Legislative Activity

This bill amends the Higher Education Act to provide additional funding opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) specifically focused on the arts. It recognizes the crucial role HBCUs play in preserving and promoting Black art and culture. The legislation authorizes HBCUs to use grant funds for student support, outreach, exhibitions, and partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts to strengthen their arts programs.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff deserve fair compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions. It highlights the critical role these essential workers play in supporting millions of students nationwide. Ultimately, the bill calls for livable wages, job security, safe workplaces, and meaningful input into school policies for these staff members.

This resolution expresses support for designating April 7, 2025, as "World Health Day" and recognizes significant challenges within the U.S. healthcare system, including rising costs and disparities in access. It specifically highlights the urgent need to prioritize maternal and newborn health, address inequities affecting vulnerable populations, and support healthcare workers. Ultimately, the bill calls for increased investment to ensure affordable, high-quality healthcare for all Americans.

The DART Act of 2025 aims to reduce crime and recidivism by shifting focus toward rehabilitation and diversion programs over incarceration. This legislation expands the use of federal Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds to support pre-arrest diversion, specialty courts, and post-release services. Furthermore, it establishes a National Clearinghouse to promote evidence-based, trauma-informed practices in these justice reform efforts.

The Tax Fairness for Workers Act restores key federal tax deductions for employees, effective after 2024. This legislation makes union dues fully deductible "above the line," meaning they reduce Adjusted Gross Income without itemizing. Additionally, it allows itemizers to deduct certain other job-related business expenses that were previously limited.

The End Kidney Deaths Act establishes a new federal tax credit for individuals who make non-directed living kidney donations. Eligible donors will receive an annual \$10,000 tax credit for five consecutive years, totaling a potential \$50,000 benefit. This provision is designed to incentivize altruistic donation while ensuring the credit is not considered payment for the organ.

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act aims to disallow businesses from deducting federal income taxes for expenses incurred while attempting to influence employees regarding union organization or activities. This change is intended to stop companies from subsidizing anti-union campaigns through tax write-offs. The bill also establishes new, significant reporting requirements and penalties for businesses and third-party consultants who engage in these influence expenditures.

The PIGS Act of 2025 aims to improve animal welfare by prohibiting the confinement of breeding pigs in spaces too small for them to fully stand, lie down, or turn around. This legislation establishes minimum space requirements for breeding pigs one year after enactment, with specific rules taking effect by the end of 2025. The Act includes exceptions for necessary transport or veterinary care and mandates financial assistance for producers transitioning to the new housing standards.

This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code to eliminate the federal income tax on unemployment compensation. Specifically, it would sunset the tax on unemployment benefits for all tax years beginning after December 31, 2024. This means unemployment compensation received in 2025 and future years would no longer be counted as taxable gross income.

The Telehealth Access for Tribal Communities Act of 2025 makes permanent crucial telehealth flexibilities for services provided by Indian health programs under Medicare. This legislation ensures that patients served by these programs can receive care from any location in the U.S., including their homes. Furthermore, it permanently mandates Medicare coverage and payment for audio-only telehealth services furnished by these providers.

The Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 aims to strengthen security vetting for international graduate students in STEM fields while creating a new pathway to permanent residency for those who earn advanced STEM degrees in the U.S. The bill mandates pre-admission applications and enhanced background checks for incoming STEM graduate students. Furthermore, it establishes a streamlined green card category for advanced STEM degree holders with qualifying job offers, allowing them to pursue permanent residency without jeopardizing their current student status.

The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act establishes a four-year, \$250 million federal partnership to address critical facility needs in school districts heavily impacted by federal land. This bill creates competitive and formula grants prioritized by facility condition and local financial capacity, aiming to repair or modernize aging and unsafe school buildings. Funds are designed to supplement local efforts, with specific rules governing matching requirements and payment schedules based on a district's ability to borrow money.

The TRICARE Equality Act aims to ensure military health coverage in Puerto Rico is administered consistently with the 50 states. This includes standardizing TRICARE Prime Area designations and expanding travel and transportation allowances for beneficiaries on the island. The bill also mandates improved coordination for sharing health data between federal and Puerto Rico health agencies.

The Making Insulin Affordable for All Children Act caps the out-of-pocket cost for selected insulin products for individuals aged 26 and under with private health insurance. For these younger individuals, cost-sharing for covered insulin will be limited to the lesser of \$35 or 25% of the negotiated price per 30-day supply, and no deductible may be applied to these specific drugs. These new protections apply to group and individual health plans starting in plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act significantly overhauls federal regulation of gun dealers by mandating enhanced physical security, stricter inventory tracking, and increased record-keeping requirements. The bill repeals outdated restrictions on the ATF, increases licensing fees, and establishes new regulations for online firearm transfer facilitators. Furthermore, it strengthens enforcement by increasing penalties for compliance failures and mandating more frequent inspections for high-risk dealers.

The American Innovation Act establishes significant, multi-year funding authorizations through fiscal year 2036 for key federal science and innovation agencies, including the NSF, DOE Office of Science, DoD, NIST, and NASA. These appropriations are protected from future budget sequestration and are set to automatically adjust for inflation starting in fiscal year 2036. The bill ensures these dedicated innovation funds remain available until expended.

The Protecting Data at the Border Act establishes strict new rules requiring U.S. government agencies to obtain a warrant based on probable cause before searching the digital contents of U.S. persons' electronic devices at the border. The bill prohibits coercion for access credentials and mandates detailed annual reporting on all digital searches conducted by the Department of Homeland Security. Furthermore, any digital evidence obtained in violation of these new procedures is inadmissible in any legal proceeding.

The IDEA Full Funding Act establishes mandatory, increasing funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs through fiscal year 2035. This legislation sets specific appropriation targets based on student counts and national average spending to ensure greater financial support for special education services. Furthermore, the bill requires that these new IDEA appropriations adhere to "cut-as-you-go" budget offset rules.

The Building Child Care for a Better Future Act dramatically increases federal funding for state child care entitlements and establishes a new \$5 billion annual grant program to address critical shortages in the child care workforce, supply, and quality in identified high-need areas. These funds are intended to supplement existing spending and support providers through facility improvements, workforce training, and ensuring living wages for staff. The legislation also sets specific requirements for planning, reporting, and evaluation to track the impact of these investments.

The Defending American Diplomacy Act prohibits the Secretary of State from implementing any reorganization of the State Department without specific statutory authorization from Congress and the submission of a detailed plan. This plan must thoroughly analyze the impact on foreign policy goals, operations, and personnel. If the Secretary proceeds without authorization, specific funding restrictions against the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel for high-level appointees will take effect.