Legislative Activity

The Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025 establishes a new HUD grant program to provide downpayment and closing cost assistance to first-time, first-generation homebuyers. Funds will be distributed to states and eligible entities based on need and the number of qualified buyers in their area. Assistance is capped per buyer and requires mandatory homeownership counseling, with strict rules governing eligible mortgages and primary residency requirements.

The Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2025 authorizes competitive grants to eligible entities for transforming severely distressed neighborhoods characterized by extreme poverty. These grants fund comprehensive revitalization plans focusing on replacing distressed housing, improving community assets, and providing supportive services to promote resident self-sufficiency. A core requirement is the one-for-one replacement of any public or assisted housing units demolished, while protecting the right of displaced residents to return. The Secretary of HUD is tasked with establishing regulations and selecting plans that demonstrate strong coordination and long-term viability for the revitalized areas.

The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights Act seeks to significantly expand labor protections for domestic employees by bringing them under standard federal laws, including eligibility for overtime pay and mandated paid sick leave. The bill establishes written employment agreements, sets clear privacy boundaries for workers in private homes, and creates a Standards Board to recommend ongoing improvements to wages and benefits. Furthermore, it establishes enforcement mechanisms and temporarily increases federal Medicaid funding for in-home care services to help offset compliance costs.

The No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025 mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting domestic enforcement operations must clearly display their name and agency affiliation, and cannot wear facial coverings. Exceptions to this identification rule are permitted only in cases of immediate danger or necessary safety gear, subject to supervisory review within 48 hours. The bill also establishes disciplinary procedures for non-compliance and requires annual reporting to Congress on enforcement and complaints.

This resolution formally commemorates the ninth anniversary of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. It honors the lives lost, recognizes the bravery of first responders, and reaffirms community unity in the face of hate. Furthermore, the resolution calls for continued efforts to reduce gun violence and support those affected by this act of terrorism.

The My Body, My Data Act of 2025 establishes strict federal protections for personal reproductive and sexual health information held by regulated entities. This law limits data collection and sharing to only what is strictly necessary for providing requested services. It grants individuals the rights to access, correct, and delete this sensitive data, and requires clear public privacy policies detailing data handling practices. Finally, the Act prohibits retaliation against individuals who exercise these new privacy rights and grants enforcement authority to the FTC while allowing individuals to sue violators.

The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2025 aims to strengthen existing federal background check systems to prevent prohibited persons from acquiring firearms. This bill primarily mandates that most private firearm transfers must be facilitated through a licensed dealer who will conduct a background check. The legislation includes specific exceptions for family gifts, law enforcement, and temporary transfers under emergency circumstances.

The Protecting Community Television Act revises the definition of "franchise fee" under the Communications Act of 1934. This change aims to provide a more precise and restrictive definition of what monetary assessments can be charged as a franchise fee by franchising authorities.

The Elder Pride Protection Act of 2025 establishes the ELDER Task Force within the Department of Justice to combat abuse targeting older LGBTQI+ individuals. This group is charged with studying the causes of this abuse, developing national best practices, and creating training materials for law enforcement. The Task Force must report its findings and progress to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment.

The TRACE Act mandates that all newly manufactured firearms include a second, hidden serial number, either internally or visible only under infrared light. It also extends the retention period for instant criminal background check records to 180 days and requires licensed dealers to conduct regular physical inventories of their firearms. Finally, the bill removes several past budgetary limitations placed on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The Farmers Feeding America Act of 2025 aims to strengthen the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) by updating funding rules based on 2030 data and mandating $500 million in annual funding from 2026 through 2030. The bill doubles funding for food storage and distribution costs to $200 million and extends infrastructure grant eligibility until 2030. Furthermore, it establishes new flexibility for geographically isolated states, allowing them alternative methods for receiving or purchasing necessary food commodities.

The Pride In Mental Health Act of 2025 establishes a new grant program to improve mental health and substance abuse outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth through culturally competent care and resource development. These grants strictly prohibit funding for conversion therapy practices. The bill also mandates federal data collection on LGBTQ+ youth mental health and requires a report on the needs of those in foster care.

The Protect Vulnerable Immigrant Youth Act aims to reform employment-based immigration by eliminating certain numerical caps for specific visa categories. This legislation amends existing law to adjust how preference statuses are allocated for these immigrant visas. The overall goal is to streamline the process for certain employment-based immigrants.

This bill, the Charles B. Rangel Congressional Gold Medal Act, posthumously awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the late Representative Charles B. Rangel. It recognizes his distinguished military service and decades of legislative achievement in Congress, particularly concerning tax reform, veterans' affairs, and international trade. The Secretary of the Treasury is directed to strike the medal, which will ultimately be presented to his children. The Act also authorizes the sale of bronze duplicates to cover production costs.

The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act of 2025 repeals key provisions of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. This legislation allows federal gun trace information to be discoverable and admissible as evidence in civil lawsuits and administrative hearings. The bill aims to provide victims of gun violence with greater access to relevant data in legal proceedings.

The Family Vaccine Protection Act formally establishes the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) into law, requiring all its vaccine recommendations to be based on the preponderance of the best available, peer-reviewed scientific evidence. This legislation mandates strict procedures for the CDC Director to adopt or reject ACIP advice, including notifying Congress if a recommendation is rejected. Furthermore, the Act requires that any changes to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program's injury table must also be supported by strong scientific evidence.

This resolution expresses strong support for designating June 6, 2025, as "National Gun Violence Awareness Day" and June 2025 as "National Gun Violence Awareness Month." It highlights the devastating scale of gun violence in the U.S., recognizing the thousands of annual deaths and injuries across all demographics. The bill encourages Americans to wear orange on the designated day to honor victims and promote increased awareness and community action regarding gun safety.

The Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2025 aims to eliminate period poverty by ensuring access to free menstrual products across various sectors of society. This comprehensive bill mandates the availability of these essential supplies in K-12 schools, colleges, correctional facilities, federal buildings, and workplaces with over 100 employees. Furthermore, it expands coverage under Medicaid, allocates specific funding through social service block grants and TANF programs, and prohibits states from taxing menstrual products.

The Supreme Court Tenure Establishment and Retirement Modernization Act of 2025 establishes fixed, non-renewable 18-year terms for all future Supreme Court Justices, with appointments staggered every two years. This legislation also outlines a process for phasing out current Justices upon the confirmation of new appointees. Finally, it grants the Chief Justice the authority to temporarily fill sudden vacancies below the standard nine-justice level using a randomly selected retired Justice.

The Fit to Serve Act prohibits the U.S. Armed Forces from discriminating against service members based on their gender identity. This means military branches cannot set different standards, involuntarily discharge personnel, or deny medically necessary healthcare due to a service member's gender identity. The bill ensures equal opportunity for joining, serving, and receiving care regardless of one's internal sense of self.