Legislative Activity

The Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025 mandates the President to impose asset freezes and entry bans on foreign individuals knowingly involved in piracy, responding to a recent surge in attacks off the Somali Coast. This legislation directs the U.S. government to cooperate with international partners to combat global maritime threats. The Act includes specific exemptions for humanitarian aid and U.S. national security operations.

This bill posthumously awards a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall "Major" Taylor, recognizing the pioneering Black cyclist for his historic achievements and his fight against racial prejudice. The medal will be struck by the Secretary of the Treasury and presented to Taylor's great-granddaughter. The Act also authorizes the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

The JUST Act of 2025 aims to significantly strengthen civil rights accountability and transparency within the USDA. It establishes a new, Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights to oversee compliance and creates an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson to assist program participants. Furthermore, the bill mandates disciplinary action for employee misconduct and shifts the burden of proof in agency appeal hearings to the USDA.

This resolution commemorates the 159th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1866. It recognizes this Act as the first federal law defining citizenship and guaranteeing equal protection under the law for all citizens. Furthermore, the resolution highlights the Act's foundational role in shaping the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments. Congress affirms its commitment to supporting and defending the rights belonging to all Americans.