Legislative Activity

The ELON MUSK Act prohibits special Government employees from holding or benefiting from federal contracts or agreements. Any existing federal contracts held by these employees must be terminated upon the law's enactment. This aims to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure ethical conduct within the government.

The "Raise the Wage Act of 2025" aims to increase the federal minimum wage to $17.00 per hour over five years, after which it will be annually adjusted based on the median hourly wage of all employees. The bill also gradually raises the minimum wage for tipped employees until it matches the standard minimum wage, while ensuring they retain all tips. Additionally, it increases and then eliminates the subminimum wage for newly hired employees under 20 and individuals with disabilities, promoting fair wages for all workers.

The "WIPPES Act" requires "Do Not Flush" labeling on certain disposable wipes and similar products to prevent harm to wastewater infrastructure. It mandates a clearly visible symbol and written notice on product packaging, prohibiting any claims of flushability. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is responsible for enforcing these labeling requirements, and the Act preempts differing state laws.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' view that paraprofessionals and education support staff are critical to schools and deserve fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. It advocates for livable wages, affordable healthcare, paid leave, professional development, safe working environments, and a voice in school policies for these essential employees. The resolution also encourages employers to engage in good faith negotiations and refrain from actions that undermine workers' rights during labor disputes. This resolution does not override any existing collective bargaining agreements that provide more favorable terms for paraprofessionals and education support staff.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The "No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act" aims to eliminate tax deductions for employer expenses used to influence employees' decisions regarding unionizing and collective bargaining. It defines "labor organization activity" broadly, encompassing elections, disputes, and collective actions. The bill mandates detailed reporting of such activities, with significant penalties for non-compliance, and directs the Treasury Secretary to issue implementing guidance. This would apply to expenses incurred more than 240 days after the bill's enactment.

The "Women in Agriculture Act" establishes a Women Farmers and Ranchers Liaison within the Department of Agriculture to advocate for and assist women in agriculture. The act also amends existing legislation to include ergonomic equipment for women in agriculture research and prioritizes childcare services in agricultural and rural communities for loans and grants. Finally, the act requires the Liaison to submit a public report on the grants, loans, loan guarantees, and cost-share programs made by the Secretary to woman-owned agriculture operations.

The IDEA Full Funding Act aims to increase federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It authorizes and appropriates specific funding levels for IDEA, excluding section 619, with increasing amounts each year. The funding is determined by both a set dollar amount and a percentage based on the number of children with disabilities and average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater. The bill also mandates that the increased funding adhere to "cut-as-you-go" rules, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The "Defending American Diplomacy Act" requires congressional approval for any Department of State reorganization and mandates the Secretary of State to submit detailed plans assessing the impact of such changes. It ensures transparency and accountability by requiring a thorough analysis of potential risks, effects on foreign policy, and workforce implications. The Act also restricts federal funds for the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel by politically appointed officials if reorganizations are implemented without proper authorization.

The "Reentry Act of 2025" amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow states to provide Medicaid coverage to inmates in the 30 days before their release. It also requires the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission to submit a report to Congress analyzing health and safety standards in correctional facilities, the impact of this change, and recommendations for further action.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

The "Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025" aims to impose significant sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate peace with Ukraine, violates a peace agreement, or initiates further military action against Ukraine. The bill mandates the President to determine and impose sanctions on individuals, entities, and financial institutions affiliated with the Russian government, targeting key sectors of the Russian economy, and restricts trade and financial interactions with Russia. It also increases import duties on goods from Russia and countries purchasing Russian energy products, while providing limited exceptions for humanitarian aid and intelligence activities. The President has the authority to terminate and reimpose sanctions based on Russia's actions.

The "Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act" directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an occupational safety and health standard requiring healthcare and social service employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. This standard aims to protect workers from workplace violence through risk assessment, hazard prevention, incident reporting, employee training, and recordkeeping. The bill also extends these requirements to certain facilities receiving Medicare funds, ensuring broader coverage and compliance.

The Arts Education for All Act enhances arts education by expanding early childhood education programs, integrating arts into the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, incorporating creative programs into juvenile justice, and mandating research and assessment of arts education strategies. This bill supports training for child care providers, ensures equitable access to arts programs for disadvantaged students, and promotes rehabilitation through arts-based approaches in juvenile justice. By integrating arts into core subjects and supporting teacher development, the act aims to improve student achievement and provide a comprehensive, creative education for all students. Ultimately, this will lead to more effective rehabilitation and reduced recidivism rates among juvenile and adult offenders, offering new pathways for education and employment.

The "Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025" aims to prevent increases in food insecurity when the thrifty food plan is re-evaluated or updated within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It ensures that adjustments to the diet's cost continue as outlined in existing guidelines.

The Community Wood Facilities Assistance Act of 2025 amends existing grant programs to support and expand wood products manufacturing and biomass energy facilities. It increases funding, expands project eligibility, and raises grant limits for both the Community Wood Facilities Grant Program and the Wood Innovations Grant Program. The act aims to bolster the wood products industry and promote the use of biomass energy by supporting the construction and enhancement of related facilities.

The "Hot Foods Act of 2025" amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, allowing SNAP benefits to be used for hot and ready-to-eat foods. It broadens the scope of eligible food items under SNAP and modifies retailer eligibility requirements, permitting more stores to accept SNAP if hot food sales do not exceed 50% of their gross sales. This change also updates the language regarding where SNAP-eligible food can be consumed to include "home or immediate consumption".

This bill seeks to block the proposed increase in a foreign military sale to Israel, detailed in Transmittal No. 250C. The sale includes a significant rise in the value of both Major Defense Equipment (MDE) and non-MDE, totaling nearly $900 million in increased costs.

This bill seeks to block the sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel. Specifically, it disapproves of the transfer of over 35,000 MK 84 or BLU117 General Purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I2000 Penetrator warheads.

This bill seeks to block the sale of specific defense articles and services to Israel, including thousands of 1,000-pound bomb bodies and Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kits. The disapproval targets items listed in Transmittal No. 2526.