Legislative Activity

This bill officially ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment, declaring it a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It specifically removes any previously imposed deadlines for state ratification. If three-fourths of the states have approved the amendment, this law confirms its official status regardless of past time constraints.

This bill aims to raise awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Black community. It encourages increased screening, further research, and expanded coverage for at-risk individuals to combat the disproportionately high rates of colorectal cancer and death among Black Americans. The bill also urges further research into why young adults are increasingly contracting and dying from colorectal cancer.

The Puppy Protection Act of 2025 significantly increases humane treatment standards for dog dealers under the Animal Welfare Act. This legislation mandates specific minimum space requirements, daily exercise access, and mandatory socialization for housed dogs. Furthermore, it establishes strict limits on female dog breeding frequency and age, alongside enhanced veterinary care protocols.

This bill affirms the House of Representatives' belief that every person has the right to emergency health care, including abortion care. It argues that abortion restrictions endanger lives, force doctors to make impossible choices, and disproportionately harm people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQI individuals. The bill emphasizes that delays in emergency care due to abortion bans can lead to life-threatening situations and that everyone, including pregnant individuals, should have access to necessary medical care without discrimination.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Coin Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue special commemorative gold, silver, and clad coins honoring the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial. These coins will be sold to the public, with surcharges from the sales benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Treasury must ensure that the production and issuance of these coins result in no net cost to the U.S. Government.

The Saving DOE’s Workforce Act institutes a moratorium, freezing all non-cause-based layoffs at the Department of Energy (DOE) until Congress enacts the full-year budget for Fiscal Year 2026. This measure protects most career federal employees at the DOE from staff reductions during this period. Exceptions for removal are strictly limited to documented misconduct or poor performance.

The Keep the Watchdogs Running Act ensures that Inspectors General (IGs) can continue essential oversight functions even during a lapse in government appropriations. This legislation allows IGs to use existing funding levels to maintain operations and monitor any government activities that remain active despite a budget shortfall. Essentially, it prevents critical watchdog functions from being halted when Congress fails to pass a new budget.

Recognizes the importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) in providing nutritious meals and snacks to children and adults in care settings, supporting their health and development. Acknowledges the third week of March as National CACFP Week to raise awareness of the child and adult care food program of the Department of Agriculture. Urges the continued strengthening of CACFP through various measures, including increased meal reimbursements and reduced administrative burdens, to further enhance its positive impact and lower costs in the care economy.

The Tar Sands Tax Loophole Elimination Act clarifies that materials like those found in tar sands are explicitly included in the definition of "crude oil" for federal excise tax purposes. This ensures these substances are subject to the same taxes as traditional crude oil. The bill also grants the Treasury Secretary authority to classify other fuel products as crude oil if they pose a significant environmental hazard when transported commercially.

The Air America Act of 2025 recognizes the sacrifices of former Air America employees who served the U.S. Government between 1950 and 1976. This Act authorizes a one-time monetary award, up to $40,000 plus potential additional amounts, for qualifying service members or their survivors. The CIA Director is responsible for administering these payments, which are capped at a total of $60 million, and establishing the application procedures. Decisions made by the Director regarding these awards are final and not subject to judicial review.

The Saving Natural Ecosystems and Marine Organisms Act of 2025, or Saving NEMO Act, establishes strict federal prohibitions against the taking, importing, or exporting of designated "covered coral reef species." This designation primarily applies to marine reef species listed under CITES Appendix II, with exceptions made for scientifically approved breeding programs or specific research permits. Violators face significant civil penalties, up to six months in jail for knowing violations, and up to two years for those in the import/export business.

The Saving NASA’s Workforce Act establishes a temporary moratorium on layoffs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This freeze prevents the agency from conducting any reduction in force until Congress passes the full Fiscal Year 2026 budget. However, the bill allows NASA to terminate employees for specific reasons such as misconduct or poor performance.

The Saving NIST’s Workforce Act places an immediate moratorium on layoffs and reductions in force (RIF) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This freeze will remain in effect until Congress passes the full-year budget for Fiscal Year 2026. During this period, NIST is prohibited from involuntarily separating most career employees except for documented misconduct or poor performance.

The Protecting Access to Ground Ambulance Medical Services Act of 2025 extends the current Medicare payment structure for ground ambulance services. This change ensures continuity in how these vital services are reimbursed under existing rules. Specifically, the temporary payment pilot program is extended through 2028, preventing an immediate change in payment policy.

The Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act establishes a moratorium on job reductions and layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This freeze prevents NOAA from initiating or carrying out involuntary reductions in force until Congress passes the full-year funding bill for fiscal year 2026. Career employees are protected from layoffs during this period unless termination is due to specific causes such as misconduct or poor performance.

The Cerebral Palsy Research Program Authorization Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated research program for cerebral palsy (CP) within the CDC. This program will focus on improving diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and understanding the public health impact of CP. The Act authorizes $5 million annually from 2026 through 2031 to fund these critical research efforts.

The Feed Hungry Veterans Act of 2025 expands eligibility for certain food assistance benefits for veterans. It updates the criteria for veterans based on service-connected disability ratings and adds specific categories of disabled or pensioned veterans who will now qualify. These changes are scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2030.

This Act establishes a new, independent Office of the Inspector General (IG) within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The IG will serve as an internal watchdog, auditing and investigating activities specifically assigned to the OMB by law. The President is required to appoint this Inspector General within 120 days of the Act's enactment.

The Saving NSF’s Workforce Act imposes a temporary moratorium on layoffs and reductions in force at the National Science Foundation (NSF). This freeze will remain in effect until Congress enacts the full-year funding bill for Fiscal Year 2026. The bill allows the NSF to proceed with involuntary separations only for specific reasons, such as misconduct or poor performance.

The Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025 establishes a "for cause" removal standard for Inspectors General (IGs). This legislation mandates that the President must provide specific, documented reasons—such as documented neglect of duty or gross mismanagement—to remove or transfer an Inspector General. The bill aims to strengthen the independence and tenure of IGs by limiting arbitrary dismissals.