Legislative Activity

The Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025 ensures that states, local governments, or school districts are reimbursed for any of their own funds used to keep Head Start and Early Head Start programs operational during a lapse in federal appropriations. This legislation protects these vital early childhood education services from disruption caused by government shutdowns. By guaranteeing reimbursement, the Act encourages local entities to maintain program continuity without bearing the financial burden.

The BALL Act, or White House Building Activities Locked-out in Lapse Act, prohibits the use of federal funds for any construction or renovation projects at the White House or its grounds during a government shutdown caused by a lapse in appropriations. This spending ban remains in effect until new funding is enacted. The only exception allows for work deemed immediately necessary for health or safety reasons.

The National Fire Academy RESCUE Act ensures that fire departments are reimbursed for expenses incurred when National Fire Academy training courses are canceled due to a lapse in federal appropriations (a government shutdown). FEMA must reimburse departments for covered costs, such as travel and backfill staffing, within 90 days of receiving an itemized application following the shutdown's end. This reimbursement does not apply if the cancellation was due to reasons other than a lapse in appropriations, such as instructor illness or other emergencies.

This bill mandates that the House of Representatives must convene daily during a government shutdown, limiting their ability to adjourn. It requires recorded quorum calls on session days, imposing escalating fines on members who fail to check in electronically for two consecutive days. These fines must be paid by the member personally, with procedures established for appeals and automatic salary deduction for non-payment.

The WIC Benefits Protection Act mandates that all states must operate the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This legislation also guarantees permanent, mandatory funding for WIC starting in fiscal year 2026, ensuring the program has the necessary resources annually. Furthermore, it clarifies eligibility language within the program's governing statute.

This resolution expresses support for designating October 2025 as National Learning Disabilities Awareness Month to highlight the significant academic challenges faced by students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). It emphasizes that SLDs are the most common disability category under IDEA, yet these students show alarmingly low proficiency rates in reading and math. The bill urges early screening and calls on educational agencies to ensure these students receive the required specialized instruction and support to achieve success.

This resolution strongly condemns the brutal October 7th attacks by Hamas, demanding the immediate and unconditional surrender of the terrorist group and the release of all hostages, including Americans. It reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense while urging international action against Hamas and condemning the global surge in antisemitism. The measure serves as a formal statement of U.S. policy and support following the attacks.

This resolution expresses deep concern over the growing trend of book banning and threats to freedom of expression in U.S. schools and libraries. It asserts that such censorship undermines democratic values and harms students by restricting access to diverse ideas and histories. The bill urges local entities to follow best practices for book challenges and calls for the immediate reinstatement of books removed from Department of Defense schools. Ultimately, it reaffirms the nation's commitment to First Amendment rights and the freedom to read.

This resolution expresses the support of Congress for designating October 5 through October 11, 2025, as "National 4-H Week." It recognizes 4-H as a vital youth development organization that empowers nearly six million young people through hands-on learning in areas like science, health, and civic engagement. The bill celebrates 4-H's role in fostering confident, compassionate leaders across the nation.

The Physical Therapist Workforce and Patient Access Act of 2025 aims to increase patient access to physical therapy, recognizing its importance in pain management and recovery. This bill integrates physical therapists into the National Health Service Corps, making them eligible for loan repayment in underserved areas. Furthermore, it mandates that Medicare Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers cover physical therapy services starting in 2027.

The Veterans Healthcare Equality Act of 2025 explicitly prohibits the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) from discriminating against veterans based on gender identity when providing healthcare services. This law mandates that the VA must furnish medically necessary treatments, including those for gender dysphoria, prescribed by a healthcare provider. Furthermore, the VA Secretary is required to provide regular updates to Congress regarding the implementation of these non-discrimination protections.

The Pay Our Military Act ensures that members of the Armed Forces continue to receive their pay and allowances if a full budget for fiscal year 2026 has not been enacted. This continuing appropriation provides necessary funds for active duty, reserves, and essential civilian support staff. This automatic funding remains in effect until a full appropriation is passed or until January 1, 2027.

The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 mandates that certain new medical devices must be designed to be fully usable by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This ensures that users can access information and operate life-saving equipment independently and privately, similar to sighted users. The FDA is tasked with establishing specific nonvisual accessibility standards for these covered devices within a set timeline. Devices failing to meet these standards after the effective date will be deemed adulterated.

The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (DRIVE-SAFE Act) establishes a structured apprenticeship program allowing drivers under 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. This program requires apprentices to complete 400 hours of supervised training, divided into two probationary phases focusing on foundational and advanced driving skills. Participation mandates specific vehicle technology, such as automatic transmissions and collision mitigation systems, and continuous supervision by an experienced driver.

This bill prohibits federal agencies from removing civil service employees during any lapse in discretionary appropriations, commonly known as a government shutdown. If an employee is terminated in violation of this rule during a shutdown, they will have the option to be reinstated with full back pay once funding resumes. This measure aims to protect federal workers from job loss caused by budget impasses.

The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health services and supports in schools through grants and contracts. These funds will support partnerships to implement awareness campaigns, staff training on trauma and suicide risk, and direct student and family treatment. The Secretary must ensure equitable distribution of funding, which is capped at \$2 million per award, with Congress authorized to appropriate \$300 million annually for the initial years.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to all Peace Corps Volunteers who served between August 28, 1961, and December 31, 2026, to recognize their distinguished service and promotion of world peace. The medal will be awarded to the Director of the Peace Corps for display at the agency's headquarters. The Secretary of the Treasury is also authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The Safe Step Act establishes mandatory, transparent exception processes for health plans that use "step therapy" protocols for prescription drugs. This ensures patients or their doctors can quickly request coverage for a prescribed medication when specific clinical criteria are met, such as previous treatment failure or risk of harm. Plans must decide on standard requests within 72 hours and urgent requests within 24 hours, and approved exceptions must last for at least one year. Furthermore, insurers must report detailed data annually on exception requests, approvals, and denials to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

This resolution strongly condemns attempts to use federal regulatory power or litigation to suppress lawful speech critical of a political party or the President. It reaffirms the fundamental importance of the First Amendment and warns that such actions resemble tactics used by authoritarian regimes. The bill urges government agencies to protect free expression and ensure accountability, not political censorship.

This bill, the Welles Remy Crowther Congressional Gold Medal Act, authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Welles Remy Crowther for his extraordinary heroism and sacrifice during the September 11, 2001, attacks. The medal will be presented to his mother, Alison Crowther, on behalf of Congress. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.