Legislative Activity

The NO BAN Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit the President's power to suspend or restrict the entry of foreign nationals based on nationality. It requires the President to provide Congress with specific evidence justifying any such restrictions, ensuring they are narrowly tailored and time-limited. The bill also expands nondiscrimination provisions in immigration law and allows those harmed by violations to sue the government. Additionally, the Act mandates detailed reports to Congress on visa applicants affected by any restrictions.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 ensures that monetary penalties from False Claims Act cases are deposited into the Crime Victims Fund through fiscal year 2029. This excludes payments to whistleblowers and reimbursements to the government. This will increase the amount of money available to help victims of crimes.

The "Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025" reauthorizes and modifies the Department of Defense's authority to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression, extending it to October 1, 2035. It allows sold aircraft to drop water in addition to fire retardant and specifies that these aircraft can only be used for wildfire suppression services.

The "Health Out-of-Pocket Expense Act of 2025" or the "HOPE Act of 2025" establishes tax-exempt "Hope Accounts" for eligible individuals to pay for qualified medical expenses. Contributions to these accounts are capped at \$4,000 annually for self-only or married individuals with family coverage, and \$8,000 for heads of household with family coverage, with employer and Medicaid contributions limited to 50% of the individual's limit. Distributions used for qualified medical expenses are tax-free, while non-qualified distributions are subject to income tax and a 30% penalty, with exceptions for distributions after death or due to disability. These provisions will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The "Access to Counsel Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to guarantee individuals undergoing inspection at ports of entry or deferred inspection have access to legal counsel and assistance. It mandates that the Department of Homeland Security provide these individuals with the opportunity to consult with counsel within one hour of secondary inspection and allows counsel to advocate on their behalf. The Act also ensures lawful permanent residents are given the chance to seek legal advice before abandoning their residency status. This act aims to ensure due process and protect the rights of individuals during immigration inspections.

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders, collectively, in recognition of their contributions to the Civil Rights movement. The medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and other appropriate locations, with bronze duplicates available for sale to the public. Funds from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund will cover the costs.

The "Black History is American History Act" amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to include Black history in American history education programs. It ensures Black history is part of authorized programs, Presidential and Congressional academies, Smithsonian Institution resources, national activities, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress. This act emphasizes the importance of Black history as an integral part of American history.

The "Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act" aims to address and prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault against Bureau of Prisons staff by incarcerated individuals. It mandates a comprehensive review and analysis by the Inspector General of the incidence and effects of such acts, including current punishment practices. Following the review, the Attorney General is directed to establish national standards for preventing, reducing, and punishing sexual harassment and sexual assault in prisons.

The "Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025" extends increased Medicare payment support for physicians and practitioners through 2025. It increases payment rates by 6.62% for services provided from April 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026. The bill also updates a section of the Social Security Act to include the years 2021 through 2025 for conforming changes.

This bill recognizes the cultural and historical significance of Lunar New Year. It acknowledges the importance of Lunar New Year for Asian Americans and others in the U.S., and expresses respect for those who celebrate it worldwide. The bill wishes all celebrants a happy and prosperous new year.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to maintain the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government. It emphasizes the USPS's role as a self-sustaining service vital to the economy and national connectivity. The resolution discourages privatization, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and damage to critical infrastructure.

This bill recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States through charitable activities, volunteer work, and financial support for members. It expresses the sense of Congress that these societies are a valuable support system that addresses unmet needs and generates substantial returns to the U.S. through their tax-exempt status. The bill also advocates for the continued promotion of fraternal benefit societies.

The "Federal Firefighters Families First Act" aims to improve pay equality for Federal firefighters, enhance recruitment and retention, and ensure comprehensive calculation of retirement benefits. It updates the computation of pay and annuity calculations to include additional compensation for overtime hours in regular tours of duty. The Act also directs the Office of Personnel Management to establish a maximum regular workweek for Federal firefighters, not exceeding an average of 60 hours per week. These changes will impact annuity payments for individuals who separate from service 60 days after the law's enactment.

The "Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act" directs the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to conduct a study on Holocaust education efforts in schools across the country. The study will assess curriculum requirements, teaching methods, materials used, and how students' knowledge and recognition of antisemitism are evaluated. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress.

The "Global Health, Empowerment, and Rights Act" aims to ensure that foreign nongovernmental organizations are eligible for assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, part I, regardless of the health or medical services they provide with non-U.S. government funds if such services are legal in their country. It also prevents these organizations from facing stricter requirements than U.S. organizations regarding the use of non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' disapproval of the President's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, recognizing climate change as a threat and highlighting the increasing costs of extreme weather events. It commends entities supporting the Agreement, urges the President to reconsider, and encourages Congress to prioritize U.S. leadership on climate change.

The Combat Veterans Pre-Enrollment Act of 2025 directs the VA Secretary to establish a pilot program by October 1, 2027, allowing eligible service members to pre-enroll in the VA healthcare system within 180 days of separation from active duty. It requires collaboration between the VA, Defense, and Homeland Security departments to create the pre-enrollment system and mandates regular reports to Congress on the program's implementation, participation, and effectiveness. The program will run for three years, after which the Comptroller General will assess its impact and provide recommendations.

This bill reaffirms the strong alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea, emphasizing its importance for security, economic growth, and shared values. It recognizes the deep economic ties, the contributions of Korean Americans, and continued commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. The bill also supports strengthening security, economic, and cultural bonds between the two nations, and celebrates Korean Culture-Kimchi Day.

The "Hershel Woody Williams National Medal of Honor Monument Location Act" allows the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation to build a monument on federal land in Washington, D.C., to honor Medal of Honor recipients. It places the National Medal of Honor Monument near the Lincoln Memorial, and overrides location restrictions to allow it to be within the Reserve, as defined in section 8902. All other provisions regarding commemorative works still apply.

The "Health Care Providers Safety Act of 2025" authorizes the Secretary to award grants to health care providers. These grants will enhance the physical and cyber security of healthcare facilities, personnel, and patients. Funds can be used for security services, upgrades to physical access, cyber security, video surveillance, data privacy, and structural improvements.