Legislative Activity

The Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act establishes a new federal grant program to provide operating support for high-quality public transit services. This funding is specifically targeted to improve mobility and environmental outcomes, with a requirement that the majority of funds benefit underserved communities or areas of persistent poverty. The Act also increases the federal share for rural transit operating assistance up to 80%.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating May 17, 2025, as "DIPG Awareness Day" to highlight the urgent need for action against diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). It calls for increased federal funding and focused research into this devastating pediatric brain cancer, which has seen no significant treatment advances in over 40 years. Furthermore, the bill encourages research grant organizations to prioritize funding based on cancer lethality and potential life-years lost.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that President Trump must comply with the Foreign Emoluments Clause regarding a reported gift of a jumbo jet from Qatar. It calls on the President to immediately submit all plans for accepting this significant gift to Congress. The bill emphasizes that the Constitution requires Congressional consent before the President can accept valuable items from foreign governments.

The Born in the USA Act of 2025 declares that Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional and contrary to the 14th Amendment. This Act prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement or enforce that Executive Order. It affirms the established constitutional right to birthright citizenship for nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.

The Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends child labor laws to prohibit individuals under 18 from having direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. This change ensures that agricultural work involving direct handling of tobacco falls under federal child labor protections. The bill specifically updates exemptions to reflect this new restriction on youth employment in tobacco agriculture.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives commending public servants for their dedication and continued service to the United States. It officially designates the week of May 4 through May 10, 2025, as Public Service Recognition Week. The bill honors the vital contributions of federal, state, and local government employees and uniformed service members across the nation.

The Stop Mental Health Stigma in Our Communities Act of 2025 aims to address the significant mental health disparities and high suicide rates within Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. The bill mandates the creation of a national behavioral health outreach strategy tailored to the diverse AANHPI population to reduce stigma and increase culturally competent care. Furthermore, it requires comprehensive systematic reviews and reports on the AANHPI youth mental health crisis and strategies to increase the number of AANHPI behavioral health professionals.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

The MIL FMLA Act significantly expands existing family and medical leave protections under the FMLA for military families and veterans. It broadens the definition of covered family relationships to include domestic partners and other close relations when caring for a service member. The bill establishes a new entitlement of up to 26 workweeks of leave for caring for a covered service member or for a service member's own serious service-related injury or illness. These changes also apply to federal civilian employees, updating definitions and leave entitlements within Title 5 of the U.S. Code.

The Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2025 establishes a nationwide prohibition on corporal punishment in all federally funded educational programs. It creates strong enforcement mechanisms, allowing parents to sue and authorizing the Attorney General to intervene in cases of abuse. Furthermore, the Act establishes a grant program to incentivize states to adopt positive behavior support systems to reduce harsh disciplinary actions and improve school climate.

Violet's Law mandates that federal research facilities establish procedures to place retired research animals, including dogs, cats, and primates, into new homes. These facilities must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act standards and ensure animals are certified healthy by a veterinarian before adoption. Eligible placements include registered animal rescue organizations, sanctuaries, shelters, or private individuals.

The VA Employee Fairness Act of 2025 modifies the collective bargaining rules for employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) by streamlining existing statutes. This act removes outdated subsections related to bargaining and renumbers the remaining relevant section. Importantly, these changes do not affect the Secretary of Veterans Affairs' existing authority regarding incentive pay or expedited hiring processes.

The Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2025 declares that practices attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity for payment constitute an unfair and deceptive business practice. Citing professional consensus on the ineffectiveness and harm of such "conversion therapy," the bill prohibits its provision and advertising. Enforcement authority is granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the law allows both the U.S. Attorney General and State Attorneys General to file civil actions against violators.

The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" for federal retirement purposes under both the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS). This change adds specific IRS, Postal Inspection Service, and VA police roles to those eligible for enhanced retirement benefits. The bill also establishes procedures for current officers to elect to have their prior service counted under these new definitions, which may require a payment from the employee and their employing agency.

This resolution formally condemns recent actions by President Donald J. Trump that undermined the freedom of the press. It reaffirms the United States' fundamental commitment to a free and independent media as a cornerstone of democracy. The measure urges the Executive Branch to respect the role of journalism and calls for the safe release of U.S. Agency for Global Media journalists detained overseas.

The Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act restricts law enforcement from using intercepted communications or compelled records that contain reproductive or sexual health information to investigate or prosecute individuals seeking or providing related care. This bill mandates specific sworn statements in wiretap applications and court orders, and in demands for electronic records, affirming that sensitive health details will not be used for such purposes. The Act broadly defines reproductive and sexual health information to ensure comprehensive protection.

The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to protect firefighters by funding research and development for next-generation turnout gear that eliminates harmful PFAS chemicals. The bill establishes grants through NIOSH to create safer, PFAS-free protective equipment and separate funding for training programs on the proper care of this new gear. Ultimately, this legislation seeks to reduce occupational illness and injury among fire and EMS personnel.

The Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025 amends the Lacey Act to prohibit the importation, sale, breeding, and possession of most nonhuman primates across state lines. This sweeping ban includes species like monkeys and lemurs, with limited exceptions for registered research facilities and existing owners who register their animals promptly. The law establishes immediate prohibitions, even before the Secretary of the Interior finalizes all associated regulations.

The Save Healthcare Workers Act aims to protect hospital personnel by making assault against them a federal crime with severe penalties. It also establishes a new federal grant program to help hospitals implement crucial safety measures, such as violence prevention training and physical security upgrades. This legislation seeks to reduce workplace violence in healthcare settings across the nation.

The **Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025** is a comprehensive bill designed to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry and secure critical supply chains. It establishes new centralized oversight for maritime policy, creates a dedicated Maritime Security Trust Fund financed by new vessel taxes, and mandates significant federal investment in domestic shipbuilding and workforce development. The legislation also imposes stricter cargo preference rules and tax incentives to ensure U.S.-flagged vessels dominate international commerce and defense sealift operations.