Legislative Activity

The Noncontiguous Shipping Reasonable Rate Act of 2024 establishes a new standard for determining fair shipping costs in noncontiguous domestic ocean trade. Under this act, a rate is considered reasonable if it falls within 10 percent of a comparable international ocean rate index recognized by the Federal Maritime Commission.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024 proposes an exemption to current federal shipping laws, allowing certain foreign-built and foreign-registered vessels to transport cargo between noncontiguous parts of the United States, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The bill establishes specific regulatory, labor, and environmental standards that these vessels must meet to operate in U.S. domestic trade. Additionally, it introduces new legal requirements for non-citizen entities that irregularly engage in U.S. coastwise shipping.

The Noncontiguous Shipping Competition Act aims to increase shipping options by allowing foreign-flagged vessels to operate on noncontiguous trade routes under specific conditions. This exemption applies only to routes that lack sufficient competition, defined as having fewer than three independent, coastwise-qualified operators each moving at least 20 percent of the freight volume. The bill seeks to foster greater market competition and improve service reliability in these regions.

The Neighbors Not Enemies Act seeks to repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. By eliminating these long-standing statutes, the bill aims to remove the legal framework that currently allows for the detention and deportation of non-citizens based solely on their country of origin during times of declared war.

The Report on Grant Consolidation Authority for Puerto Rico Act directs the Comptroller General to study whether consolidating federal grants could alleviate the administrative burden on Puerto Rico’s public sector. This report aims to identify challenges in accessing federal funding and determine if extending grant consolidation authority would help the Commonwealth better manage its resources amid ongoing economic and recovery efforts.

This bill recognizes the 96th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth and reaffirms his teachings on diversity, tolerance, and civil rights. It condemns hate, discrimination, and prejudice against minority groups and individuals based on gender or sexual orientation. The bill honors Dr. King's legacy and calls for upholding his values of justice, equality, and peace.

The Muhammad Ali Congressional Gold Medal Act authorizes the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Muhammad Ali in recognition of his extraordinary athletic achievements and lifelong humanitarian contributions. The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to design and strike the medal for presentation to his wife, Lonnie Ali, and authorizes the production and sale of bronze duplicates.

The Young Americans Financial Literacy Act addresses the widespread need for improved financial education among young people aged 8 to 24. This bill authorizes funding for competitive grants to establish Centers of Excellence focused on developing and implementing research-backed financial literacy programs. These centers will create educational materials, train educators, and specifically target issues like student debt management for young adults. The goal is to improve financial well-being and stability through targeted, measurable educational interventions.

The Food Deserts Act establishes a federal grant program to help states create revolving loan funds for grocery stores in underserved communities. These funds provide affordable financing to support the opening and operation of stores that prioritize healthy, affordable food. By incentivizing local hiring and community-focused business practices, the Act aims to increase access to nutritious food in areas that need it most.

The CHILD Act of 2025 aims to lower childcare costs by doubling the maximum pre-tax contribution limits for dependent care flexible spending accounts to $10,000 for most filers. Additionally, the bill mandates annual inflation adjustments to these limits to ensure they keep pace with rising costs. These changes take effect starting with the 2025 tax year.

The Rosie the Riveter Commemorative Coin Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue a series of commemorative coins in 2028 to honor the diverse women who served on the Home Front during World War II. Proceeds from the sale of these coins will support the Rosie the Riveter Trust in its efforts to maintain the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park and fund educational programs. This initiative ensures the legacy of these essential workers is preserved and recognized through a national numismatic program.

The Health Care Affordability Act of 2025 expands access to health insurance by removing the 400% federal poverty level income cap for premium tax credits. It also introduces a new sliding-scale contribution formula to ensure that insurance costs remain affordable for households across all income levels. These changes are set to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.

The "Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution" allows Members of the House, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner who have recently given birth or whose spouse has given birth to designate another Member to vote on their behalf in the House, in committee, and in the Committee of the Whole for a period of 12 weeks. This proxy voting authority can begin before the birth if a doctor advises that the pregnancy presents a serious medical condition or that she is unable to travel safely. The resolution outlines specific procedures for designating, changing, and revoking proxy designations, ensuring transparency and adherence to instructions. Members whose votes are cast by proxy will not be counted for quorum purposes.

The "Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act" establishes a commission to examine the history of slavery and discrimination in the United States from 1619 to the present. The commission will study the lingering negative effects of these injustices on living African Americans and U.S. society, and recommend appropriate remedies, including how to educate the American public on its findings to promote racial healing and understanding. The commission will submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to Congress within 18 months of its first official meeting, and the act authorizes the appropriation of $20,000,000 to implement the provisions of this act.

The Washington, D.C. Admission Act proposes admitting the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the Union, while maintaining a reduced federal district to serve as the nation’s capital. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for the transition, including the election of congressional representatives, the transfer of local government authority, and the gradual shift of federal responsibilities to the new state. This legislation aims to grant D.C. residents full voting representation in Congress while ensuring the continued security and operation of the federal seat of government.