Legislative Activity

The Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act establishes a new grant program to help food hubs increase market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The bill also introduces an "Agriculture Hub Credit" tax incentive to encourage related spending. Furthermore, it strengthens civil rights accountability for USDA employees, grants new equitable relief powers to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, shifts the burden of proof in agency appeals, and creates an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson.

The Medicare Breast Reconstruction Access and Information Act mandates that suppliers performing medically necessary mastectomies must inform patients about their Medicare coverage for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. This information must be provided and documented in the patient's medical file before the surgery takes place. Failure to comply will result in Medicare withholding payment for the mastectomy procedure.

The Equity in Government Act mandates that federal agencies integrate specific equity goals into their strategic and performance plans, ensuring at least 20% of goals focus on improving service delivery to underserved communities. The bill establishes new leadership structures, including an Agency Equity Advisory Team, and enhances the role of the Chief Data Officer Council to prioritize equitable data collection and use. Furthermore, it creates an Equitable Data Working Group to guide the government toward fairer methods and outcomes in federal operations.

The Student Loan Bankruptcy Improvement Act of 2025 aims to reform the bankruptcy process for student loan borrowers. This bill seeks to lower the current, overly difficult standard required to discharge student loan debt in bankruptcy proceedings. By making these changes, Congress intends to provide struggling borrowers with a genuine opportunity for a financial fresh start.

The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to significantly increase federal research, public education, and provider awareness regarding uterine fibroids. The bill mandates expanded research coordination across federal agencies and authorizes funding to study the condition, which disproportionately affects minority women. It also requires the creation of public awareness campaigns detailing non-hysterectomy treatment options and mandates data collection on Medicaid/CHIP spending for fibroid treatments.

The Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive federal study to investigate the potential link between the use of chemical hair straighteners and the risk of developing uterine cancer. This research must specifically examine disparities in cancer rates among women of color. The study will ultimately recommend whether the FDA should require additional safety testing for these hair products.

The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act of 2025 aims to improve the detection and treatment of uterine fibroids. It mandates federal research to develop evidence-based early detection strategies and establishes grant programs for states to fund screening, education, and intervention services, prioritizing vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the bill allocates funding for research into pain management related to fibroid surgery and other uterine conditions.

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 supports the designation of July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month to highlight the significant health impact of these common growths on women. It recognizes the disproportionate burden of fibroids on Black and Hispanic women and calls for increased research and improved treatment options. The bill encourages the President to issue a proclamation supporting national awareness activities throughout July.

The Helping More Families Save Act establishes a new pilot program to help families receiving housing assistance save money as they increase their earnings. This program creates interest-bearing escrow accounts where increases in rent payments resulting from higher income are deposited. Families can access these savings after a set period or upon achieving self-sufficiency goals, while ensuring that participation does not negatively affect other benefits.

This bill mandates that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) conduct and publish an economic review before any modification to existing tariffs or duties on imported goods can be implemented. This ensures that the potential economic impact of changing import taxes is assessed and made public prior to taking effect.

This resolution affirms that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental American values necessary to combat persistent discrimination across society. It details how systemic barriers in housing, wealth, healthcare, education, and employment negatively impact marginalized groups. Ultimately, the bill encourages all sectors to actively pursue DEIA initiatives as a means to strengthen the economy and ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.

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.

This resolution formally recognizes the significant and persistent wage disparity faced by Black women in the United States. It highlights that despite existing equal pay laws, Black women earn substantially less than their male counterparts, leading to massive lifetime earnings losses. Congress uses this measure to emphasize the urgent need to address both racial and gender discrimination to achieve true pay equity.

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.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating a specific week as "National Tire Safety Week" to promote public awareness. The bill encourages all Americans to learn about and practice proper tire care and maintenance. Its goal is to reduce accidents, injuries, and fatalities caused by tire-related issues.

This Act establishes direct federal compensation for the few remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. It mandates a substantial payment of over \$20 million to each living survivor as compensation for over a century of unaddressed injustice. Receiving this payment will finalize all related claims against the United States government.

This bill, the Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act, prohibits Medicaid plans from using federal funds to pay for conversion therapy services. Conversion therapy is defined as any paid practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars do not support efforts to alter a person's core identity.

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 Medicare Patient Choice Act expands the freedom of choice for Medicare beneficiaries by explicitly including therapists and qualified audiologists alongside physicians and practitioners in Medicare regulations. This amendment ensures patients can select these specific providers for their care under existing Medicare choice provisions. The bill formally defines the included therapist types (physical, occupational, and speech-language pathologists) for clarity.