Legislative Activity

The ESTUARIES Act amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to officially add the Mississippi Sound to the National Estuary Program and extends the program's funding authorization through fiscal year 2031. However, the bill places specific restrictions on the EPA Administrator regarding the use of funds to implement this addition during fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This ensures that the expansion of the program is contingent upon specific funding levels in the near term.

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 proposes to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for a set period, ensuring its continued operation and oversight of the U.S. ocean shipping industry. This legislation aims to maintain the FMC's authority to regulate common carriers and address issues related to competition and consumer protection in maritime commerce.

This bill, the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, officially authorizes Congress to award Congressional Gold Medals to the 1980 U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team for their historic "Miracle on Ice" victory. The medals will be struck by the Treasury and permanently displayed at specific national sports museums. The Act also permits the sale of duplicate bronze medals to cover production costs.

The Protect America's Workforce Act nullifies a specific Executive Order issued in March 2025 concerning exclusions from federal labor-management relations programs. This legislation ensures that any existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and employee unions remain fully in effect until their stated expiration dates. The Act also prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the overturned Executive Order.

The Labor Enforcement to Securely Protect Workers (LETS Protect Workers) Act significantly increases civil penalties for violations across major federal labor laws, including child labor, wage and hour, and workplace safety standards. It strengthens enforcement mechanisms for mine safety violations and retaliation against miners, while also establishing new penalties for employer unfair labor practices under the National Labor Relations Act. Furthermore, the bill enhances enforcement for health plan parity and makes certain recordkeeping failures under OSHA and FLSA continuing violations.

This concurrent resolution commends state and local governments for championing reproductive rights as human rights following the overturning of *Roe v. Wade*. It declares that denying abortion care leads to severe health risks and highlights the criminalization of pregnancy outcomes across the U.S. The resolution urges states to repeal abortion restrictions and affirm that reproductive rights are fundamental human rights.

The Loan Equity for Advanced Professionals Act raises the federal student loan limits for graduate and professional students. Effective July 1, 2026, the annual borrowing limit for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans will increase to \$50,000, and the aggregate limit will rise to \$200,000. This aims to provide greater financial support for advanced degree candidates.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 130 South Patterson Avenue in Santa Barbara, California, as the **Brigadier General Frederick R. Lopez Post Office Building**. This change ensures all federal records and documents will use the new name for this specific post office.

This Act officially names the memorial at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery as the "World War II Women's Memorial." It also designates this memorial as a "commemorative work" under existing federal law. Furthermore, the bill allows a specific World War II home front women's commemorative work to be placed in designated areas within Washington, D.C., overriding standard location restrictions.

The Military in Law Enforcement Accountability Act establishes new requirements and strict time limits for the Department of Defense when providing support to civilian law enforcement agencies, requiring prior Congressional notification and justification. It also prohibits Department of Defense personnel from simultaneously serving in civilian law enforcement roles, with limited exceptions for reservists. Furthermore, the bill broadens the circumstances under which military and federal law enforcement can assist civil authorities and creates a private right of action for violations of the Act.

The HALT Act of 2025 aims to halt the emerging global nuclear arms race by establishing a U.S. policy to lead international negotiations for a comprehensive and verifiable nuclear freeze. This includes seeking agreements on production limits, no first use policies, and enhanced verification measures. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds for explosive nuclear weapons tests starting in fiscal year 2026 unless specifically approved by Congress. It also calls for the U.S. to seek Senate ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

The Right to Read Act of 2025 amends federal education law to establish a comprehensive "right to read" for all students, ensuring access to evidence-based instruction, effective school libraries, and diverse reading materials. The bill defines key terms like "effective school library" and mandates that states and local agencies detail plans to support these resources and protect students' First Amendment rights regarding information access. Furthermore, it authorizes significant new funding to improve literacy programs, support school librarians, and mandates national data collection on school library resources.

The Dignity for Detained Immigrants Act aims to overhaul immigration detention by establishing mandatory, high standards based on ABA guidelines and increasing transparency through rigorous, unannounced inspections. The bill prohibits the use of private, for-profit detention facilities within three years and ends the mandatory detention of most noncitizens, prioritizing release or community-based alternatives. Furthermore, it establishes new due process rights, including timely custody hearings, a presumption of release, and prohibitions on detaining children or using solitary confinement.

The Make Housing Affordable and Defend Democracy Act aims to increase housing accessibility through several tax incentives while simultaneously rescinding significant funding previously allocated for immigration enforcement. Key provisions establish new tax credits for first-time homebuyers, builders of starter homes, and the conversion of commercial buildings into affordable rentals. Additionally, the bill introduces a Renter Tax Credit for those spending over 30% of their income on rent, with an option for monthly advance payments.

The Migrant Due Process Protection Act grants non-citizens in removal proceedings the right to request that their hearings be conducted virtually via video or telephone conference. Immigration judges are required to grant these requests, provided the virtual format does not prejudice the non-citizen's case. This legislation amends existing immigration law to expand access to remote hearings.

The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act focuses primarily on improving pediatric drug development and ensuring patient access to necessary treatments. This legislation mandates new research requirements for molecularly targeted pediatric cancer drugs, strengthens FDA enforcement of pediatric study completion, and extends incentives for developing drugs for rare pediatric diseases. Additionally, the bill updates organ transplant network functions and establishes an Abraham Accords Office within the FDA to enhance international regulatory cooperation.

This Act amends the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to streamline requirements for existing loans and establish a new, tiered cancellation schedule for newer Federal Direct Loans. Borrowers employed in public service will now receive partial loan cancellation after making 24, 48, 72, and 96 qualifying payments. Full cancellation of the remaining balance is granted after 120 qualifying payments, and the bill also simplifies the employment certification process and cancels accrued interest.

The Dredging Coordination Improvement Act establishes new requirements for the Secretary of the Army regarding maintenance dredging contracts. It mandates consultation with stakeholders and prioritizes dredging based on commercial navigation, emergencies, and environmental needs. The bill also sets new notification timelines for schedule changes and requires the availability of capability numbers to non-Federal sponsors.

The Disarm Hate Act prohibits individuals convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime, or who received an enhanced sentence for a misdemeanor due to hate or bias, from obtaining or possessing firearms. This legislation specifically targets misdemeanor offenses involving threats or force motivated by bias against protected characteristics. The bill also makes it illegal for others to sell or transfer firearms to these prohibited persons.

This bill amends the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act to expand assistance for small and rural water projects by lowering cost thresholds and providing technical support. It also clarifies eligibility for new project types, authorizes collaborative delivery methods like design-build, and adjusts loan maturity dates for long-term infrastructure. Finally, the legislation reauthorizes funding for the Corps of Engineers financing program and mandates several reports to Congress on program implementation.