Legislative Activity

The End Driving While Intoxicated Act of 2025 aims to combat rising drunk driving fatalities by establishing a national standard for ignition interlock devices (IIDs). This bill mandates that states require DWI offenders to use IIDs for a minimum of 180 days or face penalties involving the withholding of federal highway funds. The legislation seeks to leverage the proven effectiveness of IIDs in reducing repeat offenses across the country.

The Tax Cut for Workers Act of 2025 significantly expands the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for workers without qualifying children by permanently lowering the minimum age, eliminating the maximum age, and substantially increasing the credit amount. It also allows taxpayers to elect to use higher prior-year earned income when calculating the current year's credit. Furthermore, the bill removes expiration dates for applying EITC rules in certain U.S. territories.

The Invest to Protect Act of 2025 establishes a new, streamlined grant program within the Department of Justice to support small local and Tribal law enforcement agencies (under 175 officers). These funds are specifically designated for officer training, mental health resources, and recruitment/retention bonuses. The law mandates a rapid application process and includes strict accountability measures, such as audits and public reporting of bonuses. Congress is authorized to appropriate up to $50 million annually for this program through fiscal year 2031.

The Raise the Wage Act of 2025 establishes a phased increase of the federal minimum wage, culminating in a \$17.00 per hour rate five years after enactment, followed by automatic annual adjustments tied to median wage growth. This bill also phases out the lower minimum wage for tipped employees and workers under 20, ensuring they eventually earn the standard federal minimum wage. Furthermore, it sets a schedule to eliminate subminimum wages for individuals with disabilities and prohibits the issuance of new special certificates allowing for lower pay.

The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act of 2025 establishes federal minimum standards for collective bargaining rights for public employees across the nation. It requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to review state laws to ensure they substantially provide these minimum rights, including the right to organize and bargain collectively. If a state fails to meet these standards, the FLRA will administer federal labor relations rules for the uncovered employees. The Act also prohibits strikes or lockouts that would measurably disrupt emergency or public safety services.

The VA Funding and Workforce Protection Act ensures that congressionally appropriated funds for the Department of Veterans Affairs cannot be unilaterally withheld or transferred without explicit new authorization from Congress. This legislation also provides significant protections for VA personnel by exempting the agency from presidential hiring freezes for a four-year period and establishing strict notification requirements before layoffs or removals of probationary employees can occur. Finally, the Secretary of the VA must regularly certify compliance with these new funding and personnel mandates to relevant Congressional committees.

This bill officially terminates the national emergency that the President declared on April 2, 2025, under Executive Order 14257. It utilizes the authority of the National Emergencies Act to immediately end the emergency declaration. Consequently, all special powers and authorities activated by that declaration are rescinded.

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act aims to disallow businesses from deducting federal income taxes for expenses incurred while attempting to influence employees regarding union organization or activities. This change is intended to stop companies from subsidizing anti-union campaigns through tax write-offs. The bill also establishes new, significant reporting requirements and penalties for businesses and third-party consultants who engage in these influence expenditures.

The Tax Fairness for Workers Act restores key federal tax deductions for employees, effective after 2024. This legislation makes union dues fully deductible "above the line," meaning they reduce Adjusted Gross Income without itemizing. Additionally, it allows itemizers to deduct certain other job-related business expenses that were previously limited.

The Russia-North Korea Cooperation Sanctions Act imposes penalties on foreign individuals and entities that facilitate the transfer of North Korean weapons to Russia for use in its war against Ukraine. This legislation mandates asset freezes and visa bans against those involved in arms deals, logistics, or related financial transactions. Furthermore, the Act requires the President to report regularly to Congress on sanctions enforcement and the U.S. strategy to counter this cooperation.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act significantly overhauls federal regulation of gun dealers by mandating enhanced physical security, stricter inventory tracking, and increased record-keeping requirements. The bill repeals outdated restrictions on the ATF, increases licensing fees, and establishes new regulations for online firearm transfer facilitators. Furthermore, it strengthens enforcement by increasing penalties for compliance failures and mandating more frequent inspections for high-risk dealers.

The STOP Violence Act of 2025 authorizes $20 million in new federal grants to help public assembly facilities prepare for and defend against mass violence. This funding is specifically designated for training, technical assistance, and compensation to enhance security at places like schools, stadiums, and shopping centers. The Act clearly defines "mass violence" to include both active shooter incidents and targeted violence against specific locations or groups.

The Defending American Diplomacy Act prohibits the Secretary of State from implementing any reorganization of the State Department without specific statutory authorization from Congress and the submission of a detailed plan. This plan must thoroughly analyze the impact on foreign policy goals, operations, and personnel. If the Secretary proceeds without authorization, specific funding restrictions against the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel for high-level appointees will take effect.

The IDEA Full Funding Act establishes mandatory, increasing funding levels for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) programs through fiscal year 2035. This legislation sets specific appropriation targets based on student counts and national average spending to ensure greater financial support for special education services. Furthermore, the bill requires that these new IDEA appropriations adhere to "cut-as-you-go" budget offset rules.

The Convenient Contraception Act amends current law to require group health plans and individual health insurance coverage to allow individuals to obtain a full 365-day supply of covered contraceptives at one time. This upfront, year-long supply must be provided without any cost-sharing requirements like copays or deductibles. This provision takes effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the Trump administration's planned tariffs on Canada and Mexico violate the spirit and terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Congress is urging the President to cease imposing these tariffs, which threaten to undermine the vital trade relationship established by the USMCA. The measure affirms strong support for the existing trade agreement and its framework for fair commerce.

The Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 imposes sweeping economic penalties on the Russian Federation in response to its aggression against Ukraine. This legislation mandates severe, immediate sanctions against key Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy sector entities, including asset freezes and trade prohibitions. Furthermore, the Act dramatically increases import duties on Russian goods and requires the President to review and reimpose these measures until Russia negotiates a lasting peace with Ukraine.

The Arts Education for All Act aims to elevate the status and accessibility of arts education across the entire educational spectrum. It mandates evidence-based training for early childhood providers, requires states to integrate arts education into core academic planning and public reporting, and authorizes the use of the arts in juvenile and adult offender reentry programs. Furthermore, the bill directs federal research agencies to study the impact of the arts and restores arts assessment to the national testing schedule.

The Hot Foods Act of 2025 removes the general federal ban on using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase hot, ready-to-eat foods. This legislation clarifies that hot foods are now eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, while also setting a new rule that limits SNAP-participating retailers to deriving no more than 50% of their gross sales from these ready-to-eat hot items. The act updates existing statutes to reflect this expanded purchasing power for recipients.

The Heating and Cooling Relief Act aims to significantly expand and modernize energy assistance for low-income families facing high utility costs and extreme weather. It increases funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), streamlines eligibility requirements, and mandates that energy suppliers take steps to prevent shutoffs and eliminate late fees for recipients. Furthermore, the bill prioritizes using funds for weatherization and home retrofitting to reduce fossil fuel dependence and improve climate resilience for vulnerable households.