Legislative Activity

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule recently issued by the Department of Education concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If enacted, this resolution would prevent the published rule from taking effect or being enforced.

This resolution designates the first week of April as "National Asbestos Awareness Week." It further urges the Surgeon General to educate the public on the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

The Wildfire Investment and Next Generation Stewardship Act (WINGS Act) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer full ownership of certain aircraft and parts to state and local firefighting agencies. This transfer is available to authorized users who have demonstrated responsible stewardship by possessing the equipment for a set number of years (10 for aircraft, 5 for parts) and remaining in good standing. The purpose is to improve asset management and recognize the long-term investment made by these local agencies in using the excess federal property for wildland and rural firefighting.

This concurrent resolution supports the goals and ideals of International Transgender Day of Visibility. It celebrates the achievements, leadership, and cultural contributions of the transgender community while acknowledging the ongoing challenges and discrimination they face. The resolution affirms the right of transgender individuals to live with dignity and equal rights.

The Kira Johnson Act aims to eliminate maternal health disparities by funding community-based organizations that provide essential support to high-risk populations. The legislation also mandates comprehensive bias and anti-racism training for maternity care providers and establishes compliance programs to address discrimination in clinical settings. Through these initiatives, the bill seeks to ensure respectful, equitable, and high-quality care for all pregnant and postpartum individuals.

This concurrent resolution recognizes Congress's duty to address the economic challenges and workplace barriers faced by women in the United States. It affirms a commitment to advancing gender equity through policies such as equal pay, workplace protections, access to healthcare, and support for caregiving. The resolution further calls for collaborative action to ensure all women can work with dignity, free from discrimination and harassment.

The Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act mandates the EPA to swiftly prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets and other pre-production plastic materials from facilities involved in their manufacturing, use, packaging, or transport. This ban will be incorporated into all relevant Clean Water Act permits and performance standards. The goal is to prevent this form of plastic pollution from entering waterways.

Tyler’s Law directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the current practices, costs, and benefits of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments. Following this study, the Secretary will issue formal guidance to help hospitals improve their testing protocols for patients experiencing overdoses. This legislation aims to enhance clinical responses to the fentanyl crisis and improve patient health outcomes.

The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act mandates that manufacturers and retailers place clear "Do Not Flush" labels and standardized symbols on non-flushable disposable wipes. The bill prohibits companies from marketing these products as flushable to help protect wastewater infrastructure. Enforcement of these labeling standards will be overseen by the Federal Trade Commission.

The SHIELD Act establishes a competitive grant program to expand the workforce and infrastructure necessary to provide legal representation for individuals facing immigration removal proceedings. By funding training, recruitment, and capacity-building for legal service providers, the Act aims to ensure high-quality, independent legal defense for all individuals regardless of their ability to pay. The program is administered by the Department of Justice’s Office for Access to Justice and includes rigorous reporting and audit requirements to ensure accountability.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Advancing VA’s Emergency Response to (AVERT) Crises Act of 2025 mandates comprehensive reports from the VA Secretary regarding its emergency management structure, roles, and readiness centers. This legislation aims to streamline internal operations, assess current supply inventories, and analyze coordination barriers between the VA and FEMA regarding fuel and resource sharing during crises. Ultimately, the bill seeks to improve the VA's overall preparedness and response capabilities for emergencies.

This resolution honors the historic and contemporary contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women across all sectors of society, including military service, business, science, and public leadership. It celebrates their resilience and vital role in shaping the nation while calling for continued investment to address the unique challenges they face.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their standard pay and benefits during any potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation guarantees uninterrupted compensation for employees until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.

The Geo POWER Act establishes a milestone-based demonstration program to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation geothermal energy technologies. By providing innovative financing for projects in challenging geological regions, the bill aims to reduce financial risks, generate public data, and catalyze private investment in geothermal electricity production.

The Fair Wages for Home Care Workers Act amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to ensure home care workers receive essential minimum wage and overtime protections. By narrowing existing exemptions, the bill clarifies that these labor standards apply to professional caregivers, distinguishing them from casual, non-professional babysitting services.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove United States Armed Forces from unauthorized hostilities within or against Cuba. It asserts Congress’s constitutional authority over war powers, noting that no formal declaration or statutory authorization for such military action currently exists. The bill ensures that any ongoing military engagement in the region must be explicitly authorized by Congress, while maintaining the right to self-defense and lawful counternarcotics operations.

The Transportation Security Administration Pay Act of 2026 ensures that TSA personnel continue to receive their pay and benefits during a potential government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This legislation provides a temporary funding mechanism that remains in effect until regular appropriations are enacted or through September 30, 2026.

The Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026 authorize over $1.4 billion in inflation-adjusted funding to support critical municipal, rural, and Tribal water infrastructure projects across North Dakota. This legislation ensures the completion of essential water treatment, supply, and distribution systems while providing necessary technical updates to existing water resource laws.

The Professional Degree Access Restoration Act amends the Higher Education Act to remove restrictive loan limit rules previously imposed on graduate and professional students. By restoring standard loan limit provisions, this bill aims to increase financial accessibility for students pursuing advanced degrees.