Legislative Activity

The "Access to Counsel Act of 2025" ensures individuals at ports of entry and during deferred inspection can access legal counsel and assistance. It allows consultations with counsel and interested parties, enabling them to advocate for the individual by providing information to examining officers. The bill also protects lawful permanent residents by ensuring they have the opportunity to seek legal advice before signing Form I-407, unless they knowingly waive that right. This act aims to provide due process and protect the rights of individuals seeking entry into the United States.

The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act, or NO BAN Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to prohibit discrimination based on religion and national origin in nonimmigrant visas and immigration benefits. It limits the President's authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens, requiring specific justification, narrow tailoring, and congressional consultation. The Act also mandates reports on visa applicants and the impact of any suspensions or restrictions. Finally, it allows affected parties to sue the government if these regulations are not followed.

This resolution recognizes the critical role of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in advancing U.S. national security interests. It emphasizes USAID's importance in reducing global threats, promoting stability, addressing migration and extremism, and maintaining U.S. leadership against China. The resolution also references the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which requires USAID to consult with Congress on significant organizational changes.

The "Fire-Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2025" allows the Department of Agriculture to permit electrical utilities to remove trees and vegetation near power lines on National Forest System land to prevent wildfires without requiring a timber sale. If the utility sells the removed vegetation, the proceeds, minus transportation costs, must be given to the Secretary of Agriculture. The law ensures compliance with existing land management plans and environmental laws.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include innovative multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. These tests, which use genomic sequencing to detect multiple cancer types, will be covered for eligible beneficiaries with age and frequency limitations. The payment amount for these tests will initially align with that of multi-target stool screening DNA tests. This new coverage aims to improve early cancer detection without affecting existing Medicare-covered cancer screenings.

This resolution designates January 30, 2025, as Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution. It recognizes Fred Korematsu's resistance to the unjust incarceration of Japanese-Americans during World War II. The resolution encourages reflection on the importance of political leadership, vigilance, justice, and civil rights.

The "Fred Korematsu Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025" authorizes the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Fred Korematsu in recognition of his civil rights contributions, loyalty, patriotism, and dedication to justice and equality. The Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to create the gold medal, which will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution after the award presentation. Additionally, the Act allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to cover production costs.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act seeks to ensure that foreign non-governmental organizations are eligible for assistance under part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, regardless of the health or medical services they provide, as long as those services adhere to specific guidelines. It ensures that these organizations are not subject to more restrictive requirements for using non-U.S. government funds for advocacy and lobbying compared to U.S. non-governmental organizations.

This resolution supports the recognition of January as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" to honor the heritage, culture, and contributions of Muslim Americans to the United States. It acknowledges their diverse backgrounds, contributions to various sectors, and the discrimination many have faced. The resolution encourages public celebration of Muslim-American achievements and contributions to the country.

The "Saving the Civil Service Act" limits the ability of federal agencies to move positions out of the competitive service, ensuring that civil service positions are filled based on merit and qualifications. It restricts the transfer of positions between different types of service, requires employee consent for certain transfers, and mandates reporting to Congress on any changes made. The goal is to prevent political influence over career civil servants and maintain a nonpartisan, professional civil service.

The "Washington, D.C. Admission Act" outlines the process for admitting Washington, D.C., into the Union as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a Capital to serve as the seat of the U.S. Government. It addresses the transition of laws, governance, and federal responsibilities, ensuring continuity of services and representation for the residents of the new state. The Act also defines the boundaries of the new State and the Capital, and includes provisions for elections, federal property, and the establishment of a Statehood Transition Commission.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the legacy of slavery and discrimination against African Americans from 1565 to the present. The commission will identify the harms caused by these injustices and recommend appropriate remedies, including how the nation can best educate itself on the commission's findings. It will also explore methods of reparations, such as a formal apology, eliminating discriminatory laws, and providing compensation to descendants of enslaved individuals. The commission will then submit its findings and recommendations to Congress.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals to qualify for financial assistance. It also adjusts the premium tax credit calculation to provide more support based on income level. These changes aim to make health coverage more affordable for a broader range of Americans, starting in 2026.

The Sunshine Protection Act of 2025 would make daylight saving time permanent across the United States, effectively eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year. It repeals the section of the Uniform Time Act that allows for standard time and adjusts time zone offsets from Greenwich Mean Time. States that previously opted out of daylight saving time would have the option to choose between the new, permanent daylight saving time or the previous standard time.