Legislative Activity

The "Ellie Helton, Lisa Colagrossi, Kristen Shafer Englert, Teresa Anne Lawrence, and Jennifer Sedney Focused Research Act" or "Ellie's Law" aims to address the critical need for more research on brain aneurysms. The act authorizes $20,000,000 to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to conduct comprehensive research on unruptured intracranial aneurysms, with a focus on diversifying the study population by age, sex, and race. These funds are intended to supplement existing funding for brain aneurysm research.

This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' view that paraprofessionals and education support staff are critical to schools and deserve fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions that allow them to thrive professionally and personally. It advocates for livable wages, affordable healthcare, paid leave, professional development, safe working environments, and a voice in school policies for these essential employees. The resolution also encourages employers to engage in good faith negotiations and refrain from actions that undermine workers' rights during labor disputes. This resolution does not override any existing collective bargaining agreements that provide more favorable terms for paraprofessionals and education support staff.

The "Tax Fairness for Workers Act" permits employees to deduct union dues and other employee business expenses above-the-line, bypassing previous deduction limitations. This change is achieved by amending sections of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, specifically 62(a)(1) and 67(g). These amendments will be effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.

The Federal Firearm Licensee Act aims to strengthen regulations and oversight of licensed firearm dealers to reduce illegal firearm trafficking and enhance public safety. It mandates enhanced security measures, regular inventory checks, and electronic record-keeping for dealers, while also increasing inspection frequency and penalties for violations. The act also broadens background check requirements for both dealers and their employees and seeks to modernize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' (ATF) operations through increased staffing and data accessibility. Finally, the act repeals limitations on sharing firearm trace data and centralizing records, and it requires reports to Congress on the act's implementation and dealer inspections.

The "Building Child Care for a Better Future Act" aims to improve child care access and quality by increasing funding for the Child Care Entitlement to States and authorizing grants to address specific needs in underserved areas. It allocates significant funds for fiscal years 2026 and beyond, with dedicated portions for tribal organizations and territories. The act focuses on enhancing the child care workforce through training, wage support, and facility improvements, while also requiring detailed plans, collaboration, and reporting to ensure effective use of resources. These changes will take effect on October 1, 2025.

The "Defending American Diplomacy Act" requires congressional approval for any Department of State reorganization and mandates the Secretary of State to submit detailed plans assessing the impact of such changes. It ensures transparency and accountability by requiring a thorough analysis of potential risks, effects on foreign policy, and workforce implications. The Act also restricts federal funds for the Department of Government Efficiency and official travel by politically appointed officials if reorganizations are implemented without proper authorization.

The IDEA Full Funding Act aims to increase federal funding for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) from fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. It authorizes and appropriates specific funding levels for IDEA, excluding section 619, with increasing amounts each year. The funding is determined by both a set dollar amount and a percentage based on the number of children with disabilities and average per-pupil expenditure, whichever is greater. The bill also mandates that the increased funding adhere to "cut-as-you-go" rules, ensuring fiscal responsibility.

The "Delete DOGE Act" aims to defund the Digital Open Government Enterprise (DOGE) and related entities by restricting the use of federal funds for implementing certain executive orders or supporting new projects initiated by DOGE after January 20, 2025. It prevents federal funds from being used by or given to DOGE-related entities or individuals and limits the use of funds for the United States Digital Service (USDS) to improving existing digital services as they existed on January 19, 2025. The bill defines key terms such as "covered entity," "covered executive order," and "covered individual" to clarify the scope of these restrictions.

This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using federal funds to remove employees if the removals affect at least 3% of the total HHS workforce or 3% of a sub-agency/division's workforce within a 60-day period.

This resolution requests the President to submit documents to the House of Representatives regarding the use of AI technologies involving Elon Musk or the United States DOGE Service within federal agencies since January 20, 2025. It seeks information on the types of data used, individuals involved in decision-making, concerns about privacy and legal violations, and the potential impact on federal expenditures and programs. The request aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the deployment of AI and its potential effects on Americans.

The "Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act" directs the Secretary of Labor to establish an occupational safety and health standard requiring healthcare and social service employers to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention plans. This standard aims to protect workers from workplace violence through risk assessment, hazard prevention, incident reporting, employee training, and recordkeeping. The bill also extends these requirements to certain facilities receiving Medicare funds, ensuring broader coverage and compliance.

The "Armenian Genocide Education Act" directs the Librarian of Congress to develop and implement a program to support Armenian Genocide education by creating resources, offering teacher training, and encouraging the inclusion of these resources in school curriculums. The Act authorizes the Librarian of Congress to collect and manage donations to support these activities and requires an annual report to Congress on the program's progress. It also authorizes $2,000,000 in appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and each of the following four fiscal years to implement the Act.

The "Protect America's Workforce Act" nullifies a 2025 executive order that limited federal labor-management relations programs. It prevents the enforcement of the executive order and prohibits the use of federal funds for its implementation. Additionally, the bill ensures the validity of existing collective bargaining agreements between federal agencies and labor organizations until their original expiration dates.

The Train Noise and Vibrations Reduction Act of 2025 requires the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on ways to reduce train noise and vibrations near homes. The report will include recommendations, costs, and benefits for strategies such as train and track modifications, adjusted speed limits, noise mitigation techniques, and building insulation. The goal is to identify effective solutions for minimizing the impact of train operations on nearby communities.

This bill aims to block the foreign military sale to Israel of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, as well as related parts, services, and logistical support. The disapproval targets Transmittal No. 24-38, which was submitted to Congress under the Arms Export Control Act. The bill seeks to prevent the transfer of these specific defense articles and services to Israel.

This bill seeks to block the sale of certain defense articles and services to Israel. Specifically, it disapproves of the transfer of over 35,000 MK 84 or BLU117 General Purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I2000 Penetrator warheads.

The "Hunger-Free Future Act of 2025" aims to prevent increases in food insecurity when the thrifty food plan is re-evaluated or updated within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It ensures that adjustments to the diet's cost continue as outlined in existing guidelines.

This bill recognizes the significant role Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play in higher education, economic growth, and workforce development. It acknowledges their multi-billion dollar contribution to the U.S. economy and support for numerous jobs nationwide. The bill reaffirms the federal government's commitment to the success and continued importance of HBCUs.

The "Hot Foods Act of 2025" amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, allowing SNAP benefits to be used for hot and ready-to-eat foods. It broadens the scope of eligible food items under SNAP and modifies retailer eligibility requirements, permitting more stores to accept SNAP if hot food sales do not exceed 50% of their gross sales. This change also updates the language regarding where SNAP-eligible food can be consumed to include "home or immediate consumption".

The Arts Education for All Act enhances arts education by expanding early childhood education programs, integrating arts into the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, incorporating creative programs into juvenile justice, and mandating research and assessment of arts education strategies. This bill supports training for child care providers, ensures equitable access to arts programs for disadvantaged students, and promotes rehabilitation through arts-based approaches in juvenile justice. By integrating arts into core subjects and supporting teacher development, the act aims to improve student achievement and provide a comprehensive, creative education for all students. Ultimately, this will lead to more effective rehabilitation and reduced recidivism rates among juvenile and adult offenders, offering new pathways for education and employment.