Legislative Activity

This bill, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025, establishes a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Peoples within the Department of State. It codifies U.S. policy to actively combat international criminalization, violence, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide. The legislation also mandates enhanced reporting on these abuses in annual human rights reports and authorizes assistance to support related protection efforts abroad.

The VA Work-Study Improvement Act expands approved work-study locations to include state/local government agencies and nonprofits that benefit veterans. It establishes a clear standard for the minimum hourly wage paid to participants and mandates the use of electronic timesheets. Furthermore, the bill requires the VA to annually publish detailed data regarding the work-study program's activities and participants.

This resolution honors the service and sacrifice of America's veterans on Veterans Day, 2025, recognizing the history of the observance from Armistice Day. It affirms the nation's deep commitment to supporting the over 15 million veterans and their families. The resolution calls upon the public to observe Veterans Day and ensure veterans continue to receive the services they deserve.

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act establishes a five-year pilot program to expand eligibility for the VA work-study allowance to veterans pursuing certain educational or training programs at a half-time enrollment level. This allows more student veterans to benefit from work-study opportunities without meeting the current three-quarter-time enrollment requirement. Additionally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit annual reports detailing participation and outcomes for veterans in the work-study program.

This resolution designates October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to highlight the widespread and devastating impact of intimate partner violence across all demographics. It recognizes the urgent need to eliminate domestic violence and supports increased funding for intervention and prevention programs. The resolution underscores the severe physical, emotional, and economic toll this abuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act automatically appropriates funding for federal programs at the rate of the preceding funding law for 14-day periods whenever a lapse in appropriations occurs. This automatic funding continues until a new appropriation Act is enacted or the automatic authority expires. Furthermore, the bill imposes strict limitations on official travel for covered Members of Congress and their staff, and restricts legislative business during these automatic funding periods. These budgetary effects are to be treated as discretionary, part-year appropriations for enforcement purposes.

The GAIN AI Act of 2025 establishes new export controls on advanced integrated circuits destined for "countries of concern." This legislation mandates that exporters must first offer a right of first refusal to United States persons before seeking a license for such exports. The Act also creates a "trusted United States person" designation to exempt certain domestic entities from these licensing requirements.

This Act ensures that the salaries and expenses for the United States Capitol Police (USCP) are fully funded during any government shutdown. It appropriates the necessary funds from the Treasury to guarantee uninterrupted pay for USCP employees when discretionary appropriations lapse.

The American Energy Independence and Affordability Act is a comprehensive bill designed to lower energy costs by extending and adjusting key tax incentives across energy production, efficiency, and clean vehicle adoption. It stabilizes support for renewable energy manufacturing, extends deadlines for energy-efficient building credits, and ensures consumer incentives for electric vehicles remain available through 2032. Overall, the legislation aims to provide long-term certainty for energy investments and consumer adoption of cleaner technologies.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating October 2025 as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It celebrates the contributions of individuals with Down syndrome and their families while recognizing significant federal commitment to research funding. The bill ultimately reaffirms Congress's dedication to improving the quality of life and inclusion for the Down syndrome community.

This resolution formally recognizes the significant religious and historical importance of the festival of Diwali to Indian-American communities across the nation. Congress acknowledges Diwali as the festival of lights, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains for its symbolism of knowledge, peace, and the triumph of good over evil. By passing this, the House expresses respect for the Indian diaspora and appreciates the strong partnership between the United States and India.

The Federal Emergency Management Continuity Act of 2025 ensures that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can continue essential disaster relief operations during a government funding lapse. This act authorizes the FEMA Administrator to use existing, previously appropriated funds from the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to maintain critical Stafford Act programs. Furthermore, necessary staff will be retained as "excepted employees" to manage these ongoing life-saving and property-protecting activities.

The Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025 ensures that states, local governments, or school districts are reimbursed for any of their own funds used to keep Head Start and Early Head Start programs operational during a lapse in federal appropriations. This legislation protects these vital early childhood education services from disruption caused by government shutdowns. By guaranteeing reimbursement, the Act encourages local entities to maintain program continuity without bearing the financial burden.

The Remembering American Hostages Act of 2025 mandates the display of the U.S. Flag on specific dates commemorating American hostages and wrongfully detained individuals, such as November 4th and October 7th. This requirement extends to all U.S. embassies, consulates, and passport offices nationwide. Additionally, the bill strongly encourages state and local governments to fly the Hostage and Wrongful Detainee flag on designated days or upon the return or death of a captive.

The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act of 2025 establishes a new program to coordinate the restoration and protection of fish and wildlife habitats across the New York-New Jersey Watershed. This legislation creates a competitive grant program to fund local restoration projects, with special consideration for communities facing environmental injustice. The Act authorizes $20 million annually through fiscal year 2031 to support these science-based conservation efforts.

The Keep Air Travel Safe Act ensures the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can continue all essential operations during a Congressional funding lapse. It allows the TSA Administrator to use unobligated prior-year funds to maintain activities at the previous year's spending rate. This temporary funding remains active until a new budget is passed or for a maximum of 180 days.

The WIC Benefits Protection Act mandates that all states must operate the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This legislation also guarantees permanent, mandatory funding for WIC starting in fiscal year 2026, ensuring the program has the necessary resources annually. Furthermore, it clarifies eligibility language within the program's governing statute.

This bill mandates that the House of Representatives must convene daily during a government shutdown, limiting their ability to adjourn. It requires recorded quorum calls on session days, imposing escalating fines on members who fail to check in electronically for two consecutive days. These fines must be paid by the member personally, with procedures established for appeals and automatic salary deduction for non-payment.

This bill ensures that states are reimbursed by the Federal Government for any state funds they use to maintain essential operations of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during a lapse in federal appropriations. It provides a mechanism for the Federal Government to pay back states that cover WIC costs during a government shutdown. This protects state budgets while keeping vital nutrition assistance running.

This bill officially designates the United States Postal Service facility located at 514 Frelinghuysen Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. The facility will now be known as the "Mildred Joyce Coleman Crump Post Office Building." This action ensures all official records reflect the new name for the Newark post office.