Legislative Activity

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance the enforcement of equal pay requirements by modifying the "bona fide factor" defense, protecting employees who discuss their wages, and enhancing penalties for equal pay violations. It requires training and directs research, education, and outreach to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. The Act also prohibits employers from relying on wage history when considering prospective employees and mandates the collection of compensation data by the EEOC. Finally, the Act establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace and provides small business assistance.

The "FRIDGE Act of 2025" aims to bolster the export of U.S. agricultural products by improving infrastructure in developing foreign markets. It enables the Secretary to collaborate with trade organizations to prevent damage or loss to U.S. agricultural commodities due to inadequate infrastructure. The act allocates $1,000,000 annually from 2026 to 2030 for these infrastructure improvements, with unused funds available for the general program. This initiative seeks to strengthen global supply chains, reduce food waste, and expand market access for American farmers.

This resolution designates March 24, 2025, as National Women of Color in Tech Day to recognize the vital contributions of women of color in technology. It aims to address underrepresentation and opportunity gaps in STEM fields by promoting diversity, inclusion, and support for STEM education, particularly for women of color. The resolution calls for increased investment in educational institutions and improved data collection to foster a more diverse and competitive tech workforce. It also encourages the President and Congress to collaborate on strategies to enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM education and the workforce.

This resolution recognizes and honors teachers who have achieved or maintained National Board Certification, highlighting their significant contributions to student learning and leadership. It acknowledges the rigorous standards required for certification and the positive impact these teachers have, especially in addressing learning loss. The resolution encourages increased support for teachers pursuing National Board Certification to further enhance educational quality. As of March 2025, there are 141,464 National Board Certified teachers.

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

This bill permits the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant extensions, up to six years, for commencing construction on hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020. These extensions, in increments of up to two years, are available to licensees who demonstrate good cause. The bill also allows FERC to reinstate expired licenses under certain conditions, with the extension period calculated from the original expiration date.

The FIGHT China Act of 2025 aims to protect U.S. national security by imposing sanctions on foreign entities connected to China's military-industrial complex, prohibiting certain investments in sensitive technologies, and requiring notification of other investments. It authorizes the President to sanction foreign individuals and entities involved in supporting China's defense or surveillance sectors, and restricts U.S. investment in companies linked to China's military. The Act also requires increased scrutiny and potential listing of additional entities on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, and mandates U.S. persons to divest from securities of listed companies. Furthermore, the Act seeks to coordinate with allied countries to prevent the development and acquisition of prohibited technologies by countries of concern.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to help first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and teachers, become homeowners. It allows 100% financing (no down payment) for first-time homebuyers who qualify and eliminates monthly insurance premiums. The bill defines eligibility criteria, including housing counseling, employment requirements, and good standing as a first responder. It also authorizes appropriations for the program and requires reauthorization after 5 years.

The "Safe Schools Improvement Act" aims to prevent bullying and harassment in public schools by requiring states to establish and enforce policies that prohibit bullying and harassment based on various characteristics, including race, sex, disability, and religion. It mandates the collection and reporting of data on bullying incidents and requires biennial evaluations of programs and policies to combat bullying. The Act ensures that schools provide annual notice of prohibited conduct and grievance procedures to students, parents, and educational professionals. This bill seeks to create a safer and more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" transitions TSA personnel to standard federal employment rules under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring they receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, while maintaining current pay and benefits. It enhances collective bargaining rights for screening agents, requires reports on recruitment, implementation, and workplace safety, and addresses specific concerns within the Federal Air Marshal Service. The Act aims to improve job security, morale, and overall working conditions for TSA employees.

The "Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025" establishes a multi-agency task force to coordinate efforts in combating the trafficking of illicit synthetic narcotics, particularly those involving China. The task force will develop strategies, facilitate information sharing, and conduct joint operations to disrupt trafficking networks. A director appointed by the President will lead the JTFISN and report to the Attorney General, providing regular updates to Congress on the task force's activities and plans. The bill explicitly prohibits the task force from targeting individuals for personal drug use or low-level dealing without ties to larger networks.

The "Stop Comstock Act" amends several sections of title 18 of the United States Code and the Tariff Act of 1930 to address and restrict the distribution and importation of obscene materials. It removes references to "indecent" materials and those related to abortion or immoral use, focusing on the prohibition of "obscene" content. The Act revises language concerning commerce and importation to align with its objectives, updating references and definitions accordingly.

The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act of 2025 aims to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed through various initiatives. It establishes partnerships to support agricultural producers in implementing conservation activities, expands the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, and creates a pilot program for landowners to establish and manage conservation practices. The act also invests in workforce development for food and agricultural sciences and streamlines the hiring process for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Finally, it transfers regulatory oversight of invasive catfish species to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs.

This bill reauthorizes and reforms the HOME Investment Partnerships Program to increase affordable housing options by providing more funding and adjusting administrative processes. It modifies eligibility criteria, streamlines fund allocation, and allows community land trusts to acquire housing. The bill also introduces a home loan guarantee program and makes technical corrections to improve the clarity and effectiveness of existing housing legislation.

This concurrent resolution expresses support for recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff for their essential care, courage, and dedication, particularly in light of increasing restrictions on abortion access. It affirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and patients' right to access care without fear of violence or criminalization. The resolution condemns actions that limit abortion access and expresses a vision for a future where everyone has full access to necessary care without penalty or stigma.

The "Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act" seeks to protect the health and safety of pregnant, lactating, and postpartum individuals in immigration detention by limiting their detention and restricting the use of restraints. It mandates pregnancy testing upon intake, generally prohibits detention unless the individual poses an immediate and serious risk, and ensures access to comprehensive healthcare services. The Act also requires detailed reporting on the detention and treatment of pregnant individuals and mandates training for DHS employees.

The FARMLAND Act of 2025 aims to protect U.S. agriculture and national security by increasing oversight and restrictions on foreign investment in agricultural land. It mandates increased reporting and due diligence requirements for land purchases, enhances the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review real estate transactions, and prohibits foreign entities from participating in Farm Service Agency programs. The Act also directs the creation of a comprehensive database of foreign-owned agricultural land and allocates funding for enforcement and implementation.

The "Do No Harm Act" amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to clarify that religious freedom cannot be used to justify discrimination, deny access to healthcare, or violate labor protections. It ensures the RFRA only applies to lawsuits involving the government, preventing its use in disputes between private parties. This bill aims to protect civil rights and ensure equal access to services, benefits, and opportunities.

The LIONs Act of 2025 amends the Small Business Act and the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to increase the maximum loan amounts for 7(a) loans from $3,750,000 to $7,500,000, and for development company loans from $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 and from $5,500,000 to $10,000,000.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 amends the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for employees engaging in labor disputes and collective bargaining. It redefines employer and employee status, addresses unfair labor practices, streamlines collective bargaining, and increases penalties for employers who violate labor laws. The Act also updates strike/lockout notification procedures and clarifies reporting requirements for employer-employee communication. Finally, it ensures the law's provisions are severable and authorizes necessary appropriations for implementation and enforcement.