Legislative Activity

The Medical Research for Our Troops Act increases the budget for the Defense Health Agency's research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E). This legislation specifically restores and increases funding for these critical defense health programs. The restored funds must be used to support all previously directed medical research programs and initiatives as outlined in prior appropriations acts.

The Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2025 reforms federal firearm background check procedures, establishing a formal petition process for buyers when the system delays a decision beyond 10 business days. This bill removes the previous 10-day time limit on background checks under the Brady Act while mandating extensive reporting from the GAO and FBI on the effectiveness and outcomes of these delayed transfers. Furthermore, the Attorney General must report on the law's impact on domestic violence victims within 150 days of enactment.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The Combating Deceptive Immigration Enforcement Practices Act of 2025 prohibits immigration officers from the Department of Homeland Security, including ICE and CBP, from wearing any item bearing the word "police" while performing their duties. This measure aims to prevent confusion and deceptive practices related to immigration enforcement.

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

This resolution formally expresses the House of Representatives' grave concern over the severe humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering of civilians in Gaza, alongside the plight of hostages. It urgently calls on the Administration to use all diplomatic tools to secure the release of all hostages. Furthermore, the bill demands the immediate delivery and secure distribution of essential humanitarian aid to address the catastrophic hunger crisis in Gaza.

The Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2025 aims to eliminate period poverty by ensuring access to free menstrual products across various sectors of society. This comprehensive bill mandates the availability of these essential supplies in K-12 schools, colleges, correctional facilities, federal buildings, and workplaces with over 100 employees. Furthermore, it expands coverage under Medicaid, allocates specific funding through social service block grants and TANF programs, and prohibits states from taxing menstrual products.

The Andrew Kearse Accountability for Denial of Medical Care Act of 2025 mandates that federal officials immediately provide or secure medical attention for individuals in federal custody displaying medical distress. Negligently failing to do so, resulting in unnecessary pain, injury, or death, is established as a federal crime punishable by fines or imprisonment. The bill also empowers State Attorneys General to sue federal officials over violations and requires mandatory training and confidential complaint mechanisms for agency staff.

The MARSHALS Act fundamentally restructures the United States Marshals Service (USMS), moving its organization entirely into the judicial branch. This bill establishes that the Director and all U.S. Marshals will be appointed by the Chief Justice, subject to oversight from a new Board. The legislation also clarifies the USMS's authority to protect federal judicial personnel and outlines specific conditions under which the Service can assist the Department of Justice.

The Ending Qualified Immunity Act aims to restore accountability for government officials who violate constitutional rights. This bill eliminates the legal doctrine of qualified immunity, which currently shields officials from liability unless their actions violated a "clearly established" right. By removing this defense, the Act makes it easier for individuals to sue state and local officials for misconduct.

The College for All Act of 2025 establishes a Federal-State partnership to eliminate tuition and required fees at public and Tribal colleges for eligible students, while significantly increasing Federal Pell Grant maximum awards and expanding eligibility to include many "Dreamer students." The bill also creates new grant programs to cover tuition at private non-profit HBCUs and MSIs, and funds initiatives to improve student success and support for low-income and first-generation students. Finally, it increases overall appropriations for HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and other Minority-Serving Institutions.

The Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act ensures that employers cannot terminate or alter group health plan coverage for employees during a lawful strike or an employer-initiated lockout. This legislation aims to prevent employers from using health benefits as leverage during labor disputes. The bill also establishes significant civil penalties, including fines up to \$150,000 per violation, for employers who interfere with this coverage, and allows for individual liability for directors and officers involved in such violations.

The Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act of 2025 establishes fixed, non-renewable 18-year terms for all future Supreme Court Justices, with appointments staggered every two years. This legislation also outlines a process for phasing out current Justices upon the confirmation of new appointees. Finally, it grants the Chief Justice the authority to temporarily fill sudden vacancies below the standard nine-justice level using a randomly selected retired Justice.

This bill imposes significant restrictions on the transfer of specific defense articles and services to Israel. Transfers of listed military equipment, such as certain bombs and ammunition, are prohibited unless Congress first passes a law detailing their specific authorized use. Furthermore, Israel must provide satisfactory written assurances that the items will only be used for those stated purposes and in compliance with international law.

The Close the Revolving Door Act of 2025 aims to significantly restrict influence peddling by implementing a lifetime lobbying ban for former Members of Congress and extending the cooling-off period for Congressional staff to six years. The bill also establishes a centralized, searchable public website for lobbying disclosures, mandates new annual reporting for large lobbying entities regarding former officials they employ, and increases the maximum fine for certain lobbying violations to $\$500,000$.

The Supreme Court Ethics, Recusal, and Transparency Act of 2025 establishes a mandatory, public code of conduct and a formal complaint process for Supreme Court Justices, modeled after procedures for lower federal judges. The bill also institutes stricter disclosure requirements for gifts and financial ties, and mandates judicial disqualification in cases involving recent lobbying contact or significant financial relationships with involved parties. Furthermore, it creates new review panels for disqualification motions and requires parties and *amici* to disclose financial supporters connected to the case.

The Health Coverage for Inclusive and Valued Families Act of 2025 mandates that fertility treatment and care, including IVF, must be covered as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act. This legislation ensures insurance plans treat fertility benefits no less favorably than standard medical benefits and prohibits denying coverage based on the lack of an infertility diagnosis. The law also establishes reporting requirements for insurers to monitor compliance with these new fairness standards.

The Stronger Communities through Better Transit Act establishes a new federal grant program to provide operating support for high-quality public transit services. This funding is specifically targeted to improve mobility and environmental outcomes, with a requirement that the majority of funds benefit underserved communities or areas of persistent poverty. The Act also increases the federal share for rural transit operating assistance up to 80%.

The Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2025 establishes mandatory minimum registered nurse-to-patient ratios across various hospital units to enhance patient safety and care quality. This legislation requires hospitals to implement detailed staffing plans, ensures enforcement through federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and supports the nursing workforce through expanded financial aid and retention initiatives. Furthermore, the bill protects nurses who refuse unsafe assignments and establishes clear mechanisms for reporting violations.

This resolution formally recognizes the historical event of the Palestinian Nakba and the ongoing displacement of Palestinian refugees. It calls for the U.S. to remember this history, uphold the rights of refugees as established in UN Resolution 194, and cease complicity in actions that deny these rights. Ultimately, the bill demands that U.S. policy support the implementation of refugee rights as essential for lasting peace.