Legislative Activity

This resolution formally recognizes and celebrates the history, culture, and significant contributions of Caribbean Americans to the United States. It highlights the deep roots and ongoing influence of the Caribbean diaspora across all sectors of American life. The bill encourages the nation to observe National Caribbean American Heritage Month and affirms that this diversity enriches the country.

The Ruthie and Connie LGBTQI Elder Americans Act of 2025 aims to improve services and support for older adults who identify as LGBTQI. This bill establishes a new Office of LGBTQI Inclusion within the Administration on Aging and mandates the creation of a National Resource Center on LGBTQI Aging. Furthermore, it updates definitions, ensures eligibility for federal grants, and requires specific data collection on discrimination faced by this population in aging services.

This resolution expresses the House's support for the rights and freedoms of LGBTQI+ individuals across the United States. It recognizes key Supreme Court decisions that advanced equality and highlights the ongoing need for comprehensive legal protections against discrimination. Finally, the bill proposes designating June 26th as "LGBTQI+ Equality Day" to commemorate these legal victories.

The Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act modernizes the Internal Revenue Code by replacing gendered language with gender-neutral terms for all legally married couples. This sweeping update ensures consistency across tax rules regarding filing status, deductions, and credits, regardless of the spouses' genders. The bill clarifies that married couples are often treated as a single entity for specific tax purposes. Ultimately, this legislation updates terminology to reflect equal dignity for all married taxpayers.

The ATF Data and Anti-Trafficking Accountability (DATA) Act mandates the annual public release of detailed firearm trace data collected by the ATF. This comprehensive report will include information on source dealers, time-to-crime statistics, and firearms recovered in high-crime areas. The goal is to increase transparency regarding gun tracing and provide crucial data for analyzing firearm trafficking patterns.

Canyon's Law prohibits the use of M44 cyanide predator control devices on all public lands across the United States. This action is taken due to documented incidents where these highly toxic devices have harmed people, pets, and non-target wildlife. Any M44 devices currently deployed on public land must be removed within 30 days of this Act's enactment.

The Housing not Handcuffs Act of 2025 prohibits federal agencies from penalizing individuals experiencing homelessness for engaging in necessary life-sustaining activities on public land. This protection applies unless a strictly defined, fully accommodating indoor alternative space is available. The Act establishes a "necessity defense" in court for survival-related infractions and allows individuals to sue to enforce these new rights.

This resolution formally recognizes the history, achievements, and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States. It serves as a declaration by Congress affirming that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and encouraging the celebration of Pride Month. The bill highlights key historical milestones, legal victories, and acknowledges the persistent challenges and violence faced by the community. Ultimately, it commits the U.S. to continuing the pursuit of full equality for all citizens.

The Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act makes it illegal for individuals released on bail or under specific court orders to purchase or possess a firearm if that order explicitly prohibits it. This legislation updates federal gun laws, including the Gun Control Act and the Brady Act, to incorporate these pretrial release restrictions into existing prohibitions for firearm dealers and background checks. Furthermore, the bill establishes a grant program to incentivize states and Tribal nations to report these specific court orders restricting firearm possession to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

The Saving Hazardous And Declining Environments (SHADE) Act establishes a new, federally funded grant program to support tree planting initiatives. Administered by HUD and the Forest Service, this program prioritizes projects in historically redlined or urban heat island areas. Applicants must submit detailed 5-year plans that include community involvement and strategies to prevent resident displacement. The program is authorized to receive $50 million annually from fiscal year 2026 through 2036.

The Medicare Patient Choice Act expands the freedom of choice for Medicare beneficiaries by explicitly including therapists and qualified audiologists alongside physicians and practitioners in Medicare regulations. This amendment ensures patients can select these specific providers for their care under existing Medicare choice provisions. The bill formally defines the included therapist types (physical, occupational, and speech-language pathologists) for clarity.

This resolution formally recognizes the constitutional right to peaceful protest while strongly condemning violence and illegal acts committed during demonstrations. It criticizes the federal government's deployment of military forces during recent events, arguing the actions were an overreach that bypassed proper legal and state authority. Ultimately, the bill asserts the importance of transparency in law enforcement and denounces rhetoric that escalates community tensions.

The Advancing Maternal Health Equity Under Medicaid Act aims to increase federal funding for states that expand Medicaid coverage for maternal health services. This bill provides a higher Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) to cover 90% of a state's increased expenditures on qualifying prenatal, postpartum, and related support services. To qualify, states must use these funds to supplement existing spending and improve the quality and capacity of care delivered by designated maternity providers and perinatal health workers.

This Act amends the Federal Employees Compensation Act to expand the list of authorized healthcare providers for federal employees' work-related injury claims. Specifically, it includes physician assistants and nurse practitioners as eligible providers under the law. This change aims to improve access to care for injured federal workers by broadening their choice of medical professionals.

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2025 establishes a federal statutory right to access abortion services, prohibiting medically unnecessary restrictions that impede care before fetal viability. This Act protects the right of patients to travel across state lines to receive reproductive healthcare and allows providers to offer services free from state interference that conflicts with established medical standards. It preempts conflicting state and local laws and provides robust enforcement mechanisms for individuals and the Attorney General to challenge violations.

The Break the Cycle of Violence Act establishes federal frameworks within HHS and the Department of Labor to address community violence through prevention and economic opportunity. Title I creates grants for community-based violence intervention programs focused on evidence-based, trauma-responsive care, while Title II funds job training for opportunity youth in high-violence areas. Overall, the bill aims to reduce violence by investing in local services and creating pathways to employment rather than relying solely on incarceration.

The End Junk Fees for Renters Act aims to protect tenants by banning application and screening fees for federally assisted rental units. It also caps late rent fees at 3% and mandates that landlords disclose key rental history and maintenance information before a lease is signed. Furthermore, the bill directs federal agencies to define "junk fees" and prohibits landlords from reporting unpaid junk fees to credit bureaus.

The Prevent Illegal Gun Sales Act aims to strengthen federal oversight of firearms dealers by increasing compliance inspections and imposing stricter penalties for licensing violations and poor recordkeeping that aids trafficking. The bill also grants the Attorney General new authority to deny licenses based on public safety concerns and allows for immediate license suspension upon felony conviction. Finally, it authorizes the ATF to hire additional personnel necessary to enforce these expanded regulations.

The Health Equity and Access under the Law for Immigrant Families Act of 2025 aims to significantly expand healthcare access for immigrants legally residing in the U.S. by ensuring eligibility for federal health programs like Medicaid and CHIP, removing state restrictions for permanent residents, and treating federally authorized presence as lawful presence for coverage purposes. The bill also provides states the option to extend Medicaid and CHIP coverage to individuals without lawful status. Furthermore, it removes citizenship barriers preventing certain non-citizens from accessing ACA marketplace subsidies and updates Medicare eligibility rules.

The Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act prohibits the possession or use of body-gripping traps, such as steel-jaw traps and snares, on lands within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This ban includes exceptions for federal agencies managing specific species, tribal subsistence use, and lands in Alaska. Violators face civil fines up to $500 per trap or use, potential jail time, and forfeiture of illegal traps and wildlife.