Legislative Activity

The Born in the USA Act of 2025 declares that Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional and contrary to the 14th Amendment. This Act prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement or enforce that Executive Order. It affirms the established constitutional right to birthright citizenship for nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to help law enforcement officers secure childcare during non-traditional hours. Administered by HHS, these competitive grants will fund local agencies to offer subsidies, start new facilities, or cover operational costs for officers. The program requires state agencies to apply and secure matching funds, with a sunset date of September 30, 2030.

The SERVICE Act of 2025 establishes a five-year pilot program to create specialized Veterans Response Teams within local law enforcement agencies through federal grants. These teams will focus on improving interactions between law enforcement and veterans in crisis by fostering collaboration with the VA and providing specialized training. The teams will also establish 24/7 volunteer response networks and track outcomes to better serve the veteran community.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 declares that practices attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for payment constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice. Citing professional consensus on the ineffectiveness and harm of such "conversion therapy," the bill prohibits its provision and advertising. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the law allows both the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to file civil actions against violators.

The DEFENSE Act authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to deputize state and local police to use drone countermeasures for protecting specific large public events and restricted areas. This authority is contingent upon officers completing mandatory, specialized training developed in coordination with the FAA. The bill also mandates federal oversight and limits the use of equipment to an officially approved list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May 4 through May 10, 2025, as Wildfire Preparedness Week. The measure aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of wildfires and promote essential fire safety and community preparedness education. It highlights the need for proactive measures, such as evacuation planning and better land management, to mitigate the growing threat posed by these destructive events.

The Vietnam Human Rights Act aims to integrate human rights concerns into the U.S.-Vietnam relationship by imposing sanctions on officials involved in abuses and corruption. The bill mandates actions to combat Vietnamese government censorship and surveillance while pushing for stronger religious freedom protections. It also establishes detailed reporting requirements to track progress on these critical human rights issues.

The Fair Allocation and Improvement of Regional Fleets Act (FAIR Fleets Act) mandates that the U.S. Postal Service modernize its vehicle fleet with environmentally friendly options and ensure a fair distribution of vehicles nationwide. This law requires the USPS to prioritize underserved and rural areas when allocating its fleet resources. Furthermore, the Postal Service must submit annual reports to Congress detailing fleet locations and actions taken to improve service equity.

The Assault Weapons Ban of 2025 comprehensively defines and bans the manufacture, sale, and transfer of specific semiautomatic assault weapons and large capacity ammunition feeding devices. The bill grandfathers existing weapons but imposes new requirements for their secure storage and mandates dealer involvement for future private transfers. It also allows federal grant money to be used by states for buy-back programs targeting these banned items.

This resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon and recognizes the profound contributions of Vietnamese Americans to the United States. It honors those who fled the communist regime after April 30, 1975, and reaffirms American commitment to democracy and human rights. The bill encourages all citizens to observe this anniversary and remember the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom.

The Better CARE for Animals Act of 2025 significantly strengthens enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the scope of investigations. It grants the Attorney General explicit authority to file civil actions seeking penalties up to $10,000 per day, and mandates that collected fines help cover temporary animal care costs. The bill also requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Attorney General to establish a formal agreement for coordinated enforcement.

The Equality Act comprehensively expands federal civil rights protections against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity across key areas of American life. It amends existing laws to prohibit discrimination in public accommodations, housing, credit, employment, and federal funding. The purpose of the bill is to provide consistent, explicit, and comprehensive remedies for individuals facing bias in these essential sectors.

The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund state, local, and tribal governments, as well as eligible gun dealers, to conduct local gun buyback events. These buybacks must utilize specially designed "smart prepaid cards" that are technologically barred from purchasing firearms or ammunition. The bill also creates a new federal crime with significant penalties for anyone using or accepting these specific prepaid cards to illegally acquire or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

The Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act allows homeowners with Federally backed loans in a declared disaster area to request a mandatory 180-day forbearance on their mortgage payments. Borrowers must provide proof of property damage to their loan servicer to access this relief, which prohibits extra fees or penalties during the pause. This protection is available for both single-family and multifamily properties secured by loans purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

This resolution supports the designation of April 10th as "Dolores Huerta Day" to honor her legacy as a trailblazing labor and civil rights leader. It recognizes her foundational work co-founding the United Farm Workers and her lifelong fight for economic justice, workers' rights, and equality. The bill formally celebrates her accomplishments without creating new laws or programs.

The California Clean Coast Act of 2025 permanently prohibits all new federal oil and gas leasing and related activities on the outer Continental Shelf off the coast of California. This measure ensures no future drilling permits can be issued in these sensitive waters. However, the Act explicitly preserves the rights of any existing oil and gas leases already in effect.

The West Coast Ocean Protection Act of 2025 permanently prohibits all new oil and gas exploration, development, and production on the Outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of California, Oregon, and Washington. This legislation specifically bans the Secretary of the Interior from issuing any new leases or permissions for drilling activities in designated planning areas. The goal is to secure long-term protection for these vital West Coast marine environments.

The Central Coast of California Conservation Act of 2025 permanently prohibits the Secretary of the Interior from issuing new oil and gas leases in the Central California Planning Area. This legislation secures the protection of this offshore region from future energy exploration and development.

The Working for Immigrant Safety and Empowerment (WISE) Act aims to strengthen protections and streamline legal pathways for non-citizen survivors of crime and abuse, including domestic violence and trafficking. The bill reforms the U-visa program by eliminating its annual cap and speeding up work authorization for victims. It also establishes new protections against detention and deportation for victims with pending humanitarian applications and expands access to public benefits for certain lawfully present noncitizens.