Legislative Activity

The Equal COLA Act aims to provide fair cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuities. Starting December 1 of each year, annuity payments will be increased based on the percentage change in the price index between the base quarters of the current and previous years, rounded to the nearest 1/10 of 1 percent. This adjustment applies to COLAs made after the enactment of this Act and to annuities starting before, on, or after that date, ensuring retirees receive adequate support to keep pace with inflation.

The "Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act" prohibits gender discrimination in the Armed Forces. Service eligibility must focus on an individual's ability to meet occupational requirements, without considering race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. The bill requires equal opportunity for all members, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex.

This bill recognizes the 96th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth and reaffirms his teachings on diversity, tolerance, and civil rights. It condemns hate, discrimination, and prejudice against minority groups and individuals based on gender or sexual orientation. The bill honors Dr. King's legacy and calls for upholding his values of justice, equality, and peace.

The "Department of Education Protection Act" prevents the Department of Education from using already allocated funds to reorganize in ways that would decentralize, reduce staff, or alter the Department's responsibilities, structure, authority, or functions as they existed on January 1, 2025. This act ensures that the Department of Education continues to focus on boosting student success and equal access through its established offices and institutes.

The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to limit the President's power, preventing them from imposing import duties, tariff-rate quotas, or other quotas on goods entering the United States under the authority of that act.

The "Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act" directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2028 to honor the women who contributed to the World War II Home Front. The coin designs will represent the legacy of these women, with input from the Rosie the Riveter Trust, the Commission of Fine Arts, and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. Surcharges from the coin sales will go to the Rosie the Riveter Trust to support the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and educational programs. This act ensures that the coin minting incurs no net cost to the government and recognizes the invaluable contributions of women during WWII.

This bill recognizes and commends Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., for 117 years of service since its founding in 1908. It acknowledges the sorority's global impact, its commitment to scholarship, unity, and service, and its various initiatives aimed at community enhancement and social justice. The bill also recognizes Vice President Kamala Harris as a member of the sorority.

The LNG Public Interest Determination Act of 2025 amends the Natural Gas Act, requiring the Secretary of Energy to approve natural gas exports only if they are deemed to be in the public interest. Approval requires assessments regarding climate change, economic impacts, and environmental justice, ensuring exports do not significantly worsen climate change, increase energy prices for U.S. consumers, or unfairly burden vulnerable communities. The Act mandates public participation, especially from communities with environmental justice concerns, and terminates a rule that automatically excludes certain natural gas export approvals from environmental review. The Secretary of Energy must create regulations to implement this law within one year.

This bill recognizes and celebrates the 112th anniversary of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, the largest African-American Greek letter sorority. It acknowledges the sorority's commitment to community support, academic excellence, and global impact through its various initiatives and programs. The bill also highlights the sorority's active role in promoting political awareness and involvement.

The Organ Donation Referral Improvement Act requires the Department of Health and Human Services to study the use of electronic automated systems in hospitals for organ donation referrals. The study will assess the benefits, impacts, and best practices of these systems, and develop recommendations for promoting their nationwide use. A report on the study's findings must be submitted to Congress within one year.

This bill honors the life, achievements, and legacy of Jimmy Carter, recognizing his service as a naval officer, farmer, state senator, Governor, and President. It also acknowledges his post-presidency work promoting peace, democracy, and human rights through the Carter Center, as well as his dedication to Habitat for Humanity. The bill expresses condolences to his family upon his passing and celebrates his lasting impact as a leader and statesman.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The "Health Care Affordability Act of 2025" expands eligibility for health insurance tax credits by removing the income cap, allowing more individuals and families to qualify for financial assistance. The bill adjusts the premium tax credit calculation, providing a sliding scale based on income to ensure affordability. These changes will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Equal Access to Contraception for Veterans Act ensures veterans do not pay more for contraception than the Secretary of Veterans Affairs pays for the medication. Additionally, it eliminates copayments for contraceptive items if health insurance coverage is required without cost-sharing under the Public Health Service Act.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act outlines the process for Washington, D.C., to become the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, while establishing a separate U.S. Capital. It addresses the transition of laws, property, and governance, ensuring continued federal operations and representation for D.C. residents. The Act also covers federal responsibilities, courts, elections, and benefit programs during the transition, establishing a commission to oversee the process and mandating presidential certification.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the history of slavery and discrimination in the United States from 1619 to the present. The commission will study the lingering negative effects of these injustices on living African Americans and U.S. society, and recommend appropriate remedies, including how to educate the American public on its findings to promote racial healing and understanding. The commission will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months of its first official meeting, and the act authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to implement the provisions of this act.