Legislative Activity

The Love Lives On Act of 2025 ensures that surviving spouses of veterans and service members retain their earned benefits, including dependency and indemnity compensation, educational assistance, and Survivor Benefit Plan annuities, regardless of remarriage. Additionally, the bill expands TRICARE eligibility to include widows and widowers whose subsequent marriages have ended. This legislation protects the financial security and healthcare access of surviving families by removing penalties associated with remarriage.

The Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act extends and strengthens critical federal programs designed to support the mental health and well-being of the health care workforce. The bill mandates annual awareness initiatives and expands grant eligibility to organizations focused on reducing administrative burdens for medical professionals. These programs are now authorized through fiscal year 2030 to ensure continued support for reducing burnout and promoting mental health services.

The Access to Counsel Act ensures that U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, and valid visa holders have the right to consult with legal counsel and interested parties during secondary or deferred immigration inspections at ports of entry. The bill mandates that this access be provided within one hour of inspection and offers specific protections for permanent residents regarding the abandonment of their status. By guaranteeing this support, the legislation aims to provide individuals with meaningful advocacy and assistance during the inspection process.

The Rosa Parks Day Act officially establishes Rosa Parks Day as a legal public holiday in the United States. This amendment updates federal law to include Rosa Parks Day alongside existing holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Consequently, federal employees and operations will observe this new national holiday.

The NO BAN Act prohibits discrimination in immigration based on religion, race, sex, nationality, or place of birth. It also places strict limitations on the President’s authority to suspend or restrict entry into the United States, requiring evidence-based justification, congressional oversight, and public reporting. These measures ensure that any future immigration restrictions are narrowly tailored and subject to judicial review.

The Rosa Parks Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2029 to honor the legacy of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Proceeds from the sale of these collector coins, including designated surcharges, will support the mission of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development. The program is designed to ensure no net cost to the federal government.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the Freedom Riders in recognition of their courageous, nonviolent efforts to end racial segregation in interstate travel. By challenging discriminatory laws through the 1961 Freedom Rides, these activists played a pivotal role in advancing the American Civil Rights Movement. The medal will be housed at the Smithsonian Institution to honor their historic contribution to equality.

This resolution affirms strong support for the U.S. Department of Education and its critical role in funding and protecting public K-12 schools. It emphasizes the importance of federal investment in closing opportunity gaps and ensuring civil rights protections for all students. Furthermore, the bill explicitly condemns any efforts to defund public education, dismantle the Department of Education, or divert public funds to private school vouchers.

The Stop the Wait Act of 2025 aims to provide faster financial and medical support to individuals with disabilities by eliminating the five-month waiting period for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits by 2030. Additionally, the bill removes the 24-month Medicare waiting period for SSDI recipients who lack access to affordable health insurance, ensuring they can access necessary medical coverage sooner.

The Period PROUD Act of 2025 provides $200 million in annual federal funding to states to increase access to free menstrual products for low-income individuals. By partnering with government agencies, tribes, and nonprofits, this initiative aims to reduce unmet needs by integrating product distribution into existing social service programs. The bill also mandates program evaluations to ensure effectiveness and accountability in addressing menstrual health disparities.

The Stop Antiabortion Disinformation (SAD) Act prohibits crisis pregnancy centers from using deceptive advertising to mislead individuals seeking reproductive health care. The bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate and penalize organizations that falsely claim to provide abortion services or licensed medical care. This legislation aims to ensure patients have access to accurate, evidence-based information when making reproductive health decisions.

The Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally (DERAIL) Act enhances rail safety by expanding the federal definition of "high-hazard flammable trains" to include more transport configurations. Additionally, the bill mandates that railroad carriers notify federal, state, local, and Tribal authorities within 24 hours of any derailment involving toxic inhalation materials.

This bill recognizes the significant historical and ongoing contributions of tax-exempt fraternal benefit societies to communities across the United States through charitable activities, volunteer work, and financial support for members. It expresses the sense of Congress that these societies are a valuable support system that addresses unmet needs and generates substantial returns to the U.S. through their tax-exempt status. The bill also advocates for the continued promotion of fraternal benefit societies.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' view that Congress should act to maintain the United States Postal Service (USPS) as an independent entity within the Federal Government. It emphasizes the USPS's role as a self-sustaining service vital to the economy and national connectivity. The resolution discourages privatization, citing concerns about increased costs, reduced services, and damage to critical infrastructure.

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 lifelong commitment to civil rights, justice, and equality. This legislation honors his legacy as a champion for constitutional guarantees and his courageous stand against the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II.

The Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act removes existing restrictions that prevent Medal of Honor recipients from receiving their special pension concurrently with other veterans' benefits. This legislation ensures that these distinguished heroes can receive both forms of compensation simultaneously.

The Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act prevents the U.S. government from denying foreign aid to nongovernmental organizations based on the legal health services they provide using their own private funds. It ensures that these organizations are not penalized for offering counseling or referrals that comply with local laws. Additionally, the bill prohibits the imposition of restrictive advocacy and lobbying requirements on these groups that exceed those applied to U.S.-based organizations.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' disapproval of the President's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, recognizing climate change as a threat and highlighting the increasing costs of extreme weather events. It commends entities supporting the Agreement, urges the President to reconsider, and encourages Congress to prioritize U.S. leadership on climate change.

The Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025 broadens access to Head Start programs by clearly defining "public assistance" to include a wider range of federal and state support programs. This update ensures that families receiving various forms of aid, such as SNAP, SSI, and housing assistance, can more easily qualify for early childhood education services.

The Small Business Investor Tax Parity Act of 2025 amends the tax code to allow taxpayers to include qualified business development company (BDC) interest dividends in their qualified business income deduction. This change aligns the tax treatment of BDC dividends with that of real estate investment trust (REIT) dividends. The provision is set to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.