Legislative Activity

The Support UNFPA Funding Act aims to reinstate U.S. financial support for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency. It authorizes appropriations of at least $50 million for fiscal year 2026 and $55 million for fiscal year 2027 to support UNFPA's work in reducing maternal deaths, preventing gender-based violence, and promoting voluntary family planning. The Act asserts that supporting UNFPA aligns with U.S. interests by improving global health, fostering development, and promoting stability.

The COST of Relocations Act requires federal agencies to conduct a benefit-cost analysis and report to their Inspector General (OIG) before carrying out a "covered relocation" which involves moving or replacing a significant number of employees. The OIG then reviews the agency's report and submits its findings to Congress, assessing the justification for using federal funds and adherence to guidelines. This act aims to ensure transparency and careful evaluation of the financial and operational impacts of agency relocations.

The "No Hungry Kids in Schools Act" aims to eliminate student hunger by providing free meals to all students in participating states. Starting July 1, 2025, states that fund the program with non-federal funds will receive free reimbursement for all meals served at applicable schools. This will be achieved by applying a specific multiplier, setting a threshold of zero, and calculating identified students as a percentage across all applicable schools in the state.

The "Special Government Employees Transparency Act of 2025" aims to limit the use of special Government employees to no more than 130 days per year. It mandates the creation of a public database containing information on these employees, including their names, positions, and pay rates. The Act also requires the public release of financial disclosures filed by these employees, promoting transparency and accountability.

This bill condemns the Trump administration for using the Signal messaging platform to discuss sensitive military operations, potentially endangering national security and violating federal law. It calls for a review of communication procedures, an investigation into potential violations, and accountability for those who mishandled classified information. The bill also demands that the administration restrict communication of sensitive information to secure facilities and enforce strict penalties for unauthorized disclosures.

The "Improving Newborns’ Food and Nutrition Testing Safety Act of 2025" (INFANTS Act of 2025) aims to enhance the safety and quality of infant and toddler foods by mandating manufacturers to test for contaminants, maintain detailed records, and report positive pathogen test results. It grants the Secretary of Health and Human Services mandatory recall authority over contaminated infant and toddler food and requires manufacturers of powdered infant formula to establish environmental monitoring programs. The Act also requires food facilities to provide records to the Secretary of Health and Human Services upon request, either in advance of or instead of an inspection.

The "Healthy Food Access for All Americans Act" aims to combat food deserts by incentivizing the establishment and improvement of grocery stores and food banks in underserved areas through tax credits and grants for certified Special Access Food Providers. These incentives support both permanent establishments and temporary solutions like mobile markets, ensuring communities have access to fresh and healthy food options. The bill also requires annual updates to the Food Access Research Atlas to reflect changes in food retail and access.

This bill designates March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month to highlight the need for increased research, early detection, and better treatment options for endometriosis. It acknowledges the significant impact of the disease on women's health, quality of life, and the high costs associated with diagnosis and care. The bill supports increased education for healthcare providers and culturally competent care, and encourages the public to participate in awareness and educational activities. The bill also shows commitment to supporting and funding endometriosis research for more effective treatments, increasing fertility, and, ultimately, a cure.

The DEVICE Act of 2025 mandates medical device manufacturers to report design and reprocessing instruction changes to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and also requires them to report communications with foreign health providers regarding device changes or safety concerns. It also expands the definition of medical devices to include rapid assessment tests for proper reprocessing, and sets requirements for these tests. Non-compliance with reporting requirements can result in a device being deemed adulterated.

The Raise the Age Act of 2025 prohibits licensed firearm dealers from selling certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to individuals under 21, with exceptions for active military members and law enforcement officers. It also requires purchasers of these firearms to certify they are at least 21 or a "qualified individual". Additionally, the Act mandates a report from the FBI Director on improving information-sharing protocols for the FBI's public access line.

The "Cameras in the Courtroom Act" requires the Supreme Court to allow television coverage of its open sessions, ensuring greater public access to court proceedings. This coverage is mandatory unless a majority of justices find it would infringe upon the due process rights of a party in a specific case. The act amends title 28 of the United States Code to include this provision.

The Food Secure Strikers Act of 2025 amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to eliminate the restriction that prevents striking workers from being eligible for SNAP benefits. This bill ensures that striking workers are not automatically disqualified from receiving food assistance.

The "SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025" reauthorizes and amends the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) to broaden its services, enhance support activities, and reduce disparities in cancer rates. It emphasizes prevention, detection, and control of breast and cervical cancer, ensuring alignment with evidence-based recommendations. The Act authorizes $235 million annually from 2026 through 2030 and requires a GAO study to assess the program's reach and identify barriers to access. Reporting frequency is adjusted to every 5 years and includes data on the preceding years.

The Safer Skies Act of 2025 expands security screening requirements for air carrier operations that operate under specific regulations, conduct passenger-carrying operations for compensation, offer individual seats in advance, provide publicly available schedules, operate airplanes with more than nine passenger seats, and do not use TSA-managed checkpoints. This act mandates that these operations comply with security screening standards outlined in federal regulations and requires the TSA Administrator to revise rules and policies to ensure compliance.

The Worker Relief and Credit Reform Act of 2025 expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to include qualifying students, lowers the minimum age to claim the credit to 18, and broadens the definition of qualifying dependents. It also establishes a program for advance monthly payments of the EITC and mandates an outreach program to educate taxpayers about the EITC and advance payments. Furthermore, the bill increases the credit for certain unmarried individuals with two or more qualifying children.

This bill authorizes the President to posthumously award the Medal of Honor to Doris Miller for acts of valor he performed while serving in the Navy during World War II. Doris Miller's heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, for which he received the Navy Cross, merit the nation's highest military honor. This authorization acknowledges Miller's bravery and rectifies the historical lack of recognition for African Americans in combat roles during that era.

The "John W. Walsh Alpha-1 Home Infusion Act of 2025" amends the Social Security Act to include Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder treatment under Medicare Part B starting January 1, 2027. This covers augmentation therapy provided at home, intravenous administration kits, and associated nursing services for eligible individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Medicare will cover 80% of the costs for these home infusion services, with payments made directly to qualified suppliers. These services will not be classified as home health services under Medicare.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance enforcement of equal pay requirements by redefining "sex," modifying the "bona fide factor" defense for pay disparities, broadening the definition of "same establishment," strengthening non-retaliation protections, and enhancing penalties for employers who violate equal pay provisions. The Act also requires training programs, research, education, and outreach initiatives to eliminate pay disparities, and establishes a National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Additionally, the Act directs the EEOC to collect compensation data, reinstates pay equity programs, prohibits the use of wage history in determining salary, and establishes a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to improve compliance and enforcement of equal pay laws.

The Water Intelligence, Security, and Cyber Threat Protection Act directs the EPA to create a program that supports water systems' participation in the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Water ISAC). This program aims to offset membership costs, improve data collection and threat analysis, and enhance resources for monitoring and preparedness within the water sector. The Act authorizes \$10,000,000 for both 2026 and 2027 to implement these provisions.

This resolution recognizes the significant gender pay gap, where women earn less than men for comparable work, and highlights the economic impact this disparity has on women, families, and the nation. It also acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women of color. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving equal pay and reducing the gender wage gap.