Legislative Activity

The Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2025 requires the State Department to report on links between Haitian political and economic elites and criminal gangs, and it mandates sanctions on foreign individuals identified as being involved in this collusion. The President can block transactions, deny visas, and revoke existing visas of those sanctioned, with exceptions for humanitarian aid and national interest waivers. This act aims to address how collusion between elites and gangs threatens the Haitian people and U.S. interests, but will terminate 5 years after enactment.

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees and supervisory employees. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if state laws substantially provide these rights; if not, the Authority will administer collective bargaining procedures in those states. The act outlines specific rights and procedures, including the right to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in concerted activities, while also addressing enforcement and exceptions. This law aims to ensure that public service workers have the ability to negotiate for fair wages, hours, and working conditions.

This bill terminates the national emergency declared by the President in Executive Order 14257 on April 2, 2025. The termination is enacted as per section 202 of the National Emergencies Act.

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow HBCU grants to be used for strengthening arts and cultural programs, including financial aid, outreach, support services, art collection preservation, and paid apprenticeships. It allows HBCUs to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts to carry out these activities. The bill aims to address underfunding in HBCU arts programs and promote diversity in the arts.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act of 2025" allows Members of Congress to use VA facilities to meet with constituents, ensuring accessible and visible meeting spaces during regular business hours. The VA Secretary must set regulations for these spaces within 90 days, with rental rates similar to other government office spaces in the area. These regulations must comply with existing laws and cannot be used for campaign activities or interfere with VA operations, and use of facilities is prohibited 60 days before a federal election.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to strengthen regulations and oversight of licensed firearm dealers to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and enhance public safety. It mandates enhanced security measures, regular inventory checks, and electronic record-keeping for dealers, while also increasing inspection frequency and penalties for violations. The act also broadens background check requirements for both dealers and their employees and seeks to modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) operations through increased staffing and data accessibility. Finally, the act repeals limitations on sharing firearm trace data and centralizing records, and it requires reports to Congress on the act's implementation and dealer inspections.

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes sanctions on foreign individuals and financial institutions that facilitate arms transfers or provide support to Russia from North Korea for use in Russia's war in Ukraine. It broadens the scope of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016 to include material support for Russia's war as a sanctionable activity. The Act also requires the President to regularly report to Congress on North Korea's assistance to Russia and the U.S. strategy to counter such support.

The "Defending American Diplomacy Act" requires congressional approval for any Department of State reorganization and mandates the Secretary of State to submit detailed plans assessing the impact of such changes. It ensures transparency and accountability by requiring a thorough analysis of potential risks, effects on foreign policy, and workforce implications. The Act also restricts federal funds for the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel by politically appointed officials if reorganizations are implemented without proper authorization.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" aims to impose significant sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine, violates a peace agreement, or initiates further military action against Ukraine. The bill mandates the President to determine and impose sanctions on individuals, entities, and financial institutions affiliated with the Russian government, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, and restricts trade and financial interactions with Russia. It also increases import duties on goods from Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy products, while providing limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and intelligence activities. The President has the authority to terminate and reimpose sanctions based on Russia's actions.

The Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 aims to improve support and resources for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). It mandates a comprehensive report on MST in the digital age, updates the disability compensation claims process, and expands access to healthcare and support services for veterans and former service members, including those who did not complete their service academy training. The bill also focuses on improving communication, training, and oversight within the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans receive respectful and effective care.

The "Capping Prescription Costs Act of 2025" caps annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for individuals at $2,000 and families at $4,000 starting in 2026. These limits will be adjusted annually based on the consumer price index for medical care. This cap applies to all group health plans and health insurance issuers.

The "Convenient Contraception Act" ensures that, starting January 1, 2026, health plans and insurance coverage must allow individuals to obtain a 365-day supply of contraceptives without cost-sharing. It also requires the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury to inform healthcare providers and individuals about this new benefit.

The "Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act" directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an occupational safety and health standard requiring healthcare and social service employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. This standard aims to protect workers from workplace violence through risk assessment, hazard prevention, incident reporting, employee training, and recordkeeping. The bill also extends these requirements to certain facilities receiving Medicare funds, ensuring broader coverage and compliance.

The Taiwan Allies Fund Act aims to bolster Taiwan's international standing by authorizing $40 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2028 to support countries that maintain or strengthen ties with Taiwan and face pressure from China. These funds, drawn from the Countering PRC Influence Fund, will support various initiatives, including health, civil society, supply chain diversification, and alternatives to Chinese development assistance. The Act emphasizes coordination between the U.S. and Taiwan in providing assistance and requires an annual report to Congress on the activities and their impact. The goal is to promote Taiwan's diplomatic relations and counter China's influence.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

The "Lower Drug Costs for Families Act" aims to lower prescription drug costs by applying inflation rebates to drugs furnished in the commercial market under Medicare Parts B and D. It modifies the calculation of rebates for Part B and D drugs, changing the base years for calculations to 2016 and excluding certain units from the total count, such as those covered under state plans or the 340B program. These changes are set to take effect in 2026 for Part B and in 2025 for Part D.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to expand and update the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to better protect vulnerable households from high energy costs and utility shutoffs. It increases funding, broadens eligibility, and includes assistance for cooling during extreme heat events, alongside heating assistance. The act also prioritizes energy efficiency upgrades, weatherization, and a transition to renewable energy sources, while preventing utility companies from charging late fees or shutting off service to those receiving assistance. Furthermore, it seeks to improve data collection on energy arrears and encourages states to develop plans for retrofitting low-income housing to adapt to rising temperatures.

This bill recognizes March 2025 as National Women's History Month, celebrating the historical contributions of women and the women's suffrage movement. It acknowledges key figures and milestones in women's rights, such as the first women's rights convention, the 19th Amendment, and influential leaders like Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony. The resolution supports the month's goals and honors those who promote women's history education.