Legislative Activity

The Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2025 aims to increase affordable housing options by updating state housing credit formulas, refining tenant eligibility rules, and improving credit eligibility and determination. This includes adjusting income verification processes, modifying student occupancy rules, and protecting domestic abuse victims. The bill also focuses on Native American and rural assistance by addressing housing needs in Indian areas and streamlining income eligibility for rural projects. Additionally, it revises rules for exempt facility bonds and renames the "low-income housing tax credit" to the "affordable housing tax credit" while encouraging data sharing and discouraging discriminatory land use policies.

The "VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act" aims to protect the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) funding by limiting the transfer or deferral of funds without explicit congressional approval. It also safeguards VA personnel by exempting the VA from hiring freezes, requiring reinstatement of certain removed veterans, and placing restrictions on the removal of probationary employees. Additionally, the Act mandates regular reporting to Congress on personnel actions and compliance with the Act's provisions.

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 "Bolstering Security Against Ghost Guns Act" directs the Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement strategies to counter threats posed by ghost guns. This includes assessing cross-border trafficking, researching prevention methods, tracking firearm violations at TSA checkpoints, analyzing data on U.S.-sourced firearms recovered in Mexico, and evaluating threats associated with foreign terrorist organizations. The Act aims to enhance prevention, preparedness, and response to terrorism and violence involving ghost guns.

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 "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 Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to strengthen regulations and oversight of licensed firearm dealers to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and enhance public safety. It mandates enhanced security measures, regular inventory checks, and electronic record-keeping for dealers, while also increasing inspection frequency and penalties for violations. The act also broadens background check requirements for both dealers and their employees and seeks to modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) operations through increased staffing and data accessibility. Finally, the act repeals limitations on sharing firearm trace data and centralizing records, and it requires reports to Congress on the act's implementation and dealer inspections.

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 Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 aims to improve support and resources for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). It mandates a comprehensive report on MST in the digital age, updates the disability compensation claims process, and expands access to healthcare and support services for veterans and former service members, including those who did not complete their service academy training. The bill also focuses on improving communication, training, and oversight within the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans receive respectful and effective care.

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 "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 "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 "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.

This bill aims to block the foreign military sale to Israel of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, as well as related parts, services, and logistical support. The disapproval targets Transmittal No. 24-38, which was submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act. The bill seeks to prevent the transfer of these specific defense articles and services to Israel.

The "Transgender Health Care Access Act" aims to improve access to gender-affirming care by expanding medical education and training programs, particularly within community health centers and rural areas. It directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for developing model curricula, training medical professionals, and supporting community health centers in providing gender-affirming care. The Act prioritizes entities serving transgender populations and areas with limited access to care, and allocates specific funding for these initiatives from 2026 through 2030. Finally, the Act requires a report to Congress detailing the progress and impact of these programs on health equity for transgender individuals.

The "Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025" directs the Department of Health and Human Services to create a national public health education campaign to improve access to abortion and related health services. This campaign will educate the public on how to access abortion services, the legality of abortion, accurate medical information, patient rights, and how to identify misleading information. The campaign aims to be culturally competent and accessible, providing resources for underserved communities while protecting personal information and avoiding the promotion of misinformation.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to expand and update the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to better protect vulnerable households from high energy costs and utility shutoffs. It increases funding, broadens eligibility, and includes assistance for cooling during extreme heat events, alongside heating assistance. The act also prioritizes energy efficiency upgrades, weatherization, and a transition to renewable energy sources, while preventing utility companies from charging late fees or shutting off service to those receiving assistance. Furthermore, it seeks to improve data collection on energy arrears and encourages states to develop plans for retrofitting low-income housing to adapt to rising temperatures.

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.

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 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.