Legislative Activity

The End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2025 aims to improve support for homeless and at-risk veterans by prioritizing vulnerable individuals for VA case management services. It mandates detailed annual reporting on the HUD-VASH program's effectiveness, staffing, and voucher utilization. Furthermore, the bill expands eligibility for rental assistance and protects veterans from eviction if they initially refuse case management services. Finally, it requires the GAO to conduct a comprehensive review of HUD-VASH participants and case management quality.

The "Protect Social Security and Medicare Act" mandates a supermajority vote in Congress to pass any legislation that cuts benefits managed by the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This requirement aims to safeguard Social Security and Medicare benefits from being easily reduced. An exception is provided for Medicare Advantage plan payment reductions if offset by equal or greater increases in other Medicare benefits. The Social Security Administration's Chief Actuary Office is designated as the sole authority to determine if a proposed bill would reduce Social Security benefits.

The No Invading Allies Act strictly prohibits the President from using U.S. Armed Forces to invade or occupy territory belonging to Canada, Panama, or Greenland. Any military action against these nations requires prior authorization via a Congressional declaration of war, specific authorization, or in response to an immediate attack on the U.S. or its forces. Furthermore, the bill limits the expenditure of funds for such actions, reinforcing U.S. commitments to international rules and alliances.

The "Do No Harm Act" amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to ensure religious freedom is not used to justify discrimination or harm. It clarifies that the Act does not override federal laws protecting against discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity, or safeguarding access to healthcare and other essential services. This amendment confirms that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies only when the government is a party in a judicial proceeding.

The Farewell to Foam Act of 2025 bans the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) food service ware, loose fill packaging, and coolers starting January 1, 2028. The bill clearly defines these targeted foam products and the roles of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers involved in their supply chain. Enforcement begins with a written warning for first-time violations, followed by escalating fines for repeat offenses. The Administrator of the EPA is granted the authority to issue necessary regulations to implement the Act.

The U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act aims to address the crisis in Sudan by mandating the President to investigate and sanction those involved in human rights abuses and obstruction of humanitarian aid. It requires a comprehensive strategy to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and foster peace, with an emphasis on empowering Sudanese women and youth in conflict resolution. The act also seeks to prevent the flow of weapons to conflict parties and ensures accountability for human rights abuses. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a sustainable peace through diplomatic and multilateral efforts.

The Climate Agricultural Conservation Practices Act requires the USDA to evaluate and update conservation practice standards, including consideration of climate benefits such as greenhouse gas emission reductions, carbon sequestration, and adaptation to weather volatility. These standards must be reviewed within five years of the Act's enactment. The goal is to promote climate-friendly agricultural practices through existing conservation programs.

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 "Apprenticeship Opportunity Act" encourages participation in apprenticeship programs by requiring states to disregard income earned during the first year of a registered apprenticeship when determining eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). States that do not comply will face a reduction in their TANF grants. This aims to make apprenticeships more accessible for individuals and families relying on TANF.

The Protecting Americans’ Social Security Data Act restricts political appointees and special government employees from accessing sensitive Social Security beneficiary data systems. It establishes a right for individuals to sue the government or responsible parties for unauthorized access or disclosure of their private Social Security information, including specified minimum damages. Furthermore, the bill mandates the Inspector General to investigate such violations and report findings to Congress within 30 days. Finally, it requires the GAO to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these new privacy and enforcement measures.

The "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act" seeks to promote diplomatic engagement to formally end the Korean War by replacing the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement. It requires the Secretary of State to review travel restrictions to North Korea for humanitarian reasons and to develop a plan for achieving a permanent peace agreement, including the potential establishment of liaison offices between the U.S. and North Korea. The act emphasizes that it does not affect the status of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea or elsewhere.

The MERIT Act requires federal agencies to reinstate probationary employees who were terminated as part of a mass termination event between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date, providing them with back pay and benefits. The Act also mandates reports on government employee terminations and the reinstatement process. It defines key terms such as "affected probationary employee" and "mass termination" to clarify the scope and applicability of the Act. This act ensures that affected employees are treated as involuntarily separated without cause and outlines the process for determining back pay and providing notice to eligible employees.

This bill seeks to block a proposed U.S. export license amendment that would authorize the transfer of additional Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits and Small Diameter Bombs to the Israeli Ministry of Defense. If passed, it would prohibit the government from finalizing the sale of these specific defense articles.

This resolution seeks to block a proposed foreign military sale to Israel, specifically prohibiting the transfer of 3,000 AGM-114 Hellfire air-to-ground missiles. In addition to the missiles, the resolution halts the provision of associated support equipment, technical documentation, training, and logistics services.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to reduce bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states to establish policies prohibiting such conduct based on various characteristics, including race, sex, religion, and disability. It mandates annual notifications, data collection on incidents, biennial evaluations of programs, and regular reports to Congress to ensure accountability and effectiveness. This act does not infringe on existing nondiscrimination laws or freedom of speech but seeks to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2027 to commemorate the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The coins' designs will represent Clemente's life, including his baseball achievements and humanitarian work. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation, supporting their educational programs, youth sports initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and historic preservation projects. The Act ensures that the coin program will not incur any net cost to the United States government.

The "Acupuncture for Our Seniors Act of 2025" expands Medicare coverage to include services provided by qualified acupuncturists, as defined by state licensure or criteria set by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This ensures seniors have access to acupuncture services, with payment rules established under the physician fee schedule and separate payment options for institutional providers. It defines qualified acupuncturist services as those legally allowed under state law, including related services and supplies. These changes will apply to services furnished 270 days after the Act's enactment.

The Social Security Expansion Act aims to increase Social Security benefits, change cost-of-living adjustments to better reflect elderly consumers, and extend eligibility to student children. It also adjusts payroll and self-employment taxes for earnings above $250,000, increases taxes on investment gains, and establishes a new Social Security Trust Fund. These changes are intended to provide greater financial security for beneficiaries and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security system.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to respecting Mexico’s sovereignty and condemns the use of unilateral military action without Mexico's consent and explicit congressional authorization. It emphasizes that transnational criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, do not constitute an armed attack justifying military force under international or U.S. law. Ultimately, the bill advocates for continued bilateral cooperation to address shared security challenges rather than military intervention.