Legislative Activity

The IDEA Full Funding Act establishes mandatory, increasing funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs through fiscal year 2035. This legislation sets specific appropriation targets based on student counts and national average spending to ensure greater financial support for special education services. Furthermore, the bill requires that these new IDEA appropriations adhere to "cut-as-you-go" budget offset rules.

The STABLE Act of 2025 establishes a comprehensive federal framework for regulating payment stablecoins, requiring issuers to maintain 1:1 reserves in safe assets and adhere to strict transparency and anti-money laundering standards. The bill strictly limits issuance to approved entities, whether federally or state-qualified, and clarifies that these dollar-backed digital assets are not considered securities. Furthermore, it mandates robust consumer protection rules, ensuring customer assets are segregated and prioritized in bankruptcy proceedings.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Trump administration's planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico violate the spirit and terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Congress is urging the President to cease imposing these tariffs, which threaten to undermine the vital trade relationship established by the USMCA. The measure affirms strong support for the existing trade agreement and its framework for fair commerce.

This resolution is an inquiry demanding the President provide detailed documents regarding the access granted to staff and advisers of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to the systems and data of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP). Congress seeks comprehensive information on personnel backgrounds, specific system permissions, data movement, and the approval processes used for this access. The request also mandates documentation on conflict of interest reviews and current BCFP staffing levels.

The Paycheck Fairness Act significantly strengthens federal equal pay protections by broadening definitions of sex discrimination, tightening employer defenses against pay disparities, and increasing penalties for violations. It also prohibits employers from using salary history in hiring decisions and mandates new data collection by the EEOC to better enforce anti-discrimination laws. Furthermore, the bill establishes new training and outreach programs to combat systemic wage bias.

The Protecting Families from Inflation Act mandates that the Federal Reserve conduct a comprehensive study on the cumulative impact of all U.S. tariffs implemented since 2017. This research will specifically analyze how these trade actions have affected consumer prices and small businesses. The Fed is required to submit its findings to Congress within 270 days of the Act's enactment.

This bill officially ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment, declaring it a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically removes any previously imposed deadlines for state ratification. If three-fourths of the states have approved the amendment, this law confirms its official status regardless of past time constraints.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 significantly increases humane treatment standards for dog dealers under the Animal Welfare Act. This legislation mandates specific minimum space requirements, daily exercise access, and mandatory socialization for housed dogs. Furthermore, it establishes strict limits on female dog breeding frequency and age, alongside enhanced veterinary care protocols.

The HELPER Act of 2025 establishes a new FHA mortgage insurance program to assist first responders, educators, and law enforcement officers in purchasing homes. This program offers eligible first-time homebuyers 100% financing with no down payment required. Instead of monthly premiums, borrowers pay an upfront FHA insurance premium at closing.

The No Round Up Act primarily repeals the outdated Alien Registration Act of 1940 and related provisions within the Immigration and Nationality Act. This action eliminates the requirement for aliens to register and be fingerprinted. The bill focuses on cleaning up obsolete registration rules and associated penalties.

The Major Richard Star Act ensures that military retirees with combat-related disabilities can receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability compensation concurrently without reduction. This law removes previous restrictions that caused military retirement pay to be offset by VA disability payments for these specific cases. The changes take effect on the first day of the month following the Act's enactment.

This bill prohibits the issuance of licenses for the exportation of specified defense articles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The ban remains in effect until the President certifies to Congress that the UAE has ceased providing material support to the Rapid Support Forces operating in Sudan. This effectively halts the sale or transfer of a wide range of major U.S. military equipment to the UAE.

The Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act transitions TSA personnel to standard federal employment rules under Title 5 of the U.S. Code by a set date no later than December 31, 2025. This mandates the freezing of current personnel policies during the transition while protecting current employee pay and benefits. The bill also requires extensive reviews by the Comptroller General on hiring, diversity, and workplace safety, and mandates consultation with employee representatives regarding labor relations. Finally, it ensures that screening agents retain collective bargaining rights and addresses specific concerns for Federal Air Marshals.

This bill condemns the House Republican Conference for a xenophobic social media post questioning Congressman Adriano Espaillat's immigration status and patriotism. It specifically condemns the House Republican leadership team for allowing the false statement that questioned Congressman Espaillat's citizenship.

The Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025 prohibits the knowing importation, sale, or commercial distribution of kangaroos or kangaroo products derived from four specific species into the United States. This legislation establishes civil and criminal penalties, including fines and potential jail time, for violations of these interstate commerce restrictions. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with developing the necessary regulations to implement these protections.

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 "Original Black History Month Resolution of 2025" officially recognizes February 2025 as Black History Month with the theme "African Americans and Labor." The resolution honors the essential contributions of Black workers to the U.S. economy from enslavement to the present day while highlighting the ongoing struggle for labor equality. It encourages all Americans to celebrate these achievements and acknowledge the historical and systemic challenges still faced by Black workers today.

The GUARD VA Benefits Act establishes criminal penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assisting with claims for benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation amends existing law to prohibit soliciting, contracting for, or receiving compensation for preparing or prosecuting VA benefit claims, except where explicitly authorized by other statutes.

The Protect Veteran Jobs Act allows wrongly fired or dismissed veterans in civil service jobs between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date to be reinstated to their previous position or a similar one. It mandates executive branch agencies to report to Congress every three months on all veteran employees who were fired or dismissed and the reasons for their termination, effective until January 20, 2029. The Act relies on existing U.S. Code definitions for key terms like "veteran" and "civil service."