Legislative Activity

The No Biometric Barriers to Housing Act of 2025 prohibits owners of federally assisted rental housing from using facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and other remote biometric surveillance technologies one year after enactment. This measure aims to prevent discrimination and ensure fair access to affordable housing by banning specific high-tech surveillance tools. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to report to Congress on the past use and potential impacts of such technologies on tenants.

The Stealthing Act of 2025 establishes a federal civil right of action against individuals who remove a sexual protection barrier, such as a condom, during sexual contact without the partner's consent. This law recognizes the non-consensual removal of protection as a serious violation exposing victims to risks like STIs and pregnancy. Victims can sue for damages if the act involved interstate travel, commerce, or communication.

This bill reauthorizes the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection program, ensuring its continued operation to gather historical documents related to unsolved civil rights investigations. It strengthens the Civil Rights Cold Case Review Board's authority to obtain and expedite the public release of federal, state, and local records, removing previous opt-out exceptions for state and local entities. Furthermore, the legislation extends the tenure of the Review Board from seven to eleven years to complete its review process.

The Tenants’ Right to Organize Act establishes and protects the right of tenants receiving federal rental assistance, including Section 8 voucher holders and those in LIHTC projects, to form and participate in tenant organizations without fear of retaliation. The bill mandates that Public Housing Agencies and property owners must recognize these legitimate groups, consider their concerns, and respond to their feedback. Furthermore, it creates new enforcement mechanisms, allows tenants to sue for violations, and establishes funding for technical assistance and training for tenant groups.

The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act of 2025 ensures that group health plans and insurers must cover diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. This means no deductibles, copayments, or coinsurance will apply to these necessary exams. These provisions take effect for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.

This bill amends the Social Security Act to limit the amount the Social Security Administration can withhold from a person's monthly benefit to recover an overpayment. Unless the individual agrees to a higher rate, the SSA can withhold no more than 10 percent of a monthly benefit payment to recoup accidental overpayments. This new limit applies to existing and future unrecovered overpayments under Title II benefits.

This bill establishes a new dedicated position within the Small Business Administration (SBA) to exclusively assist small businesses in setting up and navigating Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). This expert will provide guidance on compliance, valuation, and resource connection for businesses interested in employee ownership. The Act also mandates annual reporting to Congress detailing the assistance provided and offering recommendations for improving the ESOP process. Funding is authorized as necessary, with a specific initial appropriation of $500,000 for the first fiscal year.

This bill amends Medicare rules to cap the out-of-pocket coinsurance amount beneficiaries must pay for certain services provided in an Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC). If the standard ASC coinsurance exceeds the annual inpatient hospital deductible, the beneficiary's cost will be limited to that deductible amount. The Secretary will cover the difference owed to the ASC.

This resolution expresses strong support for honoring Earth Day and recognizes its historical importance in launching the modern environmental movement. It highlights ongoing challenges like climate change while celebrating recent landmark investments in clean energy and infrastructure. Ultimately, the bill urges the President to issue a proclamation recognizing Earth Day and encourages all Americans to take sustained action to protect the environment for future generations.

This resolution officially designates April 2025 as "Community College Month" to celebrate the vital role of over 1,000 community colleges nationwide. It recognizes these institutions for providing accessible, affordable higher education and critical workforce training. The bill highlights their significant economic contributions and commitment to local community needs.

The STRONG Support for Children Act of 2025 establishes two new federal grant programs aimed at preventing and mitigating childhood trauma. The first program funds data-driven strategies to identify high-risk neighborhoods and implement community-based interventions for children aged 0-17. The second program provides Care Coordination Grants specifically for young children (0-5) and their caregivers to connect them with trauma-informed support services. Both initiatives emphasize using culturally responsive, strength-based approaches while strictly prohibiting the use of funds for individual case decisions or increased law enforcement surveillance.

The Deafblind DATA Act aims to establish a more accurate count of Americans who are deafblind by directing the Census Bureau to cross-reference existing survey data. This new law mandates the annual publication of a public table detailing the demographic and economic characteristics of the deafblind population by state, starting in 2026. The goal is to provide essential data to ensure these individuals receive necessary support and resources.

The All-Americans Tax Relief Act of 2025 introduces sweeping changes to the federal tax code, primarily focused on providing financial relief to families and individuals. Key provisions include expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit and making the Child Tax Credit fully refundable. The Act also creates several new above-the-line deductions for expenses like daycare, tutoring, and credit card interest, while expanding the medical expense deduction to non-itemizers. These significant tax adjustments are generally scheduled to take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

The ABC-ED Act of 2025 aims to alleviate emergency department boarding and crowding by modernizing public health data systems to track real-time hospital bed capacity. It also directs the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to pilot programs specifically improving emergency care for older adults and those in acute psychiatric crisis. Finally, the bill mandates a study on best practices for statewide, real-time capacity tracking systems and their impact on ER wait times.

The Safer Neighborhoods Gun Buyback Act of 2025 establishes a federal grant program administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to fund state, local, and tribal governments, as well as eligible gun dealers, to conduct local gun buyback events. These buybacks must utilize specially designed "smart prepaid cards" that are technologically barred from purchasing firearms or ammunition. The bill also creates a new federal crime with significant penalties for anyone using or accepting these specific prepaid cards to illegally acquire or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

This resolution officially designates the week of April 11–17, 2025, as the eighth annual Black Maternal Health Week to raise national awareness of the severe maternal and reproductive health crisis facing Black women and birthing people. It highlights the unacceptable disparity where Black women are significantly more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, emphasizing that most of these deaths are preventable. The bill calls for targeted investments, policy changes addressing systemic barriers, and the centering of Black women's voices in developing solutions to achieve equitable maternal health outcomes.

The Oligarch Act of 2025 establishes a new federal Wealth Tax applied annually to the net worth of high-net-worth individuals and trusts. This tax features progressive rates ranging from 2% to 8% based on the taxpayer's net worth relative to a dynamic threshold amount. The legislation mandates rigorous valuation rules and includes specific enforcement mechanisms, such as required audits and enhanced penalties for significant asset undervaluation.

The Reconciliation in Place Names Act establishes a new Advisory Committee to systematically review and recommend replacements for offensive geographic names on federal lands. This committee, composed of diverse experts and tribal representatives, will advise the Board on Geographic Names regarding proposed changes. The Board must then approve or reject these renaming proposals within three years, prioritizing changes unless a compelling public interest dictates otherwise. This process aims to foster reconciliation by removing derogatory and prejudiced place names across the United States.

This Act, the Great Lakes and National Weather Service Funding Protection Act, prohibits the deferral, transfer, or reprogramming of federal funds specifically allocated to the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Great Lakes region. These dedicated funds cannot be moved for other uses unless a subsequent law explicitly overrides this protection. The NOAA Administrator must annually certify compliance with this funding restriction to key Congressional committees.

The Pursuing Equity in Mental Health Act aims to reduce mental health disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups through several key actions. It increases funding for existing grant programs and authorizes significant new funding for the NIH and NIMHD to support relevant research and community engagement. Furthermore, the bill mandates a comprehensive study on mental health research gaps and establishes a national strategy for culturally competent mental health outreach and education.