Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses profound sorrow over the tragic death of Alexander Michel Odeh, a dedicated peace activist and educator killed by a pipe bomb in 1985. It formally honors his life, contributions to civil liberties, and acknowledges that those responsible for this act of domestic terrorism remain unpunished. The House of Representatives sends its deepest sympathies to his family and will adjourn in his memory.

The Deceptive Downsizing Prohibition Act of 2025 aims to stop companies from secretly shrinking the size or quantity of consumer products while keeping the packaging the same, a practice known as "deceptive downsizing." This Act prohibits manufacturers from misleading consumers through this practice unless they provide clear, conspicuous notice of the reduced size on the product's principal display panel. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with writing the necessary regulations and enforcing compliance using its existing authority against unfair or deceptive business practices.

This resolution officially recognizes August as Chicano/Chicana Heritage Month to celebrate the significant and diverse contributions of Mexican Americans to U.S. history, culture, and civil rights. It highlights key figures in activism, science, and the arts, while acknowledging the community's ongoing impact and challenges. Congress encourages the observation of this month through appropriate events and activities.

The Business Uninterrupted Monetary Program Act of 2025 establishes mandatory "BUMP Funds" for major new transit and highway projects to financially support local businesses and nonprofits disrupted by construction. Project sponsors must contribute to these dedicated funds to cover potential losses incurred by affected entities. The Act also creates a one-time competitive grant program to provide relief for businesses already impacted by ongoing large-scale transit projects.

The Student Loan Bankruptcy Improvement Act of 2025 aims to reform the bankruptcy process for student loan borrowers. This bill seeks to lower the current, overly difficult standard required to discharge student loan debt in bankruptcy proceedings. By making these changes, Congress intends to provide struggling borrowers with a genuine opportunity for a financial fresh start.

This bill establishes a pilot program for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to test whether allowing canine handlers to keep their working dogs at home is effective compared to traditional central kenneling. The program must run for at least two years across various ports of entry, with handler participation being voluntary. Upon completion, CBP must report findings to Congress comparing the two methods regarding cost, performance, and animal/handler well-being, along with recommendations for future policy.

This bill grants lawful permanent resident status to Ivana Alexandra Sifuentes Arbirio, allowing her to apply for adjustment of status regardless of certain existing immigration ineligibilities. The law cancels previous removal or inadmissibility findings against her, provided she files the necessary application within two years of enactment. Her approval will result in a one-visa reduction for her country of birth.

This bill grants permanent resident status to Luisa Mariana Sifuentes Arbirio, allowing her to apply for an immigrant visa or adjust her status regardless of certain standard eligibility requirements. It also cancels any existing removal or inadmissibility findings against her based on records held by the government at the time of enactment. This special relief is available only if she applies within two years of the law's passage.

The Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act mandates that colleges and universities must prominently display essential mental health and suicide prevention contact information on student ID cards or official websites. This includes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line, and the campus mental health center. These requirements take effect one year after the Act is signed into law.

This bill establishes the Innovative Therapies Centers of Excellence Act of 2025, directing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to designate at least five medical facilities as specialized hubs for cutting-edge treatments. These Centers of Excellence must focus on research, training partnerships, and clinical evaluation of innovative therapies for covered conditions like PTSD and chronic pain. The legislation specifically names substances such as MDMA and Psilocybin as part of the therapies to be explored, supported by dedicated annual funding.

This resolution formally recognizes the significant heritage, culture, and vital contributions of Latinas throughout U.S. history across all sectors of American life. It celebrates their achievements while acknowledging the ongoing economic and societal disparities they continue to face. The bill calls for continued investment to help break down barriers and ensure Latinas can fully achieve their potential.

This bill designates March as Zoroastrian Legacy and Heritage Month, recognizing Zoroastrianism's historical significance and contributions to global values. It highlights Cyrus the Great's human rights declaration and the Zoroastrian calendar's emphasis on environmental stewardship. The bill acknowledges Zoroastrians' commitment to preserving the earth and celebrates Nowruz as a symbol of light over darkness.

The "Emerging Innovative Border Technologies Act" requires the Department of Homeland Security to develop a plan for identifying and implementing new technologies like AI and advanced sensors to enhance border security. This plan includes assessing current technology efforts, integrating new technologies into standard programs, and evaluating the impact on border communities' privacy and security. The Act also authorizes Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to maintain Innovation Teams to research and adapt commercial technologies for border security, and it mandates regular reports to Congress on these teams' activities and technological advancements.

The DRONE Act of 2025 allows the Department of Justice to use certain grants to purchase and operate unmanned aircraft systems (drones) for public safety purposes. This includes grants from the Byrne program and the COPS program. The goal of the act is to provide law enforcement and other public safety agencies with an additional tool to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.