Legislative Activity

This bill formally codifies Executive Order 14096, elevating the federal commitment to environmental justice into permanent statute. By establishing this mandate as law, the legislation ensures that the principles of equitable environmental protection carry the full force and effect of a congressional act.

The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 expands Medicare benefits to include coverage for hearing aids and related examinations starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate current hearing loss programs and provide recommendations for improving access and care for beneficiaries.

The Equal COLA Act amends the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to ensure that retirees receive the full annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This legislation eliminates current discrepancies in calculation methods, providing federal annuitants with a COLA that matches the full percentage change in the price index.

This bill recognizes and celebrates Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., on its 105th anniversary, honoring its legacy of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood since its founding in 1920. The bill highlights the sorority's growth, global impact, and the notable achievements of its members. It affirms the sorority's commitment to community service and action-oriented initiatives.

The Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act mandates that military service eligibility and personnel policies be based solely on an individual's ability to meet occupational standards. It prohibits discrimination within the Armed Forces based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex, explicitly including gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics. This legislation ensures equal treatment and opportunity for all service members.

The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his extraordinary athletic achievements and lifelong humanitarian contributions. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the medal for presentation to his wife, Lonnie Ali, and authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicates.

This bill recognizes the 96th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth and reaffirms his teachings on diversity, tolerance, and civil rights. It condemns hate, discrimination, and prejudice against minority groups and individuals based on gender or sexual orientation. The bill honors Dr. King's legacy and calls for upholding his values of justice, equality, and peace.

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.

The LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 mandates that the Secretary of Energy approve natural gas exports only after a rigorous public interest review. This process requires comprehensive climate, economic, and environmental justice assessments to ensure that exports do not negatively impact U.S. consumer prices, global climate goals, or vulnerable communities. Additionally, the bill eliminates previous regulatory exemptions, ensuring all export authorizations undergo full environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act.

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 Amputation Reduction and Compassion (ARC) Act of 2025 aims to reduce avoidable amputations caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD) through increased public awareness and improved access to care. The bill establishes a national PAD education program and mandates that Medicare and Medicaid cover essential screening tests for at-risk beneficiaries with no out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, it directs the development of clinical quality measures and launches a pilot program to improve early detection and treatment, ultimately prioritizing limb preservation over amputation.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to health insurance by removing the 400% federal poverty level income cap for premium tax credits. It also introduces a new sliding-scale contribution formula to ensure that insurance costs remain affordable for households across all income levels. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

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 Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2025 mandates that the VA provide comprehensive infertility treatments and fertility preservation services to enrolled veterans and their chosen partners. This legislation expands access to assisted reproductive technology, including IVF and gamete storage, regardless of marital status. It also provides coverage for partner travel expenses and establishes clear guidelines for consent and implementation.

The Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act ensures veterans do not pay more for contraception than the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for the medication. Additionally, it eliminates copayments for contraceptive items if health insurance coverage is required without cost-sharing under the Public Health Service Act.

The "Manatee Protection Act of 2025" designates the West Indian manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, requiring its inclusion on the endangered species list. This action provides increased protections and conservation efforts for the manatee population.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act proposes admitting the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the Union, while maintaining a reduced federal district to serve as the nation’s capital. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the transition, including the election of congressional representatives, the transfer of local government authority, and the gradual shift of federal responsibilities to the new state. This legislation aims to grant D.C. residents full voting representation in Congress while ensuring the continued security and operation of the federal seat of government.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the history of slavery and discrimination in the United States from 1619 to the present. The commission will study the lingering negative effects of these injustices on living African Americans and U.S. society, and recommend appropriate remedies, including how to educate the American public on its findings to promote racial healing and understanding. The commission will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months of its first official meeting, and the act authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to implement the provisions of this act.