Legislative Activity

The Expanding the VOTE Act updates language assistance requirements under the Voting Rights Act by modernizing the definition of "voting materials" to include digital information. It also establishes new state responsibilities for providing language assistance and creates a grant program to incentivize voluntary language support beyond current mandates. Furthermore, the bill includes special provisions for unwritten American Indian and Alaska Native languages and mandates a study on lowering thresholds for language assistance coverage.

The Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act of 2025 repeals specific prior reconciliation health provisions. This bill significantly expands eligibility for the Premium Tax Credit by eliminating the 400% Federal Poverty Level income cap. It also updates the subsidy calculation formula to ensure a smoother, linear adjustment of assistance across various income levels.

The Fix Our Flooded Basements Act of 2025 significantly expands FEMA disaster assistance for flood-damaged basements, covering mold and moisture damage beyond just habitable areas. It mandates increased personal property aid for basement contents, aligning it with Standard Flood Insurance Policy levels. Furthermore, the bill updates the Group Flood Insurance Policy to offer broader eligibility and comprehensive coverage for real and personal property within basements.

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Act of 2025 establishes a new, refundable tax credit for eligible first-time homebuyers, equal to 10% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $15,000. This credit is subject to income and home price phase-outs based on local median figures. Homebuyers may elect to transfer this credit directly to their mortgage lender at closing in exchange for immediate cash. The bill also includes recapture provisions requiring repayment if the home is sold within four years.

The Baby Clothing Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing new or continuing existing duties on specific baby clothing items using the authority granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation specifically protects a defined list of essential baby apparel, such as onesies, socks, and hats, from these types of emergency economic taxes. The goal is to prevent tariffs on these necessary goods.

The Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements (SCORE) Act establishes federal standards for student-athlete Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, allowing athletes to profit from endorsements while setting specific rules for agents and institutional compensation. The bill mandates enhanced support services, medical guarantees, and scholarship protections for athletes at high-revenue institutions. Furthermore, it grants states enforcement power over NIL violations and shields compliance actions from antitrust liability, while clarifying that student-athletes are not automatically considered employees.

The Baby Hygiene Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing new or continuing existing import duties on essential baby hygiene items, such as diapers and wipes, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation ensures that these necessary products are not subject to emergency-related tariffs. Furthermore, it nullifies any similar taxes imposed using alternative legal authorities.

The Baby Food Tax Relief Act explicitly prohibits the President from imposing new or existing tariffs or duties on essential baby items like bottles, formula, and breast pumps using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) or similar authorities. This legislation ensures that these necessary goods remain free from such taxation.

The Baby Safety Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing or continuing any special import duties on essential baby safety items, including strollers, car seats, and baby carriers. This law specifically blocks the use of emergency powers, like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), to tax these necessary goods. The goal is to ensure these critical items remain affordable by preventing new or existing emergency-related tariffs.

The Educational Toy Tax Relief Act prohibits the President from imposing or continuing any duties (taxes) on specific baby and toddler items, such as educational toys, playpens, and tricycles, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). This legislation immediately ends any existing or previously imposed similar duties on these products. The goal is to provide tax relief for essential items designed for children under three years old.

The Stop Troubling Retroactive Invoices for Veteran Expenses Act of 2025 (STRIVE Act) prevents the VA from collecting health care copayments if the veteran was not properly notified within two years of receiving care, or if the total owed exceeds an inflation-adjusted threshold (starting at \$2,000). The bill also grants the Secretary of Veterans Affairs broad authority to waive any veteran copayment deemed appropriate. Finally, it extends the date for certain pension payment limits.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly reform the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens by establishing a presumption against their detention. This bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and mandates comprehensive reproductive healthcare access. Furthermore, it requires detailed quarterly and annual reporting on the treatment and outcomes of pregnant individuals in custody.

This proposed constitutional amendment would eliminate immunity from criminal prosecution for federal officials, including the President, based on their official duties. It also explicitly prohibits the President from issuing a self-pardon for any federal crimes. If ratified, these changes would take effect immediately.

The EACH Act of 2025 aims to ensure equal access to abortion coverage by requiring all federally funded health programs and facilities to cover abortion services. This legislation prohibits federal interference with state or private insurance coverage of abortion and repeals Section 1303 of the Affordable Care Act. Ultimately, the bill seeks to eliminate financial and insurance barriers to abortion care, particularly for low-income individuals relying on programs like Medicaid.

The Defending American Property Abroad Act of 2025 targets foreign governments in the Western Hemisphere that have seized or unfairly controlled port infrastructure essential to U.S. trade access since early 2024. The bill requires the executive branch to identify this "prohibited property" and subsequently ban any associated vessels from accessing U.S. ports or receiving services. Furthermore, the Act expands the definition of unfair trade practices to explicitly include the nationalization or discriminatory treatment of U.S. assets by foreign nations.

The Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act establishes a new grant program to help food hubs increase market access for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The bill also introduces an "Agriculture Hub Credit" tax incentive to encourage related spending. Furthermore, it strengthens civil rights accountability for USDA employees, grants new equitable relief powers to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, shifts the burden of proof in agency appeals, and creates an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson.

The Uterine Fibroid Intervention and Gynecological Health Treatment Act of 2025 aims to improve the detection and treatment of uterine fibroids. It mandates federal research to develop evidence-based early detection strategies and establishes grant programs for states to fund screening, education, and intervention services, prioritizing vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the bill allocates funding for research into pain management related to fibroid surgery and other uterine conditions.

The Uterine Cancer Study Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive federal study to investigate the potential link between the use of chemical hair straighteners and the risk of developing uterine cancer. This research must specifically examine disparities in cancer rates among women of color. The study will ultimately recommend whether the FDA should require additional safety testing for these hair products.

The Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to significantly increase federal research, public education, and provider awareness regarding uterine fibroids. The bill mandates expanded research coordination across federal agencies and authorizes funding to study the condition, which disproportionately affects minority women. It also requires the creation of public awareness campaigns detailing non-hysterectomy treatment options and mandates data collection on Medicaid/CHIP spending for fibroid treatments.

This resolution supports the designation of July as Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month to highlight the significant health impact of these common growths on women. It recognizes the disproportionate burden of fibroids on Black and Hispanic women and calls for increased research and improved treatment options. The bill encourages the President to issue a proclamation supporting national awareness activities throughout July.