Legislative Activity

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.

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 Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2025 establishes a process for identifying brand-name drugs priced excessively high in the U.S. by comparing them to international prices and other factors. If a drug is deemed overpriced, the Act immediately revokes its government-granted monopolies, allowing generic competition through open licensing. Manufacturers will face strict new annual reporting requirements regarding pricing, R&D costs, and marketing, with penalties for non-compliance.

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 Act mandates the inclusion of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history across federally supported K-12 American history and civics education programs. It recognizes the vital, yet often omitted, contributions of AANHPI communities while addressing historical exclusion and systemic racism. The legislation directs educational programs to partner with the Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center to develop accurate and comprehensive curricula. This ensures AANHPI history is integrated into national assessments and teacher training.

The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 aims to streamline and modernize the prior authorization process within Medicare Advantage plans. This bill mandates the adoption of electronic prior authorization systems and significantly increases transparency regarding approval rates and decision times starting in 2027. Furthermore, it establishes new enrollee protections and grants the Secretary authority to enforce faster decision timeframes for medical services.

The Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program through the Department of Transportation to fund the installation of suicide deterrents like nets and barriers at high-risk locations such as bridges and rail stations. The bill also amends existing law to explicitly allow National Highway System funds to be used for these safety barriers on bridges. Finally, it mandates a study on the effectiveness of suicide prevention measures for structures other than bridges.

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%.

This joint resolution seeks to formally disapprove and prohibit a specific proposed foreign military sale to the United Arab Emirates. The bill directly blocks the transfer of defense articles, including Chinook helicopters, specialized navigation systems, and communications equipment. Essentially, Congress is using its authority to stop this particular arms deal from moving forward.

This resolution formally asserts the United States' moral and legal obligation to provide comprehensive reparations to descendants of enslaved Africans for the enduring harm caused by chattel slavery and subsequent systemic discrimination. It details centuries of state-sanctioned injustice, including economic exclusion, violence, and wealth theft. Ultimately, the bill calls for the Federal Government to take concrete actions, including financial compensation, systemic legal reform, and a formal apology, to achieve holistic repair and reconciliation.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and halt a specific proposed foreign military sale of F-16 aircraft components, spare parts, and related support services to the Government of the United Arab Emirates. Congress is exercising its authority under the Arms Export Control Act to block this transaction. If passed, the defense articles and services outlined in Transmittal No. 2525 will not be sold to the UAE.

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.

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.

The Water Affordability, Transparency, Equity, and Reliability Act of 2025 establishes a dedicated federal Trust Fund, financed by an increase in the corporate tax rate, to support water infrastructure and affordability programs nationwide. The bill mandates a comprehensive EPA report analyzing water affordability, civil rights compliance, and public participation in water planning. It also significantly increases funding for household water well systems and revises state revolving loan fund rules to expand eligible projects, including lead line replacement and PFAS contamination cleanup. Finally, the Act creates new job training grants for the water sector and enhances drinking water assistance for colonias.

The Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act amends child labor laws to prohibit individuals under 18 from having direct contact with tobacco plants or dried tobacco leaves. This change ensures that agricultural work involving direct handling of tobacco falls under federal child labor protections. The bill specifically updates exemptions to reflect this new restriction on youth employment in tobacco agriculture.

The Pink Tax Repeal Act prohibits businesses from charging different prices for substantially similar consumer products or services based solely on the buyer's gender. This legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce the ban as an unfair business practice. State Attorneys General are also authorized to file lawsuits to stop violations and seek restitution for affected residents.

The Born in the USA Act of 2025 declares that Executive Order 14160, which attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional and contrary to the 14th Amendment. This Act prohibits the use of any federal funds to implement or enforce that Executive Order. It affirms the established constitutional right to birthright citizenship for nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.

The Protecting our Students in Schools Act of 2025 establishes a nationwide prohibition on corporal punishment in all federally funded educational programs. It creates strong enforcement mechanisms, allowing parents to sue and authorizing the Attorney General to intervene in cases of abuse. Furthermore, the Act establishes a grant program to incentivize states to adopt positive behavior support systems to reduce harsh disciplinary actions and improve school climate.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act mandates that group health plans and insurance policies provide comprehensive coverage for medically necessary treatment related to congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. This coverage must include services needed to restore normal function and appearance, including necessary dental and orthodontic support. Plans must apply cost-sharing rules no more restrictive than those for other medical benefits, excluding purely cosmetic procedures.

Violet's Law mandates that federal research facilities establish procedures to place retired research animals, including dogs, cats, and primates, into new homes. These facilities must adhere to the Animal Welfare Act standards and ensure animals are certified healthy by a veterinarian before adoption. Eligible placements include registered animal rescue organizations, sanctuaries, shelters, or private individuals.