Legislative Activity

The "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act" amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit colleges and universities from supporting events promoting antisemitism. Antisemitism is defined using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition. This bill aims to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for Jewish students on college campuses by preventing the authorization, facilitation, funding, or support of antisemitic events.

The "Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act" introduces the Affordable Housing Conversion Credit, a tax incentive for converting non-residential buildings into affordable housing units. This credit covers 20% to 35% of qualified conversion costs, depending on the location and project type, with a national cap of $12 billion allocated to states based on population and economic need. To qualify, conversions must meet specific criteria, including affordability requirements and building age, aimed at boosting affordable housing options and revitalizing communities. The credit is transferable and applies to buildings placed in service after the Act's enactment.

The Raise the Age Act of 2025 prohibits licensed firearm dealers from selling certain semiautomatic rifles and shotguns to individuals under 21, with exceptions for active military members and law enforcement officers. It also requires purchasers of these firearms to certify they are at least 21 or a "qualified individual". Additionally, the Act mandates a report from the FBI Director on improving information-sharing protocols for the FBI's public access line.

The American Families United Act grants the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security discretionary authority to provide relief to certain undocumented immigrants who are the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, if deportation or denial of relief would cause hardship to the citizen family member. This includes the ability to terminate removal proceedings, waive grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, or grant permission to reapply for admission. The Act does not apply to aliens inadmissible or deportable on criminal or security grounds. It also allows for motions to reopen or reconsider denied petitions or removal orders based on the new discretionary authority, with certain time limitations.

The Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act mandates terrorism-related sanctions on the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) and associated individuals/entities due to their involvement in terrorist activities, including the October 7, 2023, attack against Israel. It requires the President to block assets and impose visa restrictions on those affiliated with the PRC, with exceptions for national security and humanitarian reasons. Additionally, the Act directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on whether Lions Den and the PRC should be designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

The "Brake for Kids Act of 2025" directs the Secretary of Transportation to launch a national public safety campaign educating the public on the dangers of illegally passing stopped school buses. This campaign will utilize various media platforms, including television, radio, and social media, and will be funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The goal is to raise awareness and prevent accidents involving children near school buses.

The "Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act" directs the Attorney General to produce a series of reports analyzing attacks against law enforcement officers, unreported aggression towards officers, and the mental health and wellness of officers. These reports will include data collection and recommendations for improving training programs, protective gear, and mental health resources for law enforcement. The goal is to provide federal resources to law enforcement and deter attacks against officers. The Attorney General will consult with various stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies and relevant organizations, to develop these reports.

This resolution recognizes the significant gender pay gap, where women earn less than men for comparable work, and highlights the economic impact this disparity has on women, families, and the nation. It also acknowledges the disproportionate effect on women of color. The resolution reaffirms the commitment to achieving equal pay and reducing the gender wage gap.

The Paycheck Fairness Act aims to strengthen and enhance enforcement of equal pay requirements by redefining "sex," modifying the "bona fide factor" defense for pay disparities, broadening the definition of "same establishment," strengthening non-retaliation protections, and enhancing penalties for employers who violate equal pay provisions. The Act also requires training programs, research, education, and outreach initiatives to eliminate pay disparities, and establishes a National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace. Additionally, the Act directs the EEOC to collect compensation data, reinstates pay equity programs, prohibits the use of wage history in determining salary, and establishes a National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force to improve compliance and enforcement of equal pay laws.

The "Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act" aims to reduce fraud within Medicaid by requiring states to cross-reference the Death Master File when enrolling and regularly screening Medicaid providers and suppliers to ensure they are not deceased, starting January 1, 2027.

The "National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act" mandates the National Weather Service to modernize its communication system by October 1, 2027, replacing NWSChat with a commercial instant messaging service hosted on a public cloud. This upgrade aims to enhance user experience, accommodate growth, and improve performance. The Act allocates up to $3,000,000 annually from 2026 to 2029, using existing National Weather Service funds for the project.

This bill validates the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) as a valid part of the U.S. Constitution. It asserts that the ERA has been ratified by the required number of states, regardless of any previously set time limits.

The Foreign Investment Guardrails to Help Thwart (FIGHT) China Act aims to protect U.S. national security by imposing sanctions and investment restrictions related to China. It authorizes the President to sanction foreign entities involved in activities against U.S. interests and prohibits certain investments in sensitive technologies linked to countries of concern, particularly China. The act also requires notification of investments in covered national security technologies and mandates reports to Congress on enforcement and international cooperation. Additionally, it addresses securities-related concerns by requiring scrutiny of entities on specific lists to determine their eligibility for inclusion on the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, and prohibits U.S. persons from holding securities of entities on that list.

The "No Tax on LOSAP Act" amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the amount of qualified payments excluded from gross income for volunteer firefighters and EMS providers from $50 to $1,000. It also clarifies that payments under length of service award programs (LOSAP) are considered qualified payments, ensuring these benefits are not taxed. These changes apply to awards and payments made after the enactment of this bill.

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the asset test for taxable Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) subsidiaries. It increases the allowable percentage of assets a REIT can hold in a taxable subsidiary from 20 percent to 25 percent. This change applies to taxable years starting after December 31, 2025.

The Air America Act of 2025 authorizes the Director of the CIA to award payments to former employees of Air America and affiliated companies who supported the U.S. government between 1950 and 1976, or to their survivors. Eligible individuals or their survivors could receive up to $40,000 for five years of qualifying service, with additional amounts for longer service, with a cap on total awards at $60 million. The Act establishes application procedures, limitations on attorney fees, and prohibits judicial review of the Director's decisions, while also requiring regular reports to Congress on the status of the award payments. This act does not qualify anyone for federal benefits like retirement, disability, or death benefits.

This bill establishes a commission to study the potential creation of a National Museum of Irish American History in Washington, D.C. The commission will explore the museum's feasibility, including fundraising, location, governance, and potential inclusion within the Smithsonian Institution. It requires the commission to submit reports, fundraising plans, and legislative recommendations to the President and Congress, with the goal of establishing and maintaining the museum through public contributions without federal funding. The commission will terminate 30 days after submitting the final reports and plans.

The "Protect Postal Performance Act" modifies the procedures for the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding the closure or consolidation of post offices and processing and distribution centers. It mandates public hearings and transparency requirements for proposed closures, limits closures based on proximity to other post offices or population served, and restricts the USPS from closing or downgrading processing centers if it impacts mail delivery. The bill also requires Postal Regulatory Commission review of proposed changes to mail processing facilities and transportation optimization efforts.

The Major Richard Star Act allows eligible combat-disabled veterans to receive both their retirement pay and disability compensation. This eliminates the previous offset that reduced retirement pay for those receiving disability compensation. The changes apply to payments beginning the month after enactment.

The HELPER Act of 2025 amends the National Housing Act to establish an FHA mortgage insurance program for first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and teachers. This program allows the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to insure mortgages up to 100% of the appraised value for eligible first-time homebuyers, waiving down payment requirements but requiring an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Mortgagors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being a first-time homebuyer, completing a housing counseling program, and meeting employment and good standing requirements as a first responder. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2032 and requires reauthorization of the program after 5 years.