Legislative Activity

The Veterans Flight Training Responsibility Act of 2025 establishes a \$100,000 cap on the total educational assistance the VA will pay for flight training under the Post-9/11 GI Bill at public colleges and universities. This maximum benefit amount will automatically increase annually based on the Consumer Price Index to keep pace with inflation. This new limitation applies only to veterans beginning flight training programs on or after August 1, 2026.

This resolution formally reaffirms the foundational American principle of the separation of church and state, citing historical context and key figures. It strongly opposes the rise of extreme right-wing Christian nationalism as a threat to religious diversity and democracy. The measure also commemorates the 65th anniversary of President Kennedy's address on this separation and the 150th anniversary of a speech by President Grant. Ultimately, this is a statement recognizing core values rather than enacting new law.

The Emergency Responder Protection Act establishes a 1,000-foot protected zone around emergency response locations, severely restricting immigration enforcement activities near disaster sites and aid centers. Immigration officers generally cannot conduct enforcement actions within this zone unless facing exigent circumstances, such as imminent risk of death or violence. The bill mandates strict operational rules, annual training for officers, and detailed reporting requirements to the DHS Inspector General and Congress regarding any enforcement actions taken near these protected areas. Violations of this rule may result in the termination of removal proceedings and the inadmissibility of evidence gathered.

The Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) ensures that essential, non-paid federal employees working during a government shutdown can receive state unemployment compensation for the weeks they are actively working. This legislation mandates that the federal government fully reimburse states for all benefits paid out, plus administrative costs, directly from the Unemployment Trust Fund. Any employee who receives retroactive pay for a period they were also paid unemployment must repay those benefits to the state.

The Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act of 2025 mandates that certain new medical devices must be designed to be fully usable by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This ensures that users can access information and operate life-saving equipment independently and privately, similar to sighted users. The FDA is tasked with establishing specific nonvisual accessibility standards for these covered devices within a set timeline. Devices failing to meet these standards after the effective date will be deemed adulterated.

The Cost-of-Living Fairness Act ensures that payments made for essential insurance policies, such as car, home/renter, and flood insurance, are excluded when determining eligibility for federal, state, or local assistance programs. This change prevents necessary insurance expenses from negatively impacting a household's income calculation for benefits. The goal is to make it fairer for families to maintain necessary coverage while accessing public aid.

This resolution officially expresses support for National Public Lands Day, recognizing the vast spiritual, cultural, and economic value of America's public lands. It encourages all citizens to visit these lands on the designated fee-free day. The measure highlights the significant acreage managed by various federal agencies that support recreation and the national economy.

This bill prohibits federal agencies from removing civil service employees during any lapse in discretionary appropriations, commonly known as a government shutdown. If an employee is terminated in violation of this rule during a shutdown, they will have the option to be reinstated with full back pay once funding resumes. This measure aims to protect federal workers from job loss caused by budget impasses.

The National Guard Proper Use Act prohibits active duty military personnel and National Guard members serving under Title 32 orders from enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of immigration laws. This measure restricts the use of the Armed Forces for domestic immigration enforcement, aligning with existing statutes that govern such deployments.

This resolution officially designates the week of September 22 through September 28, 2025, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Week." The goal is to raise public awareness about the significant dangers of falls among older adults. By highlighting this issue, the measure encourages widespread efforts to promote proven, cost-effective prevention strategies.

The FASTER Act establishes a FEMA grant program to fund fire departments in creating home safety and fall prevention initiatives for older adults. These grants will help departments conduct home safety assessments, install safety modifications like grab bars, and provide related community paramedicine services. The goal is to reduce the high rate of debilitating and costly falls among seniors through proactive community intervention.

This resolution supports the designation of a National Hazing Awareness Week to highlight the serious and often tragic issue of hazing on college campuses. It builds upon existing federal law by emphasizing the need for comprehensive, ongoing prevention education for students, staff, and faculty. Ultimately, the bill encourages nationwide action to promote awareness and prevent hazing incidents.

The Improving Child Care for Working Families Act of 2025 significantly increases the tax exclusion limit for dependent care assistance programs. This change raises the maximum exclusion from $\$7,500$ to $\$10,500$ for most taxpayers. The bill also adjusts the limit for married individuals filing separately to $\$5,250$. These provisions apply to dependent care expenses incurred in calendar years beginning after the Act's enactment.

The Ejiao Act of 2025 prohibits the knowing trade, import, and export of donkeys, donkey hides, and ejiao products within U.S. commerce due to the devastating impact of the ejiao trade on global donkey populations. This legislation establishes significant civil and criminal penalties for violations, including substantial fines and imprisonment. Furthermore, the Act grants enforcement authority to agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and mandates the forfeiture of illegal goods and related equipment.

This resolution formally recognizes the critical disparities in mental health access and treatment for Black youth, citing alarming increases in suicide rates among this population. It calls on the current administration to build upon previous efforts and implement recommendations from the *Ring the Alarm* report. The bill specifically urges increased funding, promotion of community education to reduce stigma, and protection of existing mental health service structures.

The Mental Health Services for Students Act of 2025 establishes a new federal program to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed mental health services and supports in schools through grants and contracts. These funds will support partnerships to implement awareness campaigns, staff training on trauma and suicide risk, and direct student and family treatment. The Secretary must ensure equitable distribution of funding, which is capped at \$2 million per award, with Congress authorized to appropriate \$300 million annually for the initial years.

The Every Kid Outdoors Reauthorization Act renews the popular program offering free access to national parks and federal recreation sites for eligible youth. This reauthorization specifically targets fifth graders or 10- and 11-year-old home-schooled learners. The bill authorizes $25 million annually to support the program, including funding for outreach and transportation assistance for underserved communities.

The HEADACHE Act establishes a comprehensive National Headache Disorders Initiative to improve research, workforce development, and care coordination for all headache disorders. It mandates the creation of an Advisory Council to guide federal efforts and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit annual reports to Congress detailing progress and recommending actions. This legislation aims to address disparities and reduce the societal and financial burden of these conditions before the Act automatically expires five years after enactment.

The No Coffee Tax Act aims to prevent any increase in import tariffs on specified coffee products originating from countries with normal trade relations with the U.S. This legislation effectively freezes the import tax rate for items like roasted coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and coffee substitutes at the level set on January 19, 2025. In short, it locks in current tariffs to ensure coffee imports remain tax-stable.

This bill authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to all Peace Corps Volunteers who served between August 28, 1961, and December 31, 2026, to recognize their distinguished service and promotion of world peace. The medal will be awarded to the Director of the Peace Corps for display at the agency's headquarters. The Secretary of the Treasury is also authorized to strike and sell bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.