Legislative Activity

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2025 amends the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to address vote dilution, denial, and abridgment claims, and to update which states and political subdivisions are subject to federal oversight based on a history of voting rights violations. It broadens the types of violations that allow a court to retain jurisdiction over a case, clarifies the Attorney General's authority to assign observers, and ensures transparency in voting-related changes. The Act also authorizes the Attorney General to demand documents and information to enforce voting rights and provides grants to small jurisdictions to assist with notification requirements.

This bill, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2025, seeks to amend the National Labor Relations Act and other labor laws to strengthen protections for workers' rights to organize and collectively bargain. It aims to modernize labor regulations by clarifying definitions, addressing unfair labor practices, enhancing enforcement, and increasing transparency in labor-management relations. The bill introduces measures such as electronic voting in union elections, strengthens whistleblower protections, and mandates studies on collective bargaining practices. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure fair treatment of workers and promote equitable labor practices.

The "Mail Traffic Deaths Reporting Act of 2025" mandates the Postmaster General to establish regulations for collecting, tracking, and publicly reporting deaths and injuries from traffic crashes involving vehicles transporting mail. Postal Service employees and contractors must report any traffic crash resulting in injury or death within three days, with detailed information about the incident. The Postal Service will maintain an internal database and issue an annual public report summarizing statistics and trends, while protecting personal privacy. Contractors failing to report crashes within the deadline will face penalties.

The MERIT Act requires federal agencies to reinstate probationary employees who were terminated as part of a mass termination event between January 20, 2025, and the Act's enactment date, providing them with back pay and benefits. The Act also mandates reports on government employee terminations and the reinstatement process. It defines key terms such as "affected probationary employee" and "mass termination" to clarify the scope and applicability of the Act. This act ensures that affected employees are treated as involuntarily separated without cause and outlines the process for determining back pay and providing notice to eligible employees.

The "Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act" seeks to promote diplomatic engagement to formally end the Korean War by replacing the Armistice Agreement with a peace agreement. It requires the Secretary of State to review travel restrictions to North Korea for humanitarian reasons and to develop a plan for achieving a permanent peace agreement, including the potential establishment of liaison offices between the U.S. and North Korea. The act emphasizes that it does not affect the status of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea or elsewhere.

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.

This bill expresses condolences for the 67 lives lost in the American Eagle Flight 5342 and PAT 25 crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025. It recognizes the impact on Wichita, Kansas, and acknowledges the cooperation of officials in responding to the tragedy and assisting the families. The bill also commends the heroic actions of first responders and emergency services personnel.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act aims to reduce bullying and harassment in schools by requiring states to establish policies prohibiting such conduct based on various characteristics, including race, sex, religion, and disability. It mandates annual notifications, data collection on incidents, biennial evaluations of programs, and regular reports to Congress to ensure accountability and effectiveness. This act does not infringe on existing nondiscrimination laws or freedom of speech but seeks to create a safer, more inclusive learning environment for all students.

The "Fair Grocery Pricing Act" aims to prevent anti-competitive practices in the food industry by prohibiting food producers from colluding on pricing and supply through third-party coordinators. It empowers the FTC, Attorney General, and State Attorneys General to enforce the Act, allowing for civil penalties and legal action against violators. The Act also enables individuals harmed by violations to seek damages and invalidate certain pre-dispute agreements. This law supplements existing antitrust laws and does not override stricter state or local regulations.

The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act of 2025 aims to improve outcomes for individuals with triple-negative breast cancer by expanding research, increasing public education, and informing healthcare providers about the disease, particularly its prevalence and risk factors among minority women. The Act directs the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand and coordinate research programs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop and distribute public information, and the Health Resources and Services Administration to inform healthcare providers. It authorizes appropriations for these activities from fiscal years 2026-2031.

The "End Tobacco Loopholes Act" increases excise taxes on tobacco and nicotine products to create tax equity across all such products, including roll-your-own tobacco, pipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, cigars, and nicotine used in vaping. It adjusts these tax rates for inflation starting in 2026 and imposes floor stocks taxes on existing inventories, while also providing a credit to offset these taxes. The Act sets specific effective dates for the tax changes, with a transition rule for businesses manufacturing or importing taxable nicotine.

This resolution designates August as "Slavery Remembrance Month" to remember the evils of slavery, its continuing impact, and the freedom fighters who fought to end it. It condemns slavery and its legacies, such as convict leasing, Black codes, and discrimination. The resolution encourages acknowledgement of the importance of remembering slavery and requests the President to issue a proclamation for the observance of this month.

This bill repeals four executive orders related to energy and environmental policies issued on January 20, 2025. It stops the use of federal funds to implement these orders, but does not reduce any existing presidential powers.

The Roberto Clemente Commemorative Coin Act directs the Department of Treasury to mint and issue gold, silver, and half-dollar coins in 2027 to commemorate the life and legacy of Roberto Clemente. The coins' designs will represent Clemente's life, including his baseball achievements and humanitarian work. Surcharges from the coin sales will benefit the Roberto Clemente Foundation, supporting their educational programs, youth sports initiatives, disaster relief efforts, and historic preservation projects. The Act ensures that the coin program will not incur any net cost to the United States government.

This resolution designates February as Black History Month, celebrating the heritage and achievements of Black Americans. It recognizes the foundational role of Black labor in the United States, from slavery to modern times, and acknowledges the economic disparities that persist. The resolution also honors key figures and movements that have advanced Black Americans' rights and economic opportunities. It encourages the continued observance of Black History Month to promote awareness of Black Americans' contributions.

The "GUARD VA Benefits Act" reinstates penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assistance with their VA benefits claims. This bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that those who exploit veterans by charging unlawful fees face appropriate fines. The aim is to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their benefits claims.

The Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025 aims to address historical inequities by extending housing and educational benefits to Black World War II veterans and their direct descendants who were previously denied these benefits due to racial discrimination. The bill amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to include these veterans and their families in housing loan and educational assistance programs. It also establishes a panel to identify and recommend additional support for female and minority veterans.

The Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 bans cosmetic animal testing in the U.S. and restricts the use of animal testing data for cosmetic safety, with certain exceptions. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties for non-compliance and preempts states from enacting conflicting regulations. The Act defines key terms related to cosmetic animal testing and cosmetics.

The "Access to Reproductive Care for Servicemembers Act" ensures that members of the Armed Forces and their dependents can access leave and reimbursement for travel expenses related to abortion services and assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization, when these services are not available nearby. It protects the privacy of service members seeking such care and prohibits any adverse actions against them for utilizing these provisions. The bill aims to address barriers to reproductive healthcare created by state abortion restrictions and logistical challenges faced by military personnel.

The Copay Fairness for Veterans Act eliminates copayments for veterans for medications, hospital care, and medical services related to preventive health services. "Preventive health services" include items or services with an A or B rating from the United States Preventive Services Task Force, immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and preventive care, screenings, and contraceptives for women. It also includes any contraceptive approved by the Food and Drug Administration, along with related care and services.