Legislative Activity

The Access Technology Affordability Act of 2025 establishes a new federal tax credit to help offset the cost of essential access technology for blind individuals. This credit covers expenses for hardware or software that converts visual information into usable formats for the taxpayer, their spouse, or a dependent. The credit is capped at \$2,000 over any three-year period and is set to expire for tax years beginning after December 31, 2030.

The **SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025** aims to reauthorize and strengthen the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP). This legislation updates program goals to emphasize prevention and actively reduce cancer disparities among underserved populations. It also sets specific funding levels through 2030 and mandates a comprehensive GAO study on program eligibility and access barriers.

This bill, the Ban Congressional Stock Trading Act, requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children to place most stock and commodity investments into qualified blind trusts or sell them within 120 days of the law taking effect or taking office. The legislation strictly prohibits acquiring new covered investments while serving in office, with exceptions for inheritance. Failure to comply results in escalating civil penalties equal to a member's monthly salary until the requirements are met.

The CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Bond Guarantee Program. This legislation adjusts the calculation and sets new annual limits for government guarantees on bonds issued for community and economic development. Furthermore, it extends the program's authorization period and mandates the Treasury Secretary to report twice on the program's effectiveness to Congress.

The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends and improves critical federal grant programs designed to support successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals. This legislation specifically reauthorizes key demonstration projects through 2030 and broadens the scope of services these grants can cover. Updates now explicitly allow funding for substance use disorder treatment, including peer recovery support and reentry housing services. Overall, the bill ensures continued federal investment in evidence-based reentry initiatives through the end of the decade.

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 GRAIN DRY Act updates federal loan programs to specifically allow agricultural producers to access funds for building or improving storage facilities for propane. These loans must be used for propane primarily intended for agricultural production purposes. This ensures infrastructure funding directly supports farming operations.

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.

This resolution reaffirms the deep and steadfast partnership between the United States and Canada, recognizing its critical importance to both nations' economic prosperity and national security. It highlights the massive trade volume, integrated supply chains, and shared commitment to continental defense and energy independence. The bill emphasizes strengthening cooperation across security, technology, and environmental stewardship while ensuring the border remains secure for vital commerce. Ultimately, this is a strong statement of commitment to maintaining and deepening the essential U.S.-Canada relationship.

The Combating Trafficking in Transportation Act amends federal highway funding rules to allow states to use funds for installing human trafficking awareness signs at rest stops. The bill also modifies the Department of Transportation's advisory committee on human trafficking by increasing its membership and adding a required representative from State departments of transportation. This legislation aims to enhance public awareness and coordination regarding human trafficking within the transportation sector.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a formal, publicly accessible code of conduct for Supreme Court Justices and creates a judicial investigation panel to handle related ethics complaints. The bill also mandates stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and income received by Justices, and significantly expands the circumstances under which a federal judge must recuse themselves due to financial ties or lobbying influence. Finally, it institutes new disclosure rules for parties and *amici curiae* in cases before the Court, alongside studies to monitor judicial compliance.

This resolution strongly condemns the Russian Federation for the abduction, forced transfer, and illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. It asserts that the return of all abducted children must be a prerequisite before finalizing any peace agreement to end the war. The bill highlights Russia's intent to erase Ukrainian identity through forced adoption and citizenship changes, actions deemed violations of international law and potential war crimes.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to modernize and increase transparency in the prior authorization process for Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and requires plans to publicly report detailed data on their approval, denial, and appeal rates. Furthermore, it establishes new standards to protect enrollees and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timelines for care requests.

The TAKE IT DOWN Act establishes new federal crimes for the intentional sharing of nonconsensual intimate images, including realistic AI-generated deepfakes, with enhanced penalties for content involving minors. It mandates that online platforms create clear reporting systems and remove reported nonconsensual intimate content within 48 hours. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is empowered to enforce these notice and removal requirements against covered platforms.

The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act expands who can certify the medical necessity for Medicare coverage of diabetic shoes. This bill allows nurse practitioners and physician assistants to sign the required documentation, in addition to physicians. This change aims to improve access to necessary footwear for individuals with diabetes.

This resolution supports designating May 29, 2025, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day." It aims to raise awareness about the significant mental health challenges faced by farmers and farmworkers, who experience disproportionately high rates of suicide. The day seeks to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health support within the agricultural industry.

The PROTECT Our Children Reauthorization Act of 2025 updates and extends key federal efforts to combat child exploitation. This bill revises the National Strategy to focus on emerging technology trends and mandates detailed resource planning for law enforcement. It also modifies the operations of Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Forces, clarifying their duties, expanding partnerships, and providing liability protections for lead prioritization decisions. Finally, the Act adjusts grant funding allocations and authorizes specific funding levels through fiscal year 2028.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital roles and significant contributions of teachers across the United States in strengthening the nation's civic, cultural, and economic well-being. It specifically designates National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5–9, 2025, to raise public awareness and encourage greater respect for the teaching profession. Ultimately, this measure serves as a formal expression of gratitude from Congress to educators nationwide.

The Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act of 2025 updates federal law to specifically address the dangers first responders face from substances like fentanyl. This legislation ensures federal funding is available to states and agencies for purchasing necessary protective equipment and providing specialized training on handling dangerous drugs safely. The goal is to equip first responders with the tools needed to prevent accidental secondary exposure while on duty.

The AI Whistleblower Protection Act establishes clear definitions for AI security issues and protects employees who report them from retaliation by their employers. Covered individuals can report vulnerabilities or violations to various authorities and have recourse through the Department of Labor or federal court if punished. Successful claimants are entitled to remedies including job reinstatement, double back pay, and compensatory damages.