Legislative Activity

The Federal Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act ensures that federal firefighters continue to receive their pay and allowances if Congress delays passing the budget for fiscal year 2026. This legislation also prohibits the reduction in force or layoffs of federal firefighters specifically due to government shutdowns caused by funding lapses. Essentially, this bill protects the paychecks and employment stability of federal firefighters during budget uncertainty.

This bill prohibits federal agencies from removing civil service employees during any lapse in discretionary appropriations, commonly known as a government shutdown. If an employee is terminated in violation of this rule during a shutdown, they will have the option to be reinstated with full back pay once funding resumes. This measure aims to protect federal workers from job loss caused by budget impasses.

The National Guard Proper Use Act prohibits active duty military personnel and National Guard members serving under Title 32 orders from enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of immigration laws. This measure restricts the use of the Armed Forces for domestic immigration enforcement, aligning with existing statutes that govern such deployments.

The Help Federal Employees During Shutdowns Act (Help FEDS Act) ensures that essential, non-paid federal employees working during a government shutdown can receive state unemployment compensation for the weeks they are actively working. This legislation mandates that the federal government fully reimburse states for all benefits paid out, plus administrative costs, directly from the Unemployment Trust Fund. Any employee who receives retroactive pay for a period they were also paid unemployment must repay those benefits to the state.

This resolution strongly condemns attempts to use federal regulatory power or litigation to suppress lawful speech critical of a political party or the President. It reaffirms the fundamental importance of the First Amendment and warns that such actions resemble tactics used by authoritarian regimes. The bill urges government agencies to protect free expression and ensure accountability, not political censorship.

The Indian Trust Asset Reform Amendment Act updates existing law to clarify participation in the Indian Trust Asset Management Project for federally recognized tribes and their organizations. This legislation grants tribes with approved management plans greater authority to manage their trust assets, such as leasing or forest management, without prior secretarial approval. The amendments also ensure that participation in the management project does not negatively impact a tribe's eligibility for federal funding.

This joint resolution directs the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities initiated after February 20, 2025, against designated terrorist groups or drug trafficking organizations without prior Congressional authorization. It asserts Congress's constitutional power to declare war and finds recent military strikes against vessels lacked proper justification. The bill allows for continued use of forces for self-defense or authorized counternarcotics support, but explicitly states drug trafficking alone does not constitute an armed attack.

This resolution officially recognizes the vital role of the Latino community in outdoor recreation and natural resource protection across the United States. It expresses support for designating the third week of September as "Latino Conservation Week" to celebrate their ongoing commitment to conservation. The bill highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to nature for all communities.

The Tyler Clementi Higher Education Anti-Harassment Act of 2025 mandates that colleges receiving federal funds update their policies to explicitly prohibit and detail procedures for addressing harassment based on protected characteristics, including technology-facilitated abuse. The bill also establishes a competitive grant program, funded up to $50 million annually, to support campus efforts in harassment prevention, training, and support services. This legislation adds new requirements without superseding existing civil rights protections.

The Protecting Free Vaccines Act mandates that most private health insurance plans must cover specific vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without any out-of-pocket costs until January 1, 2030. This requirement also updates coverage rules for Medicare Part D, Medicaid, and CHIP to ensure continuity of coverage for these recommended immunizations. The bill locks in coverage based on the ACIP recommendations in place as of October 25, 2024, across various federal health programs.

The Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act establishes a new federal grant program to help states recruit and retain school paraprofessionals. Funds will be distributed to states based on their existing Title I allocations to support local districts. States must use these competitive subgrants to improve paraprofessional wages, offer professional development, and support credentialing, prioritizing high-need and rural schools. The law requires annual reporting on compensation improvements and retention efforts.

The Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 extends critical funding for the Special Diabetes Programs supporting Type 1 diabetes research and prevention. This bill commits $160 million annually for the program from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The legislation ensures continued support for these vital diabetes initiatives over the next five years.

This House Resolution strongly condemns all forms of political violence and threats against elected officials and public figures, regardless of political affiliation. It affirms that disagreements must be resolved through peaceful and democratic means, not intimidation or force. The resolution urges law enforcement to prosecute those who commit or encourage such violence. Finally, it calls on all leaders to cease using dehumanizing rhetoric and promote civil discourse.

The Responsible Retirement of Law Enforcement Firearms Act of 2025 (RRLEF Act) amends the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to require state and local agencies to cease firearm transfers with licensed dealers flagged by the ATF. Dealers are placed on a restricted list if a significant number of their traced firearms show a "short time-to-crime." Furthermore, the Act mandates increased public disclosure of firearm tracing data by the ATF, removing previous statutory restrictions on making this information public.

The Aviation Funding Stability Act of 2025 establishes an automatic mechanism to ensure the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) remains funded during a lapse in appropriations. This allows the FAA to continue essential operations using existing funds from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund until a new budget or continuing resolution is enacted. Funding will cease after 30 days if no new appropriations are passed. This ensures continuity for core FAA programs, including operations, infrastructure, and grants.

This constitutional amendment seeks to grant Congress and the states the authority to regulate contributions and expenditures in political campaigns. It specifically allows for the establishment of public financing systems to offset the influence of private money in elections. The amendment ensures that any regulations enacted must not infringe upon the freedom of the press.

The **988 LGBTQ+ Youth Access Act of 2025** addresses the high rates of suicide risk among LGBTQ youth by strengthening specialized support through the national crisis hotline. This bill mandates that dedicated resources and services, such as a specific dialing option, must be maintained for LGBTQ individuals contacting 988. Furthermore, it requires that at least 9 percent of appropriated funds for the hotline be specifically reserved to ensure these specialized services for LGBTQ youth remain fully operational.

This bill expresses the disapproval of Congress regarding a recent rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) concerning the integrity and affordability of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces. Utilizing the Congressional Review Act, this measure immediately cancels the specific CMS regulation. Consequently, the proposed changes to marketplace rules will not take effect.

The "Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act" expands Medicare coverage to include FDA-approved multi-cancer early detection screening tests starting in 2028. It defines the criteria for these tests, sets payment guidelines, and establishes age and frequency limitations for coverage. The bill ensures that existing cancer screening coverage remains unaffected and allows for waivers of limitations based on recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating the week of September 20 through September 27, 2025, as "National Estuaries Week." It highlights the critical economic and environmental value of estuaries, which support millions of jobs and provide vital natural protection for coastal communities. The bill aims to raise public awareness about the need to protect and restore these essential ecosystems.