Legislative Activity

This resolution recognizes the significant gender pay gap, where women earn less than men for comparable work, and highlights the economic impact this disparity has on women, families, and the nation. It also acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women of color. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving equal pay and reducing the gender wage gap.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance enforcement of equal pay requirements by redefining "sex," modifying the "bona fide factor" defense for pay disparities, broadening the definition of "same establishment," strengthening non-retaliation protections, and enhancing penalties for employers who violate equal pay provisions. The Act also requires training programs, research, education, and outreach initiatives to eliminate pay disparities, and establishes a National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Additionally, the Act directs the EEOC to collect compensation data, reinstates pay equity programs, prohibits the use of wage history in determining salary, and establishes a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to improve compliance and enforcement of equal pay laws.

The "Children's Health Protection Act of 2025" codifies and enhances the EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection and the Children's Health Protection Advisory Committee. It ensures the EPA prioritizes the identification, assessment, and reduction of environmental health and safety risks to children, including issues of environmental justice. The Act directs the EPA to coordinate federal efforts, conduct research, and promote community programs aimed at protecting children's health from environmental hazards. It also authorizes specific appropriations for these activities through 2030.

The "Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025" establishes that a President may only remove an Inspector General for specific causes, such as neglect of duty, malfeasance, or abuse of authority. Any removal must be documented with the specific reasons for the removal. This ensures Inspectors General can effectively perform their duties without political interference.

Recognizes the importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in providing nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults in care settings, supporting their health and development. Acknowledges the third week of March as National CACFP Week to raise awareness of the child and adult care food program of the Department of Agriculture. Urges the continued strengthening of CACFP through various measures, including increased meal reimbursements and reduced administrative burdens, to further enhance its positive impact and lower costs in the care economy.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The "Safe Vehicle Access for Survivors Act" protects survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by requiring vehicle manufacturers to terminate an abuser's access to connected vehicle services upon request from the survivor. This ensures that abusers cannot use vehicle technology to track, control, or otherwise harm survivors. The Act mandates confidentiality and quick action by providers, while also providing them with liability protection. The Federal Communications Commission is tasked with creating rules to implement the Act, ensuring survivor safety and privacy.

The Stop Comstock Act seeks to revise Title 18 of the U.S. Code and the Tariff Act of 1930, narrowing the scope of prohibited materials that cannot be sent through the mail or interstate commerce to only obscene materials, thus removing restrictions related to abortion and contraception. This bill aims to repeal sections of the Comstock Act, an 1873 law that criminalized the dissemination of certain materials through the mail. By amending these laws, the bill intends to clarify and limit the federal government's power to regulate the distribution of materials deemed to be obscene.

The Women's Retirement Protection Act aims to bolster women's retirement security by increasing spousal protection under defined contribution plans, improving access to consumer information, and providing grants to promote financial literacy and assist low-income women and survivors of domestic violence in obtaining qualified domestic relations orders. The bill requires spousal consent for distributions from individual account plans, with certain exceptions, and mandates financial service providers to offer easy access to resources from the CFPB and other federal agencies. Additionally, the act allocates funds for grants to community-based organizations to enhance women's financial literacy and help them secure entitled benefits through qualified domestic relations orders.

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing services, including preventative care, exams, and devices like dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Coverage for most services begins in 2026, with specific cost-sharing arrangements and limitations outlined in the bill. The Secretary has the authority to implement additional limitations and modify coverage based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The bill also requires the United States Preventive Services Task Force to include at least one oral health professional.

The "Protect Our Probationary Employees Act" allows federal employees who were involuntarily separated from service between January 20, 2025, and January 20, 2029, to resume their probationary period if reappointed to a similar position in their former agency. The resumed probationary period will only last the duration of the original probationary period. This provision terminates on January 20, 2029.

The "Do No Harm Act" amends the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 to ensure religious freedom is not used to justify discrimination or harm. It clarifies that the Act does not override federal laws protecting against discrimination, ensuring equal opportunity, or safeguarding access to healthcare and other essential services. This amendment confirms that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies only when the government is a party in a judicial proceeding.

The "Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025" aims to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities in underserved communities by providing grants to healthcare providers. These grants will support the expansion and enhancement of maternal health services, including prenatal, postnatal care for infants, and postpartum care for mothers. Priority is given to entities serving minority, low-income, or medically underserved areas, particularly those led by community members. The act allocates necessary funds from 2026 to 2030 to facilitate these improvements.

The U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act aims to address the crisis in Sudan by mandating the President to investigate and sanction those involved in human rights abuses and obstruction of humanitarian aid. It requires a comprehensive strategy to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and foster peace, with an emphasis on empowering Sudanese women and youth in conflict resolution. The act also seeks to prevent the flow of weapons to conflict parties and ensures accountability for human rights abuses. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a sustainable peace through diplomatic and multilateral efforts.

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.

This bill, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, seeks to amend the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. It aims to modernize labor regulations by clarifying definitions, addressing unfair labor practices, enhancing enforcement, and increasing transparency in labor-management relations. The bill introduces measures such as electronic voting in union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections, and mandates studies on collective bargaining practices. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fair treatment of workers and promote equitable labor practices.

The MERIT Act requires federal agencies to reinstate probationary employees who were terminated as part of a mass termination event between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date, providing them with back pay and benefits. The Act also mandates reports on government employee terminations and the reinstatement process. It defines key terms such as "affected probationary employee" and "mass termination" to clarify the scope and applicability of the Act. This act ensures that affected employees are treated as involuntarily separated without cause and outlines the process for determining back pay and providing notice to eligible employees.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to reduce bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states to establish policies prohibiting such conduct based on various characteristics, including race, sex, religion, and disability. It mandates annual notifications, data collection on incidents, biennial evaluations of programs, and regular reports to Congress to ensure accountability and effectiveness. This act does not infringe on existing nondiscrimination laws or freedom of speech but seeks to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all students.

This bill aims to block the export of certain Boeing-made weapons, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) variants and Small Diameter Bombs, to Israel's Ministry of Defense by preventing the issuance of a license amendment. It specifically targets the transfer of 15,500 JDAM tail kits and 615 Small Diameter Bombs.

This resolution designates February as Black History Month, celebrating the heritage and achievements of Black Americans. It recognizes the foundational role of Black labor in the United States, from slavery to modern times, and acknowledges the economic disparities that persist. The resolution also honors key figures and movements that have advanced Black Americans' rights and economic opportunities. It encourages the continued observance of Black History Month to promote awareness of Black Americans' contributions.