Legislative Activity

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, and to update which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight based on a history of voting rights violations. It broadens the types of violations that allow a court to retain jurisdiction over a case, clarifies the Attorney General's authority to assign observers, and ensures transparency in voting-related changes. The Act also authorizes the Attorney General to demand documents and information to enforce voting rights and provides grants to small jurisdictions to assist with notification requirements.

The Cutting Red Tape on Child Care Providers Act of 2025 aims to improve child nutrition by simplifying regulations that hinder the serving of fresh foods. This bill prohibits states from creating barriers that prevent licensed and exempt child care facilities from performing simple food preparation, such as washing and cutting fruits and vegetables. By streamlining these rules, the Act seeks to support providers and encourage healthier eating habits for children.

The Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act restricts political appointees and special government employees from accessing sensitive Social Security beneficiary data systems. It establishes a right for individuals to sue the government or responsible parties for unauthorized access or disclosure of their private Social Security information, including specified minimum damages. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Inspector General to investigate such violations and report findings to Congress within 30 days. Finally, it requires the GAO to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these new privacy and enforcement measures.

The "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act" seeks to promote diplomatic engagement to formally end the Korean War by replacing the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement. It requires the Secretary of State to review travel restrictions to North Korea for humanitarian reasons and to develop a plan for achieving a permanent peace agreement, including the potential establishment of liaison offices between the U.S. and North Korea. The act emphasizes that it does not affect the status of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea or elsewhere.

The "Supporting Disabled National Guardsmen Act" allows National Guard members to be eligible for retirement from the Armed Forces due to disabilities incurred while performing State active duty. It also makes National Guard members eligible for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital care and medical services for disabilities incurred while performing State active duty, as well as for any illnesses or conditions resulting from these disabilities. The VA's ability to provide these services is limited to the extent and amount specifically allocated in advance through appropriations acts. Before the VA can reimburse for care or services, individuals or their healthcare providers are required to first exhaust all other available payment options.

The Child Care Availability and Affordability Act aims to improve access to affordable child care by expanding employer-provided child care credits, increasing tax-free dependent care assistance, and creating a refundable household and dependent care tax credit. The employer provided child care credit is increased from 25% to 50% of qualified expenses, and the maximum credit amount is raised from $150,000 to $500,000. The amount of tax-free employer-provided dependent care assistance is increased from $5,000 to $7,500. A new tax credit is created for employment-related expenses paid for household and dependent care, with the applicable percentage starting at 50% and decreasing based on income, and the maximum creditable expenses are $5,000 for one qualifying individual and $8,000 for two or more.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to reduce bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states to establish policies prohibiting such conduct based on various characteristics, including race, sex, religion, and disability. It mandates annual notifications, data collection on incidents, biennial evaluations of programs, and regular reports to Congress to ensure accountability and effectiveness. This act does not infringe on existing nondiscrimination laws or freedom of speech but seeks to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to improve outcomes for individuals with triple-negative breast cancer by expanding research, increasing public education, and informing healthcare providers about the disease, particularly its prevalence and risk factors among minority women. The Act directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and coordinate research programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and distribute public information, and the Health Resources and Services Administration to inform healthcare providers. It authorizes appropriations for these activities from fiscal years 2026-2031.

The "Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution" urges the European Union to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, citing its history of violence, human rights abuses, and support for terrorist groups. It highlights the IRGC's destabilizing actions globally, including supporting the Assad regime, assisting Russia in the Ukraine war, and plotting against U.S. officials. The resolution encourages the prioritization of this designation in discussions with the European Union.

The "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025" permanently allows individuals with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to access telehealth services without needing to meet their deductible first, starting after December 31, 2024. This removes a barrier to accessing telehealth services for HSA holders.

The "GUARD VA Benefits Act" reinstates penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assistance with their VA benefits claims. This bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that those who exploit veterans by charging unlawful fees face appropriate fines. The aim is to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their benefits claims.

The Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 bans cosmetic animal testing in the U.S. and restricts the use of animal testing data for cosmetic safety, with certain exceptions. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties for non-compliance and preempts states from enacting conflicting regulations. The Act defines key terms related to cosmetic animal testing and cosmetics.

The TOTAL Care Act initiates a five-year pilot program within the TRICARE Prime program, allowing female beneficiaries to access obstetrical and gynecological care without needing a referral, including the option to select a TRICARE OBGYN provider as an additional primary care manager. Within four years, the Secretary of Defense must report to Congress on the program's impact on TRICARE Prime enrollment and costs.

The "Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act" ensures that members of the Armed Forces and their dependents can access leave and reimbursement for travel expenses related to abortion services and assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, when these services are not available nearby. It protects the privacy of service members seeking such care and prohibits any adverse actions against them for utilizing these provisions. The bill aims to address barriers to reproductive healthcare created by state abortion restrictions and logistical challenges faced by military personnel.

The PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act of 2025 aims to hold the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority (PA) accountable for providing payments to terrorists and their families by mandating the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals, entities, and financial institutions involved in facilitating these payments. These sanctions include blocking property, visa restrictions, and prohibiting U.S. bank accounts for foreign financial institutions. The Act will be terminated once the Secretary of State certifies that the PLO and PA have ceased these payments.

The "EARLY Minds Act" amends the Public Health Service Act to emphasize early intervention for mental health by requiring states to outline prevention strategies in their plans. States can use up to 5% of their funding to support these programs. The Secretary must report to Congress biennially on state prevention and early intervention activities, including outcomes and demographics.

The "Maintaining Investments in New Innovation Act" amends the Social Security Act's definition of "qualifying single source drug" to include advanced drugs using genetically targeted technology. This update applies to drugs that can modify gene function, potentially impacting drug pricing and access regulations under the Act.

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends existing legislation to explicitly prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption, reinforcing protections for these animals. This bill seeks to prevent the inhumane treatment of American equines by closing loopholes that allow their slaughter and export for human consumption.

The "Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act" establishes a task force to study and report on the use of artificial intelligence in the financial services sector. The task force will assess both the benefits and potential risks, especially regarding deep fakes and their potential use in fraud and identity theft. The goal is to develop best practices and recommend legislation or regulations to protect consumers from AI-related financial crimes.

The PAST Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the Horse Protection Act to combat the painful practice of soring in specific horse breeds. This bill increases penalties for violations, establishes stricter licensing and oversight for inspectors, and explicitly bans the use of "action devices" designed to cause unnatural gaits. The legislation aims to enhance enforcement, ensure fairer competition, and hold violators accountable through increased fines and disqualifications.