Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses support for designating November 8, 2025, as "National First-Generation College Celebration Day." It commemorates the anniversary of the landmark Higher Education Act of 1965, which created vital support programs like the Pell Grant. The bill recognizes the unique challenges faced by first-generation students and urges the nation to celebrate their contributions to the future workforce.

The SNAP Back Act of 2025 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to expand exemptions from SNAP work requirements. This bill adds individuals who are currently homeless, all veterans, and former foster youth (aged 24 or younger) to the list of those considered "disabled individuals" for SNAP purposes. This change aims to make these specific vulnerable populations eligible for SNAP benefits without meeting standard work activity rules.

The Personal Needs Allowance Modernization Act, or PNA Modernization Act, increases the minimum monthly allowance Medicaid recipients in long-term care facilities can keep for personal needs. This bill raises the minimum allowance from $\$30$ to $\$60$. Furthermore, it mandates that the allowance amounts will automatically increase in the future, tied directly to cost-of-living adjustments made to Social Security benefits after November 2025.

The Opportunities to Support Mothers and Deliver Children Act establishes a new grant program to fund demonstration projects focused on creating career pathways for professions like doulas and midwives. These multi-year projects must operate in states that recognize and reimburse these roles through insurance. The goal is to develop sustainable training models that lead to better wages and benefits for low-income individuals entering these essential maternal health fields.

This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs women's health clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The clinic will now be known as the Anna Mae Robertson VA Well Woman Clinic. This change ensures all official records reflect the new designation.

The Social Security Enhancement and Protection Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Social Security system through several key changes. It increases the minimum benefit for long-term, low-earning workers and introduces a new bonus payment for long-term beneficiaries. The bill also extends student benefits until age 26 and modifies the taxation of high earners above the current contribution cap. Finally, it increases the OASDI employment tax rate starting in 2026.

The Mom and Pop Tax Relief Act modifies the Section 199A qualified business income deduction for tax years beginning after 2025. This bill caps the eligible income for the deduction at the lesser of total qualified business income or \$25,000, with further reductions for taxpayers whose Adjusted Gross Income exceeds \$200,000. It also tightens the rules regarding what qualifies as W-2 wages and clarifies that income earned as an employee does not qualify for this deduction.

This bill authorizes the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for a specific ceremony. The event will honor the recipients of the Congressional Gold Medals awarded under the 'Six Triple Eight' Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2021. The ceremony is scheduled for April 29, 2025, with setup governed by the Architect of the Capitol.

This bill amends tax code rules to provide special treatment for certain financial guaranty insurance companies under the Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) regulations. It allows these companies to count unearned premium reserves as insurance liabilities, making it easier for them to avoid PFIC classification for U.S. investors. The provisions are contingent upon the company meeting specific, high-exposure thresholds related to the debt or bonds they insure.

The Worker Relief and Credit Reform Act of 2025 significantly expands eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), allowing students without children to qualify and lowering the minimum age requirement. It also introduces a major new feature allowing eligible taxpayers to opt into receiving advance monthly EITC payments, capped at 75% of their estimated annual credit. Furthermore, the bill redefines qualifying dependents and adjusts key income thresholds for the credit calculation.

This bill recognizes the critical role of Black midwives in addressing the maternal health crisis, particularly for Black women who face disproportionately high mortality rates. It designates March 14, 2025, as Black Midwives Day and urges federal, state, and local governments to support and invest in Black midwifery through funding, training, and policy changes. The bill aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal health by increasing access to culturally relevant care and enabling midwives to practice to the full extent of their training. It also seeks to eliminate barriers to entry into the profession and promote equitable healthcare policies.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a new process for taxpayers to receive refunds for taxes previously paid on certain indelibly dyed fuels that are actually exempt from that tax. Specifically, it adds a new section allowing the Secretary to repay the tax paid on eligible dyed diesel fuel or kerosene that qualified for an exemption under existing law. These provisions apply to fuel removed from a terminal 180 days after the Act is enacted.

This bill designates the week beginning March 2, 2025, as "School Social Work Week" to recognize the vital role of school social workers in supporting students' mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being. School social workers provide essential services such as mental health support, family outreach, and community referrals, contributing to safer schools and improved educational outcomes. The bill aims to raise awareness of their contributions and encourage Americans to honor their work.

The TRIO Access Act permits colleges to utilize federal tax return information obtained for financial aid purposes to support students participating in specific Federal TRIO programs. This act amends the Higher Education Act of 1965, allowing FAFSA data to be shared with institutions for programs under sections 402D or 402E. It mandates that institutions use FAFSA data solely for financial aid application, award, and administration, including these TRIO programs. Additionally, institutions can request tax return information to determine eligibility for programs under sections 402D or 402E if needed.

This bill designates February 2025 as National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month to raise awareness about the various forms and impacts of teen dating violence. It encourages communities to empower teens to develop healthy relationships and recognizes the significant public health impact of teen dating violence, particularly on young women. The bill calls for nationwide participation in programs and activities that promote awareness and prevention.