Legislative Activity

The Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 secures dedicated funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative through fiscal year 2029 and beyond. This bill authorizes the Secretary to allocate increasing amounts, starting at \$25 million in 2025 and stabilizing at \$50 million annually from 2029 onward. The funding will be sourced from the Commodity Credit Corporation.

The Dads Matter Act of 2025 aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by promoting the active inclusion and engagement of fathers throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. The bill mandates a national awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of paternal involvement and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to states on encouraging providers to educate and support new fathers. Finally, the Government Accountability Office will study and report on the effectiveness of these measures within six years of enactment.

The Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act creates a new pathway for certain immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) history to apply for permanent residency within the U.S. This legislation also establishes strict confidentiality protections for applicants against immigration enforcement actions based on their application information. Furthermore, the bill mandates detailed reporting to Congress regarding the conditions in countries whose TPS designations are terminated. Finally, it ensures that eligibility for this new status does not preclude applicants from seeking other immigration benefits.

This Act, named in honor of Daniel J. Harvey, Jr. and Adam Lambert, aims to reduce veteran suicide by strengthening mental health resources during the transition from military service to civilian life. It mandates updated mental health and suicide risk briefings within the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). Furthermore, the bill enhances the VA's Solid Start Program by requiring specific outreach regarding healthcare enrollment and mental health services.

The Insurrection Act of 2025 completely rewrites the rules governing the President's authority to deploy the U.S. Armed Forces domestically, establishing military intervention as a strict last resort. It mandates specific, severe conditions—such as overwhelming insurrection or widespread denial of constitutional rights—and requires the President to issue a detailed proclamation and consult with Congress before deployment. Any initial deployment automatically expires after seven days unless Congress passes a resolution of approval.

The Fit to Serve Act prohibits the Department of Defense from discriminating against service members or recruits based on their gender identity. This means military standards, involuntary separation, and access to medically necessary healthcare cannot be based on an individual's gender identity. The bill ensures that a service member's gender identity cannot be used to deny entry, continued service, or force them to serve under the sex assigned at birth.

The Safe Operations of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 aims to enhance aviation safety through comprehensive reforms. It mandates an expert review of the FAA's Safety Management System and tightens regulations regarding aircraft tracking technology like ADSB Out, while requiring the installation of ADSB In on certain commercial aircraft. Furthermore, the bill establishes new safety review processes for military and specialized aircraft operating near major airports and improves air traffic controller training and hiring timelines.

This resolution formally condemns Hamas for its premeditated and brutal terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023. It demands that Hamas immediately release all remaining hostages and allow them access to necessary medical care. The document further affirms that taking hostages is a clear violation of international law.

The POST GRAD Act aims to reinstate the government's authority to issue Federal Direct Stafford Loans specifically to graduate and professional students. This extension of loan-making authority is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2023. Furthermore, the Act exempts these changes from certain standard rulemaking and review requirements under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

The No Place for LGBTQ Hate Act immediately repeals specific Executive Orders that targeted LGBTQI individuals, preventing any federal funds from being used to enforce them. This legislation specifically cancels orders known for mandating discrimination in areas like employment and healthcare. The bill also includes a provision to ensure it does not infringe upon the President's existing constitutional authority.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act repeals key liability protections for gun manufacturers found in the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). This legislation also mandates that records from the federal Firearms Trace System database must be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil proceedings. The bill aims to allow victims of gun violence greater access to information for civil lawsuits.

The BARK Act of 2025 aims to encourage the donation of pet food and supplies by providing liability protection to good-faith donors. This protection shields individuals and organizations from civil or criminal lawsuits regarding the condition of donated items intended for qualified animals. However, these shields are voided in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct by the donor or recipient.

The Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems, and Initiatives for Sepsis Act (SEPSIS Act) aims to combat the high rates of death and cost associated with sepsis nationwide. This bill directs the CDC to enhance national sepsis programs, focusing on education, data collection, and the development of outcome measures for both adults and children. It also authorizes funding to support these critical efforts and allows for a voluntary program to recognize hospitals demonstrating excellence in sepsis management.

This resolution officially recognizes and celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month every May. It honors the significant and diverse contributions of AANHPI communities to the history and strength of the United States. The resolution also acknowledges the historical struggles and ongoing challenges faced by these communities. Ultimately, it reaffirms the importance of recognizing their achievements and ensuring their representation.

This resolution officially designates May 2025 as "Older Americans Month" to recognize the vital contributions of senior citizens to the nation. It highlights the growing senior population and their continued involvement in the workforce and volunteering. The bill encourages communities nationwide to celebrate older Americans and create opportunities for them to share their wisdom and remain active participants in society.

This resolution serves as a formal tribute honoring the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of former United States Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond of Missouri. It recognizes his decades of public service, including his terms as Missouri Governor and U.S. Senator, where he championed infrastructure, agriculture, and conservative values. The Senate expresses deep sadness over his passing and directs that official copies of this tribute be sent to his family.

The Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Crime Victims Fund by expanding the sources of deposits. This includes allowing the Fund to receive money from certain legal settlements that do not result in a criminal conviction. Additionally, the bill temporarily allows certain recoveries from False Claims Act settlements to fund victim services through 2030, while protecting payments to whistleblowers and the government's direct recovery.

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 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 College for All Act of 2025 establishes a federal-state partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees at public colleges for eligible students, while also creating grants to cover costs at private HBCUs and MSIs. The bill significantly increases funding for Federal Pell Grants, expands eligibility to include "Dreamer students," and introduces new grants to improve student success at underfunded institutions. Overall, this comprehensive legislation aims to make public higher education tuition-free and increase support for students at minority-serving institutions.