Legislative Activity

The Reconciliation in Place Names Act establishes a new Advisory Committee to systematically review and recommend replacements for offensive geographic names on federal lands. This committee, composed of diverse experts and tribal representatives, will advise the Board on Geographic Names regarding proposed changes. The Board must then approve or reject these renaming proposals within three years, prioritizing changes unless a compelling public interest dictates otherwise. This process aims to foster reconciliation by removing derogatory and prejudiced place names across the United States.

This resolution designates August as "Slavery Remembrance Month" to remember the evils of slavery, its continuing impact, and the freedom fighters who fought to end it. It condemns slavery and its legacies, such as convict leasing, Black codes, and discrimination. The resolution encourages acknowledgement of the importance of remembering slavery and requests the President to issue a proclamation for the observance of this month.

This resolution designates February as Black History Month, celebrating the heritage and achievements of Black Americans. It recognizes the foundational role of Black labor in the United States, from slavery to modern times, and acknowledges the economic disparities that persist. The resolution also honors key figures and movements that have advanced Black Americans' rights and economic opportunities. It encourages the continued observance of Black History Month to promote awareness of Black Americans' contributions.

The Original Living American Wage (LAW) Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to incrementally raise the federal minimum wage to \$26.59 an hour by 2030. Starting in 2030, the minimum wage will be reassessed every 7 years by the Secretary, using a formula to ensure a wage earner's income is at least 40% above the poverty threshold for a renting family of four. This adjustment aims to address poverty and ensure that minimum wage workers can afford basic needs like housing. The act also states that the federal minimum wage should be adjusted when inflation rises to 5% or more over 2 years.

The "Byron Nash Renal Medullary Carcinoma Awareness Act of 2023" amends the Social Security Act to incentivize education about the risk of renal medullary carcinoma for Medicaid recipients with sickle cell disease. This bill aims to increase awareness of this rare kidney cancer within a high-risk population by expanding the scope of Medicaid-covered educational services.

The Housing Fairness Act of 2025 aims to combat housing discrimination by directing the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct nationwide testing for discriminatory practices in housing rentals, sales, and mortgage lending. It increases funding for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program, authorizes grants for studies and pilot projects to address housing discrimination and segregation, and urges HUD to fully implement fair housing education programs. The act also sets minimum training standards for testers and requires regular reporting to Congress on testing results and program effectiveness. Funds from this Act cannot be used for political activities.

The "Original Honoring Our WWII Merchant Mariners Act of 2025" establishes a fund to provide a one-time payment of $25,000 to Merchant Mariners who served during World War II and meet specific service requirements. To be eligible, applicants must apply within one year of the bill's enactment and not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944. The bill authorizes $125 million for the compensation fund and requires the Secretary to report on the fund's operation and prescribe regulations for its implementation.

The "Fair Lending for All Act" aims to strengthen protections against credit discrimination by establishing an Office of Fair Lending Testing to identify violations, expanding the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to include ZIP Codes and census tracts as protected characteristics, and introducing criminal penalties for discriminatory practices. It also directs the CFPB to review loan applications for compliance and broadens mortgage data collection to include additional demographic information like sexual orientation and gender identity. This bill seeks to ensure fair and equitable access to credit for all individuals, regardless of their personal characteristics or location.

The "Original Students Voicing Opinions in Today's Elections (VOTE) Act" establishes a pilot program managed by the Election Assistance Commission to provide funds to local education agencies for voter registration initiatives targeting 12th-grade students. Participating agencies must consult with election officials and report on the use and effectiveness of the funds. The Election Assistance Commission will then report to Congress on the pilot program's outcomes.