Legislative Activity

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance enforcement of equal pay requirements by redefining "sex," modifying the "bona fide factor" defense for pay disparities, broadening the definition of "same establishment," strengthening non-retaliation protections, and enhancing penalties for employers who violate equal pay provisions. The Act also requires training programs, research, education, and outreach initiatives to eliminate pay disparities, and establishes a National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Additionally, the Act directs the EEOC to collect compensation data, reinstates pay equity programs, prohibits the use of wage history in determining salary, and establishes a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to improve compliance and enforcement of equal pay laws.

This bill validates the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It asserts that the ERA has been ratified by the required number of states, regardless of any previously set time limits.

The Pakistan Democracy Act aims to support democracy in Pakistan by mandating the U.S. Secretary of State to determine if sanctions should be imposed on General Asim Munir. It also authorizes sanctions on individuals involved in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political detainees, including Imran Khan, by restricting their entry into the United States. The President has the authority to waive these sanctions under certain conditions, with required certification to Congress.

This bill reauthorizes the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009, updating references and adding a clause to develop requirements for data sharing. It also authorizes $56,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to support these activities.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish comprehensive standards for dog dealers, focusing on humane treatment. These standards include requirements for flooring, space, temperature, nutrition, exercise, socialization, veterinary care, and breeding practices. The Act sets specific guidelines for breeding frequency, age, and veterinary procedures, as well as humane placement for retired breeding dogs. It directs the Secretary to finalize regulations for these standards within 18 months.

The Keep the Watchdogs Running Act ensures Inspectors General can continue operations during government shutdowns. It allows them to use funds, up to the level of their last appropriation, even when Congress hasn't passed a budget. This maintains oversight and prevents disruption of critical watchdog functions.

The Air America Act of 2025 authorizes the Director of the CIA to award payments to former employees of Air America and affiliated companies who supported the U.S. government between 1950 and 1976, or to their survivors. Eligible individuals or their survivors could receive up to $40,000 for five years of qualifying service, with additional amounts for longer service, with a cap on total awards at $60 million. The Act establishes application procedures, limitations on attorney fees, and prohibits judicial review of the Director's decisions, while also requiring regular reports to Congress on the status of the award payments. This act does not qualify anyone for federal benefits like retirement, disability, or death benefits.

The "Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025" establishes that a President may only remove an Inspector General for specific causes, such as neglect of duty, malfeasance, or abuse of authority. Any removal must be documented with the specific reasons for the removal. This ensures Inspectors General can effectively perform their duties without political interference.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' support for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, and the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program. It recognizes the importance of these programs in diversifying the workforce of U.S. foreign affairs agencies and building a strong, diverse national security workforce. The bill emphasizes that these fellowships address the underrepresentation of various groups and that the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID must consult with Congress before modifying these programs.

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing services, including preventative care, exams, and devices like dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Coverage for most services begins in 2026, with specific cost-sharing arrangements and limitations outlined in the bill. The Secretary has the authority to implement additional limitations and modify coverage based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The bill also requires the United States Preventive Services Task Force to include at least one oral health professional.

The "Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act" eliminates the waiting periods for Social Security disability benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. This bill amends the Social Security Act to expedite access to disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer, ensuring quicker access to essential care and support.

The Global Criminal Justice Act establishes an Office of Global Criminal Justice within the Department of State, headed by an Ambassador-at-Large. This office will advise officials and coordinate U.S. policy on preventing and responding to atrocities like war crimes and genocide. It will also coordinate U.S. positions on international courts, help establish tribunals to investigate and prosecute atrocities, and work to collect evidence, judge those responsible, protect victims, and prevent future atrocities. The office will also advise on transitional justice in conflict zones and represent the State Department on interagency groups addressing genocide.

This bill designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 620 East Pecan Boulevard in McAllen, Texas, as the "Agent Raul H. Gonzalez Jr. Memorial Post Office Building." It also mandates that all legal and official documents will refer to the facility by this new name.

The Arctic Watchers Act establishes a program within the Department of State to monitor and counteract malign influence from countries like China and Russia in the Arctic region, focusing on security, economic interests, and natural resources. This program deploys "Arctic Watchers" to key diplomatic posts in Europe and North America to strengthen U.S. engagement and protect U.S. interests in the Arctic. The Act requires annual reports to Congress and authorizes \$10 million in appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and subsequent years.

This bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President in Executive Order 14193 on February 1, 2025. The termination is enacted as per section 202 of the National Emergencies Act.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, and to update which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight based on a history of voting rights violations. It broadens the types of violations that allow a court to retain jurisdiction over a case, clarifies the Attorney General's authority to assign observers, and ensures transparency in voting-related changes. The Act also authorizes the Attorney General to demand documents and information to enforce voting rights and provides grants to small jurisdictions to assist with notification requirements.

This bill, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, seeks to amend the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. It aims to modernize labor regulations by clarifying definitions, addressing unfair labor practices, enhancing enforcement, and increasing transparency in labor-management relations. The bill introduces measures such as electronic voting in union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections, and mandates studies on collective bargaining practices. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fair treatment of workers and promote equitable labor practices.

The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2027 to commemorate the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The coins' designs will represent Clemente's life, including his baseball achievements and humanitarian work. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation, supporting their educational programs, youth sports initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and historic preservation projects. The Act ensures that the coin program will not incur any net cost to the United States government.

The PAST Act of 2025 amends the Horse Protection Act to strengthen enforcement against horse soring, a cruel practice used to create an exaggerated gait. It bans action devices and weighted shoes, increases penalties for violations, and mandates the licensing and oversight of qualified inspectors, prioritizing veterinarians, to ensure fair competition and protect horses. The Act also requires the USDA to publish violation information and sets clear disqualification periods for horses found to be sore, aiming to eliminate soring in specific horse breeds.