Legislative Activity

The Improving Reentry for District of Columbia Residents in the Bureau of Prisons Act of 2025 aims to keep certain D.C. residents incarcerated by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) closer to home. This bill generally requires that covered individuals be housed in BOP facilities no more than 250 miles from the District of Columbia. Exceptions to this distance limit require the individual's consent or a documented finding of extraordinary circumstances reported to Congress.

This resolution formally recognizes and commemorates the historic 1848 attempted escape of 77 enslaved people aboard the schooner *Pearl* from Washington D.C. It honors the legacy of the freedom fighters and abolitionists involved in this significant event, the largest known escape attempt by enslaved people in American history. The bill ensures this crucial moment in the fight against slavery is remembered.

This resolution recognizes the historical significance of D.C. Emancipation Day and uses this anniversary to underscore the ongoing fight for full voting rights for District residents. It highlights the historical context of emancipation in the nation's capital while urging Congress to pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. Ultimately, the bill serves as a formal call to action supporting D.C. statehood.

The Union Station Redevelopment Corporation Funding Eligibility Act makes the Corporation eligible to receive specific federal transportation grants, including BUILD, National Infrastructure Project Assistance, Rail Improvement and Safety, and Passenger Rail grants. A key provision across all these programs is that any funding awarded to the Corporation will cover 100 percent of the project costs, eliminating any local matching requirement. This legislation streamlines federal funding access for Union Station redevelopment projects.

The Train Noise and Vibrations Reduction Act of 2025 mandates that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) conduct a comprehensive study on reducing noise and vibrations from trains near residential areas. This study must result in a detailed report to Congress outlining specific, cost-benefit analyzed recommendations. These suggestions will cover potential solutions ranging from track maintenance and speed limits to noise barriers and home insulation.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for designating March 27, 2025, as "Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day." It calls on all states and territories to recognize the heroism and exemplary service of these pioneering Black pilots and support personnel. The resolution serves as a formal, non-binding acknowledgment of their vital contributions to American history and the fight for civil rights.

The Salary History Question Prohibition Act makes it illegal for employers to consider an applicant's past salary or benefits history when making hiring or pay decisions. Employers are generally prohibited from asking about or using previous wages to set compensation limits for a new job. This law establishes civil penalties for violations and allows affected individuals to sue for damages if their wage history is unlawfully used.

The Salary Transparency Act mandates that employers must disclose specific wage or salary ranges for all job postings and to current employees upon hiring and annually thereafter. This legislation aims to increase pay equity by requiring upfront compensation information for applicants and existing staff. Employers who violate these disclosure rules face significant civil penalties and potential liability to affected individuals. The Act also strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against anyone who exercises their rights under these new transparency requirements.

The Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Conversion Act of 2025 outlines conditions under which the U.S. would pursue ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, contingent upon verifiable global disarmament. Upon confirmation that all nuclear-armed nations have begun dismantling their arsenals, funds currently allocated to nuclear weapons programs will be redirected. These redirected resources must be used to address the climate crisis through clean energy conversion and to meet critical human and infrastructure needs.

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.

The "District of Columbia Code Returning Citizens Coordination Act" mandates the Bureau of Prisons Director to provide the D.C. Mayor with information on individuals under their jurisdiction due to the National Capital Revitalization and Self-Government Improvement Act of 1997, including their name, age, location, and release date. The Mayor can share this information with counsel for the persons, and to organizations that provide legal representation to persons in criminal or post-conviction matters, or in matters related to reentry, but cannot share it with D.C. law enforcement. This aims to support returning citizens while maintaining confidentiality.

The "District of Columbia Federal Judicial Officials Residency Equality Act of 2025" modifies residency requirements for federal judicial officials in the District of Columbia. It mandates that circuit and district judges reside in the state or district they serve, and U.S. Attorneys and Marshals reside in their appointed district, with exceptions for those in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. These changes apply to individuals appointed after the Act's enactment.

The "Securities and Exchange Commission Real Estate Leasing Authority Revocation Act" revokes the SEC's direct leasing authority for general-purpose office space, assigning it instead to the Administrator. It does not affect existing SEC leases. Additionally, the Comptroller General must update a 2016 report on independent leasing authorities of federal entities, detailing changes and the use of the General Services Administration for leasing.