Legislative Activity

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to strengthen regulations and oversight of licensed firearm dealers to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and enhance public safety. It mandates enhanced security measures, regular inventory checks, and electronic record-keeping for dealers, while also increasing inspection frequency and penalties for violations. The act also broadens background check requirements for both dealers and their employees and seeks to modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) operations through increased staffing and data accessibility. Finally, the act repeals limitations on sharing firearm trace data and centralizing records, and it requires reports to Congress on the act's implementation and dealer inspections.

The IDEA Full Funding Act aims to increase federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It authorizes and appropriates specific funding levels for IDEA, excluding section 619, with increasing amounts each year. The funding is determined by both a set dollar amount and a percentage based on the number of children with disabilities and average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater. The bill also mandates that the increased funding adhere to "cut-as-you-go" rules, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" aims to impose significant sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine, violates a peace agreement, or initiates further military action against Ukraine. The bill mandates the President to determine and impose sanctions on individuals, entities, and financial institutions affiliated with the Russian government, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, and restricts trade and financial interactions with Russia. It also increases import duties on goods from Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy products, while providing limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and intelligence activities. The President has the authority to terminate and reimpose sanctions based on Russia's actions.

The "Reentry Act of 2025" amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to inmates in the 30 days before their release. It also requires the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission to submit a report to Congress analyzing health and safety standards in correctional facilities, the impact of this change, and recommendations for further action.

The "Armenian Genocide Education Act" directs the Librarian of Congress to develop and implement a program to support Armenian Genocide education by creating resources, offering teacher training, and encouraging the inclusion of these resources in school curriculums. The Act authorizes the Librarian of Congress to collect and manage donations to support these activities and requires an annual report to Congress on the program's progress. It also authorizes $2,000,000 in appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and each of the following four fiscal years to implement the Act.

The "Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act" directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an occupational safety and health standard requiring healthcare and social service employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. This standard aims to protect workers from workplace violence through risk assessment, hazard prevention, incident reporting, employee training, and recordkeeping. The bill also extends these requirements to certain facilities receiving Medicare funds, ensuring broader coverage and compliance.

The American Tank Car Modernization Act of 2025 establishes grant and pilot programs to promote the use of telematics systems and onboard sensors on freight railcars. The grant program will provide funding for the purchase and installation of telematics systems, prioritizing tank cars carrying hazardous materials, while the pilot program supports the development of onboard sensor technologies to improve railcar safety and real-time data collection. These programs aim to enhance data collection, improve safety, increase railcar efficiency, and reduce reliance on manual data capture. The bill authorizes \$100 million annually for the grant program and \$10 million annually for the pilot program from 2026 to 2029.

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 Raise the Age Act of 2025 prohibits licensed firearm dealers from selling certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to individuals under 21, with exceptions for active military members and law enforcement officers. It also requires purchasers of these firearms to certify they are at least 21 or a "qualified individual". Additionally, the Act mandates a report from the FBI Director on improving information-sharing protocols for the FBI's public access line.

The "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025" reauthorizes and amends the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) to broaden its services, enhance support activities, and reduce disparities in cancer rates. It emphasizes prevention, detection, and control of breast and cervical cancer, ensuring alignment with evidence-based recommendations. The Act authorizes $235 million annually from 2026 through 2030 and requires a GAO study to assess the program's reach and identify barriers to access. Reporting frequency is adjusted to every 5 years and includes data on the preceding years.

This bill recognizes and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps on November 10, 2025. It acknowledges the Marine Corps' distinguished history, readiness, and role as a premier fighting force. The bill also encourages Americans to celebrate the anniversary through various activities and community engagement.

The Uyghur Human Rights Protection Act designates certain residents of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region as Priority 2 refugees, waives the presumption that certain individuals seeking asylum are immigrants, and encourages allies to offer similar accommodations. It addresses persecution by the Chinese government, including forced detention, political indoctrination, and human rights violations against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities. The act also requires regular reports on the processing of refugee applications and prioritizes diplomatic efforts to support these individuals in third countries. Finally, the Act ensures that applying for refugee or asylum status does not negatively impact nonimmigrant status applications and terminates 10 years after enactment.

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 "Brake for Kids Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Transportation to launch a national public safety campaign educating the public on the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. This campaign will utilize various media platforms, including television, radio, and social media, and will be funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal is to raise awareness and prevent accidents involving children near school buses.

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 validates the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It asserts that the ERA has been ratified by the required number of states, regardless of any previously set time limits.

The Adams Memorial-Great American Heroes Act extends the Adams Memorial Commission's authority to 2032 and authorizes $50,000,000 for the memorial, requiring a matching non-federal contribution. The Act modifies location restrictions, allowing the memorial to be built within a specified area. It also limits administrative costs to 4% of federal funds.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish comprehensive standards for dog dealers, focusing on humane treatment. These standards include requirements for flooring, space, temperature, nutrition, exercise, socialization, veterinary care, and breeding practices. The Act sets specific guidelines for breeding frequency, age, and veterinary procedures, as well as humane placement for retired breeding dogs. It directs the Secretary to finalize regulations for these standards within 18 months.

The "BIRD Energy and US-Israel Energy Center Reauthorization Act of 2025" expands and reauthorizes energy cooperation between the U.S. and Israel through 2035. It increases funding for cooperative research and the Energy Center, and broadens the scope of cooperation to include areas like hydrogen, fusion energy, and cybersecurity. This aims to foster innovation, enhance energy security, and promote economic benefits for both nations.