local farms. The Act allocates $150 million for fiscal year 2026 to carry out these provisions.