Legislative Activity

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 "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.

This resolution requests the President to submit documents to the House of Representatives regarding the use of AI technologies involving Elon Musk or the United States DOGE Service within federal agencies since January 20, 2025. It seeks information on the types of data used, individuals involved in decision-making, concerns about privacy and legal violations, and the potential impact on federal expenditures and programs. The request aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the deployment of AI and its potential effects on Americans.

This resolution directs the President to submit all unedited documents and communications pertaining to background checks, investigations, and security clearances of individuals associated with the United States DOGE Service or any DOGE agency team, including Elon Musk, to the House of Representatives. The requested documents must be provided within 14 days of the resolution's adoption, contingent on their availability to the President.

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.

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 Virginia Beach Heroes Act ensures that donations made to support the families of law enforcement officers killed in Virginia Beach on February 22, 2025, qualify as charitable contributions, even if they are specifically for those families. It also clarifies that payments made by charitable organizations to the families of these officers will be considered as fulfilling the organization's exempt purpose, as long as the payments are made in good faith using a reasonable and consistent formula.

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 "FACT Act" renames the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Committee and extends its operation until December 31, 2026, to continue overseeing federal spending and preventing fraud. The Act also updates references to reflect changes in the U.S. Code.

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 Pakistan Democracy Act aims to support democracy in Pakistan by mandating the U.S. Secretary of State to determine if sanctions should be imposed on General Asim Munir. It also authorizes sanctions on individuals involved in the wrongful persecution and imprisonment of political detainees, including Imran Khan, by restricting their entry into the United States. The President has the authority to waive these sanctions under certain conditions, with required certification to Congress.

The "Saving NIST's Workforce Act" prevents the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) from conducting layoffs or involuntary separations of employees. This moratorium is in effect until full-year funding is secured for fiscal year 2026. Exceptions are made only in cases of employee misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency.

The "Saving NOAA's Workforce Act" prevents the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from initiating any workforce reductions or involuntary employee separations. This moratorium is in effect until the full-year appropriations for NOAA are enacted for fiscal year 2026. Exceptions are made only in cases of employee misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency.

The "Saving NSFs Workforce Act" prevents the National Science Foundation (NSF) from conducting layoffs or involuntary employee separations until full funding is secured for fiscal year 2026. Exceptions are made for employee misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency. This moratorium aims to stabilize the NSF workforce during a period of funding uncertainty.

The Saving DOE's Workforce Act prohibits the Department of Energy from conducting workforce reductions or involuntary employee separations until full-year appropriations for fiscal year 2026 are enacted. This moratorium excludes actions due to misconduct, delinquency, or inefficiency and applies to employees in the competitive service, excepted service, and Senior Executive Service. The new law does not override any other authorities regarding adverse personnel actions.

The "Saving NASAs Workforce Act" prevents NASA from conducting layoffs or involuntarily separating employees until the full budget for fiscal year 2026 is approved. This moratorium protects most NASA employees, with exceptions only for cases of misconduct or poor performance. The bill aims to stabilize NASA's workforce during a period of budget uncertainty. This is in addition to any other existing regulations regarding adverse personnel actions.

The "Protect Our Watchdogs Act of 2025" establishes that a President may only remove an Inspector General for specific causes, such as neglect of duty, malfeasance, or abuse of authority. Any removal must be documented with the specific reasons for the removal. This ensures Inspectors General can effectively perform their duties without political interference.

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 "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" mandates the transition of TSA personnel management systems to align with Title 5 of the U.S. Code, ensuring TSA employees receive similar rights and protections as other federal employees, including collective bargaining rights. It protects current pay and benefits during the transition, requires consultation with employee representatives, and addresses concerns related to employee well-being, safety, and diversity. The Act also calls for reports and plans to improve recruitment, address workplace harassment, and update background check requirements.