Legislative Activity

The FORCE Act prohibits the President and the Secretary of State from removing Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. This restriction remains in effect until the administration certifies that Cuba has met the specific democratic and human rights requirements outlined in the LIBERTAD Act of 1996.

The Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025 mandates that the VA provide hospital care and medical services to veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities residing outside the United States. The bill also modernizes the reimbursement process by requiring direct deposit options and new mobile application features for document tracking and submission. Additionally, it requires the VA to report to Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of these expanded services.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a $25 million grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. This initiative provides grants to eligible organizations to hire veteran peer specialists, offer 24/7 nonclinical support, and ensure veteran privacy by prohibiting the collection of personally identifying information.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

Mel’s Law requires colleges and universities that participate in federal student aid programs to establish formal policies for awarding posthumous degrees to students who were in good academic standing at the time of their death. The bill also ensures that accrediting agencies cannot penalize or factor these awards into an institution's accreditation standards.

The Skills Investment Act of 2025 modernizes Coverdell education savings accounts into "Coverdell lifelong learning accounts," expanding their use to include a wide range of career and technical training expenses. The bill increases flexibility for adult learners by raising contribution age limits and introduces new tax incentives, including a business tax credit for employer contributions and a tax deduction for individual account holders. These changes aim to support workforce development and lifelong skill acquisition for Americans of all ages.

The Thin Blue Line Act amends federal law to designate the killing or attempted killing of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or first responder as an aggravating factor in capital sentencing. This legislation ensures that when a jury considers the death penalty, they must take into account whether the victim was targeted due to their status as a public servant or while performing their official duties.

The HEADWAY Act updates credentialing requirements for Early Head Start teachers to improve workforce accessibility while maintaining quality standards. The bill mandates that each classroom have at least one fully qualified teacher, while requiring all other staff to actively pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. To support this professional development, agencies are required to provide mentorship for teachers working toward their certifications.

This bill authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to $3 million annually from 2026 through 2031 to support groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects. By providing targeted technical and financial assistance, this initiative aims to enhance long-term water security and sustainability.

This bill designates January 13th of each year as Korean American Day. It recognizes the important influence, contributions, and sacrifices of Korean Americans in the United States, and celebrates the 122nd anniversary of the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the U.S. The bill encourages all Americans to acknowledge and celebrate the integral role of Korean Americans in strengthening the ties between the United States and the Republic of Korea.

The Small Business Growth Act supports business investment by doubling the maximum immediate tax deduction for qualifying equipment and property purchases from $1 million to $2 million. It also raises the phase-out threshold to $3.5 million and implements annual inflation adjustments starting in 2026 to ensure these benefits keep pace with the economy.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

The Every Drop Counts Act expands federal grant eligibility for water storage projects, specifically including smaller surface water initiatives and groundwater recharge efforts. By doubling the program's authorization period to ten years, the bill aims to increase long-term water security. These updates are designed to support local water management while ensuring full respect for existing state and federal water rights.

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2025 reauthorizes critical funding for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes ecosystem. This legislation secures $500 million annually from fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to support ongoing environmental recovery efforts.

The Disaster Reforestation Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax relief for timber owners whose uncut timber is destroyed by natural disasters, pests, or disease. It allows owners to deduct the appraised value of lost timber—including pre-merchantable stands—provided they commit to reforesting the land within five years. This measure supports active timber businesses by ensuring tax deductions more accurately reflect the economic loss caused by casualty events.

The Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Jens Stoltenberg in recognition of his distinguished leadership as NATO Secretary General. The bill honors his pivotal role in strengthening the Alliance, fostering international unity, and advancing global security. It also provides for the production and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal.

The Justice for 9/11 Act ensures that Khalid Shaikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi remain subject to prosecution for the September 11 attacks, regardless of any existing plea agreements. The bill preserves the availability of the death penalty for these individuals and mandates strict confinement conditions at Guantanamo Bay, including solitary confinement and a prohibition on transfer to the U.S. mainland.

The Ending Scam Credit Repair Act (ESCRA) strengthens federal oversight of credit repair organizations by implementing stricter regulations on billing, dispute practices, and consumer disclosures. The bill mandates state licensing for these organizations, prohibits deceptive practices, and requires greater transparency in communications. Additionally, it enhances consumer protections by allowing for statutory damages in cases of noncompliance and extending recordkeeping requirements.

This bill honors the life, achievements, and legacy of Jimmy Carter, recognizing his service as a naval officer, farmer, state senator, Governor, and President. It also acknowledges his post-presidency work promoting peace, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Center, as well as his dedication to Habitat for Humanity. The bill expresses condolences to his family upon his passing and celebrates his lasting impact as a leader and statesman.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.