Legislative Activity

This bill supports the designation of May 4, 2025, as the National Day of Reason to recognize the importance of reason in addressing societal challenges, defending democratic principles, and advancing human rights. It highlights the role of reason and critical thinking in countering disinformation, promoting civil liberties, and upholding the separation of church and state. The bill also recognizes the importance of the scientific method and free inquiry in improving human welfare.

The Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act amends the Highway Safety Improvement Program to include projects that connect bike and pedestrian paths and reduce safety risks for vulnerable road users. It allows the federal government to cover up to 100% of the cost for these safety projects and broadens the scope of relevant safety plans to include measures for bicyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, the act permits the non-federal share of project costs to be calculated across a project, multiple projects, or a program.

The Handgun Permit to Purchase Act aims to reduce gun violence by providing grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes to develop, implement, and evaluate handgun purchaser licensing programs. To be eligible for these grants, applicants must have laws requiring individuals to be at least 21 years old, undergo background checks, and reapply for their license or permit every five years. These programs are intended to ensure that individuals prohibited from possessing a firearm do not obtain a handgun purchasing license or permit. The Act authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds to carry out this grant program.