Legislative Activity

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.

The Autism Family Caregivers Act of 2025 establishes a new pilot program to award grants for evidence-based skills training to family caregivers of children with autism or developmental disabilities. This training aims to improve child well-being and community engagement by focusing on communication, daily living skills, and caregiver self-care. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will oversee the program, which requires grantees to establish diverse advisory committees and report annually on program effectiveness. Funding is authorized through fiscal year 2030 to support at least 25 entities across multiple states.

This resolution officially designates June 23-27, 2025, as Academic Medicine Week to recognize the vital contributions of medical schools, teaching hospitals, and researchers. It highlights their critical roles in training future doctors, conducting medical research, and providing complex patient care. The bill also underscores the need for federal support to address physician shortages and maintain these essential services nationwide.

The Service Member Housing Relief Act temporarily adjusts the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) calculation by lowering the temporary cap on rate increases from 20 percent to 15 percent. Additionally, the bill permanently removes an outdated provision related to the BAH calculation structure. This legislation aims to modify housing allowances for members of the uniformed services.

The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2025 amends existing federal law to significantly enhance collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring. This bill mandates increased input from diverse stakeholders, including industry, coastal networks, and Indigenous groups, in guiding federal research priorities. Furthermore, it restructures the Advisory Board to ensure stronger representation from Tribal entities and requires the development of specific coordination policies with affected Tribes. The legislation also directs NOAA to prioritize collaboration with State, local, and Tribal governments when conducting vulnerability assessments.

The Increasing Behavioral Health Treatment Act removes the long-standing Medicaid exclusion for services provided in Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMDs). To qualify for this coverage, states must submit a comprehensive plan detailing how they will increase access to community-based outpatient care and improve crisis response services for these patients. This legislation aims to ensure better coordination of physical and behavioral health care while requiring states to demonstrate policies that support the least restrictive, most clinically appropriate level of treatment.

The Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Fund Act of 2025 mandates the Secretary of Defense to carry out activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. This bill amends existing law to change the commemoration from an optional activity to a required duty. These changes will officially take effect on November 11, 2025.

The Filling Public Safety Vacancies Act allocates \$162 million in federal funding to assist local agencies in hiring or rehiring career law enforcement officers. This funding is designated as an emergency requirement, bypassing standard budget caps. Any agency utilizing these funds must ensure new hires undergo mandatory background checks and psychological evaluations, with the agency covering the costs of these requirements.

Gio's Law establishes a grant program allowing law enforcement agencies to purchase emergency epinephrine products and receive necessary training. The bill mandates the development of standardized training for officers on recognizing and treating anaphylaxis. Furthermore, it requires annual reporting on epinephrine administration by officers and launches a public awareness campaign about severe allergic reactions.

This resolution expresses the strong support of the U.S. Congress for Israel's recent military actions aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear enrichment capabilities. It condemns Iran's advancement toward nuclear weapons and its retaliatory attacks against Israeli civilians. Furthermore, the bill urges Iran to immediately cease all nuclear activities and reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security.

The Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act aims to increase the pay for certain Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees currently receiving the "Rest of US" locality pay rate. This bill mandates that their pay locality be adjusted to the nearest established locality offering a higher rate, provided it is within 200 miles of their worksite. This change is designed to ensure fairer compensation for these federal correctional staff.

The Economic Opportunity for Border Communities Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to develop a comprehensive national strategy to boost job creation and economic competitiveness in U.S. border communities. This strategy must focus on key sectors like logistics, trade, and manufacturing, while also aiming to lower import/export costs. The resulting plan, detailing necessary policy changes and workforce development initiatives, must be submitted to Congress within one year.

The Campus Housing Affordability for Foster Youth Act removes a long-standing federal prohibition that prevented students from receiving certain housing assistance. This legislation allows the Secretary to waive specific requirements for Section 8 housing assistance for college students who live in campus housing and have a history in foster care or are emancipated minors. Crucially, any assistance received through this waiver will not negatively impact a student's eligibility for federal financial aid or other support programs.

The FIGHT Act of 2025 significantly strengthens federal prohibitions against animal fighting ventures, specifically targeting the sponsorship, exhibition, and gambling associated with these events. This legislation clarifies the definition of a rooster for legal purposes and bans the interstate transport of roosters for fighting. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, allowing for civil penalties and the potential seizure of property used to facilitate illegal animal fighting.

The Protect Black Women and Girls Act establishes a new federal Interagency Task Force, led by the Attorney General, to examine and recommend policy improvements across education, economic development, healthcare, justice, and housing for Black women and girls. Additionally, the bill mandates the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conduct annual studies on critical issues impacting this demographic, including violence, incarceration rates, and health disparities. The legislation aims to coordinate federal efforts and gather data to address systemic challenges and improve outcomes for Black women and girls nationwide.

This resolution supports designating the second Friday of June as "National Service and Conservation Corps Day" to recognize the vital work of existing Service and Conservation Corps programs. It highlights how these corps train thousands of young adults and veterans annually while addressing critical environmental and community needs. The bill encourages public recognition of these efforts and supports the continued operation and expansion of the national service network.

The Respond, Innovate, Succeed, and Empower (RISE) Act aims to improve support for postsecondary students with disabilities. It standardizes the types of documentation colleges must accept to verify a disability, ensuring clearer access to necessary accommodations. The bill also authorizes increased funding for national technical support centers and requires colleges to report essential data on enrolled students with disabilities. Finally, it clarifies that these changes do not alter existing rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

This bill grants a Federal charter to the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, officially recognizing it as a nonprofit veterans service organization. The organization is tasked with promoting sustainable homeownership, financial literacy, and economic opportunity for veterans and service members. It must adhere to strict operational rules, including prohibitions on political activity and the distribution of profits to members. The charter remains contingent upon the organization maintaining its tax-exempt status and compliance with California corporate law.

The Research for Healthy Soils Act expands agricultural research funding to specifically address the presence and impact of microplastics and PFAS contaminants on farmland. This legislation authorizes new research grants to track these substances, develop mitigation strategies, and study their effects on crops and soil health. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes several existing high-priority agricultural research and extension initiatives through 2031.

The Helping Student Parents Succeed Act requires colleges receiving federal aid to establish clear policies supporting expectant and parenting students. These institutions must provide comprehensive information regarding academic accommodations, financial aid adjustments like dependent care allowances, and available support services. The bill ensures these students are fully informed of their rights, available resources, and complaint procedures related to pregnancy and parental status.