Legislative Activity

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.

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 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.

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 Sustainable Budget Act of 2025 establishes a bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform tasked with developing recommendations to balance the federal budget and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. The bill mandates that these recommendations be submitted to Congress, where they will undergo an expedited legislative process to facilitate a timely vote.

The High Rise Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2025 encourages fire safety upgrades by allowing building owners to accelerate tax depreciation for automatic sprinkler system retrofits. This incentive applies to residential high-rise buildings over 75 feet tall that install systems meeting current National Fire Protection Association standards. By classifying these retrofits as 15-year property, the bill aims to reduce the financial burden of improving fire protection in older structures.

The Prevent Family Fire Act of 2025 establishes a federal tax credit for businesses to incentivize the retail sale of qualified safe firearm storage devices. By providing a credit of up to $400 per device, the bill aims to increase the accessibility and affordability of secure storage options to prevent unauthorized access to firearms. This credit remains available for qualifying sales through the end of 2032.

The "No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act" aims to withhold certain federal funds from state and local governments deemed "sanctuary jurisdictions" that obstruct the sharing of immigration status information or compliance with detainment requests from Homeland Security. These jurisdictions would be ineligible for federal funds intended to benefit individuals in the U.S. without legal immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security is required to report annually to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on non-compliant states and local governments.

The Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive audit of the Federal Reserve System by the Comptroller General within one year. Following the audit, a detailed report must be submitted to Congress, including findings and recommendations. This act aims to increase transparency and accountability within the Federal Reserve System by repealing audit limitations.