Legislative Activity

The "Defend American Manufacturing Act" aims to bolster American manufacturing by mandating the Department of Commerce to support manufacturing extension centers in every state and Puerto Rico. This is achieved through the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, contingent on congressional funding. The bill amends existing legislation to ensure the continuation of this program, reinforcing the commitment to supporting manufacturers nationwide.

The "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act" aims to increase investment in Title X family planning clinics by establishing a dedicated fund within the Department of Health and Human Services. It allocates significant annual funding from 2026-2035 for grants, contracts, and infrastructure improvements for these clinics. The bill ensures that subawards are based on service capabilities and mandates nondirective pregnancy counseling, requiring clinics to offer comprehensive information on all options, including prenatal care, adoption, and abortion.

The SERV Act aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by requiring reports on the Veterans Interagency Task Force's activities and a plan for outreach to veteran-focused business programs. Additionally, it directs the Comptroller General to analyze the access to credit for small businesses owned by veterans, service-disabled veterans, reservists, and their spouses, identifying obstacles and gaps in available resources. The Act stipulates that no additional funds will be allocated for its implementation.

The "Affordable Child Care Act" aims to ease the financial burden of childcare for families by doubling the child and dependent care tax credit, increasing the tax-free amount for dependent care assistance programs, and doubling the tax credit for employer-provided childcare. These changes are intended to make childcare more accessible and affordable for working families. The provisions of this act will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

This bill expresses support for designating the week of February 3, 2025, as "National Tribal Colleges and Universities Week," recognizing the vital role these institutions play in providing culturally relevant education and workforce preparation for American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other students. It acknowledges the unique connection Tribal colleges have with the federal government and individual tribes. The resolution encourages participation in activities that support Tribal colleges and universities.