Legislative Activity

The Major Richard Star Act allows veterans with combat-related disabilities to receive both veteran's disability compensation and military retired pay concurrently, without reduction. This act amends Title 10 of the United States Code to ensure that disability retirees with combat-related disabilities are not subject to reductions in retired pay due to receiving veteran's disability compensation. These changes will take effect the first day of the month following the enactment of the Act.

The Putting Veterans First Act of 2025 is a comprehensive bill designed to support military-affiliated federal employees by reversing past unfair employment actions and establishing new procedural safeguards against future disciplinary actions. It also imposes significant limitations, increased transparency, and accountability measures across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding personnel actions, office closures, and contracting. Furthermore, the Act strengthens protections, mental health support, and employment assistance for civil servants while mandating extensive public reporting on VA operations and staffing.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to combat bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states that accept federal funding to establish clear anti-bullying policies, define prohibited conduct based on protected characteristics, and implement systems for reporting and tracking incidents. This legislation mandates that local districts inform all stakeholders about prohibited conduct and establish formal complaint processes. Furthermore, the bill requires regular state and federal evaluations to assess the effectiveness of these measures in reducing harmful behavior while respecting existing non-discrimination laws and free speech rights.

The Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act moves TSA personnel from their special management system into the standard federal employee system under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by a set deadline. This transition aims to grant TSA employees the same workplace protections and benefits as other federal workers while ensuring current pay and service time are protected. The bill also mandates several reviews by the Comptroller General and requires consultation with employee representatives regarding the implementation process. Finally, it preserves existing anti-strike laws and addresses specific concerns for Federal Air Marshals.

The Stop Predatory Investing Act targets large-scale single-family rental property owners who own 50 or more homes. This legislation disallows these "disqualified owners" from deducting interest paid on loans for these rental properties and bans them from claiming standard depreciation deductions. Exceptions allow for interest and depreciation deductions only if the property is sold to an individual owner-occupant or a qualified affordable housing nonprofit.

The Stop Comstock Act aims to modernize and streamline federal laws concerning obscene materials. This legislation removes outdated and overly broad language, such as "indecent" and "immoral," from various sections of the U.S. Code and the Tariff Act. The bill focuses on technical clean-up to clarify existing statutes regarding the distribution and importation of materials.

This concurrent resolution expresses support for recognizing March 10, 2025, as "Abortion Provider Appreciation Day" to honor abortion providers and staff for their essential care, courage, and dedication, particularly in light of increasing restrictions on abortion access. It affirms Congress's commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and patients' right to access care without fear of violence or criminalization. The resolution condemns actions that limit abortion access and expresses a vision for a future where everyone has full access to necessary care without penalty or stigma.

The Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act aims to significantly restrict the detention of pregnant and postpartum noncitizens in immigration custody. It mandates immediate testing for pregnancy upon intake and establishes a strong presumption against detention unless extraordinary, case-by-case public safety risks are proven. Furthermore, the bill strictly limits the use of physical restraints on pregnant detainees and requires comprehensive medical care, including reproductive health services, alongside detailed public reporting on detention statistics and restraint incidents.

This resolution recognizes AmeriCorps Week (March 9-15, 2025) to honor AmeriCorps members, alumni, and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their positive impact on communities. It celebrates 30 years of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs and encourages public awareness of national and community service. The resolution also acknowledges the significant contributions of these volunteers and encourages people of all ages to explore service opportunities within these programs.

The Do No Harm Act amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to ensure that federal anti-discrimination, labor, and equal access laws take precedence over religious freedom claims in specific circumstances. This legislation clarifies that RFRA protections cannot be used to override requirements in federal contracts or agreements involving government funding. Furthermore, the Act explicitly limits the application of RFRA to challenges against government actions, precluding its use in private litigation between non-governmental parties.

The Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2025 aims to increase the participation of private landlords in the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, particularly in high-opportunity neighborhoods. It establishes new incentives, such as one-time payments and security deposit assistance, funded by the Herschel Lashkowitz Housing Partnership Fund. The Act also modernizes inspection standards, requires the use of specific Small Area Fair Market Rents, and mandates annual reporting on the program's effectiveness.

The Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the National Labor Relations Act to bolster worker organizing rights and impose stricter penalties on employers who violate labor laws. It redefines joint employment, makes it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, and bans class action waivers. The bill also establishes mandatory arbitration for first contracts and allows employees to sue employers directly for serious unfair labor practices.

This bill enacts technical corrections to several existing water rights settlement acts concerning water projects in Northwestern New Mexico. It specifically authorizes the appropriation of adjusted interest payments for the Navajo Nation, Taos Pueblo, and Aamodt Settlement Pueblos water development funds. The legislation also clarifies that these technical adjustments do not alter previous findings or satisfaction of conditions under the Claims Resolution Act of 2010.

This Act authorizes the Indian Health Service (IHS) to fund and provide public health veterinary services to Tribal communities to combat zoonotic diseases using a "One Health" approach. It specifically allows the IHS to address disease threats through services like surveillance, prevention, and control efforts in high-risk areas. Additionally, the bill mandates a study on using oral rabies vaccines in U.S. Arctic regions and formally integrates the IHS Director into the national One Health framework.

This resolution affirms the rule of law and the legitimacy of judicial review, emphasizing the Supreme Court's duty to interpret the law. It supports the established precedent that the executive branch must comply with Federal court rulings. The resolution expresses concern over statements suggesting the executive branch may disregard the authority of the Federal Judiciary.

The "Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2025" amends the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act to improve the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. These improvements include expanding the project's service area, modifying land acquisition processes, directing the Secretary to take land into trust for the Navajo Nation, and increasing authorized appropriations for the project. The act also modifies terms for water delivery and use, establishes and modifies several trust funds related to water rights and project maintenance for the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and allows the Navajo Nation to supply non-Project water to its communities in Utah under specific conditions.

This bill aims to reform mining practices on federal lands by setting royalties on mineral extraction, introducing stricter permitting and environmental regulations, and establishing a fund for reclaiming abandoned mines. It requires mining operators to pay annual fees and royalties, obtain permits for mineral activities, and provide financial assurances for land reclamation. The bill also prioritizes the protection of sensitive lands and mandates tribal consultation before mineral activities begin. These changes are intended to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and ensure fair compensation for the use of public lands.

This bill establishes the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies to investigate the history and impact of these federal policies on Native American communities over a six-year period. The Commission is empowered to gather testimony, review federal records, and work with specialized subcommittees to address the resulting social, cultural, and physical harm. Furthermore, the legislation strengthens NAGPRA to ensure the return and respectful reburial of associated cultural items.

The Tribal Forest Protection Act Amendments Act of 2025 updates existing law to strengthen protections for tribal forest and rangelands. This legislation revises the definition of protected lands to include more types of tribal holdings, including certain lands in Alaska. It also expands federal agency authority to actively restore these lands and authorizes specific funding through fiscal year 2031.

The Defending American Jobs and Affordable Energy Act of 2025 immediately repeals four specific Executive Orders issued on January 20, 2025, concerning energy policy and international agreements. This action prevents federal funds from being used to enforce those canceled directives. The bill also includes a savings provision to ensure it does not limit any existing authority of the President.