Legislative Activity

The Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act prohibits the possession or use of body-gripping traps, such as steel-jaw traps and snares, on lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This ban includes exceptions for federal agencies managing specific species, tribal subsistence use, and lands in Alaska. Violators face civil fines up to $500 per trap or use, potential jail time, and forfeiture of illegal traps and wildlife.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

This Act formally declares the U.S. position that Taiwan, due to its significant global economic standing, should be actively involved in international financial organizations like the IMF. It directs the U.S. Governor at the IMF to actively support Taiwan's admission and participation upon request. Furthermore, the Treasury Secretary must report annually to Congress on U.S. efforts to advance Taiwan's involvement in these institutions.

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 Optimizing Postpartum Outcomes Act of 2025 aims to improve women's health after childbirth by clarifying Medicaid/CHIP coverage for essential pelvic health services. It mandates federal guidance for states on covering services like pelvic floor exams and physical therapy, alongside establishing a national education campaign for both providers and new mothers. The bill also directs the GAO to study existing coverage gaps for postpartum women under Medicaid.

The Insurrection Act of 2025 completely rewrites the rules governing when the President can deploy the U.S. Armed Forces domestically to suppress insurrection or quell severe domestic violence. This deployment is strictly limited to being a last resort, requiring specific triggers such as overwhelming local failure or the denial of constitutional rights. Before acting, the President must issue a proclamation and provide a detailed report to Congress, whose approval is required to extend military authority beyond seven days. The Act also establishes expedited congressional procedures for reviewing and approving the deployment and allows for judicial review of the President's legal basis for action.

The MONARCH Act of 2025 addresses the critical decline of the western monarch butterfly population, which has dropped by over 99% in recent decades due to habitat loss and climate change. This bill establishes the Western Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund to provide grants for habitat restoration projects led by local and Tribal entities. Furthermore, it mandates the implementation of the existing Western Monarch Butterfly Conservation Plan through a partnership with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Finally, the Secretary of the Interior must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the status of the butterflies and the effectiveness of funded conservation efforts.

The FIGHT Act of 2025 significantly strengthens federal prohibitions against animal fighting ventures, specifically targeting the sponsorship, exhibition, and gambling associated with these events. This legislation clarifies the definition of a rooster for legal purposes and bans the interstate transport of roosters for fighting. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, allowing for civil penalties and the potential seizure of property used to facilitate illegal animal fighting.

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act seeks to significantly expand labor protections for domestic employees by bringing them under standard federal laws, including eligibility for overtime pay and mandated paid sick leave. The bill establishes written employment agreements, sets clear privacy boundaries for workers in private homes, and creates a Standards Board to recommend ongoing improvements to wages and benefits. Furthermore, it establishes enforcement mechanisms and temporarily increases federal Medicaid funding for in-home care services to help offset compliance costs.

The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2025 aims to provide lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System. This legislation codifies existing federal regulations, known as the "Roadless Rule," which generally prohibits the construction of new roads or the cutting of timber in these sensitive zones. The purpose is to safeguard critical ecological benefits, clean water sources, and wildlife habitats while maintaining the Forest Service's multiple-use management mission.

The Paving the Way for American Industry Act amends the Build America, Buy America Act to impose stricter domestic sourcing requirements for yellow organic pigments used in road and highway marking paints. This legislation mandates that all manufacturing steps for these specific pigments must occur entirely within the United States. The Office of Management and Budget is required to issue updated guidance on these new standards within 90 days of enactment.

This resolution supports the designation of the week of June 9 through June 15, 2025, as "National Men's Health Week." It aims to raise national awareness about preventable health issues affecting men and boys, who often delay seeking medical care. The goal is to encourage increased participation in preventive screenings and early detection for serious conditions. Congress formally asks the President to issue a proclamation encouraging nationwide observance of this week.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The LIHEAP Staffing Support Act establishes minimum staffing requirements for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure effective program administration. It mandates a baseline of at least 20 dedicated employees, with limits on contractor usage during normal operations. Furthermore, the bill requires an emergency staffing boost to at least 30 employees within 45 days of declaring an energy crisis.

The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act of 2025 updates federal programs to better support and protect runaway, homeless, and trafficked youth. This legislation modernizes grant programs to ensure services are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and address critical needs like housing, education, and mental health. It also expands communication channels to include online outreach and strengthens coordination across federal agencies to combat youth homelessness and exploitation.

The Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act officially expands the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the newly designated Rim of the Valley Unit. This legislation ensures that any newly acquired land within this unit will be managed under the existing rules of the National Recreation Area. Furthermore, the Act allows existing utility and water facilities within the expanded area to continue operations while requiring them to minimize damage to natural resources.

The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act mandates that essential health benefits under the ACA must comprehensively cover prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, and postpartum care for one full year. This legislation explicitly bans all cost-sharing, including copays and deductibles, for these essential maternity and newborn health services. The bill ensures robust coverage, including specific requirements like mandatory ultrasounds and mental health services for new parents.

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

The Supporting Healthy Mothers and Infants Act of 2025 updates the WIC program by replacing outdated terminology with "substance use disorder." This legislation mandates the development of specialized, evidence-based nutrition education materials for WIC participants affected by substance use disorder. Furthermore, it requires the Secretary of Agriculture to actively reach out to and support these families through training and resource sharing. The Act authorizes $1 million for fiscal year 2026 to implement these new support activities.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 repeals key provisions of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This legislation allows federal gun trace information to be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil lawsuits and administrative hearings. The bill aims to provide victims of gun violence with greater access to relevant data in legal proceedings.