Legislative Activity

The Ensuring Military Readiness Not Discrimination Act mandates that military service eligibility and personnel policies be based solely on an individual's ability to meet occupational standards. It prohibits discrimination within the Armed Forces based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex, explicitly including gender identity, sexual orientation, and sex characteristics. This legislation ensures equal treatment and opportunity for all service members.

The Saving the Civil Service Act protects the merit-based federal workforce by restricting the ability of agencies to reclassify competitive service positions into the excepted service. The bill establishes strict oversight, limits the number of positions that can be transferred, and mandates employee consent for such reclassifications. These measures ensure that federal staffing remains professional and protected from arbitrary political interference.

The Equal COLA Act amends the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) to ensure that retirees receive the full annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This legislation eliminates current discrepancies in calculation methods, providing federal annuitants with a COLA that matches the full percentage change in the price index.

The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2025 expands Medicare coverage to include all services legally authorized under a chiropractor’s state license, moving beyond the current restriction limited to manual spinal manipulation. This legislation aligns Medicare benefits with private insurance and other federal health programs to better reflect modern chiropractic practice. To provide these expanded services, chiropractors will be required to complete a one-time training program verified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The Veterans Member Business Loan Act amends the Federal Credit Union Act to include loans made to veterans within the definition of "member business loans." This change aims to expand access to capital for veteran-owned businesses by facilitating easier lending through credit unions.

The Department of Education Protection Act prohibits the Department of Education from using federal funds to reorganize, decentralize, or reduce its staffing and operations. This legislation mandates that the Department must maintain the structure, authority, and functions that were in place as of January 1, 2025.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

The Prevent Tariff Abuse Act amends the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to restrict the President's authority to impose import duties or quotas. This bill clarifies that emergency economic powers do not include the ability to levy trade restrictions on goods entering the United States.

The Reliability for Ratepayers Act authorizes the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to establish a flexible, market-based compensation system independent of standard federal pay schedules. This change is designed to help the agency attract and retain the skilled workforce necessary to maintain reliable operations. By aligning salaries with comparable public-sector electric utilities, the bill aims to support the BPA’s mission of providing cost-effective power to consumers.

The PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act establishes a $25 million grant program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to fund peer-to-peer mental health support for veterans. This initiative provides grants to eligible organizations to hire veteran peer specialists, offer 24/7 nonclinical support, and ensure veteran privacy by prohibiting the collection of personally identifying information.

The TRUST in Congress Act requires Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children to place covered financial investments into qualified blind trusts to prevent conflicts of interest. The bill establishes strict deadlines for asset transfers and mandates public certification of compliance. These measures ensure that lawmakers cannot influence or benefit from their personal investments while serving in office.

Goldie’s Act strengthens the Animal Welfare Act by mandating more rigorous USDA inspections and requiring the prompt confiscation of animals suffering from neglect. The bill increases financial penalties for violators, ensures the immediate sharing of violation records with local law enforcement, and establishes stricter oversight to prevent future animal abuse.

The HEADWAY Act updates credentialing requirements for Early Head Start teachers to improve workforce accessibility while maintaining quality standards. The bill mandates that each classroom have at least one fully qualified teacher, while requiring all other staff to actively pursue a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. To support this professional development, agencies are required to provide mentorship for teachers working toward their certifications.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to health insurance by removing the 400% federal poverty level income cap for premium tax credits. It also introduces a new sliding-scale contribution formula to ensure that insurance costs remain affordable for households across all income levels. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The Rural Telehealth and Education Enhancement Act of 2025 extends the federal Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program through 2030. This legislation ensures continued support for critical remote healthcare and educational infrastructure in rural communities.

The CAREERS Act expands and extends rural workforce training programs to better align education with local economic needs. By broadening eligibility for training providers and supporting diverse industry sectors, the bill aims to address rural workforce challenges like youth migration and aging populations. Additionally, it introduces enhanced reporting requirements to ensure programs effectively improve employment and earnings outcomes for rural participants through 2030.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025 mandates a comprehensive GAO study to evaluate the quality, accessibility, and effectiveness of menopause-related care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Following this assessment, the VA is required to develop a strategic plan to implement improvements and address gaps in care. This legislation aims to ensure veterans receive high-quality, informed support throughout all stages of menopause.

The Dental Care for Veterans Act aims to improve veterans' access to dental care by integrating it more closely with other medical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This bill removes specific limitations and updates existing code to allow the Secretary to provide comprehensive dental care, including dentures and appliances. The implementation of these expanded benefits will be phased in over four years, prioritizing veterans based on existing eligibility criteria. Additionally, the bill makes necessary clerical updates to reflect these changes in the U.S. Code.

The Capitol Remembrance Act mandates the creation of a permanent exhibit within the Capitol Building to memorialize the January 6, 2021, attack. This exhibit will feature damaged property, photographs, and a plaque honoring law enforcement, fallen heroes, injured officers, and Capitol staff. The goal is to ensure future generations understand the events of that day and the sacrifices made to protect the Capitol. Appropriations are authorized to complete the exhibit within two years.