Legislative Activity

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 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Health Act of 2025 significantly expands and permanently secures access to Medicare telehealth services by eliminating outdated geographic restrictions and allowing more practitioners to offer remote care.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.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating **September 25th** as **National Stop SuiSilence Day**. The bill emphasizes that open conversation is crucial for reducing the stigma surrounding suicide and preventing loss of life. It encourages individuals, communities, and the government to actively engage in suicide prevention awareness and action on this designated day.

The Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2025 establishes new federal requirements to combat bridge rust and decay on federally funded projects by mandating the use of certified contractors and qualified training programs for corrosion control work. The bill also makes federal grant funding explicitly available for corrosion control work on rail bridges. Furthermore, it directs the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a comprehensive study on the efficacy and maintenance of weathering steel bridges within 18 months.

The Strengthening Protections for Domestic Violence and Stalking Survivors Act of 2025 updates federal law to broaden protections against intimate partner violence by expanding the definition of an "intimate partner" to explicitly include dating relationships. This bill also introduces a new federal prohibition on firearm possession for individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking. These changes aim to close loopholes and ensure comprehensive safety measures for survivors of abuse and harassment.

This resolution formally recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful protest while strongly condemning violence and illegal acts committed during demonstrations. It criticizes the federal government's deployment of military forces during recent events, arguing the actions were an overreach that bypassed proper legal and state authority. Ultimately, the bill asserts the importance of transparency in law enforcement and denounces rhetoric that escalates community tensions.

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 Community Paramedicine Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program administered by HRSA to support specially trained paramedics providing mobile healthcare services outside of emergency calls, primarily in rural areas. Eligible non-profit entities can apply for up to $\$1.5$ million over five years to fund staffing, equipment, training, and medical oversight for these patient-centered services. The bill specifically reserves a portion of funding for Tribal community programs and requires rigorous reporting on program outcomes.

This bill directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Director of the Census Bureau to conduct a comprehensive study on how federal agencies currently identify and record various forms of housing loss in the United States. The resulting report must define different types of housing loss, identify current data collection methods, and recommend improvements for federal tracking. The goal is to enhance the government's ability to accurately count and understand involuntary displacement since 2022.

The No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025 mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting domestic enforcement operations must clearly display their name and agency affiliation, and cannot wear facial coverings. Exceptions to this identification rule are permitted only in cases of immediate danger or necessary safety gear, subject to supervisory review within 48 hours. The bill also establishes disciplinary procedures for non-compliance and requires annual reporting to Congress on enforcement and complaints.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

The BARK Act of 2025 aims to encourage the donation of pet food and supplies during emergencies and for charitable purposes. It provides liability protection to donors and distributing organizations against lawsuits related to the condition of donated items, provided there is no gross negligence or intentional harm. This protection applies to items that appear fit for use, even if they don't meet all commercial sales standards, provided proper disclosure and reconditioning procedures are followed.

The Family Vaccine Protection Act formally establishes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) into law, requiring all its vaccine recommendations to be based on the preponderance of the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence. This legislation mandates strict procedures for the CDC Director to adopt or reject ACIP advice, including notifying Congress if a recommendation is rejected. Furthermore, the Act requires that any changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program's injury table must also be supported by strong scientific evidence.

The Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act ensures that employers cannot terminate or alter group health plan coverage for employees during a lawful strike or an employer-initiated lockout. This legislation aims to prevent employers from using health benefits as leverage during labor disputes. The bill also establishes significant civil penalties, including fines up to \$150,000 per violation, for employers who interfere with this coverage, and allows for individual liability for directors and officers involved in such violations.

The Protect our Parks Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of the Interior to immediately ensure the National Park Service is fully staffed to protect resources and enhance visitor safety. This legislation requires filling all maintenance positions and reinstating any NPS employees terminated since January 20, 2025. Furthermore, the Act ensures the continuation of all previously authorized and funded National Park Service projects.

The Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 establishes a national, voluntary partnership—the Wildlife Confiscations Network—to coordinate the care and placement of illegally smuggled or confiscated wildlife. This network will utilize qualified animal care facilities to ensure seized animals receive proper triage, housing, and forensic documentation. The Act authorizes up to $5 million annually from Fiscal Year 2026 through 2030 to support this critical infrastructure.

The Save Our Forests Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the management and health of the National Forest System. This legislation mandates the immediate hiring of additional Forest Service personnel and the reinstatement of recently departed employees. Furthermore, it ensures the continuation of all previously authorized and funded Forest Service projects under various existing laws.

This bill, the Henrietta Lacks Congressional Gold Medal Act, posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Henrietta Lacks to recognize her foundational contributions to science and medicine through her immortal HeLa cells. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike the medal, which will ultimately be housed at the Smithsonian Institution. Furthermore, the Act authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.