Legislative Activity

This resolution expresses support for designating July 10th as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day. It honors the essential and dangerous work performed by these skilled professionals, especially their heroic efforts in restoring power after major disasters. The day serves to recognize their service and remember those who have lost their lives performing this vital work.

The Sanctions Lists Harmonization Act mandates that federal agencies quickly share information when adding individuals or entities to designated U.S. sanctions lists. Upon receiving notification, agencies must review and decide whether to add the subject to their own corresponding lists within strict timeframes. This process aims to ensure consistent and timely application of sanctions across the government. Agencies must also report their compliance with these new harmonization rules to Congress one year after enactment.

The Bunker Buster Act of 2025 expresses Congress's strong disapproval of Iran's escalating nuclear activities and regional aggression. The bill outlines a sense of Congress urging continued diplomatic pressure while ensuring Israel is prepared for contingencies should Iran pursue a nuclear weapon. To this end, it authorizes the President to provide specific military and infrastructure support to Israel upon request, provided national security interests are met. Crucially, this Act explicitly states it does not grant authority for the use of military force against Iran.

This bill, the Prohibition of Medicaid Funding for Conversion Therapy Act, prohibits Medicaid plans from using federal funds to pay for conversion therapy services. Conversion therapy is defined as any paid practice aimed at changing an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity. This legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars do not support efforts to alter a person's core identity.

This bill significantly strengthens the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2016 by explicitly blocking time-based and procedural defenses that have previously prevented claims for Nazi-looted art from being heard on their merits. The changes ensure that courts must now focus on whether the art was actually stolen, regardless of when the claim is brought or the citizenship of the original owner. These improvements apply immediately to both pending and future lawsuits seeking the return of art expropriated during the Nazi era.

The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act of 2025 aims to improve services and support for older adults who identify as LGBTQI. This bill establishes a new Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging and mandates the creation of a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging. Furthermore, it updates definitions, ensures eligibility for federal grants, and requires specific data collection on discrimination faced by this population in aging services.

The Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 authorizes the Secretary of State to designate foreign countries as "State Sponsors of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention" if they illegally hold U.S. citizens. This designation triggers mandatory reviews of diplomatic and legal tools to deter such actions. Furthermore, Congress must approve these designations for them to remain in effect beyond six months.

This resolution formally recognizes the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States. It serves as a declaration by Congress affirming that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and encouraging the celebration of Pride Month. The bill highlights key historical milestones, legal victories, and acknowledges the persistent challenges and violence faced by the community. Ultimately, it commits the U.S. to continuing the pursuit of full equality for all citizens.

The PEARL Act establishes a three-year pilot program for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to adopt and train dogs sourced directly from local animal shelters to serve as support canines. This initiative aims to integrate shelter dogs into CBP's existing canine teams.

The Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act prohibits states from interfering with or retaliating against individuals who provide or receive abortion services that are legal in the state where the service occurs. This protection extends to interstate travel for legal abortion care and the movement of FDA-approved abortion-related drugs across state lines. Individuals harmed by violations can sue in federal court for damages and legal fees.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

This resolution formally commemorates the ninth anniversary of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. It honors the lives lost, recognizes the bravery of first responders, and reaffirms community unity in the face of hate. Furthermore, the resolution calls for continued efforts to reduce gun violence and support those affected by this act of terrorism.

The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025 reforms federal firearm background check procedures, establishing a formal petition process for buyers when the system delays a decision beyond 10 business days. This bill removes the previous 10-day time limit on background checks under the Brady Act while mandating extensive reporting from the GAO and FBI on the effectiveness and outcomes of these delayed transfers. Furthermore, the Attorney General must report on the law's impact on domestic violence victims within 150 days of enactment.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

This resolution strongly condemns the recent rise in ideologically motivated attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions across the United States, including the violent assault in Boulder, Colorado. The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence in all its forms. It calls for thorough investigation and prosecution of such incidents and urges all sectors of society to speak out against hate.

The Elder Pride Protection Act of 2025 establishes the ELDER Task Force within the Department of Justice to combat abuse targeting older LGBTQI+ individuals. This group is charged with studying the causes of this abuse, developing national best practices, and creating training materials for law enforcement. The Task Force must report its findings and progress to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment.

The Weather Workforce Improvement Act aims to strengthen the National Weather Service's ability to provide accurate and timely forecasts critical for public safety. It grants the NWS Director temporary direct-hire authority to quickly fill essential, public safety-related staffing vacancies. Furthermore, the bill mandates regular workforce assessments and reports on employee health and morale, particularly concerning shift work.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It highlights the devastating scale of gun violence in the U.S., recognizing the thousands of annual deaths and injuries across all demographics. The bill encourages Americans to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote increased awareness and community action regarding gun safety.

The MARSHALS Act fundamentally restructures the United States Marshals Service (USMS), moving its organization entirely into the judicial branch. This bill establishes that the Director and all U.S. Marshals will be appointed by the Chief Justice, subject to oversight from a new Board. The legislation also clarifies the USMS's authority to protect federal judicial personnel and outlines specific conditions under which the Service can assist the Department of Justice.

The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act mandates the National Park Service (NPS) to establish a program to significantly reduce or eliminate the sale and distribution of disposable plastic products, including single-use water bottles, across all park units. Regional directors must implement these changes while considering operational costs, visitor safety regarding water access, and vendor contracts. The law also requires proactive visitor education and biennial reviews to assess the program's effectiveness and public impact.