Legislative Activity

This resolution calls for Congress to pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, granting statehood to the District of Columbia as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth. It highlights the District's significant tax contributions and the overwhelming support for statehood among its residents. The resolution also supports the designation of May 1, 2025, as "D.C. Statehood Day"

This bill mandates that the Directors of both the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and the Pretrial Services Agency must reside in the District of Columbia. This requirement applies to individuals appointed to these positions after the enactment of this bill. It amends existing laws to ensure local residency for these key roles.

The "Improving Reentry for District of Columbia Residents in the Bureau of Prisons Act of 2025" aims to house individuals convicted under the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997, who were D.C. residents at the time of sentencing, in Bureau of Prisons facilities within 250 miles of D.C., to facilitate reentry. Exceptions are allowed if the individual requests a different placement or under extraordinary circumstances, which would require notification to congressional committees. This act does not prevent prerelease custody or transfers for supervised release. It will take effect two years after the law is enacted.

This bill recognizes the historical significance of the Pearl incident, an attempted escape of 77 enslaved people in 1848 aided by abolitionists. It acknowledges the legal consequences and the riot that followed the recapture of the escapees. The bill also emphasizes the event's impact on the abolitionist movement, including its influence on "Uncle Tom's Cabin," and honors the legacy of those involved in the fight against slavery.

This bill recognizes the historical and cultural importance of Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C., which commemorates the end of slavery in the district. It acknowledges the ongoing struggle for equal rights and representation for D.C. residents. The bill also urges Congress to pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, granting statehood to the District.

The "Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act" makes the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation eligible for various federal grants related to infrastructure and rail improvements. These include BUILD grants, national infrastructure project assistance grants, consolidated rail infrastructure and safety improvement grants, and federal-state partnership for intercity passenger rail grants. The federal share for projects involving the Corporation is set at 100 percent.

The "District of Columbia Electronic Transmittal of Legislation Act" allows the Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia to transmit Acts of the Council to Congress electronically. It ensures that Acts submitted electronically are treated the same as those submitted in paper form, streamlining the legislative process. This act updates the submission process for District legislation, making it more efficient. Congress retains the right to change these rules.

The Train Noise and Vibrations Reduction Act of 2025 requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on ways to reduce train noise and vibrations near homes. The report will include recommendations, costs, and benefits for strategies such as train and track modifications, adjusted speed limits, noise mitigation techniques, and building insulation. The goal is to identify effective solutions for minimizing the impact of train operations on nearby communities.

This bill supports designating March 27, 2025, as "Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day" to honor the heroic Black pilots, aircrew, ground crew, and support personnel of the Tuskegee Airmen. It recognizes their extraordinary achievements and sacrifices during World War II. The bill calls on states, the District of Columbia, and territories to acknowledge the Tuskegee Airmen's valor and service to the nation.

The Salary History Question Prohibition Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, prohibiting employers from using a prospective employee's wage history when considering them for a job or determining their wages, unless the employee voluntarily provides it after a job offer to support a higher wage. The act also prohibits employers from seeking a prospective employee's wage history from them or past employers under similar conditions and protects employees from retaliation for opposing unlawful practices. Penalties for violations include civil penalties, damages to affected employees, and the possibility of lawsuits. "Wage history" is defined as wages paid by current or previous employers.

The Salary Transparency Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, making it unlawful for employers to not disclose wage ranges in job postings and to applicants/employees upon request. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees or applicants who exercise their rights under this act. Violators may face civil penalties and be liable for damages to affected employees or applicants.

The "Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Conversion Act of 2025" expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. should take a leading role in the global elimination of nuclear weapons. Once all nuclear-weapon states verifiably commit to eliminating their arsenals, the bill redirects funding from nuclear weapons programs towards clean energy development, economic conversion, and addressing critical human and infrastructure needs. This includes retraining nuclear industry employees and environmental restoration.

The "Protecting Federal Agencies and Employees from Political Interference Act of 2025" prevents federal agencies and departments with headquarters or employee positions in the National Capital Region from relocating unless authorized by a new law. This ensures that these entities remain in their current locations, safeguarding them from potential political influence.

The "District of Columbia Superior Court Jury Duty for Seniors Opt Out Act of 2025" allows individuals aged 70 or older to choose to be exempt from jury duty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.

The "Activating National Parks in Cities Act" encourages the active use of National Park System units located in urban areas by prioritizing public enjoyment and improving quality of life through various amenities and activities. "Active use" includes playgrounds, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, sports facilities, community events, programming, and concessions. The term "urban area" refers to areas designated by the Secretary of Commerce in the most recent census.

This bill amends the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, expanding eligibility for wastewater infrastructure grants to include state governments. This change aims to facilitate broader access to funding for projects that improve wastewater infrastructure and reduce marine debris.

The "Equal Federal Funding for the District of Columbia Act" would classify Washington D.C. as a state for the purpose of federal funding eligibility. Unless otherwise specified, D.C. would be treated as any other state, political subdivision of a state, or unit of local government. These changes would go into effect beginning October 1, 2026.

The "United States Colored Troops Congressional Gold Medal Act" directs the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to the African Americans who served with the Union forces during the Civil War. It directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and create the gold medal, which will be displayed by the Smithsonian Institution and available for research. The Act also authorizes the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to cover production costs.

The "Words Matter for the District of Columbia Courts Act" amends the District of Columbia Official Code, modernizing language related to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, it replaces outdated terms like "substantially retarded persons" and "at least moderately mentally retarded" with the more respectful and accurate term "persons with moderate intellectual disabilities" in legal references. This change affects the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court, the Superior Court, and the Family Court within the District of Columbia.

The "Household Goods Shipping Consumer Protection Act" increases consumer protection in the household goods shipping industry by allowing the Secretary to enforce penalties for violations, enabling states to use grant money for enforcement and retain penalties, and setting requirements for registration. This includes defining "principal place of business," requiring disclosure of relationships within the transportation industry, and allowing the Secretary to withhold or revoke registration for non-compliance.