Legislative Activity

This bill recognizes May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating the significant contributions of these communities to the history and diversity of the United States. It acknowledges key milestones and the ongoing importance of these groups in various sectors, while also addressing historical discrimination and recent legislative efforts to combat hate crimes.

This resolution condemns President Trump's attacks on the freedom of the press, asserting they undermine democracy and endanger journalists. It reaffirms the United States' commitment to protecting press freedom, urging respect for journalists' rights and the cessation of censorship. The resolution also supports efforts to free imprisoned journalists and protect those facing threats.

This bill mandates that FEMA use licensed professionals for cost estimation, material acquisition, and other activities related to disaster relief projects under the Stafford Act. It requires FEMA to obtain consent from licensed professionals before disapproving plans and to approve purchases suggested by them, while also preventing FEMA from hindering contracts with these professionals. The bill also stipulates that FEMA employees managing rebuilding projects must be licensed professionals, and it assigns states the responsibility of hiring these professionals to develop the scope of work for covered activities.

The "Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act of 2025" modifies the Internal Revenue Code to treat spaceports like airports for tax-exempt bond rules, encouraging investment in space infrastructure. It defines "spaceport" and related terms, waives public use requirements, and clarifies that government use of spaceports does not federally guarantee bonds. Additionally, it excludes spaceport bonds from state ceiling limitations under certain conditions. These changes aim to promote the development of spaceports by providing financial incentives and regulatory clarity.

The "Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension Act of 2025" extends key biofuel tax incentives through 2026, promoting the production and use of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and second-generation biofuels. This extension aims to support the biofuel industry by continuing tax credits for biodiesel and renewable diesel mixtures, as well as alcohol fuel. The act also ensures that no double benefits are claimed for fuel receiving credit under other sections of the law. These amendments are effective for fuel sold or used after December 31, 2024, and for qualified second-generation biofuel production occurring after the same date.

This resolution acknowledges the 50th anniversary of Black April and the Fall of Saigon, honoring the Vietnamese American community's contributions to the U.S. and their pursuit of freedom and democracy. It recognizes the sacrifices of the South Vietnamese and U.S. militaries during the Vietnam War, while reaffirming the U.S. commitment to human rights and freedom for all, including in Vietnam. The resolution encourages Americans to remember Black April and celebrate the Vietnamese American community.

The Arctic Refuge Protection Act seeks to reinstate protections for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge by repealing the 2017 law that opened the area to oil and gas development. It further designates approximately 1.5 million acres of the Refuge as wilderness, ensuring its preservation under the National Wilderness Preservation System. This area will be managed by the Secretary of the Interior in accordance with the Wilderness Act.

The Equality Act amends existing civil rights laws to explicitly include protections against discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas such as public accommodations, employment, housing, credit, and jury selection. It clarifies and expands the definition of sex to include sex stereotypes, pregnancy, childbirth, related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics. The act ensures equal access to shared facilities and prohibits the use of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to justify discrimination. Ultimately, the Equality Act seeks to provide consistent and comprehensive protections against discrimination for LGBTQ+ individuals and women across various sectors.

The "Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the presentation of three Congressional Gold Medals to honor the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. These medals will be given to the Lake Placid Olympic Center, the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic and Paralympic Museum for public display. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to fund the medal production.

This resolution expresses support for honoring Earth Day and its role in promoting environmental awareness and action. It recognizes the historical impact of Earth Day on environmental protection and highlights ongoing challenges like climate change. The resolution urges continued action, referencing recent legislation and emphasizing the need to address environmental injustices and promote environmental literacy. It also encourages the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Day and urges Americans to observe it through various environmental activities.

The Housing for All Act of 2025 aims to combat homelessness and address the housing shortage through increased funding for affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and supportive services. The bill authorizes billions in funding for programs like the Housing Trust Fund, Section 202 (elderly), Section 811 (disabled), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program. It also invests in community-driven solutions like safe parking programs, eviction protection, and mobile crisis intervention teams. Additionally, the act establishes a commission to address racial equity in housing and mandates studies on eviction data to inform future policy.

Recognizes the crucial role of linemen in maintaining the nation's energy infrastructure and public safety. It also supports designating April 18, 2025, as National Lineman Appreciation Day to honor their contributions and dangerous work.

The VARIANCE Act allows commercial vehicles transporting dry bulk goods to exceed standard axle weight limits by up to 10%, provided the vehicle's gross weight doesn't increase. This adjustment aims to enhance efficiency in the transportation of dry bulk goods. "Dry bulk goods" are defined as unmarked, unpackaged, non-liquid cargo in a trailer designed for that purpose.

The Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act prohibits the Department of Interior from issuing any new leases for oil and gas exploration, development, or production in the Southern California Planning Area. This area is defined by the 2024-2029 National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program. The bill amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to implement this prohibition.

The Central Coast of California Conservation Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Interior from issuing any new leases for oil or gas exploration, development, or production in the Central California Planning Area. This is achieved through amending the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

The VA DATA Act of 2025 restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs from sharing veterans' data with the United States DOGE Service and prohibits special government employees from using veterans' data for commercial gain. It mandates that these employees return all data upon service termination, ensuring no copies are retained. The bill defines "veterans' data" as encompassing personal health, personal identifying, and financial information of veterans. This act aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of veteran data access within the VA.

The WISE Act aims to strengthen protections and expand immigration benefits for non-citizen survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other crimes. It reforms the U visa program, broadens protections for battered spouses and children, limits the detention and removal of survivors, and enhances access to information and services. The bill also addresses issues related to waivers, step-children, visa caps, and naturalization requirements for survivors of abuse. Overall, the Act seeks to remove obstacles and provide timely access to immigration relief for vulnerable immigrants.

This bill supports the designation of April 10 as "Dolores Huerta Day" to recognize her lifelong commitment to activism, including co-founding the United Farm Workers Union and advocating for civil rights. It celebrates her achievements in improving Latino voting access, ensuring safer working conditions, and promoting feminism and women's equality. The bill also acknowledges her numerous awards and ongoing work through the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

The Prison Staffing Reform Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive external review of staffing levels within the Bureau of Prisons to address understaffing issues that endanger the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates. This review will assess the impact of understaffing on various aspects of prison operations, including inmate care, recidivism reduction programs, and employee health, and will develop a strategic plan to improve staffing levels and reduce overtime. The Director of the Bureau of Prisons must implement the plan within 3 years, subject to appropriations, and provide annual progress reports to relevant committees. The review must also include an independent assessment of the adequacy and quality of medical care for inmates.

The "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" aims to combat the rise in organized retail theft and related crimes by amending Title 18 of the U.S. Code to include provisions that target the theft, fraud, and illegal redistribution of goods. It also establishes an "Organized Retail and Supply Chain Crime Coordination Center" to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts, share information, and track trends related to organized retail crime. The center will work to support training and technical assistance to combat organized retail crime and organized supply chain crime. Finally, the Act requires the evaluation of existing federal programs to identify ways to expand support for state, local, and tribal law enforcement.