Legislative Activity

This bill seeks to block the proposed foreign military sale to Israel, as outlined in Transmittal No. 2416. The sale includes ten thousand M107 and/or M795 155mm High Explosive projectiles, as well as related equipment, services, and support.

This bill redesignates the Robert E. Lee Memorial as the "Arlington House National Historic Site." It changes all references to the site in law and documentation to reflect the new name. The bill also repeals the previous resolutions that designated the site as a memorial to Robert E. Lee.

The Humane Cosmetics Act of 2025 bans cosmetic animal testing in the U.S. and restricts the use of animal testing data for cosmetic safety, with certain exceptions. It authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties for non-compliance and preempts states from enacting conflicting regulations. The Act defines key terms related to cosmetic animal testing and cosmetics.

The Social Security Expansion Act aims to increase Social Security benefits, change cost-of-living adjustments to better reflect elderly consumers, and extend eligibility to student children. It also adjusts payroll and self-employment taxes for earnings above $250,000, increases taxes on investment gains, and establishes a new Social Security Trust Fund. These changes are intended to provide greater financial security for beneficiaries and ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security system.

The Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act of 2025 aims to address historical inequities by extending housing and educational benefits to Black World War II veterans and their direct descendants who were previously denied these benefits due to racial discrimination. The bill amends Title 38 of the U.S. Code to include these veterans and their families in housing loan and educational assistance programs. It also establishes a panel to identify and recommend additional support for female and minority veterans.

This bill reaffirms the United States' commitment to respecting Mexico's sovereignty and international law, while also discouraging unauthorized military interventions. It asserts that using military force against cartels or other entities in Mexico without Mexico's consent or Congressional approval could be considered an act of war and an infringement upon constitutional powers. The bill emphasizes continued U.S.-Mexico collaboration to combat crime, violence, and drug trafficking through existing partnerships.

The "Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025" establishes Justice Thurgood Marshall's elementary school, Public School 103 in Baltimore, Maryland, as the Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site, affiliated with the National Park System. The Beloved Community Services Corporation will continue to own and manage the site, while the Secretary of the Interior may provide technical and financial assistance. This act aims to preserve and interpret Justice Marshall's historic contributions without authorizing the federal acquisition of the property or assuming financial responsibility for its operation. Necessary funds are authorized to be appropriated for the implementation of this Act.

This bill expresses support for America's Black workers, acknowledging historical injustices and ongoing disparities in the workforce. It emphasizes the need to reduce inequalities by improving access to job training, education, and fair wages, while also advocating for safe working conditions and protection from discrimination. The bill supports legislation like the PRO Act and the Raise the Wage Act to improve labor conditions for Black workers. Ultimately, it aims to promote economic opportunity for Black workers, recognizing its importance for both individual and national prosperity.

The Climate and Health Protection Act ensures the continuation of the Climate and Health program, managed by the CDC, to help communities prepare for the public health impacts of climate change. It authorizes \$110 million annually, starting in 2026, to support the program's efforts in providing guidance, developing tools, and offering leadership in climate change and health planning. These funds are specifically dedicated to the Climate and Health program and cannot be used for other purposes.

The SAFE Act of 2025 amends existing legislation to explicitly prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption, reinforcing protections for these animals. This bill seeks to prevent the inhumane treatment of American equines by closing loopholes that allow their slaughter and export for human consumption.

The MEME Act prohibits elected and other high-ranking federal officials, as well as their families, from promoting financial assets, including securities, commodities, and digital assets, for personal gain. It allows the Attorney General, private parties, and others to sue violators. Violators may face civil penalties up to $250,000, be required to return profits to the Treasury, and may face criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment. The Act aims to prevent public officials from using their positions for personal financial benefit, addressing bribery, insider trading, and corrupt foreign influence.

The PAST Act of 2025 significantly strengthens the Horse Protection Act to combat the painful practice of soring in specific horse breeds. This bill increases penalties for violations, establishes stricter licensing and oversight for inspectors, and explicitly bans the use of "action devices" designed to cause unnatural gaits. The legislation aims to enhance enforcement, ensure fairer competition, and hold violators accountable through increased fines and disqualifications.

The "Affordable PLUS Repayment Options for Parents Act of 2025" expands income-contingent and income-based repayment options to parents who have taken out PLUS loans for their children's education. It removes restrictions that previously made PLUS loan borrowers ineligible for income-based repayment plans. The bill defines "partial financial hardship" based on a borrower's income and family size, ensuring more families can qualify for reduced payments. These changes apply to borrowers with outstanding PLUS loans or consolidation loans used to pay off PLUS loans, who are repaying their loans through income-driven repayment plans on or after the enactment date.

The Pell Grant Sustainability Act aims to increase the buying power of Pell Grants for lower-income students. It indexes the maximum Pell Grant award to inflation, starting with a \$1,060 increase for the 2024-2025 award year, and adjusts it annually based on the Consumer Price Index. This adjustment is added to the maximum Pell Grant specified in the latest appropriation act, ensuring Pell Grants keep pace with rising education costs. The bill also extends provisions of the Higher Education Act related to Pell Grants indefinitely.

The "Keep Americans Safe Act" aims to regulate large capacity ammunition feeding devices by making it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess magazines holding more than 15 rounds, with exceptions for law enforcement, government entities, and devices lawfully possessed before the law's enactment. It also permits the use of Byrne grants for buy-back programs of these devices and mandates that newly manufactured devices be marked with identifying information. Violators of this Act will face penalties under existing provisions of Title 18 of the U.S. Code.

This bill reaffirms the Twenty-Second Amendment, which limits a president to two terms in office. It emphasizes that this limit applies in aggregate, preventing any individual who has served two terms as President from running again. The bill is a direct response to instances where President Trump suggested serving more than two terms. It explicitly prohibits President Trump from running for president again.

This bill aims to honor, preserve, and invest in Freedmen's Settlements and Black towns established by formerly enslaved African Americans. It recognizes the historical significance of these communities, the challenges they have faced, and the need for continued support through research, investment, and coordinated efforts among government entities and nonprofits. The bill seeks to protect these settlements from development, gentrification, and environmental hazards while promoting economic justice, infrastructure improvements, and fair living standards. Ultimately, it reaffirms the commitment to racial justice and equity for these historically disadvantaged communities.

The "Public Health Funding Restoration Act" aims to fully fund the Prevention and Public Health Fund at $2,000,000,000 annually beginning in 2026. This will restore investments in crucial public health programs focused on preventing diseases, injuries, and chronic conditions. By ensuring consistent funding, the act seeks to improve healthcare, quality of life, and preparedness for future health crises.

The RESTORE Act establishes the National Freedom Settlements Preservation Program to formally recognize, research, and preserve communities founded by formerly enslaved African Americans after the Civil War. This program, managed by the Secretary of the Interior, will create a federal effort to honor these settlements' legacy of self-determination through documentation, historic designation, and grant funding. The law authorizes appropriations to support cultural heritage, research, and capacity building for these historically neglected communities.

The "GUARD VA Benefits Act" reinstates penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees for assistance with their VA benefits claims. This bill amends title 38 of the United States Code to ensure that those who exploit veterans by charging unlawful fees face appropriate fines. The aim is to protect veterans from financial exploitation related to their benefits claims.