Legislative Activity

The SAFE CROSS Act mandates a one-year study by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to evaluate the safety benefits, costs, and best practices for implementing AI-enabled sensors at railroad crossings. This research will compare AI technology against traditional safety measures like grade separations. Upon completion, the findings and recommendations will be publicly shared to guide federal, state, tribal, and local safety initiatives.

The Transit Captions Innovations Act authorizes the Department of Transportation to support the use of real-time transcription and translation technology in public transit systems. This initiative aims to improve accessibility for riders who are deaf, hard of hearing, or limited English proficient. The bill also sets specific funding authorizations through fiscal year 2031 to support these innovative language access projects.

The Empty Lots to Housing Act streamlines the process for transferring federally funded, unneeded real property to local entities or qualified private developers. This transfer is contingent upon the recipient agreeing to long-term affordability requirements for the resulting housing. Specifically, at least 40% of new units must be affordable for low-income families, with a portion reserved for extremely low-income households.

The Driver Technology and Pedestrian Safety Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive study by the National Academies on how driver-controlled technology, especially touch screens, impacts serious crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. Following the study, the Secretary of Transportation must report findings to Congress and provide actionable recommendations for reducing traffic fatalities. These recommendations must be categorized based on whether they require new legislation or can be implemented immediately by existing agencies.

The Earthquake Resilience Act aims to significantly enhance national preparedness for seismic events. It mandates a comprehensive national assessment of earthquake readiness and updates the existing reduction program to focus on post-disaster recovery goals. Key provisions include developing new standards for lifeline infrastructure resilience and integrating real-time data into hazard reduction planning.

This bill affirms the President's obligation to comply with court orders, referencing multiple instances where the Trump administration defied judicial rulings. It reinforces established legal principles from Marbury v. Madison and Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer, emphasizing the judiciary's role and the limits of presidential power. The bill insists on compliance from all individuals, including government officials, and accountability for those who defy court orders to protect the rule of law.

The Poverty Line Act of 2025 updates the calculation of the federal poverty line to more accurately reflect the true costs of basic needs such as housing, childcare, and healthcare, while also accounting for geographic variations and household spending norms. This updated calculation aims to expand eligibility for federal assistance programs. The Act requires regular evaluations and adjustments to the poverty line, ensuring it keeps pace with economic changes and accurately reflects the needs of households striving for economic mobility. It also mandates a report to Congress on necessary updates to federal laws and regulations that rely on the poverty line for program eligibility.