Legislative Activity

This bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to establish a clear, tiered definition for what qualifies as "evidence-based" programming. It specifies the required rigor of research—ranging from strong experimental studies to promising correlational studies—needed to demonstrate a positive impact on outcomes. Furthermore, the legislation requires states to report on the extent to which their workforce development activities meet these new evidence standards.

The Retirement Proxy Protection Act clarifies the fiduciary duties for retirement plan managers concerning shareholder rights, such as proxy voting, for company stock held in those plans. Fiduciaries must now explicitly manage these rights solely in the best financial interest of plan participants and beneficiaries. The bill outlines strict requirements for decision-making, monitoring hired advisors, and allows for the adoption of formal proxy voting policies, including a safe harbor for choosing not to vote. These new rules apply to shareholder rights exercised on or after January 1, 2026.

This resolution establishes the procedural framework for the House to consider three key measures: a disapproval of Department of Energy standards for gas-fired water heaters, a disapproval of EPA regulations regarding petroleum and natural gas waste emissions, and the establishment of the federal budget for fiscal year 2025. It sets specific time limits for debate, waives standard procedural objections, and outlines the amendment process for these legislative items.

The "Empowering Families in Special Education Act" ensures that schools inform parents of their right to include individuals with knowledge or expertise about their child in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. This includes related service providers. Schools must provide this notification within a reasonable timeframe before the first IEP team meeting of each school year.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act prohibits federal funds from being allocated to any entity that refuses to provide treatment to an individual based on their COVID-19 vaccination status. This includes funds authorized by federal law or from any trust fund receiving federal authorization, including those provided under titles XVIII, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act.

This bill formally elects specific members of the House of Representatives to serve on the Appropriations, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, and Ways and Means standing committees.