Legislative Activity

The FRESHER Act of 2025 aims to regulate stormwater runoff from oil, gas, and mining operations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This legislation modifies existing permit requirements and mandates a study by the Secretary of the Interior on the contamination risks associated with this runoff. The resulting report will detail measurable contamination and the susceptibility of groundwater resources to pollution from these operations.

This bill, the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2025, establishes a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Peoples within the Department of State. It codifies U.S. policy to actively combat international criminalization, violence, and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals worldwide. The legislation also mandates enhanced reporting on these abuses in annual human rights reports and authorizes assistance to support related protection efforts abroad.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the United States officially recognizes the State of Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. It details extensive evidence supporting this finding, including mass casualties, systematic destruction of infrastructure, and severe humanitarian crisis. Consequently, the bill calls for the immediate halt of all U.S. military and financial assistance to Israel until compliance with international court orders is verified. Furthermore, it demands the U.S. use its leverage to support international investigations and ensure robust funding for humanitarian aid through UNRWA.

The VA Work-Study Improvement Act expands approved work-study locations to include state/local government agencies and nonprofits that benefit veterans. It establishes a clear standard for the minimum hourly wage paid to participants and mandates the use of electronic timesheets. Furthermore, the bill requires the VA to annually publish detailed data regarding the work-study program's activities and participants.

The Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act establishes a five-year pilot program to expand eligibility for the VA work-study allowance to veterans pursuing certain educational or training programs at a half-time enrollment level. This allows more student veterans to benefit from work-study opportunities without meeting the current three-quarter-time enrollment requirement. Additionally, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is required to submit annual reports detailing participation and outcomes for veterans in the work-study program.

The Seniors Deserve SMARTER Care Act of 2025 prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model under Medicare. This legislation specifically blocks the implementation of the prior authorization requirements associated with the WISeR Model. The goal is to prevent the adoption of this particular payment and service delivery model.

The Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 ensures that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) continue to operate without interruption in fiscal year 2026 if standard appropriations are delayed. If funding lapses, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to use funds from the Treasury to provide benefits and reimburse state agencies. This special funding remains in effect until full appropriations are enacted or until September 30, 2026.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House that the Department of Agriculture should utilize its existing contingency funds and interchange authority to ensure the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains fully funded. The bill specifically urges the administration to immediately use these resources to finance SNAP operations, particularly during potential government funding lapses. This action is deemed crucial to support millions of vulnerable Americans, including children, seniors, and veterans, who rely on these benefits.

This resolution designates October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to highlight the widespread and devastating impact of intimate partner violence across all demographics. It recognizes the urgent need to eliminate domestic violence and supports increased funding for intervention and prevention programs. The resolution underscores the severe physical, emotional, and economic toll this abuse takes on individuals, families, and communities.

The American Energy Independence and Affordability Act is a comprehensive bill designed to lower energy costs by extending and adjusting key tax incentives across energy production, efficiency, and clean vehicle adoption. It stabilizes support for renewable energy manufacturing, extends deadlines for energy-efficient building credits, and ensures consumer incentives for electric vehicles remain available through 2032. Overall, the legislation aims to provide long-term certainty for energy investments and consumer adoption of cleaner technologies.

This resolution officially recognizes the annual celebration of Día de los Muertos in the United States, honoring its rich cultural significance and traditions of remembrance. It connects the spirit of honoring ancestors to the need for compassion and accountability regarding lives lost in immigration detention. The bill urges federal agencies to protect the dignity and rights of individuals in custody, especially during culturally significant times. Ultimately, it calls for honoring human dignity through remembrance and ensuring humane treatment for all.

The Plant-Powered School Meals Pilot Act establishes a three-year grant program to help school food authorities offer 100% plant-based meal options, prioritizing culturally appropriate and educational components. Additionally, the bill clarifies and expands requirements for schools to substitute fluid milk with nutritionally equivalent nondairy beverages to accommodate medical, religious, or personal dietary needs. A separate pilot program is also created to help cover the costs associated with providing these nondairy substitutes based on written requests.

This resolution officially recognizes the significant and systemic pay disparities faced by disabled women compared to both disabled and non-disabled men. It highlights stark statistics showing disabled women earn substantially less across various racial and ethnic groups. While not enacting new law, the resolution reaffirms Congress's commitment to addressing the underlying barriers that perpetuate this unfair wage gap.

This resolution is an official request from the House of Representatives demanding the President promptly transmit specific documents related to government communications during a funding lapse. Congress seeks records detailing directives from the OMB and messaging used by agencies like HUD and Education that explicitly blamed political opponents for a potential shutdown. The inquiry also requires information on whether these communications potentially violated federal rules regarding political activity by government employees.

The FALCON Act of 2025 mandates that federal employees, contractors, and grant recipients must cooperate with requests from an agency's Inspector General (IG) within 60 days. Failure to comply can result in administrative discipline for employees or adverse actions for contractors, as determined by the agency head. The IG must report any non-compliance to Congress and the relevant agency head within 30 days of determination. This legislation strengthens oversight by ensuring timely access to information for internal watchdogs.

The SAFE TRACKS Act requires states to update their highway-rail grade crossing safety plans to specifically address and reduce pedestrian fatalities and suicides along railroad tracks. These updated plans must detail collaboration strategies with railroads, mental health agencies, and law enforcement. States are mandated to submit these comprehensive safety reports to the Federal Railroad Administration every five years.

The Every Child Deserves a Head Start Act of 2025 aims to solidify the foundational support for the Head Start program, recognizing its vital role in early childhood development. This bill permanently establishes the structure and staffing levels of the Office of Head Start, including its 12 regional offices, as they existed before January 20, 2025. The legislation strictly limits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from altering this established structure or reducing staff without specific Congressional notification procedures. Ultimately, the Act ensures the consistent delivery of essential educational and support services to eligible children and families nationwide.

This resolution expresses the strong support of the House of Representatives for designating the second Monday in October 2025 as "Indigenous Peoples' Day." It aims to formally recognize and honor the history, culture, and enduring contributions of Indigenous Peoples in the United States. The measure encourages public observance and supports the eventual establishment of this day as an official Federal holiday.

This resolution is an official request demanding the President transmit specific, unredacted documents to the House of Representatives within 14 days. Congress is seeking all communications and records related to potential furloughs, layoffs, or the withholding of pay for federal employees due to a funding lapse beginning October 1, 2025. The request specifically targets documents concerning legal opinions that might undermine the requirement to pay furloughed workers after appropriations resume.

The WIC Benefits Protection Act mandates that all states must operate the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This legislation also guarantees permanent, mandatory funding for WIC starting in fiscal year 2026, ensuring the program has the necessary resources annually. Furthermore, it clarifies eligibility language within the program's governing statute.