Legislative Activity

The Cool Corridors Act of 2025 aims to combat extreme heat and improve transportation safety by funding the installation of green infrastructure, like trees, along walking, biking, and transit routes. This legislation reauthorizes and updates the Healthy Streets program to prioritize these cooling projects in the most vulnerable and underserved communities. The Act defines "cool corridors" and establishes clear criteria for demonstration projects focused on heat mitigation and long-term maintenance.

The Child Care for Working Families Act establishes comprehensive federal programs to ensure access to high-quality, affordable child care and universal preschool for young children. The legislation creates an entitlement program for child care, mandates that provider reimbursement rates cover actual costs and ensure living wages for staff, and establishes free, universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds. Additionally, it provides dedicated funding to stabilize childcare providers and extend the operating hours and compensation for Head Start staff.

This resolution demands that federal agencies immediately release all unclassified documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Congress is asserting its constitutional authority to compel transparency regarding Epstein's network, client lists, and internal agency communications. Agencies have 14 days to comply before the House initiates subpoena proceedings to force disclosure.

The Wild Horse and Burro Protection Act of 2025 aims to reform the management of wild horses and burros on federal lands by phasing out the use of helicopters in roundups over two years. This legislation mandates increased transparency through camera requirements on any remaining aircraft used during this transition. Furthermore, it directs the GAO to report on humane, non-aircraft population management alternatives and their economic impacts.

This resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors the essential and dangerous work performed by these skilled professionals, especially their heroic efforts in restoring power after major disasters. The day serves to recognize their service and remember those who have lost their lives performing this vital work.

The Head Start for Our Future Act updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 by replacing the term "literacy training" with "child development and early learning" when describing eligible community services. This change explicitly ensures that Head Start and Early Head Start programs are recognized under this section of the law. The bill aims to better reflect the comprehensive nature of early childhood education services.

The Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Schools Act of 2025 establishes a new federal grant program to increase the number of mental health professionals in high-need school districts. This funding is specifically designed to help eligible agencies recruit, hire, and retain school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. Grantees must demonstrate a plan to improve student-to-provider ratios and report annually on staffing improvements and provider retention.

The Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025 prohibits federal agencies from penalizing individuals experiencing homelessness for engaging in necessary life-sustaining activities on public land. This protection applies unless a strictly defined, fully accommodating indoor alternative space is available. The Act establishes a "necessity defense" in court for survival-related infractions and allows individuals to sue to enforce these new rights.

The CONNECT for Health Act of 2025 significantly expands and permanently secures access to Medicare telehealth services by eliminating outdated geographic restrictions and allowing more practitioners to offer remote care. The bill also strengthens program integrity by dedicating funds for telehealth oversight while clarifying rules around providing necessary technology to patients. Finally, it mandates the creation of tailored educational resources and public reporting to improve quality measurement and transparency in remote care delivery.

This resolution formally recognizes the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States. It serves as a declaration by Congress affirming that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and encouraging the celebration of Pride Month. The bill highlights key historical milestones, legal victories, and acknowledges the persistent challenges and violence faced by the community. Ultimately, it commits the U.S. to continuing the pursuit of full equality for all citizens.

The Saving Hazardous And Declining Environments (SHADE) Act establishes a new, federally funded grant program to support tree planting initiatives. Administered by HUD and the Forest Service, this program prioritizes projects in historically redlined or urban heat island areas. Applicants must submit detailed 5-year plans that include community involvement and strategies to prevent resident displacement. The program is authorized to receive $50 million annually from fiscal year 2026 through 2036.

The LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2025 bans the use of "panic defenses" in federal court, which attempt to excuse or lessen a defendant's culpability for a crime based on the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation recognizes that these outdated defenses rely on prejudice and undermine justice for LGBTQ+ individuals. The Act also requires the Attorney General to report annually on violent federal crimes motivated by bias against LGBTQ+ people.

This resolution expresses the House's support for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ individuals across the United States. It recognizes key Supreme Court decisions that advanced equality and highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive legal protections against discrimination. Finally, the bill proposes designating June 26th as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate these legal victories.

The Connecting Students with Mental Health Services Act establishes a new grant program to enhance mental and behavioral health support for K-12 students through telehealth services. These grants prioritize funding for schools in high-poverty, rural, or underserved areas to acquire necessary equipment and staff for remote care delivery. The program aims to expand access to mental health services while ensuring strict compliance with student privacy laws.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

The Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand healthcare access for immigrants legally residing in the U.S. by ensuring eligibility for federal health programs like Medicaid and CHIP, removing state restrictions for permanent residents, and treating federally authorized presence as lawful presence for coverage purposes. The bill also provides states the option to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage to individuals without lawful status. Furthermore, it removes citizenship barriers preventing certain non-citizens from accessing ACA marketplace subsidies and updates Medicare eligibility rules.

The Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act prohibits states from interfering with or retaliating against individuals who provide or receive abortion services that are legal in the state where the service occurs. This protection extends to interstate travel for legal abortion care and the movement of FDA-approved abortion-related drugs across state lines. Individuals harmed by violations can sue in federal court for damages and legal fees.

The Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025 establishes a new HUD grant program to provide downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-time, first-generation homebuyers. Funds will be distributed to states and eligible entities based on need and the number of qualified buyers in their area. Assistance is capped per buyer and requires mandatory homeownership counseling, with strict rules governing eligible mortgages and primary residency requirements.

This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall "Major" Taylor, recognizing the pioneering Black cyclist for his historic achievements and his fight against racial prejudice. The medal will be struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and presented to Taylor's great-granddaughter. The Act also authorizes the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.