Legislative Activity

The "Keep Americans Safe Act" aims to regulate large capacity ammunition feeding devices by making it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with exceptions for law enforcement, government entities, and devices lawfully possessed before the law's enactment. It also permits the use of Byrne grants for buy-back programs of these devices and mandates that newly manufactured devices be marked with identifying information. Violators of this Act will face penalties under existing provisions of Title 18 of the U.S. Code.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act allows wrongly fired or dismissed veterans in civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date to be reinstated to their previous position or a similar one. It mandates executive branch agencies to report to Congress every three months on all veteran employees who were fired or dismissed and the reasons for their termination, effective until January 20, 2029. The Act relies on existing U.S. Code definitions for key terms like "veteran" and "civil service."

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the United States as children and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Title I, the Dream Act of 2025, establishes conditional permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the U.S. as children. Title II, the American Promise Act of 2025, allows the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to grant permanent resident status to eligible individuals from TPS or DED countries. Title III outlines general provisions, such as background checks, application processes, and fee exemptions, applicable to all seeking to adjust their status under this Act.

The CROWN Act of 2025 prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and hairstyle if that style is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin. This protection extends to federally funded programs, housing, public accommodations, and employment. The act aims to ensure equal opportunity and prevent discrimination based on hair, addressing historical biases and stereotypes. It clarifies that existing civil rights laws should be interpreted to include protection against hair-based discrimination.

The RAISE Act of 2025 introduces a refundable tax credit for eligible teachers, offering $1,000 plus additional amounts for teachers in qualifying schools with high student poverty levels. It also increases the tax deduction for educators' expenses to $500 and expands eligibility to include early childhood educators. Additionally, the Act amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to provide mandatory funding to support local educational agencies that maintain or increase teacher salaries, with a portion reserved for teacher salary incentive grants. These grants can be used for various programs aimed at strengthening the teaching profession and improving educator skills.

This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," in recognition of their courageous service and crucial contributions during World War II. The medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display, honoring the 761st as the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit and their significant role in the Allied victory in Europe. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

Ethan's Law establishes federal requirements for the secure storage of firearms to prevent unauthorized access by minors and prohibited persons, making improper storage a civil violation with escalating penalties if injury or death results. The bill also creates a federal grant program to incentivize states and Tribes to adopt matching safe storage laws. Furthermore, Congress declares that failing to comply with these storage requirements constitutes negligence and may be considered the direct cause of resulting firearm injuries.

The Military and Educational Data Integration Act mandates a process for State educational agencies to access certain Armed Forces data of individuals who graduated high school in their state, including education level, test scores, and military service details. This data sharing initiative aims to integrate military data into state education systems while adhering to strict confidentiality and data security standards to protect individual privacy. The goal is to provide states with comprehensive data to better understand and support the educational and career pathways of their graduates.

The "DOC Access Act of 2025" aims to enhance health care coverage under vision and dental plans by ensuring fair payment practices, protecting doctors' choices in labs and suppliers, and respecting state laws. It allows optometrists and dentists to charge their standard rate for non-covered services if the plan's payment is unreasonable, while ensuring they can only charge the contracted rate for dental cleanings. The bill also gives doctors more control over agreement extensions with limited benefit plans and allows them to opt out of certain provisions. Ultimately, this act seeks to balance federal guidelines with state oversight in regulating health insurance issuers and dental or vision benefit plans.

The LEASH DOGE Act mandates transparency and oversight of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by requiring detailed reports on employees, activities, and potential conflicts of interest to be submitted to Congress and made public. It sets a deadline of March 31, 2025, for DOGE to comply with these requirements, or face restrictions on the use of funds, including those allocated to DOGE Agency Teams. This act ensures accountability and provides the public with accessible information regarding DOGE's operations and impact on government programs.

Expresses support for strengthening public schools through community partnerships, mental health resources, and equitable funding. Aims to advance equity and excellence in public education, ensuring high-quality education for every child through evidence-based practices. Designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as Public Schools Week.

The Accountability in Government Efficiency Act requires the Comptroller General of the United States to report to Congress on the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. This report will analyze the effects of the Department's actions on the long-term financial, public health, and safety interests of the United States, as well as the Department's compliance with certain sections of title 5, United States Code. The report must be submitted to Congress by December 31, 2025.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025 establishes a commission to improve the management and sustainability of fishery resources in the Mississippi River Basin by fostering collaboration among states, federal agencies, and tribes. The commission will develop and implement fishery management plans, address aquatic invasive species, and administer a grant program to support interjurisdictional fishery projects. This act authorizes appropriations for the commission's establishment, management duties, grant program, and housing within the Department of the Interior. The commission will submit annual reports to Congress detailing its activities and progress.

This bill expresses support for designating February 16, 2025, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day," recognizing the historical and ongoing contributions of Black Americans to aviation and space exploration. It encourages the celebration of these professionals and supports educational initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry. The bill also requests the President to issue a proclamation to recognize the stories and contributions of Black American aviation professionals.

This bill amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to establish presumptions regarding radiation and toxin exposure for veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range between 1972 and 2005, excluding Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases. It recognizes certain activities at the range as radiation-risk activities and presumes exposure to toxins for veterans stationed there during the specified period. Additionally, it establishes a presumption of service connection for lipomas and tumor-related conditions for these veterans.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This act increases the maximum age for eligible children to receive medical care under the program to 26 years old, regardless of their marital status. This change does not affect benefits for children incapable of self-support and takes effect for medical care provided on or after the enactment of this act.

The "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, providing continued financial support to states and counties with federal lands through 2026. It extends secure payments, distribution of payments, and the authority for special projects on federal land. Additionally, it extends the Resource Advisory Committee pilot program and makes several technical corrections to the original Act.

The Justice for All Act of 2025 aims to strengthen and expand civil rights protections by clarifying prohibited discrimination, reinstating the right to sue for discriminatory impact, and addressing loopholes in existing laws. This bill amends several key acts to include protections based on religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), and source of income, while also prohibiting discrimination by law enforcement and in public accommodations. It also makes employers fully responsible for employee discrimination, bans mandatory arbitration in employment, consumer, and civil rights disputes, and clarifies liability for government officials who violate constitutional rights. Finally, the act ensures that individuals who have experienced discrimination can recover equitable and legal relief, attorney's fees, and costs.

The "Office of Gun Violence Prevention Act of 2025" establishes an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Department of Justice, led by a Director appointed by the Attorney General, to coordinate gun violence prevention efforts, evaluate related laws and programs, and recommend evidence-based policies to Congress and the President. The Director will also convene an advisory council comprising various officials and at least 12 additional individuals representing gun violence survivors, community violence intervention service providers, and other relevant groups. The Office will also assist communities affected by gun violence with crisis response activities, such as providing access to mental health services and suicide prevention resources. Finally, the act authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out the provisions of the bill.