Legislative Activity

The "SHIELD Act of 2025" aims to protect individuals from the non-consensual distribution of intimate visual depictions, establishing federal offenses and penalties for those who knowingly distribute such images with reckless disregard for the depicted individual's lack of consent, or distribute depictions of nude minors. It defines key terms, sets forth specific offenses, and outlines penalties including fines and imprisonment, while also providing exceptions for law enforcement activities, good-faith distributions, and protecting communications service providers from liability under certain conditions. The act also addresses threats related to the distribution of intimate images and establishes extraterritorial jurisdiction in certain cases.

The "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" amends Section 529 savings accounts to include expenses related to postsecondary credentialing programs. This allows 529 funds to cover costs like tuition, fees, books, supplies, and testing fees for recognized programs and credentials, as defined by the bill. These changes would apply to distributions made after the bill is enacted.

The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025 taxes fossil fuel companies based on their historic carbon emissions to create a fund for climate resilience, adaptation, disaster response, and environmental justice initiatives. The fund will allocate billions annually to FEMA and EPA programs, with a focus on benefiting environmental justice communities. The Act clarifies that it does not preempt existing laws or prevent entities from pursuing climate-related legal claims against polluters. This legislation aims to make the fossil fuel industry contribute to addressing the climate crisis and its impacts.

The "Protecting Sensitive Locations Act" amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship, except in exigent circumstances. It mandates training, reporting, and oversight for enforcement activities near these locations, and invalidates evidence obtained in violation of the Act. The Act aims to ensure discretion and limit enforcement impact on sensitive community spaces, while also requiring annual reports to Congress on enforcement actions taken in sensitive locations.

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act limits access to the Treasury Department's payment systems to Treasury employees or contractors with satisfactory performance reviews and security clearances. It sets specific criteria for individuals accessing the system, including conflict of interest restrictions, training, and ethics agreements. The Act also mandates the Treasury Department's Inspector General to investigate and report to Congress on any unauthorized system use.

The Scientific Integrity Act mandates that federal agencies that fund, conduct, or oversee scientific research establish and enforce scientific integrity policies. These policies aim to protect scientists from political interference, ensure the open communication of scientific findings, and establish clear processes for reporting and addressing scientific misconduct. The Act requires agencies to appoint Scientific Integrity Officers, provide regular training, and report on misconduct complaints, with oversight from the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Congress. It also protects the rights of federal employees and contractors to share their findings and prevents the suppression or distortion of scientific data.

The Protect Our Letter Carriers Act of 2025 aims to enhance the safety of postal workers by funding high-security infrastructure upgrades, including electronic mailbox keys. The bill also mandates the appointment of dedicated federal prosecutors for postal crimes in every judicial district and requires stricter sentencing guidelines for those who assault or rob postal employees.

The CARGO Act of 2025 prohibits the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from funding research or programs involving live animals outside of the United States. This bill addresses concerns over the lack of oversight and potential mistreatment of animals in foreign research projects funded by American taxpayers. The Act ensures that NIH funding for animal research is restricted to projects conducted within the U.S. and its territories.

The Right to Contraception Act establishes a federal right for individuals to access and use contraception without government interference. It prohibits federal and state governments from enacting laws that restrict access to contraceptives or the provision of related services. The Act provides clear enforcement mechanisms, allowing individuals and the Attorney General to sue to strike down any rule that violates these protections.

The **No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act** amends the Internal Revenue Code to discourage corporations from shifting profits and operations overseas. The bill replaces the current global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) regime with a "net CFC tested income" system, implements country-by-country tax reporting, and limits interest deductions for large international groups. Additionally, it strengthens rules to prevent corporate inversions and treats foreign corporations managed within the United States as domestic entities for tax purposes.

This resolution expresses the formal disapproval of the House of Representatives regarding the granting of pardons to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a clear statement of opposition toward clemency for those who committed violent acts against law enforcement during the attack on the U.S. Capitol.

The Love Lives On Act of 2025 ensures that surviving spouses of veterans and service members retain their earned benefits, including dependency and indemnity compensation, educational assistance, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, regardless of remarriage. Additionally, the bill expands TRICARE eligibility to include widows and widowers whose subsequent marriages have ended. This legislation protects the financial security and healthcare access of surviving families by removing penalties associated with remarriage.

The Combating International Islamophobia Act mandates the creation of an Office to Monitor and Combat Islamophobia within the U.S. Department of State, led by a Special Envoy. This legislation requires the State Department to formally document and report on acts of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim incitement in foreign countries as part of its annual human rights and religious freedom reporting.

The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act extends and strengthens critical federal programs designed to support the mental health and well-being of the health care workforce. The bill mandates annual awareness initiatives and expands grant eligibility to organizations focused on reducing administrative burdens for medical professionals. These programs are now authorized through fiscal year 2030 to ensure continued support for reducing burnout and promoting mental health services.

This resolution condemns Russia’s nuclear threats and its suspension of the New START Treaty, emphasizing the vital importance of arms control in maintaining global security. It calls for an immediate end to nuclear saber-rattling and urges Russia to return to full treaty compliance. Furthermore, it encourages the U.S. administration to pursue new nuclear risk reduction frameworks with both Russia and China to prevent an unconstrained arms race.

This resolution affirms strong support for the U.S. Department of Education and its critical role in funding and protecting public K-12 schools. It emphasizes the importance of federal investment in closing opportunity gaps and ensuring civil rights protections for all students. Furthermore, the bill explicitly condemns any efforts to defund public education, dismantle the Department of Education, or divert public funds to private school vouchers.

The Period PROUD Act of 2025 provides $200 million in annual federal funding to states to increase access to free menstrual products for low-income individuals. By partnering with government agencies, tribes, and nonprofits, this initiative aims to reduce unmet needs by integrating product distribution into existing social service programs. The bill also mandates program evaluations to ensure effectiveness and accountability in addressing menstrual health disparities.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders in recognition of their courageous, nonviolent efforts to end racial segregation in interstate travel. By challenging discriminatory laws through the 1961 Freedom Rides, these activists played a pivotal role in advancing the American Civil Rights Movement. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to honor their historic contribution to equality.

The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to support healthcare providers by extending Medicare payment adjustments through the end of 2025. Specifically, the bill provides a 6.62 percent payment increase for services rendered between April 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, to help practitioners adjust to evolving Medicare payment policies.

The Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally (DERAIL) Act enhances rail safety by expanding the federal definition of "high-hazard flammable trains" to include more transport configurations. Additionally, the bill mandates that railroad carriers notify federal, state, local, and Tribal authorities within 24 hours of any derailment involving toxic inhalation materials.