Legislative Activity

The PROTECT Act of 2026 mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to list all perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom as hazardous air pollutants. This action requires the EPA to identify and list the specific source categories that emit these newly designated hazardous substances under the Clean Air Act.

This resolution commemorates the 15th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, Tucson shooting, honoring the six lives lost and the thirteen injured. It specifically commends the courage and ongoing advocacy of gun violence survivor and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. The resolution also recognizes the resilience of the community and reaffirms a commitment to ending political violence.

The Stop Unfair Medicaid Recoveries Act prohibits states from imposing new liens on an individual's home for Medicaid benefits already paid. This legislation also stops states from initiating or continuing efforts to recover the costs of correctly paid Medicaid benefits from an individual's estate. Furthermore, existing liens related to these recoveries must be withdrawn shortly after the law is enacted.

This bill officially designates the week of September 15 through September 21, 2024, as "National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week." It recognizes the significant achievements and goals of these vital institutions across the nation. The resolution encourages public observance with appropriate activities to demonstrate support for Hispanic-Serving Institutions during Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Buy Now, Pay Later Protection Act of 2025 aims to enhance consumer safeguards for "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) loans. It amends the Truth in Lending Act to apply specific credit card protections, such as dispute resolution rights, to these short-term installment loans. Furthermore, the bill subjects BNPL lenders to direct federal supervision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB is required to issue implementing rules within one year of enactment.

The Honoring Family-Friendly Workplaces Act establishes a national certification program, administered by the Secretary of Labor, to recognize employers who support work-life balance. To qualify, employers must meet rigorous standards, including offering at least 12 weeks of paid family leave and providing childcare assistance and flexible work options. This certification aims to encourage and publicly acknowledge businesses that actively help employees manage family responsibilities.

The Lowering American Energy Costs Act of 2025 seeks to reduce domestic energy prices by restricting the export of natural gas. Citing findings that exports increase consumer costs and harm the environment, the bill mandates the President to establish rules prohibiting most U.S. natural gas exports. Any exemptions to this prohibition must align with the national interest and receive approval via a joint resolution of Congress.

The GRACE Act establishes the Guaranteed Refugee Admission Ceiling Enhancement Act to reform how the annual number of refugee admissions is set, requiring a minimum of 125,000 plus an additional amount for privately sponsored refugees. The bill mandates detailed quarterly public reporting on admission progress and processing statistics, including security checks and circuit ride operations. It also requires the President to submit plans if admissions fall significantly below the annual goal.

The PROTECT Immigration Act of 2025 aims to centralize immigration enforcement exclusively with federal officials. This legislation amends existing law to restrict state and local entities from inquiring about, apprehending, or detaining individuals based on immigration status, with only three specific statutory exceptions. Essentially, it removes the authority granted under Section 287(g) from non-federal personnel.

This bill mandates the President to immediately remove all United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela. This action is required unless Congress has specifically authorized the use of military force. The legislation aims to ensure that military engagement in Venezuela requires explicit Congressional approval.

This bill directs the President to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities involving designated terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Such withdrawal must occur unless Congress has explicitly authorized the military action through a declaration of war or a specific use of force authorization. The directive is issued under the authority of the War Powers Resolution.

The Bridge to Summer Nutrition Act of 2025 aims to strengthen summer food assistance programs by increasing federal support for state administrative costs. Specifically, it mandates that the USDA reimburse states 90% of their monthly administrative expenses for operating summer electronic benefit transfer (EBT) programs for children. This increased funding also applies to administrative costs for regular SNAP operations.

The Environmental Justice Screening Tool Act of 2025 mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a public online mapping tool within one year to identify communities disproportionately burdened by environmental, climate, health, economic, and social factors. This tool will use specific thresholds across various categories to flag census tracts needing attention. Federal agencies must then adopt this tool to prioritize funding and resources for the identified communities.

This bill requires reimbursement to the Treasury for Secret Service protection costs incurred during presidential travel for personal business interests. It also restricts the President's business activities while in office and mandates new reporting requirements related to presidential libraries. Finally, it creates an exception to the Federal Tort Claims Act allowing certain current or former high-ranking officials to sue the government for damages.

The Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act aims to strengthen protections and expand benefits for part-time and temporary employees. The legislation eliminates restrictive hours-of-service requirements for FMLA leave and prohibits discrimination based on hours worked regarding pay, benefits, and promotion opportunities. Additionally, it mandates that employers offer available work hours to existing staff before hiring new employees or contractors.

This resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS globally by supporting critical prevention and treatment efforts. It emphasizes the need to close gaps in care, particularly for women and children in high-burden areas, and supports expanding access to testing, antiretroviral therapy, and new prevention methods. The bill specifically encourages continued U.S. leadership through initiatives like PEPFAR to achieve the goal of eliminating new pediatric HIV infections by 2030.

The Schedules That Work Act aims to provide workers with greater stability and predictability in their work hours. It grants employees the right to request flexible or stable schedules and requires employers to engage in a good-faith discussion about these requests. For covered sector employees (like retail and food service), the bill mandates 14 days' advance notice of schedules and establishes "predictability pay" for last-minute changes or split shifts. The Act also grants employees the right to 11 hours of rest between shifts, with premium pay required if this rest period is violated.

The Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2025 strengthens survivor benefits for miners who died from black lung disease by creating stronger legal presumptions and restoring older disability definitions. The bill also establishes a new program to cover certain attorney fees and medical costs for protracted claims, paid initially by the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. Finally, it mandates a Government Accountability Office review of interim benefit recoupment, payment sufficiency, and survivor claim regulations.

The UPLIFT Act establishes a new, refundable residential energy tax credit for taxpayers facing significant increases in electricity, natural gas, or propane costs. This credit, capped at \$1,200 or \$2,400 for joint filers, is only available when energy price inflation exceeds 2% year-over-year. The benefit is subject to an income-based phase-out for higher-earning households.

The Restore Trust in Government Act establishes strict new federal restrictions on senior government officials and their immediate families regarding the ownership and trading of specific financial investments. Covered individuals must divest existing investments that fall under the law's definition within a set timeframe, with limited exceptions. Violators face significant financial penalties, including a 10% fee on the investment value and disgorgement of any profits earned from prohibited transactions.