Legislative Activity

This bill authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Major Thomas D. Howie for his extraordinary bravery and leadership during the Battle of Normandy. The medal will be presented to his next of kin before being permanently displayed at The Citadel Museum. The Treasury Secretary is also authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal.

The Restoring Access for Detainees Act aims to reinstate and expand free communication services for individuals in civil immigration detention. It mandates the provision of free phone calls, including 200 free outgoing minutes monthly, specifically for contacting family and legal counsel. Furthermore, the bill ensures private, unmonitored communication opportunities with attorneys and certain government officials upon arrival in custody.

The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 ensures that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) continue to operate without interruption in fiscal year 2026 if standard appropriations are delayed. If funding lapses, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to use funds from the Treasury to provide benefits and reimburse state agencies. This special funding remains in effect until full appropriations are enacted or until September 30, 2026.

The Right to Enroll Act of 2025 extends the annual open enrollment period for health insurance exchanges specifically for the 2026 plan year. This legislation mandates that the open enrollment period will run from November 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026.

The National Resilience and Recovery Fund Act establishes a dedicated federal fund, financed by new excise taxes on crude oil and imported petroleum products, to support FEMA's disaster mitigation and resilience grant programs. The bill also imposes a new windfall profits tax on large oil extractors and importers when oil prices exceed historical averages. Finally, it introduces a new 13% severance tax on crude oil and natural gas extracted from the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf, offset by a credit for federal royalties paid.

This resolution amends House rules to allow a majority of Representatives to force an end to a designated district work period. If enough members submit letters to the Clerk requesting the end of the recess, the work period must terminate within two days. This measure aims to increase the time the House spends in session by making district work periods more easily interruptible.

The Pre-Registration Of Voters Everywhere (PROVE) Act mandates that states establish a process for 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote in federal elections. Once they turn 18 and meet other requirements, these individuals will be automatically registered. The bill also authorizes grants to states to encourage civic engagement and promote the use of this new pre-registration system among young people.

The Same Day Registration Act of 2025 mandates that all states allow eligible individuals to register to vote and cast a ballot on the same day during any federal election, including early voting periods. This requirement applies starting with the November 2026 general election. States without any voter registration requirement for federal elections are exempt from this mandate.

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.

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.

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 Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act establishes a three-year grant program to help school food authorities offer 100% plant-based meal options, prioritizing culturally appropriate and educational components. Additionally, the bill clarifies and expands requirements for schools to substitute fluid milk with nutritionally equivalent nondairy beverages to accommodate medical, religious, or personal dietary needs. A separate pilot program is also created to help cover the costs associated with providing these nondairy substitutes based on written requests.

The GRAD Act ensures that students maintain their current enrollment status during a government shutdown, even if federal student aid is temporarily disrupted. This legislation prevents educational institutions from penalizing students by changing their enrollment status due to funding lapses. Essentially, it protects students from negative academic consequences caused by federal funding interruptions.

This resolution condemns Hamas for its campaign of assassinations and intimidation against innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza following a recent ceasefire agreement. The House of Representatives expresses strong disapproval of these terroristic acts aimed at regaining territorial control. Furthermore, the resolution reaffirms the U.S. commitment to supporting the ceasefire and promoting stability for civilians in Gaza.

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.

The Halting Education Loan Payments during Federal Employment Disruptions Act (HELP FEDs Act) provides immediate relief for federal employees experiencing involuntary pay disruptions, such as government shutdowns. This bill halts interest accrual and prevents penalties or negative credit reporting on qualified federal student loans during these periods of missed pay. The protections apply retroactively to disruptions occurring on or after October 1, 2025, but the Act does not forgive any underlying loan debt.

The REPO for Ukrainians Implementation Act of 2025 formally recognizes international calls to repurpose frozen Russian sovereign assets to aid Ukraine. This bill grants the President authority to transfer non-confiscated Russian assets into the Ukraine Support Fund, where they must be invested in U.S. government debt. Furthermore, the Secretary of State is mandated to obligate at least $250 million from the fund to Ukraine every quarter. The Act also requires the President to report on the location of these Russian assets globally and directs diplomatic efforts to encourage allies to contribute quarterly.

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.

This bill mandates the Secretary of State to designate the Russian Federation as a state sponsor of terrorism if Russia fails to ensure the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainian children abducted since the 2022 invasion. The designation triggers existing sanctions unless the Secretary can certify that all forcibly deported children are safely reunited with their families. Removal of this designation requires Russia to cease terrorism support and meet strict criteria regarding the return of all displaced children.

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.