Legislative Activity

The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act facilitates ecosystem restoration projects within floodplains by exempting related map change request fees and allowing projects that slightly increase base flood elevations under specific conditions. It requires a professional engineer to determine that the project will not raise the water surface elevation of the base flood by more than 1 foot when combined with existing development and ensures no adverse impact on insurable structures or critical infrastructure. The community must submit an analysis of the changed conditions to FEMA. FEMA is directed to issue guidance for implementation in consultation with natural resource agencies.

This resolution supports designating April 2025 as the "Month of the Military Child" to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of children connected to the military. It acknowledges the commitment and struggles of military children and encourages the nation to provide support to military families. The resolution urges the United States to honor military children through events and activities during the designated month.

The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2025 reauthorizes and amends the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Act to continue supporting the protection and restoration of the Northwest Straits region in Puget Sound, Washington. It updates the commission's membership and duties, emphasizes collaboration with Tribal governments, and authorizes \$10,000,000 annually from 2026-2031 to support the initiative's goals of ecosystem health and sustainable resource use. The Act directs the commission to focus on science-based projects, community involvement, and data-driven decision-making to address environmental challenges in the region.

The Servicewomen and Veterans Menopause Research Act requires the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate existing research and identify gaps in knowledge regarding menopause, perimenopause, and mid-life women's health among servicewomen and veterans. It directs them to assess the impact of military service on menopause-related symptoms and the availability of related healthcare resources. The Act also mandates a report to Congress outlining findings and a strategic plan for future research and improved training resources for healthcare providers.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance the enforcement of equal pay requirements by modifying the "bona fide factor" defense, protecting employees who discuss their wages, and enhancing penalties for equal pay violations. It requires training and directs research, education, and outreach to eliminate pay disparities between men and women. The Act also prohibits employers from relying on wage history when considering prospective employees and mandates the collection of compensation data by the EEOC. Finally, the Act establishes the National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace and provides small business assistance.

This bill extends government funding through April 11, 2025, allocating additional funds for the Department of Defense, FEMA disaster relief, and the Navajo and Hopi Relocation Office. It also includes short-term extensions for various healthcare programs, including community health centers and telehealth services, and extends provisions related to financial oversight, national security, and cybersecurity. Finally, the bill ensures that its budgetary effects do not trigger automatic spending cuts or negatively impact budget allocations.

The "Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act" seeks to protect the health and safety of pregnant, lactating, and postpartum individuals in immigration detention by limiting their detention and restricting the use of restraints. It mandates pregnancy testing upon intake, generally prohibits detention unless the individual poses an immediate and serious risk, and ensures access to comprehensive healthcare services. The Act also requires detailed reporting on the detention and treatment of pregnant individuals and mandates training for DHS employees.

The "Kids Access to Primary Care Act of 2025" extends and expands a provision requiring Medicaid to pay primary care providers at least the same rate as Medicare, ensuring more healthcare professionals are adequately compensated for their services. It broadens the types of providers covered and mandates that managed care entities meet these payment standards. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study comparing the number of children enrolled in Medicaid before and after the change, the number of healthcare providers receiving Medicaid payments for primary care before and after the same change in the law, and healthcare provider payment rates for primary care services under Medicaid across states after the change.

The "Helping Heroes Act" establishes a Veteran Family Resource Program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide personalized support to veterans and their families by connecting them with VA benefits and community resources. It mandates the appointment of family coordinators in each Veterans Integrated Service Network to assist veterans and their families in accessing needed resources. The Act also requires regular surveys of disabled veterans and their families to identify their needs and ensures that all programs and activities funded by the Act adhere to federal nondiscrimination laws.

The "Flight 293 Remembrance Act" directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to create a database of Armed Forces members who died in non-combat military plane crashes since 1984, and to proactively provide their families with comprehensive support, resources, and personalized guidance to navigate benefits and services. This includes connecting families with community support networks and establishing a dedicated point of contact within the Department of Defense to assist them. The Act also ensures that all programs and activities funded under it adhere to non-discrimination policies and requires a report to Congress on the progress and effectiveness of these efforts.

The Purple Heart Veterans Education Act of 2025 allows veterans awarded the Purple Heart after September 11, 2001, to transfer their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members. It defines eligible dependents, sets conditions for benefit use, and allows veterans to modify or revoke transfers. The bill also addresses scenarios involving the death of the veteran and sets age limits for child transferees, ensuring dependents receive the same educational assistance as the veteran.

This resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as "National School Counseling Week" to recognize the vital role school counselors play in students' academic, social, and emotional development. It aims to raise awareness of the challenges students face and the importance of adequately supporting school counseling programs. The resolution encourages Americans to participate in events that highlight the importance of school counselors in helping students succeed.

This resolution expresses disapproval of any pardons granted to individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers. It serves as a formal condemnation of such pardons.

This resolution honors and recognizes the distinguished service, bravery, and sacrifices of women in combat roles in the Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War. It acknowledges the opening of all military roles to women in 2015 and the commendations and badges women have earned for combat service. The resolution encourages continued celebration of women's achievements to inspire future generations.