Legislative Activity

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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 Americas Regional Monitoring of Arms Sales (ARMAS) Act of 2025 seeks to combat illegal firearms trafficking to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It transfers regulatory control of certain munitions exports from the Department of Commerce back to the Department of State. The bill also mandates comprehensive reporting, strategy development, and increased tracking of U.S. firearm exports to designated "covered countries."

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.

The Restoring Trust in Public Safety Act establishes a grant program to fund the complete destruction of firearms by state, local, and Tribal governments. Eligible entities can apply for competitive grants to cover costs associated with destruction equipment, services, and training. Grantees must certify that all firearms and components are fully destroyed and maintain detailed records of the process.

The Black Lung Benefits Improvement Act of 2025 seeks to significantly reform and strengthen benefits for coal miners suffering from black lung disease by clarifying eligibility rules, improving access to medical evidence, and increasing financial support. The bill also permanently establishes the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs within the Department of Labor and modernizes various technical and definitional aspects of the Black Lung Benefits Act. Overall, this legislation aims to make securing benefits easier and faster for disabled miners and their families while increasing accountability for coal operators.

The Essential Caregivers Act of 2025 protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities to designate an essential caregiver who can provide support and companionship. This legislation ensures that these caregivers maintain in-person access to residents even during public health emergencies when general visitation is restricted. By establishing clear protocols and an appeals process, the bill aims to prevent the harmful effects of isolation and ensure residents continue to receive vital care and advocacy.

The EFFECTIVE Food Procurement Act directs the USDA to reform its food purchasing practices to support a more just, healthy, and sustainable food system. This is achieved by mandating the purchase of foods that prioritize equity, resilient supply chains, worker well-being, and climate mitigation. The bill also establishes reporting requirements, a set-aside for specific producers, and pilot programs to help smaller and targeted producers participate in USDA contracts.

This Act addresses the significant unemployment disparities faced by young African Americans by strengthening pathways into registered apprenticeship programs. It establishes a Diversity and Inclusion Administrator within the Department of Labor to promote greater participation from underrepresented groups. Furthermore, the bill authorizes a competitive grant program to help entities create or expand apprenticeships, requiring applicants to submit plans specifically aimed at increasing African American enrollment.