Legislative Activity

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, and to update which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight based on a history of voting rights violations. It broadens the types of violations that allow a court to retain jurisdiction over a case, clarifies the Attorney General's authority to assign observers, and ensures transparency in voting-related changes. The Act also authorizes the Attorney General to demand documents and information to enforce voting rights and provides grants to small jurisdictions to assist with notification requirements.

The "Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution" urges the European Union to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, citing its history of violence, human rights abuses, and support for terrorist groups. It highlights the IRGC's destabilizing actions globally, including supporting the Assad regime, assisting Russia in the Ukraine war, and plotting against U.S. officials. The resolution encourages the prioritization of this designation in discussions with the European Union.

The Pell Grant Sustainability Act aims to increase the buying power of Pell Grants for lower-income students. It indexes the maximum Pell Grant award to inflation, starting with a \$1,060 increase for the 2024-2025 award year, and adjusts it annually based on the Consumer Price Index. This adjustment is added to the maximum Pell Grant specified in the latest appropriation act, ensuring Pell Grants keep pace with rising education costs. The bill also extends provisions of the Higher Education Act related to Pell Grants indefinitely.

The CLEAN Act aims to expedite geothermal energy development by requiring the Department of Interior to hold replacement lease sales if scheduled ones are canceled, offer all eligible nominated parcels for geothermal development, and make timely decisions on geothermal drilling permit applications.

The "Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act" amends the Social Security Act to revise eligibility rules for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It ensures these individuals are eligible for SSI regardless of their spouse's income and resources. This change allows eligible individuals to receive the standard individual SSI rate, reduced only by their own income.

The "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2025" permanently allows individuals with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to access telehealth services without needing to meet their deductible first, starting after December 31, 2024. This removes a barrier to accessing telehealth services for HSA holders.

Expresses support for strengthening public schools through community partnerships, mental health resources, and equitable funding. Aims to advance equity and excellence in public education, ensuring high-quality education for every child through evidence-based practices. Designates the week of February 24-28, 2025, as Public Schools Week.

The American Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act amends the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to increase funding for victims of state-sponsored terrorism by redirecting forfeited assets and penalties into the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. It mandates specific deposit timelines for forfeited funds, requires annual pro rata payments to eligible claimants beginning in 2026, and enhances transparency through detailed annual reports on fund activity. The Act also allows for the use of Department of Justice personnel to aid in the administration of the fund and ensures a supplemental payment to those already approved for fifth-round payments.

This bill reaffirms the strong economic and security partnership between the United States and Canada, highlighting their significant trade relationship that supports millions of American jobs. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening this alliance through collaboration in areas like defense, border security, energy, and supply chains. The bill also supports joint efforts to address shared threats, promote democracy, and enhance economic competitiveness.

The "Rare Earth Magnet Security Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit for the production of rare earth magnets, incentivizing domestic manufacturing. The credit offers \$20 per kilogram for magnets made in the U.S. and \$30 per kilogram if 90% of the magnet's materials are U.S.-sourced. The credit phases out after 2034 and includes restrictions on sourcing materials from non-allied foreign nations, with some temporary exceptions. The act also allows manufacturers to elect to receive direct payments from the government in lieu of the tax credit.

The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act establishes a framework for collective bargaining rights for public safety officers (law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency medical services personnel) at the state level. It directs the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine if states substantially protect these rights, and if not, the Authority will establish collective bargaining procedures. The Act aims to promote cooperation between public safety employers and employees while respecting existing state laws and prohibiting strikes and lockouts. This law does not override state laws that provide similar or stronger protections for public safety officers.

This bill amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to establish presumptions regarding radiation and toxin exposure for veterans who served at the Nevada Test and Training Range between 1972 and 2005, excluding Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases. It recognizes certain activities at the range as radiation-risk activities and presumes exposure to toxins for veterans stationed there during the specified period. Additionally, it establishes a presumption of service connection for lipomas and tumor-related conditions for these veterans.

The ASSIST Act of 2025 amends Title 38 of the United States Code to clarify that medical services for veterans include medically necessary automobile adaptations. The clarification includes specific adaptations such as ramp and kneeling systems, raised doors or lowered floors, and wheelchair tiedowns. This ensures veterans receive comprehensive support for their transportation needs.

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino Act authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs accurately represent the diverse cultures, histories, events, and values of Hispanic and Latino communities, seeking guidance from diverse sources. The Act also mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

The Tipped Income Protection and Support (TIPS) Act eliminates the subminimum wage for tipped employees, requiring employers to pay the standard minimum wage before tips. It ensures that all tips go to the employees, allowing for traditional tip pooling. The bill also introduces a tax deduction for qualified cash tips for employees earning up to $112,500 annually, effective for taxable years after 2025.

The "Smithsonian American Women's History Museum Act" authorizes the creation of the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum on the National Mall. It ensures the museum's exhibits and programs reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of women in the United States, seeking guidance from varied sources. The Act mandates regular reports to Congress on the museum's efforts to meet these diversity requirements.

The "Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act" requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct an independent assessment of its claim forms to improve clarity and organization. A federally funded research center will lead the assessment, consulting with various stakeholders, and provide recommendations to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The Secretary must then implement these recommendations, where legally compliant, within a set timeframe to make the forms more user-friendly for veterans.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster the defense relationship between the United States and Israel through joint initiatives and increased cooperation. It establishes programs to counter unmanned systems, extend anti-tunnel and counter-UAS cooperation, and promote collaboration in emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. The act also mandates the establishment of a Defense Innovation Unit office in Israel and assesses integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command region. Finally, it explores Israel's potential inclusion in the national technology and industrial base.

The "All Access Act of 2025" ensures Members of Congress can access any public building during regular hours by showing their official ID. Access outside of normal business hours requires a 12-hour advance notice to the building head. This act defines "Member of Congress" as a Representative or Senator.

The Taxpayer Data Protection Act limits access to the Treasury Department's payment systems to Treasury employees or contractors with satisfactory performance reviews and security clearances. It sets specific criteria for individuals accessing the system, including conflict of interest restrictions, training, and ethics agreements. The Act also mandates the Treasury Department's Inspector General to investigate and report to Congress on any unauthorized system use.