Legislative Activity

The "Energy Resilient Communities Act" establishes a grant program for clean energy microgrids, prioritizing projects that benefit environmental justice communities and community-owned energy systems. These grants will fund technical assistance, community outreach, and the construction of clean energy microgrids for critical infrastructure and residences. The Act emphasizes domestic production, prevailing wages, and local employment, while also requiring annual reports to Congress on the program's progress and impacts. It allocates significant funding for these initiatives over the next decade.

This bill repeals the 1991 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution and the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution, formally ending the legal basis for military actions in Iraq under these authorizations.

The Gun Trafficker Detection Act requires non-licensed firearm owners to report lost or stolen firearms to the Attorney General and local law enforcement within 48 hours, and it mandates the Attorney General to establish a web-based portal for such reporting. States must allocate a portion of their grant funding to manage data on lost or stolen firearms. The act also establishes penalties for failing to report or for falsely reporting the loss or theft of a firearm, and it updates the national criminal background check system accordingly.

This resolution supports the designation of February 16, 2025, as "International Black Aviation Professionals Day" to honor the historic and ongoing contributions of Black Americans in aviation and space exploration. It celebrates the pioneers who broke racial and gender barriers in flight, military service, engineering, and leadership. Furthermore, the bill encourages public education and continued efforts to increase diversity and opportunity within the aviation workforce.

The "Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act of 2025" directs the FAA to collaborate with the National Academies to study and report on the health impacts of air traffic noise and pollution. This report will consolidate current scientific knowledge and be delivered to key government officials and congressional committees.

The "PEER Mental Health Act of 2025" aims to improve mental health support in schools by authorizing grants for training teachers, staff, students, parents, and caregivers in mental health first aid. These grants will help individuals recognize mental health symptoms, make appropriate referrals, and respond to immediate distress. A minimum of 25% of grant funds will be allocated to schools in rural areas, with the possibility of reallocation if unused. The Act allocates almost $25 million per year from 2026 to 2030 for these initiatives.

The "Family-to-Family Reauthorization Act of 2025" extends funding for family-to-family health information centers. It allocates \$6,000,000 for April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, and \$9,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029. This ensures continued support for families navigating healthcare for children with disabilities or special needs.

The CHAMPVA Children's Care Protection Act of 2025 amends the eligibility requirements for the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). This act increases the maximum age for eligible children to receive medical care under the program to 26 years old, regardless of their marital status. This change does not affect benefits for children incapable of self-support and takes effect for medical care provided on or after the enactment of this act.

The Poverty Line Act of 2025 updates the calculation of the federal poverty line to more accurately reflect the true costs of basic needs such as housing, childcare, and healthcare, while also accounting for geographic variations and household spending norms. This updated calculation aims to expand eligibility for federal assistance programs. The Act requires regular evaluations and adjustments to the poverty line, ensuring it keeps pace with economic changes and accurately reflects the needs of households striving for economic mobility. It also mandates a report to Congress on necessary updates to federal laws and regulations that rely on the poverty line for program eligibility.

The ENABLE Act permanently extends provisions that allow for increased contributions to ABLE accounts, which are savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. It also allows penalty-free rollovers from 529 education savings accounts to ABLE accounts, providing greater flexibility in financial planning for families and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the act includes contributions made to an ABLE account when calculating retirement savings contributions.

The Buffalo Soldiers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025 authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Buffalo Soldier regiments, recognizing their dedicated service to the United States. Following the award ceremony, the medal will be given to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture for display and research. The Secretary of the Treasury is permitted to create and sell bronze duplicates of the gold medal. Funds from the sales will be deposited back into the Mint's Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Affordable Child Care Act" aims to ease the financial burden of childcare for families by doubling the child and dependent care tax credit, increasing the tax-free amount for dependent care assistance programs, and doubling the tax credit for employer-provided childcare. These changes are intended to make childcare more accessible and affordable for working families. The provisions of this act will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025 expands Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to National Guard members performing specific full-time duties. This expansion applies to service performed on or after September 11, 2001. The changes will take effect one year after the enactment of this Act, with the time limitation for using educational assistance applied as if enacted immediately after the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008.

The 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2025 amends the Public Health Service Act to improve the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program by expanding the types of healthcare providers who can conduct mental health evaluations, modifying provider credentialing, clarifying enrollment calculations, and extending the time frame for adding health conditions for WTC responders. The act adjusts the funding formula for fiscal years 2026 through 2090 and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the program's budget, including projected needs through 2090 and recommendations for changes to the funding formula. It also stipulates that remaining funds in the Supplemental Fund, Special Fund, and Pentagon-Shanksville Fund will revert to the Treasury.

The Veterans Equal Access Act allows Veterans Affairs health providers to discuss medical marijuana with veterans and provide recommendations or opinions regarding participation in state marijuana programs. This includes completing necessary forms for veterans in states, districts, territories, and recognized Indian Tribes with existing medical marijuana programs. This ensures veterans have access to informed medical advice from their VA healthcare providers regarding medical marijuana options.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical federal funding for states and counties containing national forest land through 2026. This legislation ensures the continuation of essential community services and maintains the authority for resource advisory committees and local special projects.

The "Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act" removes the marriage penalty for adult children with disabilities receiving Social Security benefits based on their parent's work record, ensuring equal treatment in marital relationship determinations across different titles of the Social Security Act. It also protects Medicaid eligibility for these individuals and ensures that one spouse's income or resources are not attributed to the other when determining benefit eligibility. The Act expresses Congress's intent to maintain Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefits for married disabled adult children, regardless of state laws or marital status.

The "President Jimmy Carter Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to former President Jimmy Carter in recognition of his dedicated service to the Nation. This medal, created by the Secretary of the Treasury, will be given to the Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, following the award ceremony. The Act also permits the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the gold medal to the public and authorizes the United States Mint to use its Public Enterprise Fund to cover the costs of producing the medals.

The "First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act" authorizes the creation of a Congressional Gold Medal to honor the First Rhode Island Regiment, a historically significant integrated unit that fought valiantly during the Revolutionary War. The medal will be presented to the Rhode Island State Library for public display and research. The Act also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

The "Teacher and School Leader Quality Partnership Grants Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve the preparation, recruitment, and professional development of teachers, school leaders, and other educators, particularly in high-need areas. It emphasizes evidence-based practices, residency programs, and teacher leadership development, while also holding preparation programs accountable for the effectiveness of their graduates. The act also directs the Secretary of Education to establish an advisory committee to study and make recommendations on elevating the education profession. Finally, it extends the authorization of appropriations through 2026.