Legislative Activity

This bill designates specific federal lands within Utah's red rock canyons, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin Deserts as wilderness areas, incorporating them into the National Wilderness Preservation System. It outlines detailed administrative and management protocols for these areas, including land management, water rights, and the continuation of livestock grazing. The bill seeks to balance conservation with existing rights, protecting tribal interests, and ensuring state authority over fish and wildlife management. This act withdraws these lands from uses like mining and mineral leasing, subject to valid existing rights, aiming to preserve these natural landscapes for future generations.

The Support UNFPA Funding Act aims to reinstate U.S. financial support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency. It authorizes appropriations of at least $50 million for fiscal year 2026 and $55 million for fiscal year 2027 to support UNFPA's work in reducing maternal deaths, preventing gender-based violence, and promoting voluntary family planning. The Act asserts that supporting UNFPA aligns with U.S. interests by improving global health, fostering development, and promoting stability.

The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to eliminate the restriction that prevents striking workers from being eligible for SNAP benefits. This bill ensures that striking workers are not automatically disqualified from receiving food assistance.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance enforcement of equal pay requirements by redefining "sex," modifying the "bona fide factor" defense for pay disparities, broadening the definition of "same establishment," strengthening non-retaliation protections, and enhancing penalties for employers who violate equal pay provisions. The Act also requires training programs, research, education, and outreach initiatives to eliminate pay disparities, and establishes a National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Additionally, the Act directs the EEOC to collect compensation data, reinstates pay equity programs, prohibits the use of wage history in determining salary, and establishes a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to improve compliance and enforcement of equal pay laws.

The Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act mandates terrorism-related sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and associated individuals/entities due to their involvement in terrorist activities, including the October 7, 2023, attack against Israel. It requires the President to block assets and impose visa restrictions on those affiliated with the PRC, with exceptions for national security and humanitarian reasons. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on whether Lions Den and the PRC should be designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

This resolution celebrates the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence Day, reaffirming the democratic ideals shared between the United States and Greece. It recognizes the historical ties, strategic alliance, and growing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in energy and security. The resolution also acknowledges the contributions of the Greek-American community and Greece's role in promoting stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkans.

This resolution recognizes the significant gender pay gap, where women earn less than men for comparable work, and highlights the economic impact this disparity has on women, families, and the nation. It also acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women of color. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving equal pay and reducing the gender wage gap.

This bill affirms the House of Representatives' belief that every person has the right to emergency health care, including abortion care. It argues that abortion restrictions endanger lives, force doctors to make impossible choices, and disproportionately harm people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQI individuals. The bill emphasizes that delays in emergency care due to abortion bans can lead to life-threatening situations and that everyone, including pregnant individuals, should have access to necessary medical care without discrimination.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

This bill, known as the "Correcting Guam's History in the PACT Act," amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to expand eligibility for a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with herbicide exposure. The expansion includes veterans who served in Guam between August 15, 1958, and July 31, 1980, or in American Samoa. This change makes it easier for these veterans to receive benefits for diseases linked to herbicide exposure during their service.

The Medicare Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include dental, vision, and hearing services, including preventative care, exams, and devices like dentures, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. Coverage for most services begins in 2026, with specific cost-sharing arrangements and limitations outlined in the bill. The Secretary has the authority to implement additional limitations and modify coverage based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force. The bill also requires the United States Preventive Services Task Force to include at least one oral health professional.

The Military Spouse Hiring Act amends the Internal Revenue Code to include qualified military spouses as eligible for the Work Opportunity Credit, incentivizing employers to hire them. A qualified military spouse is defined as someone certified by a local agency as married to a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. This change applies to amounts paid and individuals starting work after the Act's enactment.

The "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" mandates the transition of TSA personnel management systems to align with Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring TSA employees receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, including collective bargaining rights. It protects current pay and benefits during the transition, requires consultation with employee representatives, and addresses concerns related to employee well-being, safety, and diversity. The Act also calls for reports and plans to improve recruitment, address workplace harassment, and update background check requirements.

This bill expresses the House of Representatives' support for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, and the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program. It recognizes the importance of these programs in diversifying the workforce of U.S. foreign affairs agencies and building a strong, diverse national security workforce. The bill emphasizes that these fellowships address the underrepresentation of various groups and that the Secretary of State and Administrator of USAID must consult with Congress before modifying these programs.

The "Access to Family Building Act" establishes a federal right for individuals to access assisted reproductive technology (ART) services and for healthcare providers to offer these services, free from undue restrictions. It allows the Attorney General and affected individuals to file lawsuits against those who limit ART access and permits states to enforce health and safety regulations that are the least restrictive means to ensure safety. The act overrides conflicting federal and state laws, ensuring its provisions are upheld, and requires the Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for implementation.

The 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act directs the Treasury Secretary to produce gold and silver coins to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. The coins' designs will represent the courage and resilience of those affected, with at least one coin bearing the inscription "Never Forget." Surcharges from the sale of these coins will be donated to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum to support its operations and maintenance. The Act ensures that the coin production does not create any net cost to the Federal Government.

The American Teacher Act aims to address teacher shortages and improve teacher compensation by establishing grants for states to increase teacher salaries, with the goal of ensuring a minimum annual salary of $60,000 for full-time teachers at qualifying schools, adjusted for inflation. The Act also allows for a national campaign to raise awareness of the value of the teaching profession and clarifies that the Act does not alter existing employee rights or agreements. Finally, the Act defines key terms and authorizes necessary appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to implement the grants and awareness campaign.

The James Earl Jones Congressional Gold Medal Act directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to James Earl Jones, honoring his contributions to the United States and his work promoting inclusion in film and theatre. The Secretary of the Treasury will create the gold medal, and bronze duplicates will be made available for sale to the public.

The U.S. Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act aims to address the crisis in Sudan by mandating the President to investigate and sanction those involved in human rights abuses and obstruction of humanitarian aid. It requires a comprehensive strategy to protect civilians, provide humanitarian aid, and foster peace, with an emphasis on empowering Sudanese women and youth in conflict resolution. The act also seeks to prevent the flow of weapons to conflict parties and ensures accountability for human rights abuses. Ultimately, the goal is to promote a sustainable peace through diplomatic and multilateral efforts.

The "Keeping Our Field Offices Open Act" prevents the Social Security Administration (SSA) from closing or consolidating field offices, hearing offices, and resident stations, ensuring continued access to services. It requires the SSA Commissioner to justify any planned closures to Congress with detailed analysis and cost-benefit assessments, considering the impact on vulnerable populations. The bill mandates public notice, hearings, and a final report to Congress before any changes, allowing appeals and maintaining the number of offices at or above the January 20, 2025 level, excluding temporary emergency closures.