Legislative Activity

The Recycling Infrastructure and Accessibility Act of 2025 establishes a new EPA pilot grant program to improve recycling access, focusing specifically on underserved communities. These competitive grants will fund infrastructure projects, such as building transfer stations or expanding curbside service, using a "hub-and-spoke" model. Priority is given to projects located far from existing materials recovery facilities, with grants ranging from $\$500,000$ to $\$15$ million.

This Act prohibits the use of federal funds for specific settlement payments, including those related to the *Trump, et al. v. IRS, et al.* case. It places new restrictions on the Judgment Fund, barring payments to high-ranking officials, their relatives, and certain entities for specific types of claims. The bill also establishes strict reporting and notification requirements for large government compromise settlements.

The IMPACT to Save Moms Act establishes a demonstration project for states to test alternative payment models for maternity care within Medicaid and CHIP programs. This project aims to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for high-risk groups, by considering factors like risk stratification and social determinants of health. The Secretary of HHS must evaluate the project's impact and report recommendations to Congress on potential national expansion.

The Moms Matter Act establishes two grant programs to improve maternal mental health. The first program funds initiatives to expand mental health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum individuals, prioritizing high-risk populations. The second program provides grants to grow and diversify the workforce of mental and behavioral health providers specializing in maternal health.

The Maternal Health Pandemic Response Act aims to improve maternal and infant health outcomes during public health emergencies. It authorizes significant funding for enhanced data collection, surveillance, and research across various CDC programs. Furthermore, the bill mandates public data disclosure, requires public health communication campaigns, and establishes a task force to develop federal recommendations for ensuring safe, respectful, and equitable maternity care during crises.

The IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act authorizes competitive grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and similar institutions for long-term facility improvements, technology upgrades, and infrastructure modernization. Priority for these grants will be given to institutions demonstrating the greatest need, limited fundraising ability, and high percentages of Pell Grant recipients. The bill also mandates immediate forgiveness for certain outstanding balances on existing HBCU Capital Financing Program loans. Finally, it requires comprehensive reporting and studies to assess the program's impact and future funding needs.

The Universal School Meals Program Act of 2026 establishes permanent, universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all enrolled students at participating schools, eliminating income tests and meal debt collection. The bill significantly updates federal funding mechanisms by replacing reliance on free and reduced-price lunch data with new measures for identifying economically disadvantaged students across various education and social programs. Furthermore, it expands access to summer and afterschool meals while making technical amendments across several federal education and nutrition laws.

This Act establishes the January 6th Law Enforcement Heroes Compensation Fund to provide financial compensation for injuries and deaths sustained by law enforcement officers defending the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The program will be administered by a Special Master appointed by the Attorney General, who will review claims for economic and noneconomic losses. The bill also mandates an additional, guaranteed payment for all eligible officers, funded in part by certain government settlement amounts related to the attack. Determinations made by the Special Master regarding compensation are final and not subject to judicial review.

The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 aims to combat sophisticated, cross-jurisdictional organized retail and supply chain theft. It achieves this by strengthening federal laws regarding money laundering and stolen property offenses, including lowering monetary thresholds for prosecution. Furthermore, the bill establishes a dedicated Center within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal, state, and local enforcement efforts against these criminal organizations.

This resolution officially designates the week of May 4 through May 8, 2026, as Teacher Appreciation Week. It recognizes the vital role of public school teachers and highlights their key priorities, including support for existing federal protections and funding. Furthermore, the bill encourages leaders to engage directly with teachers to ensure their expertise informs education policy.

This resolution officially designates April as Community College Month to celebrate the vital role of over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. It recognizes these institutions for providing accessible higher education, workforce training, and significant contributions to the U.S. economy. The bill highlights their affordability, local presence, and impact on student success across the country.

The Protecting Moms and Babies Against Climate Change Act directs the Department of Health and Human Services to address how climate change risks, like extreme heat and pollution, harm maternal and infant health. The bill establishes grant programs to support local efforts and education, and mandates research and strategies to identify high-risk zones for pregnant individuals and young children. Its goal is to reduce adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mortality linked to climate change.

The Securing the Rights our Veterans Earned Act (SERVE Act) extends eligibility for key Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to former service members who were discharged based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes access to hospital care, mental health services, national cemetery burial, Post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance, and housing loans. The bill also mandates the VA Secretary to conduct outreach regarding these newly available benefits.

This bill officially designates April 18, 2026, as "National Lineman Appreciation Day." It recognizes the vital contributions of linemen in maintaining critical energy infrastructure and serving as essential first responders during emergencies. The resolution expresses strong support for these brave men and women who work under dangerous conditions to keep communities safe and powered.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that President Trump and Special Envoy Witkoff violated the Foreign Emoluments Clause by accepting undisclosed payments linked to a secret deal with an entity substantially funded by the UAE. It demands they immediately turn over all such payments to the Treasury and divest from any business interests connected to foreign governments. The bill cites specific financial transactions and subsequent U.S. policy actions favoring the UAE as evidence of a grave conflict of interest.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that the Department of Justice must comply with the Domestic Emoluments Clause. It specifically calls for the DOJ to refuse to administratively settle the billions of dollars in legal claims filed against the United States by President Donald Trump. The bill asserts that allowing the President to settle his own personal claims against the government constitutes an unconstitutional conflict of interest.

The YouthBuild for the Future Act reauthorizes and updates the YouthBuild program through 2030, providing education, job training, and leadership development for low-income young people, with a focus on green building skills. The bill increases funding authorization and expands allowable services, such as food assistance and help applying for benefits. It also establishes a new grant program to create employer partnerships that connect participants directly to local job opportunities.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Second Chance Month" to raise awareness about the systemic barriers faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. It encourages communities, employers, and policymakers to support rehabilitation efforts and remove unnecessary obstacles to employment, housing, and education. By fostering these opportunities, the initiative aims to reduce recidivism and help individuals with criminal records successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.

This resolution seeks to exercise congressional disapproval of the Department of Education’s recent rule regarding the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If passed, the resolution would nullify the rule, rendering it without force or effect.

The Maternal Vaccination Act establishes a dedicated awareness and equity campaign to increase vaccination rates among pregnant and postpartum individuals. By providing targeted funding and expanding immunization program grants, the bill ensures that healthcare providers are better equipped to support maternal health, with a specific focus on reaching underserved and minority communities.