Legislative Activity

The RECON Act would amend the Social Security Act to make the reconsideration review process optional for benefit appeals. This means individuals appealing an initial decision for Social Security or SSI benefits will no longer be required to complete a reconsideration review before requesting a hearing. The bill aims to streamline the appeals process by allowing claimants to move directly to a hearing if they choose.

This resolution formally recognizes March as "Long COVID Awareness Month" to highlight the ongoing health and economic challenges faced by millions of individuals. It underscores the urgent need for increased medical research into the causes and treatments of this multi-organ illness. By supporting these goals, the bill aims to raise public awareness and advocate for those disproportionately impacted by the condition.

The HBCU AI Research Leadership Act amends the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to prioritize Historically Black Colleges and Universities in federal research funding. The bill mandates that at least ten percent of financial assistance for national artificial intelligence research institutes be allocated to HBCUs. This initiative aims to empower HBCUs to lead and collaborate on cutting-edge AI research through dedicated support and institutional partnerships.

The Ensuring OBGYN Care in Prisons Act mandates that the Bureau of Prisons employ full-time obstetrician-gynecologists at all facilities housing female prisoners. This bill ensures comprehensive gynecological, prenatal, and postpartum care, including required initial visits within 14 days of incarceration. Furthermore, it establishes patient protections like informed consent and the right to refuse non-emergency care. The Bureau of Prisons must also submit annual reports detailing staffing, services provided, and pregnancy outcomes.

The Military Family Diaper Partnership Act establishes a federal fund to provide diapers and essential supplies to military families in need. Through a partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network, the Department of Defense will provide $1 million annually from 2027 to 2030, which must be matched by non-federal contributions. These resources will be distributed through local diaper banks located near military installations to support service members and their families.

The Second Chance Mental Health Access Act of 2026 mandates that Medicaid programs cover up to 12 mental health telehealth visits annually for certain individuals recently released from incarceration and placed under home confinement. This provision aims to improve access to crucial mental health services during the critical transition period following release.

The Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026 establishes a pilot program to improve children's access to books through competitive grants. These grants, up to $200,000, will be awarded to eligible organizations for purchasing, distributing, or hosting literacy programming related to books. The Secretary of Education will administer the program and report to Congress on its impact on book access and community literacy rates.

The Expanding AI Voices Act establishes a new competitive grant program administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This program aims to significantly broaden participation and capacity in U.S. artificial intelligence research, education, and workforce development. Awards will prioritize institutions that have historically received less federal AI research funding, including HBCUs, MSIs, and Tribal Colleges. Funds must support activities like program expansion, faculty development, access to research resources, and integrating ethical practices into AI training.

The Federal Prisons Naloxone Access Act of 2025 mandates that the Bureau of Prisons make opioid overdose reversal medication readily available throughout all federal correctional facilities. This bill requires comprehensive training for both staff and incarcerated individuals on administering the medication and recognizing overdoses. Furthermore, it establishes protocols for inventory, documentation of use, and provides liability protection for individuals administering the antidote in good faith.

The Quantum Leaders Education and Advancement Program Act (QLEAP) reauthorizes and extends the National Science Foundation's Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program. This extension continues support for developing the next generation of quantum science and technology leaders.

This bill mandates a joint report from NASA and the Department of Commerce studying the merits and options for establishing a new institute focused on space resources. The institute would aim to advance U.S. preeminence by developing technology and reducing risks associated with identifying and utilizing resources in space. The report must assess the best structure, such as a virtual or physical entity, and potential partnerships to achieve these goals.

This resolution establishes May 20th as "National Women in Aerospace Day" to honor the vital contributions of American women in aviation and space exploration. It recognizes the pioneering achievements of numerous influential women throughout history in these fields. The bill also affirms the commitment to increasing opportunities for women in the aerospace workforce.

This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program creating partnerships between military installations and qualified basic needs banks. The goal of this program is to provide essential diapers and diapering supplies to military families in need. The Secretary must also seek collaboration with the National Diaper Bank Network for technical assistance and program evaluation.

The National Gun Violence Research Act of 2025 aims to significantly increase federal research into the causes, consequences, and prevention of gun violence. This bill repeals previous restrictions that limited data collection and research by agencies like the ATF, CDC, and NIH. It establishes a new National Gun Violence Research Program to coordinate efforts, fund grants through agencies like the NSF and HHS, and develop voluntary safety standards through NIST.

This resolution expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for the continued federal commitment to the recovery of the critically endangered red wolf population. It recognizes the vital role of ongoing partnership efforts between various institutions in protecting this unique North American species. The bill specifically highlights the importance of maintaining recovery programs and establishing wildlife corridors to ensure the red wolf's survival.

This resolution supports the designation of "Brain and Spine Metastasis Awareness Month" to highlight the critical need for increased attention to cancer that spreads to the brain and spine. It calls for boosting public awareness of specialized treatment options and improving access to cutting-edge clinical trials and dedicated research. The bill urges the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enhance education and support for specialized treatment centers for this condition.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates the historic bravery, achievements, and enduring legacy of women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It highlights key trailblazers and milestones across various branches of service to honor their dedication. Furthermore, the bill supports the designation of June 12th as "Women Veterans Recognition Day" to ensure their vital contributions are formally acknowledged.

The Cool Roof Rebate Act of 2025 establishes a federal program to provide rebates to eligible, low-to-moderate income homeowners for installing high-performance, energy-saving "cool roof" products. Rebate amounts are tiered based on the roof slope and the product's measured performance metrics, such as solar reflectance. This program is authorized through fiscal year 2030 and includes funding to update related calculation tools.

The IMPACT Act 2.0 aims to reduce pollution from highway projects by incentivizing states to use low-emissions building materials through new Federal Highway Administration grants and technical assistance. It also establishes an advance purchase commitment program, allowing states to secure future supplies of innovative, domestically produced, cleaner road materials at fixed prices. This legislation seeks to accelerate the adoption of greener construction standards across the nation's road network.

The College Thriving Act aims to improve first-year college student success by providing grants to higher education institutions to develop and implement "skills-for-success" courses. These courses will focus on essential skills such as time management, stress management, and building relationships, with priority given to institutions serving a high percentage of Pell Grant recipients. The Act allocates \$50 million for these grants, which will support institutions over a five-year period to develop, pilot, and fully implement these courses. Institutions will be required to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs and report their findings to the Secretary of Education.