Legislative Activity

The "Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Reporting Act of 2025" mandates the Small Business Administration to report to Congress on the challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities. The report will assess their needs, describe available resources and support, and recommend legislative actions to address identified shortcomings. No additional funds are authorized for the creation of this report.

The "ThinkDIFFERENTLY About Disability Employment Act" aims to boost employment and entrepreneurship for individuals with disabilities by directing the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the National Council on Disability. They will work together to assist disabled individuals in starting businesses and finding jobs with small businesses, while also supporting small businesses in hiring people with disabilities. The Act requires a report to Congress detailing the activities, achievements, and future plans to expand these employment opportunities, but does not allocate additional funds for implementation.

The Plain Language in Contracting Act requires federal agencies to ensure that notices to small businesses are clear, concise, and easily understandable, using plain language best practices. It directs the Small Business Administration to issue rules for implementation within 90 days. The act specifies that no additional funds will be allocated for these changes.

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.

This bill, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, seeks to amend the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. It aims to modernize labor regulations by clarifying definitions, addressing unfair labor practices, enhancing enforcement, and increasing transparency in labor-management relations. The bill introduces measures such as electronic voting in union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections, and mandates studies on collective bargaining practices. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fair treatment of workers and promote equitable labor practices.

The WOSB Accountability Act excludes self-certified women-owned small businesses from being counted towards government contracting goals, requiring formal certification for WOSB status, with an exception for those with pending applications. It mandates quarterly briefings to Congress on implementation and clarifies that no additional funds are authorized to carry out the act.

The "Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025" aims to better connect small businesses with career and technical education (CTE) programs. It amends the Small Business Act to include CTE in the services provided by Small Business Development Centers and Women's Business Centers. The goal is to educate small businesses on hiring CTE graduates, inform CTE programs about how their students can utilize these centers, and connect small businesses with CTE programs to facilitate career opportunities for students and graduates.

The "Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act" aims to increase transparency and support for small businesses when federal agencies cancel contract solicitations. It mandates the Small Business Administration to create rules requiring agencies to disclose reasons for cancellation, plans for reissuance, and alternative contracting options. Additionally, it directs the Directors of Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to assist affected small businesses in finding similar opportunities. The Act specifies that no additional funds will be allocated for its implementation.

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 Guarding Readiness Resources Act allows the National Guard Bureau to accept funds from states and territories as reimbursement for the use of military property. These funds will be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, and replacement of assets used by National Guard units on state active duty.

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 DOE and SBA Research Act aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) on research and development, ensuring small business involvement. It mandates a formal agreement between the DOE and SBA to coordinate research efforts and requires a report to Congress on the progress and future plans of this collaboration. No additional funds will be allocated to implement this act. All activities must adhere to research security guidelines.

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the United States as children and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Title I, the Dream Act of 2025, establishes conditional permanent residency for eligible individuals who entered the U.S. as children. Title II, the American Promise Act of 2025, allows the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General to grant permanent resident status to eligible individuals from TPS or DED countries. Title III outlines general provisions, such as background checks, application processes, and fee exemptions, applicable to all seeking to adjust their status under this Act.

The "Assisting Small Businesses Not Fraudsters Act" prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from providing financial assistance to individuals and businesses convicted of financial misconduct related to COVID-19 relief programs. This includes those convicted of making false statements to obtain covered loans or grants. The prohibition excludes assistance under section 7(b) of the Small Business Act and does not apply to contracts or agreements entered into before the enactment of this law.

This bill reaffirms the United States' unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity amidst Russia's ongoing invasion. It condemns Russia's war crimes and demands the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and the Donbas. The bill insists on the safe return of kidnapped Ukrainian children and supports the prosecution of Russian leaders for war crimes. It emphasizes that any lasting peace agreement must include Ukraine and its European allies.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 amends Title 38 of the United States Code to clarify that medical services for veterans include medically necessary automobile adaptations. The clarification includes specific adaptations such as ramp and kneeling systems, raised doors or lowered floors, and wheelchair tiedowns. This ensures veterans receive comprehensive support for their transportation needs.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2025 expands public safety officer benefits to include deaths and disabilities caused by exposure-related cancers, presuming that certain cancers diagnosed within 15 years of service are line-of-duty injuries if the officer served for at least 5 years. It defines "exposure-related cancer" and allows for updates to the list based on medical evidence, while also permitting individuals to petition for additions. The Act also clarifies "line of duty action" and applies retroactively to claims dating back to January 1, 2020, with a three-year window for filing claims based on these amendments.

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act limits access to the Treasury Department's payment systems to Treasury employees or contractors with satisfactory performance reviews and security clearances. It sets specific criteria for individuals accessing the system, including conflict of interest restrictions, training, and ethics agreements. The Act also mandates the Treasury Department's Inspector General to investigate and report to Congress on any unauthorized system use.

This bill expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a symbolic condemnation of violence against law enforcement and underscores the importance of holding accountable those who perpetrate such acts.

The "Right to Contraception Act" establishes a statutory right for individuals to access contraception and for health care providers to provide contraception and related information free from government interference. It prohibits federal and state laws that restrict the sale, provision, or use of contraceptives, and allows the Attorney General, individuals, and entities to bring civil suits against those violating the Act. The Act clarifies that it overrides other federal and state laws, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, but does not override federal laws related to coverage under group health plans, health insurance, or federal healthcare programs. This bill aims to protect an individual's ability to make decisions about their body, medical care, and family.