Legislative Activity

The Child Care Workforce and Facilities Act of 2025 aims to increase access to quality child care in child care deserts by providing competitive grants to States and Tribal entities. These grants will support the development and expansion of the child care workforce through education and training programs, as well as the construction, expansion, or renovation of child care facilities, including licensed family child care homes. The act authorizes $100,000,000 to be appropriated for fiscal years 2025 through 2031 to carry out these initiatives.

The "BIG OIL from the Cabinet Act" prevents recent fossil fuel executives and lobbyists (within 10 years of appointment) from becoming heads of key departments or political appointees in agencies focused on energy, environment, and science. This includes barring them from serving in these roles in an acting capacity. The bill aims to limit the influence of the fossil fuel industry in government.

The "Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025" increases excise taxes on fuel used by private jets and eliminates certain air transportation excise tax exemptions. It establishes the "Funding to Support Clean Communities Trust Fund," which will be funded by the increased taxes and used for grants and activities that deploy air quality monitoring systems, improve public transit and passenger rail infrastructure near airports, and improve public transportation in disadvantaged communities. At least 50% of the funds must be used for projects in disadvantaged communities, prioritizing those most affected by air pollution.

The Cleaner Air Spaces Act of 2025 authorizes the EPA to provide grants, up to $3,000,000 each, to air pollution control agencies for establishing cleaner air space programs in wildfire smoke-prone areas. These programs must partner with community organizations to establish clean air centers, distribute air filtration units to low-income households, and provide educational resources. The EPA will report to Congress on program implementation and effectiveness and authorizes $30,000,000 to be appropriated to carry out this section for fiscal years 2026 through 2028.

The Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025 establishes special base rates of pay for federal wildland firefighters, increasing their salaries based on their General Schedule grade. It also provides incident response premium pay for firefighters deployed to qualifying incidents and allows for rest and recuperation leave following deployments. The bill enables the transfer of funds between the Forest Service and the Department of Interior to ensure the continuation of salary increases.

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 Inaugural Committee Transparency Act of 2025 amends existing law to increase transparency and accountability for Presidential Inaugural Committees. It mandates disclosure of disbursements over $200, prohibits donations from foreign nationals, and bans the use of donations for personal expenses. The act also requires leftover funds to be donated to a 501(c)(3) organization within 90 days of the inauguration.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans to veterans as member business loans. The term "veteran" is defined by section 101 of title 38, United States Code. This change aims to support veteran entrepreneurship by expanding access to credit union business loans. The changes will take effect 180 days after the law is enacted.

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 "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 Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act of 2025 taxes fossil fuel companies based on their greenhouse gas emissions from the years 2000-2023, allocating \$1 trillion to a "Polluters Pay Climate Fund." This fund will support climate resilience, disaster response, and environmental justice initiatives, with a significant portion dedicated to FEMA and grants under the Clean Air Act, and requires that 40% of the fund must benefit environmental justice communities. The Act clarifies that it does not relieve polluters of existing liabilities or preempt state and local climate-related laws.