Legislative Activity

The Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act imposes a temporary moratorium on workforce reductions and layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This freeze on involuntary separations will remain in effect until Congress enacts the full-year appropriations bill for NOAA for fiscal year 2026. The Act ensures job stability for NOAA employees during this period of budgetary uncertainty.

The Saving NSF’s Workforce Act imposes a temporary moratorium on layoffs at the National Science Foundation (NSF). This freeze on reductions in force will remain in effect until Congress enacts the full-year funding bill for the NSF for Fiscal Year 2026. This measure ensures job stability at the agency until its full budget is secured.

The Saving NIST’s Workforce Act imposes a temporary moratorium on layoffs at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This freeze prevents NIST from conducting reductions in force under specific federal regulations until Congress enacts the full-year appropriations budget for fiscal year 2026. The goal is to maintain current staffing levels at the agency until the next budget is finalized.

The Saving NASA’s Workforce Act places an immediate moratorium on all workforce reductions, including layoffs, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This freeze on involuntary separations will remain in effect until Congress enacts the full-year budget for NASA for Fiscal Year 2026. The goal of the act is to ensure stability for the agency's current personnel.

The Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act aims to update Social Security by changing how cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are calculated using a new index specific to the elderly (CPI-E). It also modifies contribution and benefit fairness by adjusting how earnings above the current wage limit are treated starting in 2026. Furthermore, the bill incorporates a portion of these higher earnings into the formula used to determine an individual's final benefit amount. These changes are designed to better reflect senior spending and adjust benefits for higher earners.

The Time Off to Vote Act mandates that employers provide employees with at least two consecutive hours of paid leave to vote in federal elections. Employers retain control over the timing of this leave, which cannot result in the loss of existing benefits. This federal requirement supplements, but does not override, any state or local laws that offer greater employee protections.

This resolution calls upon the Senate to provide its advice and consent for the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It argues that joining this widely accepted international treaty is crucial for securing U.S. economic and security interests globally. Ratification would grant the U.S. a stronger voice in resolving maritime disputes and governing critical seabed resources. Ultimately, the resolution urges the Senate to make ratifying UNCLOS a top priority.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as National Wildfire Preparedness Month to address the growing threat of intense wildfires across the nation. It encourages federal, state, and local governments to boost public awareness and preparedness efforts. The goal is to educate communities on crucial steps like home hardening, land management, and safe evacuation planning to mitigate future risks.

The My Body, My Data Act of 2025 establishes strict rules for how businesses (regulated entities) can collect, use, and share sensitive reproductive and sexual health information. This Act grants individuals the rights to access, correct, and delete their personal health data held by these entities. Furthermore, it mandates transparent privacy policies and explicitly prohibits entities from retaliating against individuals who exercise their new privacy rights.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.

This Act mandates the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) history across federally supported K-12 American history and civics education programs. It recognizes the significant, yet often erased, contributions and historical injustices faced by AAPI communities, including discriminatory immigration laws and internment. The legislation specifically updates federal education authorizations to ensure AAPI history is explicitly taught and partners the Presidential and Congressional Academies with the Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center.

The Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act of 2025 aims to improve benefits for Native Hawaiian veterans. This bill updates the definition used by the VA for direct housing loans to align with existing Native American housing laws. Furthermore, it mandates that the VA reimburse Native Hawaiian health systems for medical care provided to eligible veterans and exempts Native Hawaiian veterans from certain medical cost-sharing requirements.

This resolution affirms that diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental American values necessary to address persistent discrimination. It highlights widespread disparities across housing, employment, education, and healthcare affecting marginalized groups. The bill encourages all sectors of society to adopt policies that promote DEIA to ensure equal opportunity and strengthen the nation.

The AG RESEARCH Act aims to modernize and strengthen the nation's agricultural research infrastructure to keep U.S. farming competitive. It establishes a new, mandatory funding stream to provide grants for the construction, repair, and equipment upgrades of agricultural research facilities. The bill also ensures that grant proposals are reviewed with input from experts at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

The RTCP Revitalization Act aims to strengthen support for geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). This bill removes existing payment caps for eligible recipients when funding is sufficient to cover all applications. Furthermore, it establishes mandatory, increasing funding levels for this program starting in fiscal year 2026 through 2031 and beyond.

The Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025 aims to address the severe mental health disparities facing Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. This bill establishes a national outreach and education strategy to reduce stigma and improve culturally appropriate care. Furthermore, it mandates comprehensive reviews of the AANHPI youth mental health crisis and the shortage of AANHPI behavioral health professionals. The goal is to increase access to services through better data collection, targeted education, and workforce development.

This resolution supports designating May 10, 2025, as "National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day." It highlights the urgent mental health crisis facing AANHPI communities, noting significant barriers to care and high rates of untreated mental health needs. The bill calls for better data collection, increased access to culturally competent providers, and efforts to combat stigma. Ultimately, it encourages federal, state, and local agencies to improve mental health services for these vital communities.

The Women and Underrepresented Minorities in STEM Booster Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program administered by the National Science Foundation. This program is designed to increase the participation and retention of women, people with disabilities, and underrepresented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Eligible organizations can apply for competitive funding to support activities like mentoring, internships, and outreach programs aimed at these groups. Congress has authorized $15 million annually for this initiative from fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act aims to address mental health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority groups through several key actions. It increases funding for existing grant programs, mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies to identify mental health research gaps in minority populations, and supports the development of culturally competent health professional training. Finally, the bill establishes a national outreach and education strategy while providing significant new funding to the NIH and NIMHD to advance relevant research and community engagement.

This resolution expresses strong support for library staff across the United States and recognizes the essential, expanded community services libraries provide. It advocates for funding commensurate with these vital roles and defends the civil rights and intellectual freedom of library workers against censorship and threats. Ultimately, the resolution affirms the fundamental right of all citizens to freely access information and resources within their communities.